I realized not everyone knows what the 75 Hard challenge is all about, so I’m sharing what it is and why I chose to commit 75 days of my life to it.
75 Hard is a mental toughness challenge built around daily habits. Created by Andy Frisella, a motivational speaker and entrepreneur, it is designed to build discipline and consistency through five simple rules:
- Drink 1 gallon of water
- Two 45‑minute workouts (one must be outdoors)
- Follow a diet of your choice (no cheat meals)
- No alcohol
- Read 10 pages of a nonfiction book
- Take a progress photo every day
Miss a rule? Start over again at Day 1.
How hard is 75 hard?
Let’s look at the rules. For many people, the two workouts are the biggest hurdle, especially if you have a family, work full time and have other commitments. As an ultra trail runner, who strength trains regularly, that rule is not a challenge. I may be tired some days but I will get it done.
My challenge is the water.
I’m pretty sure I’ve been chronically dehydrated for the last three years. One gallon or 3+ litres is a lot. I actually started drinking more water a week before I started 75 Hard so my body got used to the volume. (I stocked up on TP before the challenge began.)
The diet part was tricky too.
I don’t really like the word “diet.” So what I am doing is ensuring I am consuming at least 100 grams of protein every day. I struggle with food, and often eat really sporadically. I could live off apples and grapes. The “no alcohol” rule is not an issue either. If you have followed by Dry Run Diaries series, you will see I have been experimenting with mocktails and zero alcohol beer for awhile now.
The progress photo is still uncomfortable.
I’m more than a week in, and I am still not used to taking a photo of myself in my sports bra and shorts. This is not a weight loss challenge but I’ve seen weight loss results from people who have completed it. I can see why. I drink so much water that I barely have an appetite for food.
The reading has been a joy.
Reading 10 pages of nonfiction is rewarding. There’s so much to learn from this genre. I think that’s why it is part of the challenge so you can learn something. Last year, I read 56 fiction books so I welcome the challenge.
Why am I doing 75 hard?
I’ve been in a rut since I injured my glute in late June. The healing progress is so slow, unpredictable and downright frustrating. I wanted to do something that challenged me in a different way and give me structure and a sense of progress.
I also want to have fun. At the same time, I’m recording my journey on TikTok, Reels and Instagram. This allows me to unlock more of my creativity, and get better at video editing and storytelling.
75 Hard gives me a steady stream of content and takes my mind off my running woes. Not to mention, I think it will help with my mental strength when I return to running long distances again.
Have you done a challenge like 75 Hard? What did you learn from it? Please let me know in the comments below.