#75HARD Challenge: One Week In and Still Wondering Why I Signed Up
Surviving the First Milestone with a Glass of Merlot on My Mind and Sweat on My Brow
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One Week Down!
Hello again, fellow sinners!
Last time, I left you on the cusp of my 75 Hard Challenge journey, buzzing with excitement and perhaps a sprinkle of naivety. Well, it’s been a week since I dived into this rigorous and hellish regime, and it’s time for the first of my weekly reports.
Expectations vs. Reality
Day 1 felt like stepping into a gladiator arena, armed with nothing but determination and a copy of ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear. This book isn’t just reading material; it’s been my saviour. It has helped me against my procrastination habits and junk-food cravings. Each page turned is like gaining an ally in this 75-day war against my old habits. The battle is as mental as it is physical.
Water, Water, Water, Fountains - 4 Liters Daily!
Imagine carrying around a small ocean in your backpack. That’s me with my 4 liters of water every day. It’s like having a hydration station on the go. But as you know, with great hydration comes great responsibility, and by responsibility, I mean finding a bathroom every half hour. I’ve become a local expert on finding public restrooms in The Hague; a title I never anticipated earning. How awesome is that?
The Hague on Foot: Cold, Freezing, Brrrr
Walking through the streets of The Hague in January is like being in a snow globe that someone shook a bit too vigorously. The cold winter winds are my uninvited walking partners, but I’ve come to enjoy their company. Each step is a crisp crunch on the sidewalk, a mini celebration of endurance. I’ve seen more of this city in the past week than I have in months, from the majestic Binnenhof to the beautiful corners of Scheveningen. And yes, I do talk to the ducks in the canals; they’re my most consistent walking buddies. I love them. I think they love me too.
Muscles, Meals, and Mental Gymnastics
The gym has become my second home, or maybe my third, after the water fountain. As some of you sinners might know, lifting weights and pushing limits is oddly satisfying. And then there’s the intermittent diet. My stomach has been on a journey from “Feed me now!” to “Okay, we can wait” to “May the Gods damn you! Eat!!!” The first time I successfully skipped a late-night snack, I felt like I’d won a Nobel Prize in Self-Control.
Jezus Christ! No binging on the weekend!?
Then there’s the whole ‘no alcohol’ thing, especially on weekends - those two magical days when it used to be all about unwinding with a glass of Merlot in my hand. Now, it’s more about sipping sparkling water and pretending it’s just as fun. Who knew that turning down a glass of wine could feel like a heroic act of self-discipline? But here I am, rediscovering Saturday nights without the booze, and guess what? It turns out, you can actually remember your Sunday mornings. Who would’ve thought? It’s a wild ride, this sober life, filled with clear-headed mornings and an alarming amount of tea.
Steeling the Mind: The Cold Shower Countdown
One week in, and my mental toughness is like a muscle I never knew I had. It’s getting stronger every day, though not without some whining. And looming ahead is the ultimate test of willpower – the cold showers. Just thinking about it sends shivers down my spine (which I suppose is the point). But hey, if I can conquer the streets of The Hague in winter, a little cold water should be a walk in the park, right? ...Right? We’ll see..
A Week Down, Many More to Go: The Journey Continues
So, here I am, a week into the 75 Hard Challenge, slightly more muscular, considerably more hydrated, and a bit wiser? Maybe. It’s tough, no doubt about it, but not impossible. This journey is teaching me more about myself than I ever expected. I’ve laughed, groaned, whined, and maybe cried a little (but only during leg day).
Stay tuned for more stories of triumph, water bottles, and eventually, those dreaded cold showers. If you’re looking for motivation, humor, or just a good story, you know where to find me. Until then, keep challenging yourself – because if I can do it, so can you! Let's continue to push boundaries and redefine our limits.