Core Focus DPT

The day after finishing 75 Hard, I can proudly say—I DID IT!

Unexpectedly, the past few weeks challenged me to maintain the habits I’ve built, proving that no matter what life throws my way, structure, discipline, and flexibility can keep me on track. It reminded me of Hebrews 12:11, which says that discipline isn’t always easy, but in time, it yields great rewards. Just as our faith grows through perseverance, this challenge taught me that true strength comes from pushing through discomfort and staying committed, even when it’s not convenient.

The very last week was especially tough. We were on Spring Break, constantly adjusting and pivoting to ensure I hit all my goals. The biggest challenge was staying on top of my water intake. We spent most of the day outdoors—walking, biking, playing tennis, or running on the beach—which meant I didn’t always have easy access to my gallon of water. Exercise, on the other hand, was a breeze since we were always moving. My sons and I even hit the hotel’s gym to lift weights together, making fitness a fun and shared experience.

Then, as soon as we got home, we jumped straight into a wedding weekend to witness our sweet friend getting married. I had to push until 11 PM to check off my final tasks—only to be up all night making bathroom trips. Not fun, but totally worth it. No way was I starting over on Day 74!!

What Is 75 Hard?

For those who may not be familiar, 75 Hard Challenge is more than just a fitness challenge—it’s a mental toughness program. For 75 days straight, I had to commit to:

• Two workouts per day (one must be outdoors)
• Drinking a gallon of water daily
• Following a diet with no cheat meals or alcohol
• Reading 10 pages of a non-fiction book daily
• Taking a progress photo every day

If you miss even one task, you start over at Day 1. No exceptions.

My 75 Hard Journey: A Breakdown

Days 1-25: Saving Space & Creating Discipline

The first phase was all about structure and discipline. I committed to:

• Cutting added sugar and alcohol
• Prioritizing vegetables in my meals
• Journaling daily to reflect and stay focused

Days 26-50: Upping the Intensity

This phase was all about progression—increasing workout intensity and building my running mileage. With higher energy output, I had to be intentional about fueling properly, not just eating for the sake of eating. My mindset shifted to:

• Choosing quality food over mindless eating
• Asking, “Am I really hungry? Will this food serve me?”
• Enjoying controlled portions and avoiding excessive snacking

Journaling started to take a backseat. While my goal was weekly reflections, I found myself skipping entries to make more time for reading, studying, and growing in my prayer life.

Days 51-75: Finishing Strong

After completing my 15K race, my focus shifted to recovery and strength-building. My workouts transitioned into:

• A mix of easy runs, yoga, and barre exercises
• Progressive resistance training to keep building strength

From Day 1 to Day 75—what a transformation! Physically, I’m 15 pounds lighter, more toned, and standing taller with better posture. But beyond the physical changes, I feel like a different person. I have more energy, a clearer mind, and a sense of confidence that shines through. My smile isn’t just for the camera—it’s real, because I’ve proven to myself what I’m capable of!

Final Thoughts: Lessons from 75 Hard

When I first started 75 Hard, I thought the physical aspect would be the hardest part. But I quickly realized this challenge was about mental toughness.

Key takeaways from the experience:

• Discipline is greater than motivation. There were plenty of days I didn’t feel like doing my second workout, but waiting for motivation is a trap. If you rely on motivation alone, you’ll fail. Discipline is what carries you through.
• The small things matter. Drinking a gallon of water seems simple, but when life gets busy, it’s easy to overlook the basics. Little habits add up to big changes.
• Excuses are easy—execution is hard. There were many opportunities to justify skipping a workout, having a drink to soothe myself from a tough day, or taking a “break.” But 75 Hard reinforced that I am capable of following through, no matter what.
• Adapt, but don’t quit. Life will throw unexpected things your way. Instead of giving up, find a way to make it work. Pivot, adjust, and keep moving forward.

The biggest takeaway is that I didn’t just finish 75 Hard—I proved to myself that I can commit to something, no matter how tough it gets. This was about building habits, resilience, and confidence that carries over into every part of my life. It reminded me that in both fitness and faith, discipline is key.

Hebrews 12:11 tells us that while discipline is difficult in the moment, it ultimately leads to growth and peace. I’m walking away from this challenge with more than just physical strength—I’ve strengthened my mindset, my habits, and my ability to stay consistent, even when life gets hard. Now, it’s time to apply these lessons to the next challenge God places before me.

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” – Hebrews 12:11 NIV

While I’m relieved to be finished, I’m also grateful for the transformation. Now, it’s time to take everything I’ve learned and apply it to the next challenge.

What’s Next?

Have you ever taken on a challenge like this? What was your biggest takeaway? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your experience!

Ultimately, the power of micro-workouts lies in their simplicity and adaptability. No special equipment, no gym membership, no overwhelming time commitment—just small but mighty movements that help you build strength, endurance, and confidence in your body, one step at a time.

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** The views and opinions expressed on this site belong to Vigeo Ergo Consulting LLC. Any advice or suggestions offered herein are not a replacement for medical advice from a physician or other healthcare professional. My blogs are for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.