Introduction to 75 Hard

“75 Hard” was developed by Andy Frisella, a St. Louis based entrepreneur, author and podcaster.

In order to complete the challenge, each of the following tasks must be completed each day for 75 days:

1. Workout 2 times, once must be outside & each workout must be at least 45 minutes long
2. Read at least 10 pages of a book (audiobooks don’t count)
3. Drink 1 gallon of water
4. Stick to a self-chosen diet
5. No alcohol and no cheat meals
6. Take a progress picture of yourself

If you fail to complete any of the tasks on any day, then you start over from day 1.

As Andy has described extensively, 75 Hard is not a workout program or diet plan. It is a mental toughness program.

The challenge involves both physical and diet regimens, but the real point is to challenge yourself mentally each day – no cutting corners, no cheating. The physical transformations from the program are the by-product of the core mental transformations from developing self-discipline.

My Plan

I’m going to be clawing my way through 75 Hard and reporting back on my progress each day here for your reading pleasure. I started following the program on August 29th, so if all goes according to plan, I’ll have completed it on November 11th 2022.

In general, I don’t think the physical aspect of the workout portion of the plan should be much of a challenge for me. I’ve been working out pretty consistently for the last 3 months and completed a sprint triathlon just this past weekend, so barring any injury, I’m hoping that soreness will be a non-factor.

I also love to read, so I don’t anticipate that will be much of a challenge for me. I’m currently reading Endurance by Cameron Hanes, which I’m loving.

Until recently, I’ve averaged probably 2 pizzas per week and ice cream 4-5 times per week. So diet-wise, I’m going to eliminate all junk foods – no sweets, no pizza. Additionally, I’m eliminating any foods with added sugars.

Day 1 – 8/29/22

Workouts – Complete

1. Indoor weightlifting 45 mins – doing Stronglifts 5×5
2. Outdoor walk 30 mins, run 15 mins

Reading – Complete (Endure by Cameron Hanes)

Drink 1 gallon of water – Complete

Stick to a self-chosen diet – Complete

No alcohol and no cheat meals – Complete

Take a progress picture of yourself – Complete

Notes

Definitely feeling tired after the sprint triathlon yesterday. Legs were feeling it during my early squat session, but got a good stretch in and felt good enough to run a bit during my 2nd workout outdoors. Looking forward to making progress!