Age is No Excuse

How I proved that to myself in 75 days

I turned 60 in July. Even typing that out makes me feel old. When my parents were 60, they were the definition of geriatric. Settled into life, sitting on the couch watching endless TV and not thinking about being healthy. This is definitely not me or where I wanted to be. I entered my sixth decade of life fighting. Fighting to stay and feel young. I didn’t feel 60 and I didn’t want to be 60. So, I decided to really push myself.

75 days of hell and triumph

On September 4th, I embarked on the 75 Hard program. Designed by Andy Frisella, it’s 75 days of mental and physical toughness, or hell, depending on how you view it. You are challenged to see how much chutzpah you have. Many people fail within the first week because they didn’t realize what they signed up for. Not me.

For 75 days, you have to complete two 45-minute workouts, one inside, one outside. Drink one gallon of water daily, read 10 pages of a nonfiction book – and you have to finish it even though you hate the book. Eat a healthy diet, your choice, but no sugar, alcohol or cheat days. And you have to take a daily photo to either horrify you or watch the incremental changes that happen over nearly 12 weeks.

My competitive side knew I would see this program to the end. There was no way I was going to fail. To hold myself accountable, I announced I was doing 75 Hard on Instagram and my podcast, Curry & The Keeper. And I invited people to join me.  Misery loves company, right? To my delight, 15 people joined me on this 75-day journey. A few dropped off but many of us stayed on course.

During those 75 days, new friendships were formed. Ideas, miseries, recipes and just plain life were shared. We cheered each other on and even provided emotional support to a friend who was bit by a dog on her daily run. We were in the trenches together, and together, we helped each other succeed.

Tricks to complete 75 Hard

Our group found tricks to get us to the finish line. And they worked. Should you wish to embark on this journey, here they are.

To understand the rules, listen to Andy Frisella’s podcast, #208, where he outlines the entire program. You’ll have to excuse his extreme profanity but he’s passionate! Consider buying his book as you’ll refer to it often. Disclaimer: there are many typos in his book. Drove me crazy. Also, download the app. The app has a task checklist and many of us liked checking them off each day. Each completed day was one day closer to being done.

Set yourself up for success by pre-gaming. Start doing some of the tasks before you actually begin the program because going from 0 to 100 on day one leads to failure.

About two weeks before you begin, slowly increase your water intake. Drinking a gallon of water on the first day is shocking – and you’ll be alarmed at the number of bathroom trips. Develop some tricks to help get the water down. One group member drank half a gallon of water before noon. I started drinking water as soon as I woke up and finished around 6 PM so I didn’t endure late night bathroom trips. Get some cool water bottles since they’ll be your best friends for 75 days.

Begin doing one workout each day about 10 days before your actual start date. You’ll get one workout down and the second one won’t be difficult to add once the program begins. Set up a schedule. One group member got up early and completed both workouts by noon. Be creative. You’ll get bored doing the same workout repeatedly. Care for your body. Do not go hard seven days a week. Incorporate yoga and stretching. And simply walk for your outside workout. Put on your headphones and listen to a podcast. It’s amazing how much you’ll learn while you’re checking off the days.

When presented with busy weekends or going out of town, figure out ahead of time how you’re going to get your tasks done. You’ll have more success when you plan. There were many late-night workouts but everyone got it done. And if you’re traveling in the car for a while, make sure you map out bathroom stops.

Find a diet that works for you – actually a sustainable way of eating so it’s the least of your worries. A little bit of meal planning goes a long way.

Research your books thoroughly because you have to read every day. Audio books are not allowed and once you start a book, you have to finish it. I read five books: 75 Hard (preparation!), Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey (a snoozer), John 3:16 by Max Lucado, Atomic Habits by James Clear, and The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson (I realized at 60 I was already there). The intent is to read self-empowerment books. You know, to keep yourself motivated. 

Lastly and most importantly, find yourself a posse. They’ll keep you accountable and motivated. Keep in touch via an app. We used Geneva but a Facebook Group or Clubhouse works. We posted every day to share an idea or to say we completed a workout. We celebrated each other with words of wisdom and lots of emojis. Your group will be there the whole time, even on Day 76 to celebrate with a Zoom wine toast! Most of all, you’ll have wonderful friendships where you’re forever bonded.

Lost and gained

On November 17th, I successfully completed the 75 Hard Program. Seventy-five gallons of water, 150 workouts, 75 daily photos, five books, no sugar, alcohol or cheat days. Mere words can’t convey how proud I am of myself and our group. Although many days felt the same, my will – and our group – kept me motivated to the finish line. My body became stronger, leaner and more agile. I lost 10.5 inches and 12 pounds and I now fit back into my clothes. However, more valuable than the weight loss, I gained the confidence and mental toughness to know I can accomplish anything. And I know my age is no excuse.

Here we go again

It’s been over a month since our group completed the program. We keep in touch almost every day and still complete many of the 75 Hard tasks – although not as rigorous.  And good thing because many of us are starting the next 75 Hard phase on January 1. Yes, we’re doing it again. It’s only 30 days this time around and since we’ve mastered the mental toughness, know what’s needed to be successful and understand the importance of supporting each other, we got this.