I started riding my bike. Then, I was a weekend smoker. Then, I really started riding.

200+ miles a week. Then, it felt dirty to smoke after I’d climbed up to Skyline on top of 35 pounds of steel and rubber under my own power. I just couldn’t do it anymore.

Get something to substitute and turn into a fanatic. How fanatical?

3.5 years. 16100 miles. I lost 40 pounds, quit smoking completely cold turkey, gained a bunch of muscle, and gained the endurance to spend 19 hours on dancefloors in three days over this New Year’s holiday.

Find something poundy and athletic and fun. Track your progress in a log book. Reward yourself. Buy yourself something nice once in a while.

If you can make it four days, you’ve overcome your addiction. Just remember your mantra afterwards if you’re out on the town with smoker friends: “That’s disgusting.”

Good luck and happy new year.