"75 Hard" challenge (1 Viewer)

[BassNBrew]

So not strictly adherent to the rules, but 75 kinda hard. Feel free to critique my rule bending.

You're obviously doing great. I think it's a personal decision, but I'm not allowing myself to bend the rules, only because I think one of the main points of the challenge is that it's supposed to be inconvenient and force you to avoid making excuses. I know the 3-hour break between workouts is totally arbitrary, but it absolutely makes it more difficult from a time management standpoint, which I kinda like (in a demented sort of way).

But again, personal decision, and obviously you're making positive life changes and getting healthier, which is really the most important thing.

Three times last week my first workout was between 7-8:30 meaning my second workout was wrapping up between 11:45 and 1am. After eating and winding down it was 2am before bed. That wiped out the morning workout, continuing the cycle.

 

[BassNBrew]

So not strictly adherent to the rules, but 75 kinda hard. Feel free to critique my rule bending.

You're obviously doing great. I think it's a personal decision, but I'm not allowing myself to bend the rules, only because I think one of the main points of the challenge is that it's supposed to be inconvenient and force you to avoid making excuses. I know the 3-hour break between workouts is totally arbitrary, but it absolutely makes it more difficult from a time management standpoint, which I kinda like (in a demented sort of way).

But again, personal decision, and obviously you're making positive life changes and getting healthier, which is really the most important thing.

Everything you say is valid, though I see no tangible benefit, and possible detriment to the rules I’ve bent. Perhaps that’s just a rationalization, or excuse, but if the point is to improve health, I’m OK with that.

Also, aside from BeerNBrew‘s post, I don’t see the interval between work outs explicitly delineated - is there a reference for clarification? I’m also interested in defining exercise duration when rests are accounted for, like my day climbing, and nonfiction reading, as I have days of multi-hour self-testing, with a bunch of reading coming up.

Although I‘ve beaten this horse to death, I still find it amazing how much emphasis is placed on the difficulty not drinking alcohol for 75 days. That part is an afterthought to me, so inconsequential I’ve forgotten to mention it when I explain the rules. For those taking the challenge, how tough has it been to abstain?

It's been the easiest part and I was a regular beer person. After a morning coffee, a late day protein shake, and forcing down water all day and living in a bathroom I don't have a desire for any more liquids.

 

[Nugget]

”If you’re not peeing, you’re walking.” - BnB

 

[BassNBrew]

”If you’re not peeing, you’re walking.” - BnB

Last night the walk involved a pit stop in the local grocery.

 

[Terminalxylem]

For people where alcohol is part of their lifestyle it’s difficult. Family and friends all drink so social events and family events all involve alcohol. Wife and I enjoy drinking together. We get to Thursday and we’re ready for a drink. I like to have a cocktail by the pool or match a nice wine with a meal. Sporting events need grilled Meat and booze. Holidays certainly do as well. Alcohol has been a part of my life for 20+ years. It’s my biggest vice.

If those things aren’t true for you I’m sure it’s easier. But, I don’t know if I could trust a man that goes 75 days without a drink!

Yeah, many (most) of my friends drink, as does my wife. At baseline, I seldom do. Never found it problematic being around others drinking, though I don’t associate alcohol with relaxation, or fun.

 

[MAC_32]

For people where alcohol is part of their lifestyle it’s difficult. Family and friends all drink so social events and family events all involve alcohol.

Alcohol has been a part of my life for 20+ years. It’s my biggest vice.

Although it's not even that it's difficult. I just don't want to. We only have so many spins around this planet and quite a bit less of them with the freedom, wallet, ability, etc to full enjoy them. I wouldn't do this as prescribed because I think some of the restrictions are unnecessarily arbitrary, but while I'm gonna think about something like this come winter isn't any way I'm doing this during summer and even if I wasn't battling injury right now my vice is the reason why.

 

[Terminalxylem]

So not strictly adherent to the rules, but 75 kinda hard. Feel free to critique my rule bending.

You're obviously doing great. I think it's a personal decision, but I'm not allowing myself to bend the rules, only because I think one of the main points of the challenge is that it's supposed to be inconvenient and force you to avoid making excuses. I know the 3-hour break between workouts is totally arbitrary, but it absolutely makes it more difficult from a time management standpoint, which I kinda like (in a demented sort of way).

But again, personal decision, and obviously you're making positive life changes and getting healthier, which is really the most important thing.

Three times last week my first workout was between 7-8:30 meaning my second workout was wrapping up between 11:45 and 1am. After eating and winding down it was 2am before bed. That wiped out the morning workout, continuing the cycle.

Sorry, don’t think you can count the second work out, if it ended after midnight.

 

[Terminalxylem]

”If you’re not peeing, you’re walking.” - BnB

Last night the walk involved a pit stop in the local grocery.

Yep. I’ve had to interrupt several work outs to urinate. Thankfully, not while climbing (yet).

 

[BassNBrew]

So not strictly adherent to the rules, but 75 kinda hard. Feel free to critique my rule bending.

You're obviously doing great. I think it's a personal decision, but I'm not allowing myself to bend the rules, only because I think one of the main points of the challenge is that it's supposed to be inconvenient and force you to avoid making excuses. I know the 3-hour break between workouts is totally arbitrary, but it absolutely makes it more difficult from a time management standpoint, which I kinda like (in a demented sort of way).

But again, personal decision, and obviously you're making positive life changes and getting healthier, which is really the most important thing.

Three times last week my first workout was between 7-8:30 meaning my second workout was wrapping up between 11:45 and 1am. After eating and winding down it was 2am before bed. That wiped out the morning workout, continuing the cycle.

Sorry, don’t think you can count the second work out, if it ended after midnight.

Ahh....The rules state a day is from when you wake up until you sleep (not nap). I guess that's to accommodate 3rd shifters.

Killing time until right now until 11:30 lift

 

[Terminalxylem]

So not strictly adherent to the rules, but 75 kinda hard. Feel free to critique my rule bending.

You're obviously doing great. I think it's a personal decision, but I'm not allowing myself to bend the rules, only because I think one of the main points of the challenge is that it's supposed to be inconvenient and force you to avoid making excuses. I know the 3-hour break between workouts is totally arbitrary, but it absolutely makes it more difficult from a time management standpoint, which I kinda like (in a demented sort of way).

But again, personal decision, and obviously you're making positive life changes and getting healthier, which is really the most important thing.

Three times last week my first workout was between 7-8:30 meaning my second workout was wrapping up between 11:45 and 1am. After eating and winding down it was 2am before bed. That wiped out the morning workout, continuing the cycle.

Sorry, don’t think you can count the second work out, if it ended after midnight.

Ahh....The rules state a day is from when you wake up until you sleep (not nap). I guess that's to accommodate 3rd shifters.

Killing time until right now until 11:30 lift

That’s great for me, as I routinely go to bed at 2am, or later, and have been rushing to get late work outs done by midnight.

Where are you reading these rules?

 

[gianmarco]

So not strictly adherent to the rules, but 75 kinda hard. Feel free to critique my rule bending.

You're obviously doing great. I think it's a personal decision, but I'm not allowing myself to bend the rules, only because I think one of the main points of the challenge is that it's supposed to be inconvenient and force you to avoid making excuses. I know the 3-hour break between workouts is totally arbitrary, but it absolutely makes it more difficult from a time management standpoint, which I kinda like (in a demented sort of way).

But again, personal decision, and obviously you're making positive life changes and getting healthier, which is really the most important thing.

Three times last week my first workout was between 7-8:30 meaning my second workout was wrapping up between 11:45 and 1am. After eating and winding down it was 2am before bed. That wiped out the morning workout, continuing the cycle.

Sorry, don’t think you can count the second work out, if it ended after midnight.

Ahh....The rules state a day is from when you wake up until you sleep (not nap). I guess that's to accommodate 3rd shifters.

Killing time until right now until 11:30 lift

That’s great for me, as I routinely go to bed at 2am, or later, and have been rushing to get late work outs done by midnight.

Where are you reading these rules?

On his phone as he makes them up.

 

[JShare87]

So not strictly adherent to the rules, but 75 kinda hard. Feel free to critique my rule bending.

You're obviously doing great. I think it's a personal decision, but I'm not allowing myself to bend the rules, only because I think one of the main points of the challenge is that it's supposed to be inconvenient and force you to avoid making excuses. I know the 3-hour break between workouts is totally arbitrary, but it absolutely makes it more difficult from a time management standpoint, which I kinda like (in a demented sort of way).

But again, personal decision, and obviously you're making positive life changes and getting healthier, which is really the most important thing.

Three times last week my first workout was between 7-8:30 meaning my second workout was wrapping up between 11:45 and 1am. After eating and winding down it was 2am before bed. That wiped out the morning workout, continuing the cycle.

Sorry, don’t think you can count the second work out, if it ended after midnight.

Ahh....The rules state a day is from when you wake up until you sleep (not nap). I guess that's to accommodate 3rd shifters.

Killing time until right now until 11:30 lift

That’s great for me, as I routinely go to bed at 2am, or later, and have been rushing to get late work outs done by midnight.

Where are you reading these rules?

On his phone as he makes them up.

I thought you’re not allowed to use your phone while trying to kill time before your second workout.

 

[gruecd]

So not strictly adherent to the rules, but 75 kinda hard. Feel free to critique my rule bending.

You're obviously doing great. I think it's a personal decision, but I'm not allowing myself to bend the rules, only because I think one of the main points of the challenge is that it's supposed to be inconvenient and force you to avoid making excuses. I know the 3-hour break between workouts is totally arbitrary, but it absolutely makes it more difficult from a time management standpoint, which I kinda like (in a demented sort of way).

But again, personal decision, and obviously you're making positive life changes and getting healthier, which is really the most important thing.

Three times last week my first workout was between 7-8:30 meaning my second workout was wrapping up between 11:45 and 1am. After eating and winding down it was 2am before bed. That wiped out the morning workout, continuing the cycle.

Sorry, don’t think you can count the second work out, if it ended after midnight.

Ahh....The rules state a day is from when you wake up until you sleep (not nap). I guess that's to accommodate 3rd shifters.

Killing time until right now until 11:30 lift

That’s great for me, as I routinely go to bed at 2am, or later, and have been rushing to get late work outs done by midnight.

Where are you reading these rules?

I linked to the Reddit page a while ago. The post pinned to the top of the page is "The Rules of 75 Hard According to Andy."

 

[gruecd]

Milwaukee area has the second-worst air quality in the WORLD today with all the smoke from the Canadian wildfires.

Outside workout gonna be a real treat…

 

[tri-man 47]

So not strictly adherent to the rules, but 75 kinda hard. Feel free to critique my rule bending.

You're obviously doing great. I think it's a personal decision, but I'm not allowing myself to bend the rules, only because I think one of the main points of the challenge is that it's supposed to be inconvenient and force you to avoid making excuses. I know the 3-hour break between workouts is totally arbitrary, but it absolutely makes it more difficult from a time management standpoint, which I kinda like (in a demented sort of way).

But again, personal decision, and obviously you're making positive life changes and getting healthier, which is really the most important thing.

Three times last week my first workout was between 7-8:30 meaning my second workout was wrapping up between 11:45 and 1am. After eating and winding down it was 2am before bed. That wiped out the morning workout, continuing the cycle.

Sorry, don’t think you can count the second work out, if it ended after midnight.

Ahh....The rules state a day is from when you wake up until you sleep (not nap). I guess that's to accommodate 3rd shifters.

Killing time until right now until 11:30 lift

That’s great for me, as I routinely go to bed at 2am, or later, and have been rushing to get late work outs done by midnight.

Where are you reading these rules?

On his phone as he makes them up.

I thought you’re not allowed to use your phone while trying to kill time before your second workout.

It's on page 11 of the rules. You might have missed it on day one.

 

[Nugget]

Just realized I’m going to have to devise a special plan for my gallon of water the day of the Taylor Swift concert. I don’t know if she will take a timeout for me every 30 minutes. Gallon before noon?

 

[BassNBrew]

Just realized I’m going to have to devise a special plan for Taylor Swift. I don’t know if she will take a timeout for me every 30 minutes. Gallon before noon?

They don't call you the Big Nuggets for nothing.

 

[BassNBrew]

267 this morning. Down 4 pounds from last week and 14 overall.

265. Down 2 pounds on the week.

263. Down 2 pounds on the week again.

Hanging by a thread though. Yesterday my second workout started at 1:30am and luckily realized before I crashed that I forgotten about the 10 pages.

 

[Nugget]

Week 1 - Overcame some calf issue Sun-Tuesday - too much soccer on Saturday. Played Wednesday morning without issue. Week 2 looks well set up to continue without a hitch.

• Weight - 199.9 - 193.1 - Down 6.8lbs
• 13708 average steps, 14 workouts including golf, soccer, ERG.
• Finished The Four Pillars of Investing - Started The Deficit Myth
• Finished 128 oz of H20 before 5:30pm everyday
• Salad everyday, replaced cream with unsweetened coconut milk in coffee, only coffee and water before noon.
• Progress pic every morning

Week 2 - Tweaked my left calf again on Saturday - taking a couple weeks off of soccer - added more ERG sessions and 3 mile walks. Work was stressful and my sleep schedule was trash. Ended up on the rowing machine at 10:30 on Monday night.

• Weight - 193.1 - 188.7 - Down 4.4lbs for the week, 11.2lbs overall
• 10786 average steps, 14 more workouts, need to include more variety
• 146 pages into The Deficit Myth - hope to finish next week - hard to find more than a minimal amount of time
• Average day is water and coffee with unsweetened coconut milk until noon, bag of salad, 3 eggs, steamed veggies with greek yogurt, string cheese, dark chocolate
• Still taking morning mirror selfies

Week 3 - Missed my reading on Saturday. Spent 3 hours in a canoe so I feel like I made the right decision. I'll still measure from when I started on June 1st, but rather than 21 days down, I've got 4 in the bag.

• Weight - 188.7 - 186.9 - Down 1.8lbs for the week, 13.0lbs overall
• 13192 average steps - workouts included soccer, golf, canoeing, ERG, and walking. Looking to add disc golf and biking at some point - maybe a swim.
• Should finish The Deficit Myth tonight. Poverty, By America is on deck.
• Coffee, water, salads, steamed veggies, tuna salad, chicken continue to be the bulk of my meals. Less dependent on the cheese/almonds/chocolate squares.
• My photo roll says I'm getting sexier.

Week 4 - More active this week - longer walks, more movement over the weekend. I naturally am waking up in the 5am range - most likely to pee.

• Weight - 186.9 - 182.7 - Down 4.2lbs for the week, 17.2lbs overall
• 16781 average steps - major activity is still walking - soccer, golf, rowing machine to supplement - still need more variety
• Through chapter 6 on Poverty, by America - will start scouting the next book.
• Continued boring diet - IF with 4-6 hour eating window. 28 Salads down - Chicken, tuna, eggs main source of protein.
• 7 more selfies, H20 is easy.

 

[Terminalxylem]

A month into this, I weighed myself for the first time: 154 pounds. I didn‘t weigh before we started, but I think I’ve lost about 14 pounds. BMI now 22, and I’m only 4 pounds away from wife-imposed minimum weight. Gonna have to eat a little more with my one meal, though it’s tough with the water bloat.

The rest of the challenge is going swimmingly.

 

[Grahamburn]

I am super tired and sore, but the two a days and Whole 30 diet are sculpting me quickly.

 

[gianmarco]

I'm a month in, too, and I'm still regularly reading any new replies in this thread.

 

[BassNBrew]

@gruecd
Rules question...If you pull an all nighter and don't sleep, do you get two days to get in you stuff?

 

[gruecd]

@gruecd
Rules question...If you pull an all nighter and don't sleep, do you get two days to get in you stuff?

That's a fantastic question. Better reach out to Andy for a rules clarification!

 

[Nugget]

Week 1 - Overcame some calf issue Sun-Tuesday - too much soccer on Saturday. Played Wednesday morning without issue. Week 2 looks well set up to continue without a hitch.

• Weight - 199.9 - 193.1 - Down 6.8lbs
• 13708 average steps, 14 workouts including golf, soccer, ERG.
• Finished The Four Pillars of Investing - Started The Deficit Myth
• Finished 128 oz of H20 before 5:30pm everyday
• Salad everyday, replaced cream with unsweetened coconut milk in coffee, only coffee and water before noon.
• Progress pic every morning

Week 2 - Tweaked my left calf again on Saturday - taking a couple weeks off of soccer - added more ERG sessions and 3 mile walks. Work was stressful and my sleep schedule was trash. Ended up on the rowing machine at 10:30 on Monday night.

• Weight - 193.1 - 188.7 - Down 4.4lbs for the week, 11.2lbs overall
• 10786 average steps, 14 more workouts, need to include more variety
• 146 pages into The Deficit Myth - hope to finish next week - hard to find more than a minimal amount of time
• Average day is water and coffee with unsweetened coconut milk until noon, bag of salad, 3 eggs, steamed veggies with greek yogurt, string cheese, dark chocolate
• Still taking morning mirror selfies

Week 3 - Missed my reading on Saturday. Spent 3 hours in a canoe so I feel like I made the right decision. I'll still measure from when I started on June 1st, but rather than 21 days down, I've got 4 in the bag.

• Weight - 188.7 - 186.9 - Down 1.8lbs for the week, 13.0lbs overall
• 13192 average steps - workouts included soccer, golf, canoeing, ERG, and walking. Looking to add disc golf and biking at some point - maybe a swim.
• Should finish The Deficit Myth tonight. Poverty, By America is on deck.
• Coffee, water, salads, steamed veggies, tuna salad, chicken continue to be the bulk of my meals. Less dependent on the cheese/almonds/chocolate squares.
• My photo roll says I'm getting sexier.

Week 4 - More active this week - longer walks, more movement over the weekend. I naturally am waking up in the 5am range - most likely to pee.

• Weight - 186.9 - 182.7 - Down 4.2lbs for the week, 17.2lbs overall
• 16781 average steps - major activity is still walking - soccer, golf, rowing machine to supplement - still need more variety
• Through chapter 6 on Poverty, by America - will start scouting the next book.
• Continued boring diet - IF with 4-6 hour eating window. 28 Salads down - Chicken, tuna, eggs main source of protein.
• 7 more selfies, H20 is easy.

Week 5 - Holiday weekend was tougher to traverse - gave into to some food temptations but was able to keep it within the confines of my diet plan.

• Weight - 182.7 - 181.8 - Down 0.9lbs for the week, 18.1lbs overall
• 16747 average steps - soccer, golf, disc golf, some weekend hikes, and lots of walks.
• Finished Poverty, by America. Starting Noise (Daniel Kahneman)
• Still focused on coffee with unsweetened coconut before noon, big salad for lunch, 6 hour eating window.
• Usually have the water consumed between 2-4pm.
• Progress pictures are showing I need to join a gym.

 

[Grahamburn]

Peloton time! The early workouts really just kickstart the day.

I have more energy throughout (crashing hard about 9:00 though), my mood is better, I’m mentally sharper, emotionally more invested.

All noticeable by my wife and kids.

Really glad I talked myself into this. It was necessary.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Man, reading this thread is awesome. It hasn’t motivated me to do the Hard 75, but rather am on board to do as much of this as possible.

No alcohol
2x workouts per day (30 min only)
1/2 gallon water per day
Reading 10 pages per day
Semi-structured food plan (needs more definition on my end)

I need to read more in this thread to better understand the following:
- what counts as a workout?
- what types of workouts have people found most beneficial?
- what are some examples of structured food plans that others have liked?
- what have folks found toughest (or easiest) about the Hard 75 now that you are 36 days in?


I travel way way too much. Very worried about my ability to undertake and sustain this.

 

[gruecd]

Some day 36 reflections...

• Weight down from 215ish to 208 this morning. I'd like to lose another 5. Seems inevitable.
• Early morning workouts make this sooooo much easier, and they're one of the elements that I most want to continue once it's over. Up at 4-4:30 most days, eat something, do my 10 pages of reading, out the door and back home by 6:30. Total "me" time, not taking time away from work or family or anything else.
• The water has gotten super easy. Most days I'm done by 4-5pm.
• This thing is more of a mental toughness challenge than a physical one. More than anything else, it's about being intentional about how you spend your time.
• My "diet" isn't anything crazy. No sweets, minimal "added" sugar (ideally <5g/day). I allow myself one energy drink in the morning (not a coffee drinker), and besides that literally nothing to drink besides water. Going forward, I'll add back alcohol (socially), but otherwise want to continue with the one energy drink and water.
• If any of you need a book recommendation, I'm currently reading "Grit" by Angela Duckworth. Super fitting in the context of this challenge. Highly recommend.
• I've got the Erie Marathon coming up on September 10 and Berlin on September 24. I'll be interested in seeing how lower running volume but better overall fitness translates.

Keep up the good work, fellas!

 

[gruecd]

Man, reading this thread is awesome. It hasn’t motivated me to do the Hard 75, but rather am on board to do as much of this as possible.

No alcohol
2x workouts per day (30 min only)
1/2 gallon water per day
Reading 10 pages per day
Semi-structured food plan (needs more definition on my end)

I need to read more in this thread to better understand the following:
- what counts as a workout?
- what types of workouts have people found most beneficial?
- what are some examples of structured food plans that others have liked?
- what have folks found toughest (or easiest) about the Hard 75 now that you are 36 days in?


I travel way way too much. Very worried about my ability to undertake and sustain this.

1. Really almost anything. Doesn't have to be strenuous or taxing to count. For example, recovery yoga, walks, etc., are all fine. "Chores" do not count.
2. I'm sure it's different for everyone, but mine are still designed around marathon training and recovery. I try to do 6 runs and 3 gym sessions each week, and the other 5 workouts are typically walks, Peloton rides, or Yin yoga.
3. See above.
4. I honestly don't feel like it's been that difficult, but the hardest part has probably been squeezing in the second workout. Ideally I leave work a little early and do it before I go home, because otherwise with a 2-1/2 year old, it's not happening until after she goes to bed, which means I'm not starting until 7:30-8pm, which is hard when you're typically up at 4-4:30. Last night I started my treadmill speed workout (10 miles) at 8pm.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Man, reading this thread is awesome. It hasn’t motivated me to do the Hard 75, but rather am on board to do as much of this as possible.

No alcohol
2x workouts per day (30 min only)
1/2 gallon water per day
Reading 10 pages per day
Semi-structured food plan (needs more definition on my end)

I need to read more in this thread to better understand the following:
- what counts as a workout?
- what types of workouts have people found most beneficial?
- what are some examples of structured food plans that others have liked?
- what have folks found toughest (or easiest) about the Hard 75 now that you are 36 days in?


I travel way way too much. Very worried about my ability to undertake and sustain this.

1. Really almost anything. Doesn't have to be strenuous or taxing to count. For example, recovery yoga, walks, etc., are all fine. "Chores" do not count.
2. I'm sure it's different for everyone, but mine are still designed around marathon training and recovery. I try to do 6 runs and 3 gym sessions each week, and the other 5 workouts are typically walks, Peloton rides, or Yin yoga.
3. See above.
4. I honestly don't feel like it's been that difficult, but the hardest part has probably been squeezing in the second workout. Ideally I leave work a little early and do it before I go home, because otherwise with a 2-1/2 year old, it's not happening until after she goes to bed, which means I'm not starting until 7:30-8pm, which is hard when you're typically up at 4-4:30. Last night I started my treadmill speed workout (10 miles) at 8pm.

Thx man. Appreciate the replies. I mean, if walks count that is easy for me even when traveling.

Toughest for me will be food. But that means it is my most critical need!!

 

[gruecd]

Man, reading this thread is awesome. It hasn’t motivated me to do the Hard 75, but rather am on board to do as much of this as possible.

No alcohol
2x workouts per day (30 min only)
1/2 gallon water per day
Reading 10 pages per day
Semi-structured food plan (needs more definition on my end)

I need to read more in this thread to better understand the following:
- what counts as a workout?
- what types of workouts have people found most beneficial?
- what are some examples of structured food plans that others have liked?
- what have folks found toughest (or easiest) about the Hard 75 now that you are 36 days in?


I travel way way too much. Very worried about my ability to undertake and sustain this.

1. Really almost anything. Doesn't have to be strenuous or taxing to count. For example, recovery yoga, walks, etc., are all fine. "Chores" do not count.
2. I'm sure it's different for everyone, but mine are still designed around marathon training and recovery. I try to do 6 runs and 3 gym sessions each week, and the other 5 workouts are typically walks, Peloton rides, or Yin yoga.
3. See above.
4. I honestly don't feel like it's been that difficult, but the hardest part has probably been squeezing in the second workout. Ideally I leave work a little early and do it before I go home, because otherwise with a 2-1/2 year old, it's not happening until after she goes to bed, which means I'm not starting until 7:30-8pm, which is hard when you're typically up at 4-4:30. Last night I started my treadmill speed workout (10 miles) at 8pm.

Thx man. Appreciate the replies. I mean, if walks count that is easy for me even when traveling.

Toughest for me will be food. But that means it is my most critical need!!

Yeah, I usually walk at a fairly brisk pace (4mph or faster), but I don't think that's even necessary. I've had some travel days where I got up at 3am to do my first workout before leaving at 5:00 for airport.

Tough love question - why do it half-***? You seriously can't add 15 minutes to each workout and drink a full gallon instead of a half-gallon? If you're going to do it, then DO IT. The whole point is that it's supposed to be hard and inconvenient.

 

[Grahamburn]

Man, reading this thread is awesome. It hasn’t motivated me to do the Hard 75, but rather am on board to do as much of this as possible.

No alcohol
2x workouts per day (30 min only)
1/2 gallon water per day
Reading 10 pages per day
Semi-structured food plan (needs more definition on my end)

I need to read more in this thread to better understand the following:
- what counts as a workout?
- what types of workouts have people found most beneficial?
- what are some examples of structured food plans that others have liked?
- what have folks found toughest (or easiest) about the Hard 75 now that you are 36 days in?


I travel way way too much. Very worried about my ability to undertake and sustain this.

I'd say most everyone is flying pretty loose and fast with the "rules" here outside of @gruecd @Terminalxylem and @Nugget. Forgive me if I left anyone else out that is. I think I posted on the first page or so that truly sustaining this for 75 days is nearly impossible for your average adult male, but I also consider a "workout" to be much more intense than going for a walk.

Look at what makes it Hard for you, and then challenge yourself to stick to that thing or things. For me, it's two intense workouts and still sticking to a super clean Whole 30 diet, but I've also built in cheats for myself.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Man, reading this thread is awesome. It hasn’t motivated me to do the Hard 75, but rather am on board to do as much of this as possible.

No alcohol
2x workouts per day (30 min only)
1/2 gallon water per day
Reading 10 pages per day
Semi-structured food plan (needs more definition on my end)

I need to read more in this thread to better understand the following:
- what counts as a workout?
- what types of workouts have people found most beneficial?
- what are some examples of structured food plans that others have liked?
- what have folks found toughest (or easiest) about the Hard 75 now that you are 36 days in?


I travel way way too much. Very worried about my ability to undertake and sustain this.

1. Really almost anything. Doesn't have to be strenuous or taxing to count. For example, recovery yoga, walks, etc., are all fine. "Chores" do not count.
2. I'm sure it's different for everyone, but mine are still designed around marathon training and recovery. I try to do 6 runs and 3 gym sessions each week, and the other 5 workouts are typically walks, Peloton rides, or Yin yoga.
3. See above.
4. I honestly don't feel like it's been that difficult, but the hardest part has probably been squeezing in the second workout. Ideally I leave work a little early and do it before I go home, because otherwise with a 2-1/2 year old, it's not happening until after she goes to bed, which means I'm not starting until 7:30-8pm, which is hard when you're typically up at 4-4:30. Last night I started my treadmill speed workout (10 miles) at 8pm.

Thx man. Appreciate the replies. I mean, if walks count that is easy for me even when traveling.

Toughest for me will be food. But that means it is my most critical need!!

Yeah, I usually walk at a fairly brisk pace (4mph or faster), but I don't think that's even necessary. I've had some travel days where I got up at 3am to do my first workout before leaving at 5:00 for airport.

Tough love question - why do it half-***? You seriously can't add 15 minutes to each workout and drink a full gallon instead of a half-gallon? If you're going to do it, then DO IT. The whole point is that it's supposed to be hard and inconvenient.

Now that I know what counts as a workout, I can do the full 45 min easily. Like, for me that part is a slam dunk.

The water thing. Ugh. I hear you. Alright. I’m in. ####.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Man, reading this thread is awesome. It hasn’t motivated me to do the Hard 75, but rather am on board to do as much of this as possible.

No alcohol
2x workouts per day (30 min only)
1/2 gallon water per day
Reading 10 pages per day
Semi-structured food plan (needs more definition on my end)

I need to read more in this thread to better understand the following:
- what counts as a workout?
- what types of workouts have people found most beneficial?
- what are some examples of structured food plans that others have liked?
- what have folks found toughest (or easiest) about the Hard 75 now that you are 36 days in?


I travel way way too much. Very worried about my ability to undertake and sustain this.

I'd say most everyone is flying pretty loose and fast with the "rules" here outside of @gruecd @Terminalxylem and @Nugget. Forgive me if I left anyone else out that is. I think I posted on the first page or so that truly sustaining this for 75 days is nearly impossible for your average adult male, but I also consider a "workout" to be much more intense than going for a walk.

Look at what makes it Hard for you, and then challenge yourself to stick to that thing or things. For me, it's two intense workouts and still sticking to a super clean Whole 30 diet, but I've also built in cheats for myself.

Yeah, I hear you on all of this. Unfortunately, I’ve learned the “hard way” that I can’t allow myself to cheat on stuff like this. I have to set the rules and then follow them — or else I’ll just dodge the whole thing.

Really looking forward to the before and after photos. I expect to gain at least 3-4 inches of visible length in these selfie pics……..

 

[gruecd]

Yeah, I hear you on all of this. Unfortunately, I’ve learned the “hard way” that I can’t allow myself to cheat on stuff like this. I have to set the rules and then follow them — or else I’ll just dodge the whole thing.

I'm the exact same way. I can't do "moderation." If I allow myself "cheats," then I just make way too liberal use of it. I need to either be all in, or all out.

Really looking forward to the before and after photos. I expect to gain at least 3-4 inches of visible length in these selfie pics……..

 

[Grahamburn]

Man, reading this thread is awesome. It hasn’t motivated me to do the Hard 75, but rather am on board to do as much of this as possible.

No alcohol
2x workouts per day (30 min only)
1/2 gallon water per day
Reading 10 pages per day
Semi-structured food plan (needs more definition on my end)

I need to read more in this thread to better understand the following:
- what counts as a workout?
- what types of workouts have people found most beneficial?
- what are some examples of structured food plans that others have liked?
- what have folks found toughest (or easiest) about the Hard 75 now that you are 36 days in?


I travel way way too much. Very worried about my ability to undertake and sustain this.

I'd say most everyone is flying pretty loose and fast with the "rules" here outside of @gruecd @Terminalxylem and @Nugget. Forgive me if I left anyone else out that is. I think I posted on the first page or so that truly sustaining this for 75 days is nearly impossible for your average adult male, but I also consider a "workout" to be much more intense than going for a walk.

Look at what makes it Hard for you, and then challenge yourself to stick to that thing or things. For me, it's two intense workouts and still sticking to a super clean Whole 30 diet, but I've also built in cheats for myself.

Yeah, I hear you on all of this. Unfortunately, I’ve learned the “hard way” that I can’t allow myself to cheat on stuff like this. I have to set the rules and then follow them — or else I’ll just dodge the whole thing.

Really looking forward to the before and after photos. I expect to gain at least 3-4 inches of visible length in these selfie pics……..

Understand completely. I built in a few specific dates. Otherwise, to the letter.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Man, reading this thread is awesome. It hasn’t motivated me to do the Hard 75, but rather am on board to do as much of this as possible.

No alcohol
2x workouts per day (30 min only)
1/2 gallon water per day
Reading 10 pages per day
Semi-structured food plan (needs more definition on my end)

I need to read more in this thread to better understand the following:
- what counts as a workout?
- what types of workouts have people found most beneficial?
- what are some examples of structured food plans that others have liked?
- what have folks found toughest (or easiest) about the Hard 75 now that you are 36 days in?


I travel way way too much. Very worried about my ability to undertake and sustain this.

I mostly walk and hike - incorporate hills to modulate the difficulty. Both are great for clearing your mind, or thinking a lot, if you choose. Alternatively, on easy days, walk and talk with your significant other. Either way, leave the phone at home.

My other workout is climbing, which I think is great exercise regardless, as it incorporates strength, flexibility, balance and problem-solving. Plus a little fear management.

And I try to do almost all work outs outside. Only been rained on a couple times.

I’m doing one (healthy, mostly plant-based) meal a day, which complements the water intake nicely. I end up fasting 20-28 hours between meals.

Overall, hasn’t been super hard. Water by far the hardest part, reading is easiest, once I found an interesting book. But I haven’t been doing the selfies.

 

[gianmarco]

Man, reading this thread is awesome. It hasn’t motivated me to do the Hard 75, but rather am on board to do as much of this as possible.

No alcohol
2x workouts per day (30 min only)
1/2 gallon water per day
Reading 10 pages per day
Semi-structured food plan (needs more definition on my end)

I need to read more in this thread to better understand the following:
- what counts as a workout?
- what types of workouts have people found most beneficial?
- what are some examples of structured food plans that others have liked?
- what have folks found toughest (or easiest) about the Hard 75 now that you are 36 days in?


I travel way way too much. Very worried about my ability to undertake and sustain this.

I mostly walk and hike - incorporate hills to modulate the difficulty. Both are great for clearing your mind, or thinking a lot, if you choose. Alternatively, on easy days, walk and talk with your significant other. Either way, leave the phone at home.

My other workout is climbing, which I think is great exercise regardless, as it incorporates strength, flexibility, balance and problem-solving. Plus a little fear management.

And I try to do almost all work outs outside. Only been rained on a couple times.

I’m doing one (healthy, mostly plant-based) meal a day, which complements the water intake nicely. I end up fasting 20-28 hours between meals.

Overall, hasn’t been super hard. Water by far the hardest part, reading is easiest, once I found an interesting book. But I haven’t been doing the selfies.

Congrats on 75 so-so.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Man, reading this thread is awesome. It hasn’t motivated me to do the Hard 75, but rather am on board to do as much of this as possible.

No alcohol
2x workouts per day (30 min only)
1/2 gallon water per day
Reading 10 pages per day
Semi-structured food plan (needs more definition on my end)

I need to read more in this thread to better understand the following:
- what counts as a workout?
- what types of workouts have people found most beneficial?
- what are some examples of structured food plans that others have liked?
- what have folks found toughest (or easiest) about the Hard 75 now that you are 36 days in?


I travel way way too much. Very worried about my ability to undertake and sustain this.

I mostly walk and hike - incorporate hills to modulate the difficulty. Both are great for clearing your mind, or thinking a lot, if you choose. Alternatively, on easy days, walk and talk with your significant other. Either way, leave the phone at home.

My other workout is climbing, which I think is great exercise regardless, as it incorporates strength, flexibility, balance and problem-solving. Plus a little fear management.

And I try to do almost all work outs outside. Only been rained on a couple times.

I’m doing one (healthy, mostly plant-based) meal a day, which complements the water intake nicely. I end up fasting 20-28 hours between meals.

Overall, hasn’t been super hard. Water by far the hardest part, reading is easiest, once I found an interesting book. But I haven’t been doing the selfies.

Congrats on 75 so-so.

Yeah, I know. Also, sometimes wait less than three hours between work outs.

I’ve been told some Native Americans believe every photo steals a part of your soul. With very little to lose, I can’t risk it. Plus, I philosophically object to anything nostalgic.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Man, reading this thread is awesome. It hasn’t motivated me to do the Hard 75, but rather am on board to do as much of this as possible.

No alcohol
2x workouts per day (30 min only)
1/2 gallon water per day
Reading 10 pages per day
Semi-structured food plan (needs more definition on my end)

I need to read more in this thread to better understand the following:
- what counts as a workout?
- what types of workouts have people found most beneficial?
- what are some examples of structured food plans that others have liked?
- what have folks found toughest (or easiest) about the Hard 75 now that you are 36 days in?


I travel way way too much. Very worried about my ability to undertake and sustain this.

I'd say most everyone is flying pretty loose and fast with the "rules" here outside of @gruecd @Terminalxylem and @Nugget. Forgive me if I left anyone else out that is. I think I posted on the first page or so that truly sustaining this for 75 days is nearly impossible for your average adult male, but I also consider a "workout" to be much more intense than going for a walk.

Look at what makes it Hard for you, and then challenge yourself to stick to that thing or things. For me, it's two intense workouts and still sticking to a super clean Whole 30 diet, but I've also built in cheats for myself.

I think @BassNBrew is (was?) playing by the letter of the law, moreso than my photo-free farce.

Also, while walking can be easy, it doesn’t have to be. When I’m not with my wife, I walk as fast as possible up a ridge with ~1000 foot elevation gain over a couple miles, usually in the midday sun.

It’s certainly not marathon training, but I’m probably 80%+ max HR a good portion of the time, and sweating like the proverbial transactional sex worker in a place of worship.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Some day 36 reflections...

• Weight down from 215ish to 208 this morning. I'd like to lose another 5. Seems inevitable.
• Early morning workouts make this sooooo much easier, and they're one of the elements that I most want to continue once it's over. Up at 4-4:30 most days, eat something, do my 10 pages of reading, out the door and back home by 6:30. Total "me" time, not taking time away from work or family or anything else.
• The water has gotten super easy. Most days I'm done by 4-5pm.
• This thing is more of a mental toughness challenge than a physical one. More than anything else, it's about being intentional about how you spend your time.
• My "diet" isn't anything crazy. No sweets, minimal "added" sugar (ideally <5g/day). I allow myself one energy drink in the morning (not a coffee drinker), and besides that literally nothing to drink besides water. Going forward, I'll add back alcohol (socially), but otherwise want to continue with the one energy drink and water.
• If any of you need a book recommendation, I'm currently reading "Grit" by Angela Duckworth. Super fitting in the context of this challenge. Highly recommend.
• I've got the Erie Marathon coming up on September 10 and Berlin on September 24. I'll be interested in seeing how lower running volume but better overall fitness translates.

Keep up the good work, fellas!

I commend your discipline, as you’re definitely all-in on the challenge. A couple questions:

1. I’m surprised you haven’t lost more weight, given your exercise intensity. What is your daily caloric intake?

2. How much sleep do you get a night?

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Ugh. So. Much. Water.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Ugh. So. Much. Water.

 

[BassNBrew]

Lost 0 pounds last week. Not to concerned as I'm in a creatine loading phase and should gain 2-6 pounds of water weight. Also not cutting calories as I want to properly fuel and recover for workouts. Seeing improvements in the gym (about 10%) and my fast walking pace has increased by 2 minutes per mile. Hit 13:47 pace on a walk last week. Tonight I did 4x10min "running" intervals at 11:17, 11:08, 11:45, and 11:22 pace. Supposedly my average power was 334 watts including the warmup and recovery sets. It was a suffer fest in the heat even at sunset.

Overall I'm really feeling good and energetic. When I'm done with this I may not drink water for a week. Only had 1/3 gone at 7pm tonight and still have about 12 ounces to go. Giving up my morning coffee would help but that's a bridge to far right now.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Man, reading this thread is awesome. It hasn’t motivated me to do the Hard 75, but rather am on board to do as much of this as possible.

No alcohol
2x workouts per day (30 min only)
1/2 gallon water per day
Reading 10 pages per day
Semi-structured food plan (needs more definition on my end)

I need to read more in this thread to better understand the following:
- what counts as a workout?
- what types of workouts have people found most beneficial?
- what are some examples of structured food plans that others have liked?
- what have folks found toughest (or easiest) about the Hard 75 now that you are 36 days in?


I travel way way too much. Very worried about my ability to undertake and sustain this.

I mostly walk and hike - incorporate hills to modulate the difficulty. Both are great for clearing your mind, or thinking a lot, if you choose. Alternatively, on easy days, walk and talk with your significant other. Either way, leave the phone at home.

My other workout is climbing, which I think is great exercise regardless, as it incorporates strength, flexibility, balance and problem-solving. Plus a little fear management.

And I try to do almost all work outs outside. Only been rained on a couple times.

I’m doing one (healthy, mostly plant-based) meal a day, which complements the water intake nicely. I end up fasting 20-28 hours between meals.

Overall, hasn’t been super hard. Water by far the hardest part, reading is easiest, once I found an interesting book. But I haven’t been doing the selfies.

Congrats on 75 so-so.

Yeah, I know. Also, sometimes wait less than three hours between work outs.

I’ve been told some Native Americans believe every photo steals a part of your soul. With very little to lose, I can’t risk it. Plus, I philosophically object to anything nostalgic.

I loved this moment in the gondola at park city. The wife still got her pic though.

 

[gruecd]

Some day 36 reflections...

• Weight down from 215ish to 208 this morning. I'd like to lose another 5. Seems inevitable.
• Early morning workouts make this sooooo much easier, and they're one of the elements that I most want to continue once it's over. Up at 4-4:30 most days, eat something, do my 10 pages of reading, out the door and back home by 6:30. Total "me" time, not taking time away from work or family or anything else.
• The water has gotten super easy. Most days I'm done by 4-5pm.
• This thing is more of a mental toughness challenge than a physical one. More than anything else, it's about being intentional about how you spend your time.
• My "diet" isn't anything crazy. No sweets, minimal "added" sugar (ideally <5g/day). I allow myself one energy drink in the morning (not a coffee drinker), and besides that literally nothing to drink besides water. Going forward, I'll add back alcohol (socially), but otherwise want to continue with the one energy drink and water.
• If any of you need a book recommendation, I'm currently reading "Grit" by Angela Duckworth. Super fitting in the context of this challenge. Highly recommend.
• I've got the Erie Marathon coming up on September 10 and Berlin on September 24. I'll be interested in seeing how lower running volume but better overall fitness translates.

Keep up the good work, fellas!

I commend your discipline, as you’re definitely all-in on the challenge. A couple questions:

1. I’m surprised you haven’t lost more weight, given your exercise intensity. What is your daily caloric intake?

2. How much sleep do you get a night?

Thanks. No clue on the calories, as I really don’t track it. Definitely not restricting them. Going in, I probably only had 10-15 (max) to lose, so to be about halfway there at the midway point feels about right to me.

Regarding sleep….not enough. Probably 6ish hours most nights.

 

[AAABatteries]

Really looking forward to the before and after photos. I expect to gain at least 3-4 inches of visible length in these selfie pics……..

Now we’re talking!

 

[Terminalxylem]

Some day 36 reflections...

• Weight down from 215ish to 208 this morning. I'd like to lose another 5. Seems inevitable.
• Early morning workouts make this sooooo much easier, and they're one of the elements that I most want to continue once it's over. Up at 4-4:30 most days, eat something, do my 10 pages of reading, out the door and back home by 6:30. Total "me" time, not taking time away from work or family or anything else.
• The water has gotten super easy. Most days I'm done by 4-5pm.
• This thing is more of a mental toughness challenge than a physical one. More than anything else, it's about being intentional about how you spend your time.
• My "diet" isn't anything crazy. No sweets, minimal "added" sugar (ideally <5g/day). I allow myself one energy drink in the morning (not a coffee drinker), and besides that literally nothing to drink besides water. Going forward, I'll add back alcohol (socially), but otherwise want to continue with the one energy drink and water.
• If any of you need a book recommendation, I'm currently reading "Grit" by Angela Duckworth. Super fitting in the context of this challenge. Highly recommend.
• I've got the Erie Marathon coming up on September 10 and Berlin on September 24. I'll be interested in seeing how lower running volume but better overall fitness translates.

Keep up the good work, fellas!

I commend your discipline, as you’re definitely all-in on the challenge. A couple questions:

1. I’m surprised you haven’t lost more weight, given your exercise intensity. What is your daily caloric intake?

2. How much sleep do you get a night?

Thanks. No clue on the calories, as I really don’t track it. Definitely not restricting them. Going in, I probably only had 10-15 (max) to lose, so to be about halfway there at the midway point feels about right to me.

Regarding sleep….not enough. Probably 6ish hours most nights.

I thought I only had about 10 extra pounds, but was surprised when I Iost 14 over the first 30 days, yet still had a little more to lose.

My error was using my college weight as the target. Decades ago, I told myself I wouldn’t allow weight to creep up as I got older - it’s too easy to gain a few pounds every few years, then wake up one day and notice you‘re 30+ pounds overweight.

I’ve been successful keeping within 5 pounds of that goal, but this challenge has shown my premise was flawed. Twenty something year-old me ran moderate distances + lifted weights nearly every day, and had single digit body fat % to show for it. While middle aged me is still active, I’ve far less muscle mass, and fat has filled the void. Now I believe my goal should be weighing l0-15 pounds less than college.

I think you’re younger and in far better shape than I, so a goal of 200 may be reasonable. What are your plans if you drop below that target?

Concerning sleep, 6 is a lot better than I expected. I believe some studies show 7 is optimal, so you’re not too far off.

 

[beer 30]

• Early morning workouts make this sooooo much easier, and they're one of the elements that I most want to continue once it's over. Up at 4-4:30 most days, eat something, do my 10 pages of reading, out the door and back home by 6:30. Total "me" time, not taking time away from work or family or anything else.

When I started down the fitness path years ago running and now biking, I still had two kids at home and the only time that worked without cutting into their time was starting earlier. Now I get up pretty religiously at 4:30am, get the day started and in the shower by 6:30-7:00am. Your body can adapt to just about anything if you do it long enough.

 

[gruecd]

I think you’re younger and in far better shape than I, so a goal of 200 may be reasonable. What are your plans if you drop below that target?

Can't really say that I've thought about it. As it is, part of me thinks that I'm not eating enough given my calorie burn. I'm 6'4" with a big frame. Honestly anything under 210 is really difficult for me to maintain unless I'm doing something like 75H or super intense marathon training.