Chapter 1: Introduction to My 75 Hard Experience

As I stepped into Day 10 of the 75 Hard Challenge, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of my commitment. The phrase “Straight outta excuses” emblazoned on my workout tank resonated deeply with me, especially at 4:30 AM when I was battling nausea and a painful left calf. The temptation to delay my first workout was strong, but I reminded myself that my pledge was not to “75 Give-in-to-Discomfort-and-Turn-Over.” No, I was dedicated to “75 Hard,” a challenge that tests mental fortitude.

This wasn’t my first encounter with morning nausea; the previous week had been riddled with discomfort, including moments when I had to dash to the bathroom mid-workout. Despite the bloating and the struggle to consume my last meal of the day before my 6 PM cutoff, I always felt invigorated post-workout. Each completed workout brought a sense of accomplishment, and checking off my daily goals fueled my determination.

Day 1 had been a chilly, rainy start, but I embraced the discomfort and completed my 45-minute outdoor workout. The victory felt akin to finishing a marathon without any training, cementing my resolve for the rest of the challenge.

The 75 Hard Challenge, conceived by Andy Frisella, is a test of mental resilience. While the requirements may seem straightforward, they are undoubtedly challenging. Participants must complete two daily workouts (one outdoors), consume a gallon of water, adhere to a strict diet (no junk food or alcohol), read ten pages of nonfiction, and take a progress photo. Although it demands physical effort, it’s not primarily a weight-loss program—though physical transformations can be remarkable.

Crucially, if you falter on any day, you restart from Day 1. No exceptions.

By the end of Day 8, I felt like I was finally gaining traction. My digestion was improving, and I was starting to experience a renewed sense of purpose after each outdoor workout. However, Day 10 brought back the bloating and nausea, forcing myself to eat and drink while wrestling with my mental discomfort.

Over the past 18 months, I’ve faced various health challenges, including unexplained weight gain and fatigue. One moment, I was deadlifting a comfortable 135 lbs, and the next, I struggled with a 45 lb plate. Blood tests indicated low sodium levels, prompting my doctor to advise salt tablets. Though I was skeptical, I tried them, and while they provided slight relief, my struggles persisted.

I later learned my Vitamin D levels were alarmingly low. Despite these findings, something still felt off. My endocrine condition seemed poorly managed; even after cutting back on water, I found myself frequently needing the restroom. My workouts suffered, my focus waned, and my attitude became increasingly challenging to manage. Random aches and fatigue plagued me.

Medication changes led to weight gain, yet my endocrinologist insisted that I shouldn’t focus on weight loss until we resolved my condition. This advice was easier said than done, and after months of no progress despite maintaining a clean diet and regular workouts, frustration set in.

It wasn’t that my health was dire, but the impact on my work and relationships became apparent. I felt disheartened by my inability to resolve these issues. Every time I managed to lose a few pounds, the weight would rebound within days, and Day 10 felt like another frustrating cycle.

After four persistent days of battling nausea and cold weather, I woke up on Day 10 feeling lighter. I easily drank water and my appetite was returning. To my delight, I noticed a drop in weight—13 lbs at my lowest! I realized it was primarily water weight, yet the relief was palpable.

In response, I reduced my medication, but within two days, I saw a shocking 9 lb increase. Confusion and anxiety flooded my mind, and I became hyper-aware of my body. I needed to start documenting my progress more diligently.

What advice would I offer a client in my situation? I’d emphasize the importance of mental toughness, resilience, and clarity. I was committed to self-improvement—not just for myself, but to set a better example for my son and to be a better trainer for my clients.

I was ready for Day 11, equipped with the mindset to push through any challenges. I knew I could endure anything, even pausing to vomit if necessary. I had overcome pain and obstacles before, and I was determined to keep moving forward.

As I pondered my workout tank for the next day, I felt a sense of anticipation. Would I wear “Shut up legs, you’re fine” or “Goal weight Strong AF”? I think I already knew the answer.

Section 1.1: Day 10 Reflections

As I reflect on Day 10, I realize that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. I’ve learned to embrace the discomfort and push through mental barriers.

Chapter 2: Insights from the Journey

In this short video, I share my experiences from Day 10 of the 75 Hard Challenge, highlighting the importance of mental resilience.

This video discusses the transformative effects of the 75 Hard Challenge after ten days, showcasing changes in mindset and physicality.