Challenge Details
The 75 Hard Challenge is a 75 day challenge where you have to complete several tasks each day. You must drink 1 gallon of water. You have to do two 45 minute work outs each day, and one of them has to be outside. You choose a diet to stick to, and can have no cheat days. No alcohol. You have to read 10 pages of non fiction each day. And you also take a progress photo every single day. If you miss a task you have to start over from day one.
For my diet I have chosen to have a calorie deficit, with at least 100 grams of protein each day. For my outdoor workouts, I am doing a walk, and then changing it up from day to day for my indoor workout.
75 Hard has an official App and that's what I'm using to keep track of each task. I'm so grateful my husband decided to do this with me. We looked ahead at our summer and saw that it was doable - so we went for it! Our first day was May 4th.
Why This Challenge
In the last year I've set my mind to two big goals, and have been able to reach both. I think it's like the ultimate human experience to accomplish something you have to work hard for! 75 Hard is described as a mental toughness challenge, something that really impacts your personal discipline. I love that! I felt that this challenge can give me that sense of hard work and accomplishment, and if I get some physical benefits I'm all about it.
Thoughts
Blake and I are officially 1/3 of the way through our 75 Hard, and I felt like it was a good time to reflect. A month is enough time to really see some results, and I definitely have.
The hardest task by far is drinking the water! It was so overwhelming at first, and we were constantly running to the bathroom. The habit has become easier, and my body has gotten more used to the amount of liquids. I have found having an electrolyte packet at some point in the day seems to help with water absorption.
The workouts have been no problem, I've actually loved walking each day. This challenge has been 1000 times easier because we are doing it together. I've enjoyed our walks so much, and I feel like our communication has been fantastic with this quality time.
Reading has always come easy to me, so that's no biggie. The progress photo we do first thing in the morning so that's been a cinch too. I've also been able to stick to the calorie deficit as well. It's not an extreme diet and something that I consider sustainable. I know others have chosen harder diets for their challenge.
Regarding alcohol: I have actually already given up alcohol. I haven't been drinking for about 8ish months, so this isn't a big deal for me. I haven't decided if I'll go back to alcohol one day, but for now it's not something I miss at all. Blake on the other hand, gave it up for this challenge. I'm grateful it's a change I had already made because I can see that being a really tough hurdle for someone trying to do this challenge.
Set Backs and Challenges
Well it's not supposed to be easy, but there are several challenges to overcome with 75 Hard. Scheduling is everything!! We have to look at the weather right away each day so we can plan our outdoor workout. We've had to walk in the rain and late at night more than once.
I also had a set back in that I ended up with bursitis in my left knee. It's an inflammation, and while I don't think I did anything outrageous to earn it - I definitely haven't had a single rest day. Fortunately, with the help of 2 doctors I think I'm better. Thankful for modern medicine!
This challenge is all about self discipline, so that will be tested every day. None of these tasks are impossible, but very inconvenient.
Results So Far
Obviously we aren't done yet, but a month is enough to see some progress! I have noticed SO many positive benefits. My skin is so clear, my fingernails are stronger (!!), I feel physically stronger and have noticed a few new muscle definitions, I have lost a few pounds, we are sleeping better...I really could go on.
We have also increased our laundry by a ton! I have a lot of work out clothes, but actually had to buy a few new pieces because of all the increased activity.
-Kristen
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