Starting May 1 I’m taking The Primal Blueprint 21-Day Challenge. Created by Mark Sisson’s of Mark’s Daily Apple (one of my favorite blogs), the challenge is designed to help you make a few foundational changes to how you approach food, exercise and life.

What Can I Eat?
Since I already eat low carb, I’ve got the food part nailed down…for the most part. I’m already eating real food (when it’s on sale!) and avoiding sugar, grains, bad fats, legumes and processed foods.

The Primal Food Pyramid is much different (and healthier!) than the junk pushed by the USDA. Source: MarksDailyApple.com.

I’m starting to menu plan. My normal meals and snacks are pretty much on target. But Mark’s site has plenty of tasty-looking, low carb recipes I plan to try out during the challenge.

Can I Train For A Spartan Sprint This Way?
Right now my cardio includes 6 days of speed walking, 3 spin classes, 3 days of running and 1 hike. That adds up to 20 hours of cardio a week! The primal challenge calls for 2-5 hours a week…oh and it’s all at moderate pace. The idea is the slow pace strengthens cardiovascular and immune systems, promotes efficient fat metabolism and builds a base for handling more intense workouts.

Primal Exercise Pyramid calls for 2-5 hours of cardio a day. I’m doing 20 hours of moderate to intense cardio. Can I make the change? Source: MarksDailyApple.com

I do love the focus on pushups, pull ups, squats and planks. All needed if I’m going to do a Spartan Sprint! I’m just hoping the workout routine offers enough of a cardio challenge for me.

Behavior Changes
The primal challenge has 3 specific areas it focuses on – sleep, getting enough sun and play time. I spend about 1-2 hours a day outdoors. I need to work on sleep and play in a major way!

The Primal Blueprint’s game changing behaviors: 8 hours of sleep, 15 minutes of sun and play time. I’m good at getting more than the called for amount of sun. It’s the sleep and having fun I’m struggling with. Source: MarksDailyApple.com.

Mark, what is this 8 hours of sleep you speak of? “Let go?” “Disconnect?” WTF!?!

Oh man…it really is a full lifestyle overhaul.