LESSONS LEARNED FROM 75 HARD

I love me a good challenge, and I’ve been tossing around the idea of tackling 75 Hard for a while now, but the timing never seemed "right." There was always some work event or travel with our wine-tasting group or social obligation that wouldn't allow me to try the 75 Hard challenge. Not because I was concerned about completing the workouts or drinking enough water. When I decided against it before, it was because I didn't think my social schedule would allow me to skip alcohol for 75 days. Or to be disciplined enough with my eating. So while I was intrigued by 75 Hard, it always seemed just a little "too hard" for me.

Well, I started listening to myself talk to others about not waiting until the "right time," or to stop waiting until everything was "perfect." I finally took the plunge on June 6, and successfully completed it 75 days later on August 19th. Here’s what I learned about myself while I focused on my physical health, mindset and commitment for the past 75 days.

WHAT IS 75 HARD?

75 Hard is a 75-day mental and physical challenge designed by Andy Frisella. For 75 days, participants:

• Complete two 45-minute workouts each day, and one must be outdoors
• Drink 1 gallon of water
• Stick to a diet or eating plan of your choice with no “cheat” meals
• Drink no alcohol
• Read 10 pages each day in a non-fiction or personal development book
• Take a progress photo every day

WHY DID I SIGN UP FOR 75 HARD?

Most people start the challenge because they want to lose weight and focus on a physical transformation. That is not why I decided the time was right for 75 Hard.

I needed a reset in my life. Before we went to Europe in May, I’d noticed that work was starting to creep into my non-work life. I’ve let work take over my life before, and I’ve been intentional about setting and keeping work boundaries. Because of the work-creep, it felt like my healthy habits had dropped off at the beginning of the year. It felt like I needed to refocus on what was important. A challenge is the perfect vehicle for a reset.

When I was practicing law, I worked all the time. Like, all the time. In the office during the day. At home after dinner. I’d take documents to bed with me. I’d work on the weekends. And when I work that much, other things take a backseat. I start skipping workouts. I buy lunch — peanut M&Ms — at the office vending machine. Instead of powering off screens before bed, I scroll social media before going to sleep. It’s a slippery slope.

They say it takes 30 days to create a habit. That might be right for some things, but I generally think it takes longer. Especially when you’re trying to rewire or reprogram behaviors that are deeply engrained into your identity.Repeated behaviors — good and bad — become habits. Repeated habits become engrained in your life and identity and, after a while, those habits become automatic. They’re just who you are and how you live your life. I knew I needed to get back to those healthy habits.

Also, I love me a challenge! One of my top 5 strengths is Competition, so you’d better believe I’m game for a competition…even if it’s just me against me. I’ve participated in a lot of challenges in my life. We all have the discipline to do something for 7 days or 30 days, but then we typically revert to our pre-challenge selves the minute the challenge ends. As I explained above, a 75-day challenge is long enough create or reaffirm healthy habits. 

WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF 75 HARD?

Reminding myself about how good I feel and how productive I am when I am focused on making healthy choices. I feel so much better when I’m eating well, intentionally moving my body and sleeping well. I sleep better when I’m not drinking alcohol or eating food that upsets my stomach. I make healthier food choices when I’m well-hydrated and well-rested. I sleep better when I read and meditate before I go to bed, instead of spending time watching TV or scrolling social media. My head is clearer, and I am more decisive and intentional with my choices.

You know how everything feels better when you’re in the flow? In a groove? That’s how I felt doing 75 Hard.

And while I wasn’t focused on losing weight, I lost 5 pounds and a bunch of inches. I didn’t take measurements before I started, but there is no denying the transformation between the day 1 and day 75 photos. I have more muscular definition, my stomach is flatter and the gap between the top of my thighs is back.

I finished reading NINE personal and professional development books! Although the 75 Hard challenge requires that you read 10 pages per day, there were plenty of days that I just kept reading. And because I typically read before I went to sleep, reading helped me get ready for a good night’s rest…in a much healthier way than scrolling social media or watching TV.

WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART FOR ME?

Hands down: the diet. I typically drink a lot of water each day. I oftentimes get two workouts in each day because Theo and I walk or hike daily. I like to read before bed, and snapping a progress picture wasn’t hard.

For the diet, I cut out dairy and red meat. I’ve noticed that my stomach doesn’t tolerate either as well as it used to. I wanted to use the challenge to see how I’d feel if I eliminated both. Oh, and I have a history of heart disease on my Dad’s side of the family. I’ve noticed my cholesterol inching up slightly over the past couple years, and I’d like to keep that under control through diet alone. Another good reason to cut out dairy and red meat.

I don’t eat a lot of red meat on the regular, so that wasn’t too big of a deal for me. Admittedly, I was a little jealous when a group of friends went out for a cheeseburger and fries after a mountain hike in the heat. But other than that, I didn’t miss it at all.

Cutting out dairy was another story. I love cheese. I love ice cream. When I meet clients and colleagues for coffee, I usually order a hot chocolate because I don’t drink coffee. I love whipped cream on fresh berries and summer-ripe peaches. Cutting out dairy was t-o-u-g-h.

I was out for a run in mid-June when I realized that I wouldn’t be able to have a root beer float on the Fourth of July. I was devastated thinking about foregoing that tradition this year. And then when the holiday rolled around and I didn’t miss it at all. Even the thought of drinking a root beer sounded much too sweet. Funny; huh?

WHAT NEXT?

I was surprised to learn that there are three additional levels of 75 Hard. Each is 30 days long and adds on to the 75 Hard challenge with different different challenges like 5-minute cold showers, visualization, and random acts of kindness. Think of 75 Hard as the bootcamp or warm-up. The whole program — 75 Hard and the additional 3 phases — is called the “Live Hard” Challenge, and while you can take some time off between each phase, you have a year to complete the Live Hard Challenge. At this point, I’m not sure if I’ll take on the Live Hard Challenge.

But I am fully committed to sticking with the daily workouts, reading before bed, and drinking all the water. I haven’t decided on the alcohol just yet. I’ve never been a big drinker…maybe one or two glasses of wine or cocktails a week. Regardless, I feel so much better when I’m not drinking alcohol. Clearer head, more rested, all-around sharper.

My first big meal was a meatball calzone. Red meat and dairy wrapped in an incredible pizza dough crust. It was absolutely delicious, and I savored every bite of it! And then I felt utterly terrible the next day. My stomach revolted. I’ll be cutting back on both of those again, but no eliminating them completely. And I refuse to give up butter or the occasional cheese on a charcuterie platter. I’ve also discovered some delicious vegan ice cream that satisfies that craving.

I’m curious: have you taken the 75 Hard Challenge? What was the hardest part for you? And if you haven’t yet, I’d love to know if you’re curious about starting. As always, I’m happy to answer any questions you have. And if you’re looking for someone to do it alongside of you, let me know. I’m probably game to do it with you!