On Monday I started the 75 Hard Challenge. It’s something that I’ve wanted to do since the new year but decided to wait a while as I’d bought Carla a chocolate making workshop for Christmas. As the workshop wasn’t until the end of February, I decided to wait. Yes, I could have given my place to someone else but part of the joy was in us being able to experience the workshop together and who wants to go to a chocolate-making workshop and not taste their creations? Not me!
As the end of February loomed, the feeling of inspiration I’d first felt about doing the 75 Hard had waned somewhat. But, as it’s a lesson in self-discipline, I felt the need to give myself a kick up the backside and just get started. So that’s what I did.
What is 75 Hard?
The 75 Hard Challenge was created by Andy Frisella who describes it as a “mental toughness program”. The idea is that you follow 5 rules for 75 days. If you miss any of the rules on any day then you start again from day 1.
The rules are:
- Follow a diet – The diet is of your choice but you must not consume any alcohol and there’s no wriggle room for ‘cheat meals’.
- Workout twice a day, for at least 45 minutes – One workout must be outdoors.
- Drink a gallon of water every day – Bear in mind this is a US gallon not an imperial gallon, so it works out at 3.78 litres or just under 7 pints.
- Read 10 pages of an educational or self-improvement book each day – Perfect for a bookworm like me!
- Take a progress picture every day – A great way to track the changes that happen to your body.
For me, 75 Hard is about making a commitment to myself. It’s about developing my self-discipline and leadership skills while developing healthy habits.
Since the arrival of Dolly, I feel like my routines have gone off-track. This challenge will help to give my routines a kick-start, as well as provide the opportunity to learn more about myself in the process.
My 75 Hard Challenge
My plan is to stick to a mainly whole food, plant-based diet. I may very occasionally include some meat but 99% of what I consume will plant-based. I’ll be cutting out sugary treats and snacks – chocolate, crisps etc. This is the part of the challenge that I think I’ll struggle with most, especially as I’ll be doing this challenge over Easter.
My current book of choice is How Not to Die by Michael Greger. It feels like the perfect book to compliment my diet of choice whilst educating myself on how to eat more healthily.
I’m not anticipating too many difficulties fitting in two 45 minute workouts (as long as I don’t get ill). Walking will be my outdoor exercise of choice and I might be able to fit some running in as Dolly gets older. Indoors will be a mixture of strength training and some cardio.
Pre 75 Hard, I consumed about 4 pints of water each day, so it’ll be a case of increasing this and decreasing my tea and coffee consumption (unless I want to be constantly dashing to the loo!).
The progress pictures will be taken each morning after I’ve done my workout.
Week 1 of the 75 Hard Challenge
On day one I felt amazing – enthusiastic and ready to get started. I made some soup and some fresh bread for lunch, something I haven’t done very much since Dolly’s arrival (yes, everything seems to go out of the window when you bring a little fur baby into your life). The main thing I found difficult was my water intake, I struggled to drink the recommended amount of water… or at least I thought I did. After recalculating US gallons to pints, I realised that I’d tried to squeeze in an extra two pints! No wonder I was struggling.
Days 2 and 3 were more difficult as I had a headache, something I’m putting down to my body detoxing. Despite thinking that I ate healthily pre 75 Hard (and I mostly did), my sugar intake had crept up in the form of snacks and coffee syrup. Plus, I was also adding melted chocolate to my homemade granola mix, oops. Thankfully I’ve been headache free since day 4.
One thing that has surprised me is that, apart from on day 2, I haven’t craved sugar. Before starting this challenge, I’d find myself craving chocolate or sugary snacks on an evening but so far these haven’t surfaced. Although, admittedly some of the adverts for Easter eggs are making me drool.
What about the workouts?
The workouts themselves haven’t been too bad. What has been challenging is coordinating them with my work commitments and being on Dolly-watch.
My outdoor workouts have consisted of dog walks. Thankfully, spaniels like to travel fast so it hasn’t been difficult to get my heart rate up.
I’ve loved getting outdoors and getting moving through the day. Pre-Dolly, mornings tended to be my active times and the rest of the day was spent sitting down, doing work and being fairly inactive. I do like the feel of incorporating more movement through the day and getting outdoors for some fresh air is a bonus.
My indoor workouts have mainly consisted of strength training, something that I’ve tended to neglect in favour of running. I’ve also thrown in some exercise bike sessions too.
I’ve been taking a daily progress photo, although there are no noticeable differences yet. However, the scales have indicated that I’ve lost 3lbs. I’m not intending to lose weight, that isn’t part of the plan, but I intend to weigh myself on a weekly basis out of interest.
What I’ve learnt from week 1 of the 75 Hard Challenge
My key takeaway from this week is to plan ahead for success. I’ve found myself creating little routines to help me tick off all 5 boxes for the day.
I take Dolly for a walk first thing, then I can come home and while she sleeps I do my next 45-minute workout. This also gives me a headstart on my water intake as I’ve usually had 2 pints before I shower and dress for the day. Getting a headstart is key here unless you want to be running to the toilet during the night. I also take my progress photo straight after my second workout, otherwise, I’d probably forget.
During my morning coffee break (yes, I can still drink some coffee without my bladder exploding), I read my 10 pages. I also make sure I drink a pint of water with lunch and tea (aka dinner). That gives me 4 of my 7 pints. Then I sip water throughout the day to ensure I hit my quota.
On Sunday I’ve started to take time to meal plan again. This is something I usually do but sometimes I’ll fall off the wagon. Over time, I’ve learnt that I eat healthier if I meal plan, so meal planning is back on the menu!
Bring on week 2
So that’s week 1 of the 75 Hard Challenge completed, I’m excited to welcome week 2 and see what else I learn about myself.
If this post has got you interested, why not take on the 75 Hard Challenge yourself? And if you’ve already completed the challenge, I’d love to hear about your experience, so do get in touch.
I’ll see you on the other side of week 2!
Image courtesy of Justin Veenema.