Physical Fitness Test..

[rc10mike]

In the Military, we have to do a physical fitness test twice a year to make sure we are within the Military standards. We are required to do a certain amount of push-ups, sit-ups, and complete a 1.5 mile run within the designated amount of time for your age group.

Ive always been able to do the push-ups and sit-ups, but running that mile and a half has always been hell for me. I figured it was because I smoked.

Ive been vaping now for 4 months straight. I thought I would do much better on the fitness test since I havent smoked at all, but I was wrong. Running the 1.5 miles was even harder than when I smoked. I ended up failing the run. In the Military, if you fail three times in a five year period, you get kicked out.

Turns out, I was given one more chance at the test and I passed.

I really thought quitting smoking would help a LOT, but it didnt, and Im kind of ready to quit vaping.

Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[adeline]

I found running easier after switching. Granted, I smoked when I was in the military. I vaped long after I left. We had a 2 mile run. That crap sucked as a smoker.

Are you vaping a lot of VG liquids? Those tend to be heavier on the lungs.

The major thing for me with my run time was practice. If I didn't run constantly, my run time suffered. And I don't mean leisurely running. I mean timing myself on similar terrain for the same distance. Or go running with someone faster who will force me to keep up.

I know you're probably rolling your eyes since this has nothing to do with vaping, and who am I to suggest you run, of course you run! But it's just my opinion.

If you haven't been vaping a very long time, your lungs are probably still healing. I used to joke that smoking and running gave my lungs a really awesome workout. With vaping your lungs aren't constantly scarring over. No idea if that plays any part at all, but it's a pet theory of mine.

 

[Rhapsodies Fire]

There was actually a discussion about this in the general discussion area not too long ago. Someone had stated that they found they had to "retrain" their lungs. And I've noticed this as well. Some days are better than others....and sometimes a quick sprint is no big deal, but walking across the house winds me. It takes years for our lungs to heal...so with some things you'll find vast improvement, but with other things the progress will be much slower. But I'm positive that regardless....between smoking, vaping and not vaping....not vaping is best.

 

[Big Hitter]

After 2+ years of vaping I can honestly say my fitness level is exactly the same.
(so maybe a touch better accounting for being 45 instead of 43 years old)

I have not started any exercise routine or changed my daily life other than not smoking and vaping my ... off.
I still sit around most of the time but when I get on the Mt bike or go skiing or shovel the driveway I'm felling exactly the same.

I suspect the problem is you were always blaming your poor performance in the run on smoking when you had no proof it wasn't just plain old "out of shape" ...... I would wait more time myself and start working out a little if its important for you to not get kicked out. You could quit vaping but I'm not convinced that would make the run any easier for you. I know I'm vaping until the end, I've always loved "smoking" things ... the act of taking huge hits into my lungs and releasing gives me the utmost pleasure. So far I'm convinced vaping is the safest way to achieve that nirvana.

Good luck with what ever you choose.

BTW when I raced bicycles 25 years ago I had a few friends that were PAD smokers that consitently placed in the top 5 or 10 of some pretty strong fields. My brother is the same way, he doesn't work out other than his job rebuilding homes. He's smoked a pack a day for 30 years and he can tear it up skiing or biking .... he can climb hills that have me walking up panting and mumbling about dying.

I say this just to suggest that smoking does not always = poor perfomance in cardio activity that are many other factors apparently depending on the individual.

 

[Mudflap]

They shaved off a half mile for the P.T. test, eh?

I believe it's safe to say that vaping is much less harmful than smoking, but more studies will need to be done to determine the exact affects on pulmonary function versus smoking.

 

[adeline]

They shaved off a half mile for the P.T. test, eh?

I think our friend is in the Navy.

Army was always 2 miles, and still is as far as I know.

Where'd Mike go?

 

[Gioajack]

Never really understood the running thing... that's why they gave me a German Shepherd and a rifle. Okay, okay, you did have to run to get the best C-Rations.


Jack

 

[AmnNate]

I think our friend is in the Navy.

Army was always 2 miles, and still is as far as I know.

Where'd Mike go?

Yes, I believe ARMY is still 2 miles, and I'm not sure about the NAVY, but the Air Force (which I'm in) does indeed do 1.5 mile run tests. I too had problems with the run as a smoker and even now as a vaper, but as Tim said, I attribute it to not being in as good a shape as I'd prefer. I will admit though, that just crossing the hurdle of not smoking made it seem easier to work out and be motivated. In the end, it feels to me like it's easier to run and do most other cardio tasks, but I honestly couldn't tell you if it's just a mental thing or not. It certainly isn't an overnight change, that's for sure. Keep pressing and running as much as you can, you can do it. Just remember, the PT test is only 15 horribly unbearable minutes of your life that you have to push through to keep your career. Worked for me, and I figured if I can't push myself through 15 minutes of pain, then I probably don't deserve to be here. Like others, this is just my opinion/experience, but I wish you luck with whatever life throws at you.

 

[rc10mike]

Yeah, I guess I had unrealistic expectations when I switched to vaping. I figured I would do better with only 4 months quitting. I ended up passing the test on my 2nd try, but I guess Im just out of shape, oh well.

 

[FeistyAlice]

I don't run because of spine issues with impact exercise but I can say that after 2 years not smoking and vaping only, when I took up fast paced walking, in past month, 2-4 miles a day, after being pretty sedentary for 3 years, I do have better lung function than I had when smoking 2-3 pad, and being in better overall physical shape, hours of labor/day, and younger before my, first time in life, sedentary period. I don't know if I have better capacity as far as holding breath, for instance underwater, though. I think that and a lot of other lung functions take regular practice and conditioning. There are a lot more body functions involved in "lung function" than just the condition of lungs only. For instance certain vocalist train their diaphrams and have to keep conditioned. Deep water free-divers train for years and have to keep "in training."

I'm leaning towards conditioning as main issue for better or worse "lung functioning." Also, remember it takes years for lungs to fully mend, as much as possible, and there may be some permanent "damage" that may not allow lungs to return to pre-smoking condition. Add that to aging and environment factors that will decrease "lung function."

Glad you passed 2nd time. Maybe it's time to carve out some time, several times a week, for at least a fast paced walk.

Hugs, Creepy Feisty Alice

 

[Highwayman1224]

What a bunch of sissies, the Marine Corps makes you run 3 miles! LOL

 

[Gioajack]

What a bunch of sissies, the Marine Corps makes you run 3 miles! LOL

That's because after the first quarter-mile they get lost. Apparently running in a circle is too complicated for 'em.


Jack

 

[markfm]

Early September I had spirometry (lung function) tests. I smoked pad camel straights 25 years, then pad Marlboro red 12, vaping 2 years. GP was certain she would find signs of COPD.

Of tests where there are predicted values based on age (& assuming non smoker), my lowest values were 104 & 105%, the other 4 were 129 - 160% of normal.

In other words, I showed lung function consistent with someone who works out a decent amount, none of the expected lung impairment from years of smoking. I'm confident that the results would have been a lot lower if I still smoked.

With running, I do find higher pg works better for me, and practice at any particular type of exercise is needed for proficiency. I work out near daily, but am a really slow runner until I've been doing it for a while.

 

[Highwayman1224]

That's why we always ran in pairs Jack, one guy knows how to get to the halfway point & the other guy knows the way back! HAHA

 

[milkdudes007]

Been vaping about 5 months now and since then I started eating better making green smoothies also and started working out just once a week and drinking more filtered water.I still eat junk food once a week and went from doing about 20 jump squarts to about 120 x2 sets without stopping,and on the bowflex from doing 10 reps to doing about 60 reps per set without stopping with 410 lbs for a total of over 700 reps total.I would say it is a combination of everything in making wiser choices and making them a habit and just turning 49 years thank God,smiles and I feel good but then again there are some people out there 20 years older then me doing more then me.You go around once in life just be who you want to be and belive in you.Do not miss the feeling of being tired all the time and coughing that I know a lot to do with cigs.,smiles.And the liter of Southern Comfort 100 proof in a day once or maybe more like twice a week gotta cut back on that,sad I know we are not perfect,smiles.Oh and the new happy owner of a Reo Grand,smiles and happy vaping to all.