September 2025
My 75 Hard Challenge Journey
I started at 98.15 kg (216 lbs) and finished at 88.95 kg (196 lbs). Although I didn't see a dramatic change in my progress photos, my performance noticeably improved. I can now run faster and longer, and I'm much closer to RX on most CrossFit workouts. On my final day, I spontaneously ran my first half marathon. I also completed a demanding hike with about 4,000 feet of elevation gain. My pull-up count increased from one to four in a row.
July
August
September
Why I started
My main goal was to become fit enough for tougher hikes. Despite two years of CrossFit, a lack of food discipline kept my progress slow. I took up running to lose weight but struggled to get faster. I realized that true improvement in both running and CrossFit would only come through weight loss. Intermittent fasting hadn't worked for me; I felt weaker and the intense CrossFit workouts needed more energy. I committed fully to 75 Hard for a real change. After reading stories on this subreddit, my wife joined as well, which was huge for staying accountable.
Workouts
My week included four days of running and five days of CrossFit, with the remaining days spent walking, hiking, or doing mobility stretches. I prioritized early morning workouts, which proved key to staying consistent. For the first 50 days, I journaled my mood, successes, failures, and insights, then used Claude to help analyze patterns.
Food
My food discipline was strong for 50 days, but I eased up slightly in the last 25 days, though I stayed on track with no added sugars. As a result, my weight loss from Day 50 to Day 75 slowed to just 1.8 kg (4 lbs).
Books
The most valuable read for me was Inner Excellence. Atomic Habits and Grit were also helpful. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck provided the least benefit.
Takeaways
Do not rely only on the scale or photos. As you stick to the plan, you will notice performance gains even if your appearance does not shift right away. Starting workouts early made my days easier. Action chain routines, like running after waking, then showering, taking a photo, and drinking water, kept everything on autopilot. Clarifying workout goals and having a backup plan helped me avoid indecision. Accountability was the biggest factor in finishing the challenge. My wife's support made all the difference. I doubt I could have completed without her.