75 Hard: I'm having fun + thriving

So today is Day 10 of 75 Hard. I know I'm going to finish it.

Past Failures

Now, before I start yammering about how "fun" it is, I want to make sure we're clear:

1. 75 Hard is not easy
2. I've failed many attempts before

Just because I'm having fun and thriving doesn't mean it's a cake walk.

After many years of putting myself last (family and work always came first), I had to learn how to carve out time for myself. I've also had to fight against:

1. Bad eating habits
2. Zero fitness level
3. Fears and doubts that I could do this

After all, I've tried many times. I farthest I've gone is 3 days. And those were TOUGH three days.

This time around it's different for a couple of reasons which I'll discuss below.

The Darn Gallon of Water

Seriously the hardest thing about this whole thing is drinking the gallon water.

I could be done with everything by 4 PM:

• First workout (outdoors)
• Second workout
• Progress pic
• 10 Pages of reading
• Follow a diet
• No snacks / cheat meals / alcohol

But I'm still chugging water by 10 PM 😂

It's so darn hard, especially when I'm not a water drinker.

As in I lived in a tropical country for 17 years, sweat profusely, and still only drank about 3 cups of water a day. It drove my mother mad lolz.

Learning New Things

It's really the running that has made a difference this time around for the workouts. I started running a couple of weeks before I decided to start 75 Hard. So I already had an "outdoor" routine planned out and scheduled in.

My main workout is running. That part is non-negotiable. I run every other day. I also sprinkle in weight training (also a non-negotiable).

But the rest of the time? Oh, I'm trying out new stuff.

Lately it's been cycling and rope flow.

Cycling is alright and is phenomenal cross-training for runners... but it's boring.

Rope flow on the other hand is FUUUUUN. I'm swishing a heavy rope around, semi-dancing like a dork, and my upper body is getting some good work. Lots of coordination work too.

The next stop is dancing.

I want to learn: Flamenco, Hula, and Kpop (of course).

It all counts as workouts because I'm working it in each activity.

Should I have the chance, I'd love to swim again (Oh I miss you, California), hike, climb trees, learn BJJ and Krav Maga, etc.

Oh, the things I can try out and learn!

Food

Carnivore made things simple for me. I don't need to contend with complicated dietary restrictions (or allowances). I know what I can eat and I stick to it.

Carnivore has transformed my approach to food.

My cravings and appetite used to rule my world. It dictated my day and I'm just a slave to sugar. Not to mention feeling terrible about myself and physically too whenever I'd start eating too much. The guilt is always there too as I piled on the pounds.

Now? I eat whole, unprocessed food. No crashes, no excessive feeling of "hunger" or cravings. Just eating when I feel true hunger.

Also, no more counting calories and worrying about fat, carbs, protein, etc.

I eat good food 2-3 times a day—a good amount until I'm full. Meats, dairy, eggs. You know, the good stuff.

And there's no more guilt.

My body is healing.

Reading

This is an awesome part of the challenge, too.

I used to be a voracious reader. But due to some life circumstances, conditions, and a brain injury, my reading significantly slowed down.

Now I've regained the spark.

Of course I have to build up my reading mojo again, but I'm on my way. I've finished one book ("How to Converse with God" by St. Alphonsus Liguori) and I'm halfway through Park Yeonmi's "While Time Remains."

I didn't choose entrepreneurial books or any sort of self-help books. I don't like those books in general. I'm not trying to biohack and optimize myself to death.

Instead I picked books that can enrich my spiritual life, mind, culture, etc. Next up, I'm seriously considering Marie Kondo's "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up."

Oh man, so many choices!

Doing Great

Anyway, obviously, I'm doing well with this challenge. Thriving even.

I feel great in it, because instead of thinking it's a chore, it's an opportunity to prioritize myself and have solo time as well. I've also been using it as a chance to learn new things.

For moms thinking of trying out 75 Hard, especially those who are new to fitness, I highly recommend it. Even if you think you'll fail or have failed before.

Don't take it too seriously that you just hate life.

Find workouts that you enjoy and books with topics that you're interested in. Make it yours and enjoy it.

I'm glad I found this program. I'm using it as a foundation for good habits, and my hope is that I gain this discipline to keep on moving forward.

Here's to Day 10 and finishing strong come day 75 (and beyond).