Today marks the ‘turn-around’ point, the halfway mark of my 75 Hard Challenge. In short, the 75 Hard Challenge involves:
- Two workouts per day.
- A gallon of water per day.
- No alcohol or cheat meals.
- Ten pages of reading (self-help books).
- Sticking to a diet (any diet).
As I woke up this morning, the realization hit me-I’ve reached the turn-around point, or halfway point of my 75 Hard Challenge. It was a moment of pride, a testament to my commitment and perseverance. I also realized that referencing marathon training in this moment is notable. I want to share this unique perspective with you, to inspire you to keep pushing forward in your own challenges.
The Turn-Around
While my friends and peers spent their twenties in college or starting careers, I spent mine running marathons and working in terrestrial radio. I eventually finished college in my thirties, thanks to the lessons learned while running marathons in my twenties, particularly my four full marathons. I learned important lessons while running that I’ve applied throughout my life and that I’d like to share here.
Here are Ten Key Takeaways from running marathons that I carry with me in every adventure or new task and that I’ve explicitly used during my 75 Hard Challenge:
- The first half of anything sucks. Pregnancy, college, etc. Keep going.
- The more you concentrate on how long things will take, the longer you settle into your new atmosphere. Keep going.
- When trying something new, your knees will have an opinion. Even when I started to write a memoir, somehow, my knees had an opinion. Keep going.
- Don’t break down the first half. For example, if you’re running for 10 miles, don’t break down the first five miles by tracking your first two-and-a-half mile markers. This will make your mile markers seem closer but further out. During the first half of anything – keep your head down and keep going.
- If you can do the first half of anything without calling for a lifeline, you trained well before starting. You mentally prepared yourself to bunker down, and you’ve committed to the task at hand. If you need a lifeline, though, use it! If the alternative is quitting, call someone for help. Whether or not you call for assistance, keep going.
- Once you get to the turn-around or halfway point, remind yourself, “Quitting now doesn’t get me any closer to returning home. At this point, doubling back to my car is still 26.2 miles, but without a medal. You need that medal.” Keep going.
- After you reach halfway, please do what you need to do to get it done. Count every mile. Take water breaks, walking breaks, yoga/stretching breaks, etc. Just get it done and pass the finish line.
- After your halfway point, use running apps, coaching apps, etc. Use all the mental health tips you’ve read about because every physical ounce of strength will deplete during the second half of anything (but especially during 26.2 miles). Your mind/body will be sounding alarms in places that you’ve never consulted. Reach outside of yourself for essentials in getting you across that line.
- After you finish anything, google this, “How many people have __________?” You’d be surprised how proud of yourself you should be. Could it have been better? Faster? That’s for you and your next move to decide.
- Remember, you can only reach the second half by finishing the first. You can only get to the turn-around by starting in the first place. And you can only finish by staying committed. So, keep going, stay focused, and you’ll reach your goal.
As for my 75 Hard Challenge, I’ve made it 37 days without drinking while committing to water, to daily exercise twice a day, and reading. I could quit now, and my immediate family would be proud. But thanks to marathon running, I know that there is a whole second half I have to deal with. I will call lifelines, download apps, and recommit daily – because the second half requires that. I might not get a medal at the end of this 75 Hard Challenge, but in my mind, this is the same race I’ve run repeatedly – and I know I can finish because I have.
