Chasing Kona: From 60-a-day smoker to elite Ironman

In 1999, Rob Cummins made a small change to his lifestyle that altered the course of his life - he gave up cigarettes.
In the almost 20 years since, Cummins has become one of the world's elite endurance athletes, qualifying for the world championships of the grueling Ironman race in Kona, Hawaii, twice.
This year he is attempting to reach Kona for the third time, after back surgery kept him away from the sport for a few years. This is the story of how a 60-a-day smoker found himself Chasing Kona.
To hear more from Rob on his journey - his ebook is available here: www.amazon.com/Chasing-Kona-s...

[@mynameisnobody5352]

I had been smoking for 13 years. I gave up and started running the next day. Now I run ultra-marathons and climb mountains. I have a much better life. I will never smoke again.

[@wheelworxbikeshop]

That's great Abel!

[@Ryan-ok7yr]

Same here.well done to you.

[@surfdawg7326]

Good for you! Nice job 👍

[@juanmendez3212]

I smoke and do ultras

[@jacquesinthepark3620]

I grew up racing XCO mountain biking, somewhere along the line I left school, started partying, smoking and just lost interest in that healthy and active lifestyle. Over the past year I've seen how dependant I've become on cigarettes and I barely ever train. 5 Days ago that all changed though, threw away my cigarettes, went for a run and decided it's time for change! Here's to hoping this lasts.

[@keule719]

10 months ago I quit smoking and 3 days ago i finished an Ironman 70.3 and I can’t be prouder of myself! :) it feels great

[@user-xp1ib3tq2h]

Well done

[@luke-ti3fu]

Unreal. I have mine in Feb 24. Gave up smoking 5 weeks ago.. lots to do

[@alexandrehofmann4158]

“this morning was a lie-in, woke up at half seven” mate are u taking the piss

[@MetallicAddict15]

Lmao was thinking the same thing. Getting up any time before 7 is something I have to mentally prepare for. How I wish I was a morning person

[@stuk8328]

Odd that this video was recommended to me today. It has been 3 days since I quit smoking and picked up my first road bike yesterday. After taking my first ride I wanted to see where my limits were. I instantly noticed that my lungs are my bottleneck. This video is a true inspiration for me! Thank you for sharing your story :)

[@michaelgrimes5588]

Stay at it bro im less than 2 months in and wemt from 3 miles max to a 26.2....

[@count7340]

Keep going.

[@tcns3530]

Keep at it and don't give up!! Good for you!!

[@Deadbuck73]

It’s been three years for me... after idk how many years I’m chasing a BQ... I will.

[@norwaysummer8874]

Stay with it! Quit in 2007 -- now my lungs are as clean as a newborn! Half and Full marathons under my belt since then!

[@antoniomontez1515]

Great video bro. I went from 270 pounds using cocaine on the daily basis to 180 vegan I’m doing my 3 Ironman in a few months Chattanooga 144.6 😎

[@BlairTrewartha]

Antonio Montez congrats. Not many people stop using the booger sugar and lose 90lbs

[@ebh6676]

Inspiration here!

[@Wavygravvy]

stay strong my brother, that's incredible!

[@cl0ckw0rx79]

@@BlairTrewartha haha my old friends weight loss diet is just the devils dandruff on it's own no bullshit

[@neelonghunglow]

Cocaine is vegan...

[@jamtart22]

not as impressive as this guy or some other folks in here, but I quit smoking 3 years ago. I just ran my first half marathon in just over 90 minutes, and I'm now training for a marathon

[@jamesteale1994]

Impressive to me mate. Keep hammering 👍

[@rube3k969]

Well done!!

[@suzukiclaus3028]

Just as impressive man dont say that ☀️🤘

[@hillandrewdavid]

I smoked for 2 decades, and quit 2014. I've taken up triathlon, Spartan, half marathons, etc. This video helped reaffirm my life decisions. So cool that it was recommended for me. The algorithms are evolving. We are all doomed. Have a nice day.

[@bbuuttercupp]

Your comment is the best thing I have read today lool

[@user-pp2gq8ph4e]

Mrs Buttercup thinking the same thing here

[@richroach58]

😂😂😂

[@liamwhite5529]

That girl thinks she could do half of the swim😂😂😂

[@craigherbert25]

liam white yeah I laughed at that too. I train 7-10 times a week and wouldn’t make half the swim without some serious swim training. Just shows how little most people really understand.

[@liamwhite5529]

@@gabkoost good point, with a nice current I bet she could be a good distance swimmer.

[@martingoodef811]

liam white it’s called floating

[@liamwhite5529]

@@martingoodef811 exactly, and some are better than others ;)

[@joshuaking1194]

@@liamwhite5529 🤣🤣

[@DeeComrade]

“I became an athlete” - that hit hard af

[@ap5194]

I'm an ex smoker and ex drinker. Last years I placed 1st in my age category at the Portsmouth Triathlon. I've got more energy at 33 than I did at 16 from quitting drinking and smoking.

[@stevenbowdery1358]

Great video and really inspiring. I smoked til i was 23 but have always been a heavy drinker. I am now 41 and stopped drinking nearly 4 months ago as i am training for ironman wales 2019. Been involed with triathlon for just over 2 years. I would love to qualify for kona but i think im still a way off yet. Really good video 👍👍👍

[@potatoe21cr]

Well done mate!!

Dec 2017 I was an ex smoker 127kg, now 88kg (48 years old)clean eating and contemplating my first Olympic triathlon, didn’t have any help getting here but to see this video is quite an inspirational. Cheers from Lisbon

[@tlabuscagne]

Hi Rob. I’d saved this video on a Motivation playlist to watch before I exercise. Only when I started watching it did I realise that I’d met you in Dublin at my brother’s birthday party and he is the South African guy who talked you into doing your first triathlon. Very inspirational!!!

[@gappy10123]

Wonderful video. I went for my first run this morning after smoking for on/off for 11 years. Immediately realized how shot my lungs are. This video is inspiring and I’m going to quit smoking today FOR GOOD 😊

[@undergroundblu]

Great story. Thank you all for sharing.

[@mramritbhatia]

Great stuff mate, very inspiring; always good to see a fellow Celt do the business. NEVER give up on your Kona dream, please.

[@aidanmccusker1953]

Absolutely brilliant - fair play Rob & great vid!

[@TheHutch000]

I love this story its all the inspiration anyone should need. Hats off to you mate !

[@Lifeover60]

Just finished reading both of your books! I loved them both!!

[@johntatum1951]

congrats...and hope you make it to Kona soon...you got this!

[@aaronrobinson3470]

Thank you in so many words

[@user-sc3on5ov3e]

Awesome video!! The line at 14:22 is so true. We all have those days! Very inspirational 😎

[@ahwasright1364]

Good going. I'm on my second week off the smokes and training for Olympic distance. Thanks for motivation.

[@rustydrog]

This lad seems a top man. Brilliant attitude and mindset.

[@92point5]

Brilliant interview...had me convinced at 9 minutes...

[@davidcoleman4658]

I have been looking at inspirational videos to prepare me for my first IM in Wales and this video has given me the kick up the arse i needed to get myself out there and do what i need to do. OK, i wont be anywhere near Kona standard but to complete or even to compete in an IM is a life changing event and i am now looking forward to the challenges that are before me over the next 6 months.

[@LayzieDave]

Awesome video you are really inspiring this ex smoker and now runner. I have a long way to go but every day is closer to my goals.

[@merson812]

Absolutely fascinating, he's a warrior.

[@dbevan1989]

Craking story. Really shows the power of the mind and what it can overcome. Amazing achievement to even qualify for kona. Let alone go and race. Hoping to try do the same in the next few years. But a long road to go down. 🤙👍☘

[@ThePlantParadigm]

What an incredible transformation 🙌

[@mark-1234]

3 packs a day! Wow, I thought I was smoking as much as a person could at 2 packs a day. Hats off to you for not only kicking the habit but also becoming an impressive athlete!

[@1speedchick]

Most come to Texas to qualify because the course is faster. Not easier because it's hotter and more humid but the bike and run segments are flatter. I wish I could've watched your finish last year but I was on a bike course to Austin for the MS Society. Truly inspiring video, especially for me because I'm a middle of the pack runner/biker and a terrible swimmer but the IM is on my bucket list. I can relate to the issues you have had with training burnout and that's one of my main reasons I haven't signed up yet. Keep pushing on, you will get to Kona one day.

[@akshaybadakere7083]

Great video.. inspirational

[@juicyfruit100x]

Very inspiring. Thanks for sharing

[@wheelworxbikeshop]

Thanks :)

[@oliverm9485]

Wow this is very inspiring. Great video

[@johnt5388]

I saw this video during lockdown and decided to go straight to Robs shop. Told him I wanted to do an Ironman but couldn’t swim . A few words of motivation and a full triathlon kit out later and I did my first triathlon. A 70.3! I only got halfway there but the dream is going to be unpaused soon so I’ll be back to rob for more gear and advice!!!

[@CyclingMatts]

Inspirational and will keep this in my mind to quit smoking..👍👍

[@diegokasady]

Most inspiring video I almost ever seen

[@5thbassdrum]

Hey man God bless you! This video almost brought me to tears, I'm a nurse and overweight. I quit smoking a few months ago to get more healthy. I'm cycling now everyday, thank you for this encouraging video man! Keep it up.

[@skyjockbill]

Great video. Loved his attitude, and hers too.

[@wheelworxbikeshop]

Thanks Bill

[@hanscools4003]

Awesome video. As he said: i think it is a silent dream of anyone involved with IM to qualify for KONA. One can dream and work towards :) Great to see that journey!

[@wallykav1516]

Good shit man, keep her lit. Nice to find a doco on an Irish perspective. Enjoyed watching

[@ioanparry]

Rob's attitude is absolutely spot on. Across the board. Great video!

[@wheelworxbikeshop]

Thanks :)

[@keithdouglas9848]

You-are-an-iron man! Bravo:-)

[@jimdelong987]

Great job Rob...you are a winner!

[@wheelworxbikeshop]

Thanks Jim

[@Justdewit_27]

True inspiration.

[@investireocaminho33]

Great video!

[@UtopianChild11]

Thank You 💪❤🚀

[@GavinHarte]

Currently reading the book. Nice to put a face to the story

[@wheelworxbikeshop]

Hope you enjoy it Gavin!

[@batatatasfritas]

I'm 36. Smoker for 20 years, quit 5 months ago. I started running and I am totally addicted to it. PB of 24:55 for 5k, longest distance about 8.5, still trying to do my 10k with no breaks. The goal is to compete on 10ks when bloody CV19 is over. Not too interested in longer than 10k.

[@dorothymyers6074]

Excellent video

[@kevobrien7366]

Fair play fella. From another Irishman. Hope to see you in Cork

[@gcl6494]

Amazing! ❤️

[@aaronrobinson3470]

Awesome video

[@Bob-me8md]

What a top dude and great lady with him , really great support. Hope you’ll get to kona mate . Maith tu

[@Spinalcell]

insightful, ty!

[@BenjisBoxingChannel]

Love this guy!

[@Ahoey717]

Rob is class!

[@MrSteooo]

Great video

[@dbikekid2169]

I race endurance event's on my dirt bike and these guys interest me so much, awesome video. If there is a will there is a way lol.

[@robbieguerrero3351]

I have a story Sir Rob...I was a triathlete and now I smoke, also overweight...but nothing is finite and you inspire me...stress, stress, stress and the horse back to triathlon shape is waiting. I know and thank you Sir Rob. Your friend Sir Grax.

[@tonylochner]

I salute you Sir !!!

[@xXelitegpXx]

I’m 26! I smoke and drink a lot. This is so inspiring, I’ve been training for an Ironman for a few months now , not sure when I’m gonna finally give it a go though! I’m inspired to quit smoking immediately!

[@melodypfenning2218]

I quit smoking again! Too! It’s been six days. I quit once for six years & won a few races/running. I loved it! Im doing the half here in Kona next year! I am already in better shape lung wise. I signed up for the Kona coffee 1/2 marathon run in November ! I can not wait! This man is such an inspiration!!!

[@marchollander7392]

So good of you that you acknowledge the support and effort the family is bringing in...many athletes don’t have this and let the family suffer..!

[@wheelworxbikeshop]

Thanks Marc

[@MixedMamba]

Saw the title of the video and thought it said Chasing Rona. Totally different video than what I expected

[@le0fonzagoric164]

I've been smoking for 10 years...Started triathlon lately, with some pauses in smoking in recent years...but I always return to smoking. I want to quit for good... Hope it won't limit my running that much in the first few years after quitting.

[@longhaul1973]

You legend. 👍👍👍

[@user-vn5cy3nr7l]

He's real. His video you can tell was much less scripted/directed than the last one I just saw. Speaking from the heart about the good, the bad, and the ugly of life and training.

[@wheelworxbikeshop]

Thanks :)

[@nwatkins176]

Read your book in one Airline fight. Good job.

[@vagrant385]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. Allows us all to dream........and work harder. Cheers mate.

[@wheelworxbikeshop]

Thanks Richard

[@wordsisnukes]

badass, rob

[@cypriano8763]

smoked a pack a day and drank heavily from 20 to 40 years old. always stayed active, mtb and ski touring. that saved me and motivated me to quit when i felt was getting slower. its amazing how resilient the human body is. 325ftp at 60kg now at 44

[@tomhanford8939]

Hi Rob I’m inspired to see you came back from a back injury. I am currently laid up with herniated disks ( was relatively fit up until now)what was your back injury ? How was recovery ?tips ?

[@wheelworxbikeshop]

Hi Tom, I had similar, herniated/ruptured discs. I had surgery in '14 and spent two months in bed. I had about 18 months of fairly intensive and consistent rehab and strengthening once I was up again. I was fortunate to have a very good & knowledgeable specialist physio and S&C coach

[@hankvinson5967]

The amazing thing is that he's got the time to train while owning a business!

[@Ahoey717]

Well done rob

[@wheelworxbikeshop]

Thanks Andrew

[@johanvandijkh5042]

You will get there.

[@wheelworxbikeshop]

Thanks Johan

[@cypress3211]

A fine lad!

[@zacharyfindlay-maddox171]

I was a heavy cannabis smoker and quit smoking including tobacco three years ago and doing my first triathlon this September 25th!

[@clutchcargo2419]

I was a 2 packer / day for decades. I quit a few years ago and wild horses could never get me back to smoking. Life is much better w/out them.

[@Thatbananashakeguy]

I just quit day before yesterday.. great timing coz iam preparing myself for something I don’t know what but iam training to become something

[@eingast7798]

After 26yrs of chain smoking I quit 5yrs ago and last year did my first IM70.3 hope next year will do my first full IM.

[@Mememeep]

Most of the people I know have hard time to quit smoking because they don’t exercise. I was overweight, but then decided that I don’t want to stay overweight for the rest of my life. The next day after work, I started to use my running shoes and started to run. It’s been 2 years and few months ago I finished my first Ultra. I signed up for swimming class since I’m not a good swimmer. Looking forward to sign up for my first triathlon next year.

[@twowheelslater7112]

I smoked for years myself. I quit and got into running and then cycling and I figured I couldn't ever perform at a high level because I had smoked. Maybe I could have performed better if I hadn't but hell 5 years later I Have won an mtb race and podium-ed many times. I still haven't found my ceiling. Kind of got my eye set on an Ironman now. If you did it that proves its possible.

[@ezramullen4551]

What's the record for Most Cigarettes Smoked During an Ironman?

[@jesperplatz7101]

I smoked about 3 during the cycling - any higher?

[@ssfoste]

Nice. I am 67m 52 years if smoking 2 packs a day. Quit one year ago cold turkey and have been successful, surprised me I thought I would never quit. Now have been training for the last 4 monts to get in shape for backpacking, and long range bikepacking, and do sprint Triathalon next summer.. I am a bit worried as am not making progress as I would like. Do you think I can increase my VO2 max to fuel my body?

[@hagarthehorrible1391]

I read Allen Carr's Easyway to Quit Smoking and quit smoking in May 2013 overnight. Haven't smoked since. Best decision I took ever. And that book imo is the most effective way to quit smoking. All my friends who quit after I did using various other methods are back on it now.

[@RicardoCorralArmas]

Awesome perseverance!...Congratulations!...YOU ARE AN IRONWOMAN!!!

[@Carlos-pk1hn]

For those ex-smokers or those seeking to clean up their lungs. I recommend drinking mullein leaf tea. It greatly cleans the lungs of all that gunk we get caught in our lungs through smoking and other ways. Not only that but it greatly helps with a wide range of other respatory problems such as asthma and bronchitis. It also helps with kidney problems. Wish you all the best. :)

[@Carlos-pk1hn]

@K9 1 those that have never taken this before will have their lungs cleaned. And so therefore it will make them breathe better; bettering their entire health. The body will also breath a little less per min because the lungs will be breathing more effinciently, with clearer lungs. If you have very clogged lungs from heavy smoking tabacco and/or cigarretes. Then it should be taken weekly even daily if they suffer from disease such as brochitis or regular/frequent cough. Depending on how frequently and for how long you have smoked tabacco or cigarretes should you take the necessary tea. If i smoked 2 cigarretes a day for 2 years. Then i should take it daily for some 5-6 months. If i drink it weekly then take it for a year. If you never smoked taking it will still clean your lungs from what pollution is inhaled, second hand smoking, if we inhaled debris, heavy dust, chemicals if you clean with sprays, regular dust. And it will improve your lung health and clearness in breathing. But mullein leaf tea isn't like a body enhancer. It just cleans, cleanses, rejuvenates the respitory system and other organs. Hope this helped! Sorry for the late clarification i misinterpreted your question. :)

[@djquiksilva]

LoL @ 12:26 the 1st shot of Kona is a picture of Waipio Valley 🤔🤣

[@timmcgrath3416]

Fair play Rob, well done pal.

[@wheelworxbikeshop]

Thanks Tim

[@jq71]

27 year smoker. Quit 7 years ago. 50 years old and I finished my first triathlon today.

[@Mani_Matter]

I gave up Running and started smoking 20 yrs ago. One of the best decisions of my life

[@DidisEdits]

du bist überall

[@Mani_Matter]

DidisEdits möglich mein Freund:)

[@jimmyjump6395]

😂😂 geil

[@carolynbrown3379]

Mani Matter 😂🤣😂😉

[@Bradonthe333]

Bisch ä Löu e blödä Siech ä Glünggi u ne Sürmu

[@Ashish-nd3xj]

Quit smoking and drinking same Morning after doing it for 13 years. Marathoner now, and happier. It's been 7 years by the way.

[@Diogenes_43]

I smoked a pack a day for 20 years and drank a 12 pack a day for several years, decided to change my life, quit both and started working out. 6 months later I ran a sub 2 hour half marathon at 39. It can be done, you just have to be willing to do a bunch of work until you get results. Embrace the suck.

[@youssefrochdi1994]

A sub 2 hours marathon? Did you mean a sub 3 hours marathon?

[@bradcampbell5766]

@@youssefrochdi1994 He is being sarcastic. If he is honest, and he did do a sub-3 hour marathon, I'm thinking that smoking could be a good prerequisite for becoming an endurance athlete. LOL It is interesting to me how variable the effects of smoking seems to be . Smoking does not really seem to be bad on some people. Maybe it depends on your overall health and attitude as well.

[@Diogenes_43]

Youssef Rochdi *half marathon* 1:58:54 sorry. No I’m not the first guy to break 2. 😂😂😂

[@vinodsamala8592]

I did smoke for 11years for about 15-20 a day, I quit smoking. It's been 7months and my energy has increased alot. I want to run a marathon and getting my shit together 😁

[@PoetWithPace]

So that's where i have been going wrong in my life.....i should of been a smoker before taking up running :-O

[@cnay2983]

You know to be fair I'm nothing to impress about compared to this guy. But I smoked a pack a day from when I was 13 to about 17 years old. I started running when I was 18 15kg over weight etc i quit smoking as running made me see the impact of smoking on my health and in two years I was running a sub-40 10k; which I think is pretty decent!

[@PoetWithPace]

Decent? That is AMAZING! You should be very proud of yourself! :-)

[@cnay2983]

@@PoetWithPace that's very nice of you to say, I am very grateful I took up running as otherwise I would have still been a smoker now. As the guy said. If your a smoker you can only be a smoker. And of course I put a lot of hard work in with diet and training, it wasn't as straight forward as just quitting smoking. Super grateful I cut the habit. It could have costed me my life I'm sure.

[@PoetWithPace]

@@cnay2983 indeed it could of and you have turned it around. I have only been running a couple of years and know enough that anyone running around your time for a 10k means a lot of dedication and hard work has gone into it. keep going! Running is a great habit!

[@jackpackage256]

Active Guru Seems like it.

[@michails.maipas814]

Congratulations for your video, I was walking mixed by slow jogging 80 km per day for 60 days(Athens 15th international ultra marathon festival 2020 in age 64) I did 4750 kilometers! In total time 60 days, What do u think? Is that good?.😊😊.

[@rafaelborges8976]

60 smokes a day? Is that a world record? Good. Job man! You did well

[@jordangraham4291]

Smoked a pack a day, quit 17 days ago. First sprint triathlon in 6 days. I have literally swapped my addiction to cigarettes with exercise and I feel so much better for it already 💪🏾