I've been a soccer player for most of my life, a smoker for around 5 years, and I'll tell you I'm still able to perform at high levels. I've been through 2 years on a very strenuous college team, at a very competitive level, and I smoked daily despite it all. I have seen myself improve on all levels on fitness, so I'd say that's proof enough, for me at least, that smoking in no way hinders my ability to perform on the pitch.

The hardest part is getting into a steady routine. Do that, and the rest isn't nearly as hard as you'd think. It's just those first few weeks, when one day you JUST don't feel like moving. There has to be some sort of motivation to get in shape at some point, ya know?

I've smoked and ran a fair share of times, and yeah, it was definitely more tolerable, but at the same time, I feel winded a lot sooner than if I hadn't of smoked. I usually run however far, cool down and stretch, then like an hour later, get high. It works for me, mainly b/c the high is that much more enjoyable after a nice long run.

So get out there and hit the trails! ~