Newsletter #12

75 Hard

As mentioned in the previous newsletter, I did 75 Hard, and it helped me become mentally stronger. My first attempt started the day after I found out what it was, which was in July 2020. Andy Frisella developed 75 Hard. I learned about 75 Hard through a podcast he did with Order of Man.

75 Hard is a mental and physical challenge that, as the name suggests, lasts 75 days. During these 75 days, you have to do two 45-minute workouts a day, of which one has to be outside; take a daily progress picture, which is a great motivator; read ten pages of non-fiction; drink a gallon of water a day; and follow a chosen diet. No alcohol or candy is allowed. The challenge lives up to its name, it’s hard.

During my first attempt, I gave up on day 36 or so, I ate a delicious ice cream. As mentioned, I started one day after hearing about it. I was not fully prepared, but I tried my best. I began while visiting family in the Netherlands. In the morning, I ran, and in the evening, I did home workouts, calisthenics, yoga, or a walk. It went well until I was tempted to eat an ice cream. I did, and I do not regret it. It was a tough time, and I just gave in. During the second or third round of 75 Hard, I had a nightmare where I ate a stroopwafel. I woke up with a pounding heart and lots of sweat.

The second attempt was hard, but I made it. The timing wasn't great, or maybe it was; the last two weeks were during Christmas 2020. This was my first Christmas and New Year’s without alcohol since I started to drink. The same goes for the candy. Seeing 75 Hard as a test was the best motivator for me to complete it. The first thing I did in the morning was take a progress photo. This is the easiest task, as well as the one most likely to be forgotten. I got up earlier for a morning run. By starting the day actively, I got more out of the day. At the time, I was doing Wim Hof. I still remember the look on the faces of the people in Barcelona as I ran in a t-shirt while they wore winter jackets and mittens. Fun times.

What did I gain from completing 75 Hard the first time? I lost some weight and gained muscle, including abs. My time management skills improved; a lot can be done in a day. This skill slowly faded once I completed it. I became mentally stronger. As I was focused on the challenge, I was less bothered by the COVID measures; it was 2020, after all. Focus and the knowledge that I can do something like this.

To be continued.