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Nanaimo smokers urged to pound the pavement to finally quit

Apr 6, 2018 | 6:00 PM

NANAIMO — Nearly every cigarette smoker has told themselves ‘This is the last one.’ A running program returning to Nanaimo hopes to make the promise a reality.

The Run or Walk to Quit program, from the Canadian Cancer Society and Running Room, helps smokers quit through exercise while also working towards a 5 kilometre run.

Society program specialist Amanda McNally says it’s the only smoking cessation program delivering a one-two punch.

“It helps participants reduce or quit smoking, but it also helps them build an active lifestyle. The exercise helps curb cravings and manage their withdrawal symptoms.”

Runners will meet once a week to learn new techniques for quitting smoking and also run, working up to successfully running 5 kilometres.

McNally said overcoming smoking as a team is critical.

“It helps to make you more accountable. You’re training with people, so it encourages you to get out and keep going. You act as that support person for someone else as well.”

This is the second year the program’s run in Nanaimo.

McNally said they had a successful 2017 across the province, with roughly half of participants quitting smoking and more than 90 at least reducing their nicotine intake.

NanaimoNewsNOW reporter Spencer Sterritt ran for 10-weeks in the summer of 2017 after casually smoking for roughly a decade. Though he said it was a challenge, he’s been smoke free since the program and continues to run regularly.

The 10-week program starts April 9 at 6 p.m. at Nanaimo’s Running Room. Anyone interested can sign up online.

 

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit