In the Pain Cave (Days 1 & 2)

"Complaining about not achieving success despite working hard is like complaining about an ice cube not melting when you heated it from twenty-five to thirty-one degrees. Your work was not wasted; it is just being stored. All the action happens at 32 degrees." - James Clear, Atomic Habits

The first book I am reading during this challenge is a re-read; James Clear's Atomic Habits is easy to digest but full of great anecdotes and powerful, simple, actionable methods. This book pairs well with the challenge because his main argument is that while goals are great, processes will win out in the end. Put directly in context: do the five things on the #75hard list every day for #75days and you can't not see change in your life. 

I need to write these words down because I am seriously in the pain cave right now.

Day 1 I went for a 3 mile run outside and then, because I hadn't hit 45 minutes, finished with 50 burpees. I had to break them down into sets of 5 every 45 seconds because the entirety of any strength training for me these last few months has been hoisting luggage in and out of various modes of travel. By the last set, my arms were failing. I did a deep stretch yoga session that night and my arms were already angry. 

This was going to be bad.

The wonderful thing about our brain is that we can't actually remember what pain feels like. We can remember that something hurt but not actually hold the physical experience of that pain in our memory. And THANK GOD. Because I know I wouldn't have done what I did next.

Day 2 I went to the gym (my local is Assertive Athletics & Fitness in Carolina Beach) and owner Chris suggested I complete the weekly challenge - 100 squats, performed as singles, 1 every 15 seconds. I took a cue from the day before and opted to back down on weight. Even with only the bar, this challenge had me dripping. I finished with time on the SkiErg, hoping the butterfly movement would breakup my shoulders a little bit. 

Oh it broke something all right. 

Afterwards, when I took my shower, I discovered I couldn't put my arms far enough up my back to hook my bra strap. Acrobatics ensued. 

Also during this time, I started sneezing like my brain was trying to abandon ship - "Nuh-uh! I see what you're trying to do and I want NO PART OF IT." Last night I went for a long walk on the beach, swinging my arms and wincing in time.  

I've woken up this morning with the beginning of a head cold and I can barely move my arms. 

This is the pain cave, when I'd rather just lie down and eat Ibuprofen, nap, and forget that I ever wanted to start this thing.

But luckily, I do remember that this won't last forever. 

Day 3, I'm coming for you. 

#75 Hard

Hi there! For ease, I'm resurrecting this old blog as I spend the next 75 days doing Andy Frisella's #75Hard mental grit challenge.

For the next 75 days, I will do the following:

1) Digest 10 pages of self-improvement/entrepreneurial text

2) Drink 1 gallon of water

3) Complete 2 - 45 minute work-outs (1 of which must be outside)

4) Stick to a diet, including no alcohol

5) Take a picture of myself

For me, the diet will be eating whole foods (no processed/pre-packaged) with a focus on incorporating more protein and vegetables. I am not trying to lose weight but I am trying to expand my food horizons. 

I'm also running my first half marathon in 5 years this November and am looking to shake up my standard training plans. 

But more than anything....I need to prove to myself (once again) that I can do hard things.

I'll likely be posting each evening if you care to follow along. And if you want to join me, I hope you'll post in the comments on how things are going for you, too.

Here we go!

-Erin