Can a heavy smoker become a pro runner? Here’s my story.

[@DebanckKim-rd6to]

I started smoking since my teenage, got addicted to cigarettes. Spent my whole life fighting cigarettes addiction. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Cigarettes addiction actually destroyed my life. Not until my son recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 6 years totally clean. Never thought I would be saying this about mushrooms.

[@NetaZjdb]

Amen God bless people. Save your health save your mind. Life is better without heroin, cocaine, alcohol and cigarettes. And you have more money in your pocket. God bless everyone who has rejected the devils intentions to be addicted to alcohol and cigarettes etc which can cause so much damage to health.

[@CathieGomez-mp8sk]

Yes very sure of Dr.benfungi. They helped me too to overcome my anxieties and heal from the root of much of my "mental Illness" which is all rooted from trauma, abusive relationship and a chaotic childhood and addiction. shrooms saved my life. Totally healthy.

[@ChristopherEric-fr8im]

Yes he's Dr.benfungi.Shrooms to me is a natrual healer. I know a guy who has used mushrooms in the same way and they have really helped him. mah dudes have safe trips all.

[@AndrewLiam-lp5cj]

From my experience it really works excellently! It doesnt even need to be a full hit. With potent shrooms 2-3 small ones will still make a clear difference. It will be a few hour cosy rumbling moment around rest time, but afterwards its just calm and you feel amazing and gain your freedom. Psilocybin is different dudes, its the only "treatment" I would recommend to someone who genuinely wants to get better. There is no addiction, withdrawal, or negative side effects. It's just pure healing., far more effective than any anti-depressant. You can thank me later

[@PriscillaLogan-by9ll]

I was horrifically depressed since childhood. It was relentless. I assumed it would ultimately end me somehow. About twelve years ago I randomly accepted the offer from a friend of a few doses of mushrooms. I did them two consecutive nights alone. First night was pretty mild. The second night? Wow. I saw my depression from every angle, realized much. Next day: depression totally gone. Never came back, never coming back. It's like it's a forest far away I can remember, and could probably find again with enough effort, but it has zero impact on anything in my life or mind. They honestly saved my life and improved it immensely. I never did them again, either. I wish there was a good, organized way to administer them to people who would benefit from them.

[@rueljrsarabosquez2806]

I'm a heavy smoker too, and always drunk most of the time, but now i'm a runner too, running saves me♥️

[@rabelxjod]

How is it going now

[@blakeallen6964]

Are your lungs healed

[@smmmmh236]

Being someone who is fighting addiction and preparing for his first Marathon in Jan 2023 I will say thanks for the inspiration mate.

[@seraph.1]

Stop fighting mate. Surrender is the key.

[@exodus1055]

​@@seraph.1can you elaborate on that?

[@seraph.1]

@@exodus1055 rather than fight the fact that we are addicted to say, drugs alcohol etc, we should accept it. Victory through surrender. Me, I’m an addict. Once I accepted it, life became a lot easier. I tried everything. Nothing worked. When I surrendered. My life did a 180. I simply can’t have one drink, one puff. It’s all or nothing for me. Now I’m happy, I have serenity and a life beyond anything I could’ve imagined. It worked for me, I hope it can help someone else.

[@thatonedude1180]

Update did you end up doing it?

[@smmmmh236]

@@thatonedude1180 yes I completed it last year now running for second edition, but didn't quit totally on alcohol and smoking yet it's better than before.

[@williambarham1902]

Absolute legend, you're a huge inspiration and your story is just as humble. I've just turned 26 last week and i'm about to run my first 47 mile ultra this weekend, hopefully one day I'll be able to toe a line with you!

[@VladIxel]

good luck in the race👋

[@nemeangaming9288]

HOW IT WENT

[@mooseknuckle4007]

@@nemeangaming9288 probably died. 47 miles! Fuck that shit. Why run when we have cars.

[@jaketherunner6411]

@@mooseknuckle4007 runners high is fucken amazing fuck cars

[@tanyaLooking_InTheRear-View]

Your first and it was 47 miles?? Dang!! How did it go?

[@ooiboonseongful]

Truly an inspired journey. Back then, i had an uncontrolled diabetes , I smoked 40 sticks per day and I was obese. I decided to quit smoking on 20th October 2011, and started running since then. After 30 over Ultramarathons and 10 full marathons later, I am glad made the decision to quit and continue to pursuit my running dream. I hope to qualify for Boston marathon in 2 years time as a present for my 50th birthday.

[@VladIxel]

That is incredible! you got this 💪 Hopefully I will see you in Boston!

[@olivierstultiens]

How were your lungs when you started running? I’ve just quit today :) and did you see your lungs improve much?

[@ooiboonseongful]

@olivierstultiens6380 great to hear you have quit smoking. When I started running, I was out of breath constantly, can't even ran non stop for 3km. As the time went on, my lung function improved and i having VO2max of 56 and above due to my training plan. I run average 5 days a week. Hope you continue with your quit smoking streak

[@Grannysmasher29]

I’m 31, smoking a lot of weed I suppose it’s still smoking. I find my chest quite heavy and feel like m that unfit I can nearly feel palpitations when doing to much. I’ve played sports for years growing up and I’m in the mind set that I’m to old and unfit to start… feeling a little shit about it but I know I’ll get there 🫶 thanks for your story ❤

[@chiragsamant4837]

I have started running just 2 months back. I have ran 3 10ks and my best is 59mins. I smoke sometimes socially. I came home after a 5k and this video popped in my youtube. It has hugely inspired me to stop smoking and soon run a half marathon. God bless you and keep inspiring bro

[@amaan2793]

How are u doing now bro?

[@blakehayes9035]

​@@amaan2793😂

[@Covertlybound]

For a while I got depressed and smoked. I thought I ruined my running. You inspired me. Thank you.

[@nourkhaledelmasry]

as someone who quit smoking and is pursing a professional career in cycling i had a lot of doubts on weather i still had a chance due to the damage i had done to my lungs but hearing u do it at 25 inspired me as i’m still 18. of course i still have a lot of work to do

[@halosunnah5446]

i just started running and I'm 31, still "jogging" instead of running cause of my limited physical strength, hit my first 2k this week. i hope I'm not too late to enjoy becoming a lifelong marathoner :)

[@saclorine9709]

It’s never too late . I did my first 5k at the age of 34 in august. I was so anxious and scared but I prepared myself good . And now I have done almost three 10k runs . I am confident

[@harrison5280]

your will power is on another level, the thing that stuck out to me the most is how you were just like, "I just quit smoking in a day", amazing story!

[@IRunDaily]

Love this video, Vlad. I was in a similar position a few years ago. Nearly 3 years without a drink now and have run everyday for 675 days and life is so much better. Thanks for your honesty and telling your story!

[@VladIxel]

yeah its a better addiction for sure 🙌 675 days thats absolutely incredible 💪

[@ImJustaLexMusic]

Love it mate! I’m 6 years clean from drugs and alcohol! I can relate a lot to your story!

[@TyrantOfSteel]

I can absolutely related to this story. I was a smoker and stopped in 2012 for many reasons, the price, my job, my ex partner, and also I just so happen to run out of tobacco and papers on the day I quit (fate maybe?) I didn't take up running until 4 years ago, but only got serious about it on March this year, and I've enjoyed every step of it. You're journey has been absolutely incredible, and shows that anyone can become an athlete if they put their mind to it. Amazing work.

[@VladIxel]

Happy to hear that John! Running is a better addiction 👌

[@pinsunini]

I've tried to give up smoking many times. But some days ago I begin not to enjoy it anynore. In fact nobody really enjoys smoking. So today is my last day as smoker. I hope to reach low heartrate and improve my running soon...Wish me good luck :)

[@VladIxel]

You got this Alex!!!

[@pinsunini]

@@VladIxel thanks Vlad!

[@williamthe2nd789]

How has it been? Keep us updated!

[@Archane2]

How you doing

[@pinsunini]

I am clean! I'm running once a week around 7 km, and I am planning to run a 10 km trail this spring, and I am looking for a half marathon on autumm 23 :)

[@fastinradfordable]

This inspires me. I was decent in high school running. I lost everything and now live in a $200 geodesic dome on someone else’s Property. One year later i am training like a pro- worked up to 150miles per week. First marathon was 2011. On pace for 2hr 5x … crashed and ran 3:09 Second marathon is 2022 Aiming for 2:30

[@Kelly_Ben]

I loved hearing about your story! Clearly you've got good genes, but those mean nothing without all the hard work and determination you put in. Gorgeous photos to capture epic memories.

[@kevinlim2388]

I'm so glad you are addicted to running and your life transformation! Truly inspiring!

[@VladIxel]

thank you 🙌

[@Fitguyaayush]

i loved it when you said you were proud that you finished something. i have been dealing with the same since the childhood its a big blow to the self confidence. but i am gonna do that, be a marathon runner.

[@vitorcnmoraes]

hi man i was like you at my twenties half here in sao paulo half in London...and today a proper amateur runner and feels great this life changing...I watch yr videos and do the exercises to stay injury free. u have great histories I can feel. see you

[@clas683]

You gave yourself your life back. That’s something amazing and it is so good that you share this experiense to inspire others. I also smoked a pack a day until I quit in 2014, same time as I was sucessully treated for a serious medical condition. Was well but in terrible physical shape and started training from scratch. First swimming & biking and later running. In 2021 I competed in my country’s national roadbike championships. Didn’t win but wasn’t dropped either :-) So happy I decided to change my life.

[@PixelCC1]

That is amazing to hear, I want to be a professional cyclist too and participate in my national road race championships but I used to smoke for about 1 year and I'm scared it will affect my performances later in my life and I can never fully recover from it. This gave me a lot of hope!

[@jamesnewton1196]

Great video. I almost cried when you stated you reached 34! Wow, how did that happen? Did it hurt? What was your recovery like? Is it contagious? But hay man, you are still alive, even considering your obvious disability. I'm 60 and just started running last month. I ran a 6 k in 40 minutes. My first P.B.

[@Profesor_Jirafales8]

I'm 25 and I recently stopped smoking and drinking everyday. If the going ever gets rough I'm rewatching this video for inspiration. Desperately trying to get my match day legs back 🙏 Thank you for the inspiration mate

[@Run4Jesus_PGF]

Love your story, this is the path I’m taking. Also from Perth WA - started running at 22 and it’s been 1 year and I’m just as obsessed as you describe. Love to run everyday and spend most of my free time researching and listening to runners. My goal is to do exactly what you did and create a destiny of getting to the elite level. Just started to get a professional coach and looking to take this all the way and see where I can go in road racing. Thanks for sharing your story! Inspires me to get sponsored one day and live the dream!

[@thenextgreat8652]

I quit smoking after 25+ years in Jan 2020. Started running in Jan 2024 and it’s almost ridiculous how good my cardio is. Whether I’m running a 10 min per mile pace or an 8 min per mile pace, I rarely find myself breathing hard. The challenging part was/is getting the knees used to handling the load of running which I still struggle with at times as my right patellar tendon at 49 years old hates me 😂 Long story short though is that no matter how unhealthy you may have been, the body is remarkable at resetting itself when you begin to do the right things. Eating well is an incredibly important piece of that equation and even more so when you’re older.

[@veganrunner5634]

I can totally relate. I was a smoker too not a drinker but gave up gradually when I started running and gave up in 2013 went vegan too. I was 33 years old and I know I will NEVER go back never ever felt like I need a cigarette nor have been counting the days. My first marathon was 2:06 and first marathon was 4:10. I was so proud. Did a lot of trails, did a 100k, PR at 1:38 on a half marathon last year, did a sub 3:30 marathon this Year. I would have loved to be a pro but my body has its limits with kids and a full time job. Still love it. Running is life!!!

[@cerddrhysmorgan]

It's amazing how you appear younger when you started running!

[@andrescohensabban2477]

Can't believe this only has 9,000 views. QUALITY

[@fadelmuthana]

You inspired to just do what I dream of which is to run and workout. There is never a good or bad start. Thank you again.

[@sunnysidey]

Absolutely inspirational to see how you turned your life around!

[@hypequeen4041]

This was the most inspirational video I’ve ever seen in my entire life. This was exactly what I needed this little fire under my ass. This made me feel like I could do the things that I want to do, despite my current mentally physical state.

[@imbabywild]

Best of luck to you, don't quit. You know what you want, so go get it.

[@aguialisboeta]

Great story, inspirational! Have been following you on Strava for a couple years and you’re a machine! Your specific exercise videos are also very good! Still plant-based?

[@VladIxel]

Thank you! yes almost 9 years already 💪

[@JoeHaubrich]

Truly inspirational, my friend! All it takes is that simple mindset shift to want to do and be better. Much easier said than done of course.

[@letsrunthis3824]

Great insight into how it all started for a pro athlete. Work at it and the big breakthrough will come along. Thank you for sharing.

[@VladIxel]

🙌🙌

[@Atoz035]

incredible story. glad i tuned in for this!

[@VladIxel]

Thank you

[@saclorine9709]

I am 34 and am struggling to find a good pace for my 10k as I found my new beginnings in running from past 3 months . And it’s my smoking habit which is affecting my run , just when I was trying to find smoking and running I found this video and it is motivating me 😊

[@inthepainthard1039]

I stopped smoking about a week and a half ago. My lung capacity and distance i can go is already twice as much as when I started. This is inspiring and hopeful to me as i wanna join the army rangers. Luckily I’ve always been blessed with athleticism but this just motivates me even more that I’m actually capable of this💪

[@ajithg8049]

It's touching and the sincerity of the talk is motivating.Good Luck.

[@dabluehuman]

Thanks for giving me hope, that I can still try and it's not the end of the world, not today atleast, u really inspired me to work harder ❤ we really need more people like u to share their stories, u deserve ur success 😊so glad I found ur channel today

[@VladIxel]

watch the story of me convincing a complete stranger into running their first-ever ultramarathon 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJ_CY3h5eaeLnc0

[@gregniewiadomski700]

What an incredible story. You are inspiration

[@briangrobbelaar9263]

Wow, beautiful story. You are impressive and I love your honesty and simplicity

[@Ryano966]

Sometimes the algorithm just nails it, 25 year-old quarter life crisis head here who smokes and recently got into trail running I think the most important takeaway was that of immersion and doing the act before you think you're ready, like how he moves to Hong Kong and does whatever race he can get his hands on

[@taylorrestall6717]

Wow amazing story I've been eating a 100% plant based diet for 3 years now too. Started running again in the summer and subscribing to inspiring content again like yours

[@dwconrad7776]

Just what I needed to hear! Thank you posting this!

[@creepyp9457]

I’ve been stopped smoking a year smoked for 17 years solid, 20 fags a day at least. My lungs are still cleaning themselves out now I’ve saved nearly a hundred pounds a week off not smoking. I’m nowhere near your level I’ve been a member of a running club for 7 years and definitely felt the benefit when I stopped smoking. Can’t preach enough how important it is to stop smoking. Great video thanks for sharing.

[@samuelbonacorsi2048]

Great attitude - a real winner in my book.

[@VladIxel]

🙌

[@MegaDreamOo]

Man you are inspiration, thank you again for this channel and for sharing your story. ❤

[@VladIxel]

I appreciate that!

[@shibnathbanerjee560]

I have just quit cigarettes 4 days ago, I am 26, and have started running, hope someday I will achieve something with running.

[@bardrinnan66]

I usually never commet on youtube videos But are a huge inspiration for me and your videos about ultra running is incredibly valuable for me. I quit chain- smoking 3 months ago and now training and am fully invested in becomingan ultra runner and run a 100k marathon and finish it. I had to thank you for this Vlad and I look forward to see more follow along workouts and videos for ultra runners You are such a big inspiration for me.

[@VladIxel]

Really happy to hear that! good luck in the training and make sure you train smart and put time aside for strength work on regular basis 💪

[@vainnq]

THANKS FOR HAVING SHARED YOUR STORY IT WAS VERY INTERESTING👍

[@livegreatalways]

Tq for this Video. You never know how much you touch someone heart's with your story. Keep inspiring.

[@VladIxel]

Thank you 🙏

[@kelliskinner1929]

The human body is an amazing machine. How fast it heals!

[@lincslegend6936]

Great story and congrats on all your achievements from incredible hard work.

[@ΜΑΝΟΣΔΗΛΑΝΑΣ]

RESPECT VLAD !!! WHAT A HUGE STORY !!!

[@dermagier4528]

Wow That was really impressive! Awesome of you to share this incredible story

[@ngchiyuen0610]

Such a heartening story of your running history! I wish you could come to HK again so that I can learn running techniques from you!

[@arefeenshihab5105]

Hello from Bangladesh. You are a true inspiration...

[@Gma2021]

Absolutely amazing dedication. I’m not taking anything away from this achievement but a lot of this will be down to genetics. You can see the way he’s built - perfect for running

[@letriciabrowder2942]

Beautiful video! Very inspirational, thank you!

[@---zg7ex]

the fact that he drank 6 beers and smoke numerous pack of cigrates when he is young means he is super capable of athletics genes!

[@NTC_LuNcH]

Your an inspiration vlad ❤️ needed to see this after being sick last couple days

[@shalevmaymoni4602]

אחי אני בדיוק רוצה לרוץ את המרתון הראשון שלי ובמקרה קפץ לי הסרטון שלך , המבטא שלך היה ממש נשמע לי ישראלי וישר רצתי לגוגל וראיתי שאתה משלנו !! הסרטון שלך מעולה !! ועזרת המון השראה מטורפת!!

[@milagroscaceres3332]

I love this. I feel same because years ago i was a little bit alcoholic and smoker (weed and cigarrettes) then i started running just 4 lose some weight but later it becomes a very important thing in my life. I cant spend a day without running.

[@rogerhoke9725]

This is an awesome story - granted you looked in better shape during your "unhealthy" period then I do six months into running. Great video!

[@VladIxel]

Thank you!

[@jesserobitaille7234]

Great story! Super inspiring. Thanks.

[@VladIxel]

thank you for watching 🙌

[@mandi1615]

Such an inspiration. Thank you

[@1306ugo]

Realy inspiring! Tanks for this video !

[@ruslankolotogin]

Great video Vlad, greetings from Hong Kong an thanks for your amazing Bix Hydration product. Keep it up, all the best.

[@VladIxel]

Thank you Ruslan, appreciate the support 🙌

[@eliotttopize4574]

thanks for sharing your experience and running life its good inspiration for youth and people who want to get rid of bad habits!!

[@Reloadeez]

I don't know about a pro but I had a friend that was a 2.5 pack a day smoker and 15-20 beers a day drinker that started running 5 miles every morning 6 days a week when he was in his early 30s. He lived down the road from me, when I drove to work in the mornings he would be on the road running with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. As he got older he cut down on the miles per day but still ran 6 days a week until he died at 76. He never quit or reduced his smoking or drinking.

[@vardaansharma178]

Thanks for sharing vlad

[@Aj23427]

Absolutely amazing story! Thank you for sharing! 👏👏👏👏

[@VladIxel]

Thanks for listening

[@myself0883]

Huge inspiration Vlad, thanks for sharing.

[@VladIxel]

Thanks for listening

[@stewiemcgilvray5142]

Amazing story brother!!

[@carsonmalleet4367]

This is awesome man, thanks for sharing!

[@VladIxel]

🤗🤗

[@ashishkoduri]

Damn dude this was really inspiring gave me motivation to stop smoking weed. Haven't smoked in 2 weeks and so far I've ran 40 miles in the past 2 weeks.

[@ShawnGreyling]

Same boat, same journey, let's hope I make it to the finish line. Thanks for this super inspirational video.

[@VladIxel]

You got it 💪

[@Andrey9kin]

thanks for sharing! went through the similar transformation about 7 years ago so can totally relate. though no podiums yet :) Keep going Vlad and thanks for the videos!

[@zacsakacsi]

THIS IS SO AMAZING!!! Keep on killing it!!

[@VladIxel]

Thank you! Appreciate that 🙌

[@skopa1223]

Well I still smoke a pack a day and have been running for nearly 2 years. I’m 46, run avg. 40k a week. 5k pb at 22min 18secs, half marathon 1h 48min. I like smoking, so will keep smoking for now but may cut down to see what happens. Honestly, for me it seems that as long as I run/exercise regularly, my lung capacity, body keep improving regardless. So I am curious to see if I can get down to sub 20 min 5k while smoking. I’m actually pretty confident I can do it. Had a friend in the late 90s that used to race and still smoked. He placed in the top three often. Even lit a Camel cigarette (that’s what he always loved to smoke) on the podium once and they stripped him of his medal because of it.

[@skopa1223]

Guess no one likes my honest comment

[@Midlifesports]

I’m a smoker, have been for 17 years. 43 yo now and been running for 8 mths doing 5km races and training. Entered into a 10km in 8 weeks. I also like it, but I am sure I could benefit from cutting it right down or quitting. How are you finding it now?

[@lindyhobbit1]

Brilliant Bruh-thanks for sharing!

[@MBkompressor]

Well done mate!!! Keep going!!!!

[@ryanrobertson7124]

This is so inspiring man! Did you not have any experience before running your first marathon?

[@imbabywild]

Seriously, lol. Dude just decided to run a marathon with no training? That's crazy.

[@thepersonyouhaveseen]

hey man! great journey thanks for sharing. greetings from Ankara!

[@VladIxel]

Hey, thanks!

[@Gauravmann]

Great story Vlad 😍, I am hoping to run my first marathon in 2022. So you finished first marathon in 3:18 ? As a complete beginner a 3hr marathon seems impossible... How did you train for it?

[@VladIxel]

I was a good tennis player as a kid and really active till the age of 17 so that helped a lot. I think the biggest thing is building a strong fitness base that that comes with consistent training - you can add some cross training to help build that fitness base

[@N8TRONOUS]

That was awesome, thank you for sharing. Very inspiring!

[@VladIxel]

thank you 🤗

[@katerinsh]

Great job! Hope you will make it to the Olympic Games one day! Just don't give up!

[@coronacrisis2.0]

Great story Vlad ..a book would be even better 👌🏼

[@marko5698]

Thank you Vlad for sharing, so inspiring! I've been following your posts for quite some time now. Your tips are very useful 🙌

[@VladIxel]

🤗🤗

[@emilekazzi3653]

Thank you for sharing 💪🏻 keep inspiring

[@darraghstewart8478]

This inspires me thank you

[@hoody_two_shoes611]

Totally inspiring! Thank you for sharing your remarkable journey with us! =)

[@richardcollins586]

Great story Vlad! 😊

[@lrcsquash6056]

Thanks for sharing, very interesting and transparent

[@VladIxel]

Thank you 🤗🤗

[@yangli1905]

This is amazing. Thank you for sharing.

[@VladIxel]

Thank you for being a part of the channel 👋

[@vusiluthuli406]

Inspirational 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 thank you Vlad

[@VladIxel]

Thank you 🤗

[@elanazuckerman8668]

You are amazing!! what a story!!! I run with your dad in our running group! 😁 the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree! 🍏 love your videos

[@VladIxel]

Thank you Elana - Yes my dad is my hero!

[@matthewzagami8846]

I'm from Perth too, your amazing.

[@VladIxel]

thank you 👋

[@robertbradshaw9367]

Great story!!

[@VladIxel]

Thank you!

[@eliaslindback6816]

King! God bless