Race Recap: Shamrock Shuffle 10K

The McMullin clan

I've always loved St. Patrick's Day (Heck, my mom's name is Patty!).  When I married, my husband gave me an Irish surname and the green holiday became even more fun!  I love fun theme races, so I'm always in search of a St. Patty's Day race.  Last year, we did the St. Paddy's Day race up in Chicago.  This year we headed to one of my favorite cities ever... Madison, WI.

Let me be forthright... I loved the Shamrock Shuffle!!  The race organization was excellent. The course was winded through the University and then hooked up with the scenic trail along Lake Mendota. The weather was absolutely beautiful!  And I scored a new 10k PR!

Before the race, we met up with our family/friends in the Overture Center, the designated pre-race gathering area for the event.  Live band, clean bathrooms and lots of space.  I imagine it made a warm dry shelter for the typically cold Wisconsin weather in March.  This year however, we enjoyed sunny skies and temps soared quickly throughout the morning.

The Shamrock Shuffle had three events (10k, 5k and 2 mile walk) that was sold out at 4000 before race day.  We made our way down State Street to the starting line shortly before 10:00am.  The 10k started first, so I lined up and had some time to myself before the start.  I hadn't thought much about race strategy, planned just to have a fun run.  But there I was all hyped up and started to 'think' - which is always dangerous.  In true Wisconsin fashion, the MC amped up "Jump Around" and the jumping began.

The runners were off and thinned out quickly, one of the things I love about running smaller races.  Within the first mile, we hit Observatory Hill.  It was a slow zig-zag climb, but the way down was fun. We wound through the University and then hit the scenic trail along Lake Mendota.  I've always wanted to run this trail, so I was in pure heaven.

Mile 1 - 8:42
Mile 2 - 8:29

Around mile 2.5, the leader of the 10k passed us on his way back (with the pace bicycle leading his way). He was flying along at a 5 minute pace!

Mile 3 - 8:59
Mile 4 - 8:53

After mile 4, I could have used my ipod for some pick-me-up music (but I forgot to bring it on the trip).  I tried to focus by doing math.  Is that weird?  I always find myself doing time math during races.  I had only completed one 10k before at the Pumpkin Classic, which I had run really well.  If I could hold my current pace, I was pretty sure I could beat that time of 55:xx minutes.

Mile 5 - 8:53

When we hit the mile 5 marker, I picked up the pace.  It hurt.  I surged up the final hill and then downward to the finish.  I saw my six-pack of cheerleaders with a 1/2 mile to go and heard my hubby (who was already done with the 5k) yelling at the finish line.

Mile 6 - 8:28
Mile 0.2 - 1:35

I did it... a new 10k PR of 54:01 (8:42 avg pace)

#389/1100  overall rank

#49/254  age division rank

#148/684  female rank

Things I always notice that make a good race... The finishing stretch was well-protected with barriers on both sides to prevent spectators from crossing in front of runners (sounds simple, but so many races don't do it).  Water was available immediately after the finish line (thank you, I was dying of thirst since it was so sunny and hot).  The only thing that could have made this race better was a shamrock shaped medal... but hey, it was only $25 to enter and benefitted the Boys and Girls Club.  Runners also received a cotton long-sleeve shirt with entry.  All in all, the Shamrock Shuffle was a great race that I would repeat.


There was a post-race party at State Street Brats. After a quick change out of sweaty clothes, we headed there to find it packed and alive with St. Patty's Day fever.  Luckily we found two open booths on the second floor and celebrated with some green beer!

Only in Wisconsin will you find a big fake cow in the middle of the beer garden!

We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the grass of Capitol Hill while the kiddos fought for candy in the annual St. Patty's Day parade around Capitol Square.  Have I mentioned how much I loooove this city?!

But the Irish races don't end there.  I also signed up for the Shake Your Shamrocks virtual race.  After a long drive home Saturday night, I got up Sunday morning to fulfill my 13k run.  I started off with an easy 1.2 mile warmup and then then ran out the remaining 8.08 miles (13k).  It was another beautiful morning and really quiet out (Hmmm, was last night St. Pat's?!  LOL).  Asked to be creative, I pulled out my goofy hat...

1.2 warmup plus 

13k virtual race - 1:18:34 (9:43 pace)

How was your St. Patrick's Day?  Did you race?

I know there were many PR's in progress this weekend 

so CONGRATS to everyone!

Light Up Your Run

This morning I hit the pavement early... 5:10 am to be exact.  I had a busy day on the agenda and it was my only window to sneak in a run.  During the summer months, I actually do this often to avoid the heat. This morning reminded me just how much I enjoy the predawn hours.  It's so peaceful and quiet.

Today was especially exciting because I had a new running toy to try... Knuckle Lights!  I typically run with a headlight, reflective belt and a bunch of flashers all around me for these early runs. Knuckle Lights are so much simpler!  Just slip them over your hand, press the button and you're ready to go.

The Knuckle Lights were quite comfortable on my hand.  I didn't have to hang on to them.  The adjustable rubber strap kept them secured to my hand.  Along my run, I completely forgot they were even there... well except for the giant light that was in front of me!  The light given off by Knuckle Lights was far superior to any headlamp I've ever seen.  The wide flood beams easily lit up a car lane.  Honestly, it was the most comfortable I've ever felt running in the pure darkness of my rural neighborhoods.  In fact, I think I could get by with using just one next time. Powered by two AAA batteries, each Knuckle Light gives off 45 lumens.

I went with the yellow Knuckle Lights, but they are also available in black, silver, pink or blue.

On top of achieving their basic task of lighting up my run path, they also had a psychological effect too.  I gotta admit, I felt like a dork the first time I strapped a headlamp around my forehead... and I still do.  But Knuckle Lights have a 'bad-ass' kinda feel to them... like you're gonna punch someone.  I like that.

Of course, you can also be a bit goofy with them too...

MY TAKE: Knuckle Lights are a keeper!!

For more information, visit the Knuckle Lights website HERE.

Hook up with them on Facebook and Twitter too!

Run Fast. Run Happy!

Today was one of those mornings when I really wasn't in the mood. I could have slept an extra hour, read blogs and drank my coffee for most of the morning.  Could have.  But I have kids... Instead I dragged myself downstairs, made breakfast and lunches, tied ponytails and got the kids off to school. The thought of going back home to relax in a quiet home was appealing. Haunting even.  Instead, I laced up my shoes and headed out for a run.

Tuesdays are one of my "workout" runs, either an interval or tempo. Today I wasn't feeling either one. It was a beautiful sunny morning, and yet I couldn't find my typical run spirit.  I convinced myself to get out of the car and just. get. moving.  Start the warmup and the rest will come, right?  A two mile warmup turned into 3.6 miles. My mind continued to make excuses and battle with itself.

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Finally, I pushed myself forward into the tempo part of my run. As my legs started to move faster, my mind began to focus on the task at hand. In the next mile, I ran past my Big Girl's school.  The kids were outside on recess (and yes, I was the crazy mom doing the wild-wave trying to get my child's attention. I think every kid saw me but my own.)  Even with that little escapade, I clocked a 9 minute mile.  It felt good.  I bunkered down and tacked on three more tempo miles.  My goal was to get them all under a 9 minute pace.  And I did... 8:50, 8:50, 8:52.

As I jogged another 1.1 miles back to my car, I felt a sense of satisfaction. I had completely turned my day around.  I could have easily skated by with an easy run (or none at all!), but instead I got it done. These little personal victories in training add up on race day... and spell out P.R.
Total: 8.6 miles in 1:22 (9:34 pace)

I posted this quote on Facebook over the weekend...

"Enjoy every mile. There’s not a lot of fun getting from point a to point b as fast as you can.” 

~Jeff Galloway

Most of you agreed with Galloway's quote.  However, I have to respectfully disagree.  I love the feeling of running fast. It makes my blood rush and the endorphins fly. Competitive in nature, I get great personal pride when my times get faster and I knock out an old PR.  Yes, I enjoy an easy run in a pretty setting, but 80% of the time, I'd rather run fast and sweat my butt off - especially in a race situation.

... which ironically brings me to my latest news.  I just registered for the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon on November 10. I really debated this race after reading reviews on runDisney events.  It won't be a PR, possibly even my worst time ever if I take part in all the photos and fun on the run.  I definitely need to approach this "race" a little different than the others.

What do you think?

Run fast = Run happy

Run fast -or- Run happy

25 Mile Weekend

When I trained for my first marathon last summer, I remember it as physically challenging and all-encompassing of my life at the time.  So when I registered for marathon #2 this spring, my husband was supportive, but a little less than thrilled. Dare I say, with 8 weeks to go until the Wisconsin Marathon, this training cycle is progressing superbly!

Yesterday was my first 20-miler of this training (I will do two more 20's before race day).  A group of Sole Sisters met at 8am for our weekly long run. We all run different paces and distances, but it is so nice to be able to start together.  Schedules and weather have been crazy the past few months, and I feel like I haven't been able to see the Sisters as much as I'd like to.  Thus it was a blessing to see so many smiling faces on a sunny Saturday morning.

I planned a big "lollipop" route for my 20 miles - starting in East Peoria, heading out the River Trail of Illinois, making a big loop around Morton and back.  I really like the diversity of this route.  I find the mixture of trail scenery and city neighborhoods break the long run up into three 7mile segments.  The first three miles are a long gradual uphill and then the rest of the miles are pretty flat - with a long decline at the end (which feels fantastic by that point!).

The first 4-5 miles went by so quickly since I was busy catching up with Karyn and Heather. By mile 8, it was down to Patty, Barb and myself.  Each of us are training for a different spring marathon, but make great training partners since we run relatively the same pace.  I can't even express how great it is to have someone to train with for this marathon. Thinking back to last summer, I can't believe I did all those long runs by myself. What was I thinking?

The homestretch - 3 miles to go and looking strong!

20 miles was the longest run ever for both Barb and Patty!

It's really fun to have friends that understand the desire to

 CHUG CHOCOLATE MILK after 20 miles!

20.2 miles in 3:36 (10:41 pace)

The entire run felt really really good on my body.  I went through two water bottles of nuun and two packets of blueberry GU Chomps. I actually had a third GU on me, but didn't feel the need for it. That's how great the run felt!  Several weeks ago, I ran an 18.6 miler along the same route and was also surprised then at how good I felt.  Again, it's hard not to compare to my previous 26.2 training... the 18-20 mile runs were difficult for me and very hard on my body. I am so pleasantly surprised this time around!

Is it because I'm 20 lbs lighter?

Is it because I have training partners?

Is it seasonal - winter/spring training rather than the busy summertime?

Perhaps I'm just a stronger runner than eight months ago?

Whatever it is, I'm very happy (and painfree) training for this marathon! Woop!

The dreaded morning-after came and my legs still felt good.  It was a beautiful Sunday morning, so I headed out for a recovery run. The kids were wound up and a little stir-crazy, so I took them out on their bikes with me.  Little Girl only lasted about a 1/2 mile, but Big Girl rode 3.5 miles with me!  She needed a little help on the hills, but otherwise did great.  I ended up with 5.1 miles at a 10:10 pace.  The recovery run capped off my week with 39 total miles.

 Big Girl and I during our bike/run together

Pictures like this make me sad how BIG she's getting!

How was your runs/race this weekend?

3 Things Thursday: Go!

1.  Sore Ass
I woke up this morning with sore glutes and shoulders. Where did that come from?  I did my normal Wednesday workout - swim and spin in the morning and easy-paced run in the evening.  However, my run did involve wind, inclines and pushing two not-so-little girls in the stroller.  Rob on dailymile called it the Mommy Trifecta.  But still... me, sore from an easy 3 miles?  And then it occurred to me. I gave Kelsey's "Death by Burpees" workout a try over lunch yesterday. Hmm, I wonder... So I just tried a burpee. Yup, that was it!  Wow, just when I thought I was in pretty good shape! Don't know what a burpee is? Watch a demonstration here.  Now do 120 of them... I guarantee a sore booty.

Not only does he support my
running addiction, hubby also
plays along with my fun costumes!

2.  Fall in Love
I just registered for (one of) my fall half marathons... and at the same time, fell so much harder in love with my husband.  He completely shocked me last night by agreeing to run his first half marathon!  I've had my eye on the Air Force Marathon (Dayton, Ohio) for awhile now.  In passing, I mentioned to him, "If you ever run a half-marathon, I think this is the one for you. It would be really special since you've already put in so many years with the Air Force."   With barely a second of thought, he flatly said, "Sign me up."  I nearly fell off my stool.  What?!  This year?  Really?  Are you joking?

My hubby doesn't really even like running.  He runs a 5k once a month - for fun. He has asked me to create a training plan for the the next 190 days.  I am way more excited than him over this!!  In fact, I could hardly sleep last night thinking about it.  This morning I woke up with my sore ass thinking it was all just a dream.  Now reality, we are registered and ready to go before he changes his mind.  And I have this great urge to kiss my hubby non-stop, I'm so elated!  I get so excited when people I love take on a running challenge.

3.  The Bean!
The Jelly Bean virtual race has over 250 runners signed up already!  This week, some great sponsors have come on board including SparkleSkirts, Nuun, Tough Chik, Fitsok, Road ID, GU Energy, KnuckleLights, Bart Yasso, Aquaphor,  iTunes and My Trainer Bob Harper.  So if you haven't signed up yet, you should!  Not only for the chance to win prizes, but also test out your spring speed!  Sign up HERE.  Do it!

Running in the Wind

Every spring, I turmoil with the issue of wind.  I have no problems running in 10 degree cold, but fierce winds will chase me to the treadmill every time.  Spring seems to be coming early this year.  The temps have soared (yesterday into the 70's!) and the winds have picked up.  Living near the airport, my favorite run routes become great big wind tunnels.

This year, I'm accepting the challenge.
No excuses.

I headed out yesterday afternoon for a quick 4 miles before Spinning class. Every flag stood at attention in the 25-30 mph winds.  I tried to make every excuse not to run.  I almost hit the treadmill inside, but it was 70 degrees outside.  How could I run inside?  So I tackled the wind head-on.  It turned into a simply great run!

TIPS ON RUNNING IN THE WIND

• Dress appropriately.  Make sure your gear in optimized to run in wind.  Your apparel should be fairly fitted to prevent it from twisting in the wind. Wide headbands, like BondiBands, keep ears warm in cool winds while also securing flyaway hair away from your face. A good pair of sunglasses help protect your eyes from the wind.  My eyes tend to dry out quickly with contacts, so I wear my Ryders Hex glasses year-round to protect my eyes.

• Make it a fun run. Put expectations of a certain pace aside so you're not disappointed at the end.  If you have a tempo or intervals on the schedule, be flexible and change it up. The wind will be an added challenge in itself... think of it as a bonus strength workout!  Play around with your run - run head first into the wind for a 1/2 mile, then turn around and sprint back with the wind.  Repeat for a good interval workout.

• Plan your route.  Go for an out-and-back route or large loop. Your energy level is highest at the beginning, so run into the wind first. By conquering the toughest part of the run first, you'll be eager for the turnaround.  Yesterday, I felt completely winded when I hit the 2 mile mark.  Once I made the turnaround, my legs just took off on me. The wind was pushing against my back and I couldn't seem to run fast enough.  It was a really fun way to end a run!

• Find barriers.  Windy days are a good time to hit wooded trails.  Dense trees offer a nice barrier to wind gusts.  If you can't get out of town, try older neighborhoods with grown-up trees.  The houses are typically closer together, offering more protection from wind.  Completely out of the box... run on the sidewalk of a busy street on the side with the traffic.  As you run into the wind, the cars coming from your backside will offer a little counter-wind, especially those big semis!

Do you have any other windy tips to add?

If you had to pick, would you rather have FIERCE WIND or HILLS?

• • •

Don't forget to sign up for The Jelly Bean virtual race.

"Running takes Heart and Sole" shirts and tanks available here.

Run-tastic Weekend!

This past weekend was one of the best I've had in a long time.  Saturday kicked off with a 15 mile run. It was a tough run but I pushed through and in the end, I never ever regret a run.  After an awesome final weigh-in, I had lunch at my favorite restaurant with my little girls.  We even scored the table right next to the fireplace.  The rest of the day was relaxing and catching up on much needed housework.

On Sunday, my husband went before the Illinois Air National Guard promotion board... and received his next stripe... Senior Master Sergeant!  I can't tell you how proud I am. He's a hard worker and after 20 years of military service, he has earned it.  To celebrate, I wanted to make him a nice dinner.  Meatloaf is one of his favorites, so I decided to make a "healthy" version.  I was incredibly happy with the taste.  In fact, the whole family gobbled it up!

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HEALTHY TURKEY MEATLOAF

Jennie-O Lean Ground Turkey 20oz. pkg

1 T. Ground flaxseed mixed with 2 T. water (allow to soak for 5 min.)

1 c. crushed/rolled reduced fat wheat thin crackers

(you could also use bread crumbs or crackers)

1/2 c. finely chopped onion

1 large egg

1 T. Horseradish

1 t. dried mustard powder

1 t. Italian seasoning (or just oregano)

1/3 c. ketchup

olive oil spray

Spray a loaf pan with olive oil. Mix the rest of the ingredients in bowl thoroughly.  Shape into a loaf and place into your pan.  Bake at 375 degrees for an 1 hour 15 minutes.

Makes 8 servings.  Only 180 calories per serving!

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Once I got the meatloaf in the oven, I snipped fresh green beans and sliced up some mushrooms.  Toss them up with olive oil and garlic pepper.  Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 35 minutes. (I roasted the green beans right below the meatloaf at the same temp).  Absolutely delicious side dish!

In true multi-tasking fashion, I sprinted out the door when the green beans went in the oven.  As soon as I got running, a slow but heavy snowfall began.  We haven't had much snow this winter, so it was a welcome surprise! 

What is this thing called snow?

The quick 2+ mile run allowed me to have one of these for dessert...

Hmmmm, homemade TURTLE Cupcakes!

To top off the weekend, I was given the 'green light' to plan our family Disney trip... which just so happens to be the weekend of the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon.  Coincidence?  I think not.  wink. wink.  Got any helpful advice for planning a Disney trip?

• • •

So I've noticed that the Wordpress blogs I follow have now fallen off my Blogger Dashboard which I used to read my favorite blogs.  Ugh.  What are you using as your blog reader now that Google Friend Connect cut out non-Blogger blogs? 

• • •

Don't forget to register for the 2nd annual Jelly Bean virtual race {here} 

and grab one of the Heart & Sole shirts!

Order a shirt HERE

The Final Weigh-In

Today was the conclusion of my health club's 55 Day Weight Loss Challenge.  I joined the contest with a team with four other Sole Sisters in early January. Over the past two months, we struggled together. We celebrated together.  In the end, it was a fabulous team effort!  We lost a total of 100.2 pounds or 11.3% of our body weight.  I'm so proud of all of them!  Weight loss is not easy, but we pushed each other along nearly every single day.  I'm so grateful to my Sassy Slimming Sole Sisters (Kelli, Renee, Laura and Michelle) for helping me push past my comfort level...

I lost -24.9 pounds!

13.7% body weight

How?  It's the most frequent question people ask me through this journey.  The answer is two-fold and quite simple...  Hard Work and Dedication.  (Thanks Dolvett!)

#1 - HARD WORK 

in the gym, around the track, in the pool, on the bike...

You need to burn more calories than you consume.  And by burn, I mean sweat your ass off... not a casual jog around the park.  Several times a week, I put in two-a-days (workout in the morning and again at night) to cash in on the magical "afterburn".  The longer and harder you workout, the greater the post-exercise metabolism increase and the longer it lasts. During the final week of the weight loss challenge, I did two-a-days every. single. day.  Exhausted, but I eliminated nearly 5 lbs over a 5 day period (making up for that week-long vacation!).

To give you an idea of my workload over the Weight Loss Challenge, I kept track of my key activities.  Here's what it takes for me to lose 25 pounds in 55 days... 

Ran 250 miles

Biked 235 miles

11 Spinning classes

Swam 18,500 yds or 10.5 miles

7 Yoga sessions 

4 Elliptical sessions

Numerous circuit workouts

#2 - DEDICATION

to a healthy change in my food choices.

The biggest part of my success the last two months has been a change in my food selection. I'm a firm believer that for weight loss to last, it must be a realistic change.  I can't expect to eat separate meals from my family.  We are an old fashioned family that sits down around a table, says our prayers and eats together... every night.  So the food aspect was a big challenge for me.  No fad diets here. I'm in it for the long haul.

I focused our meals around lean protein and an assortment of fresh vegetables. I minimized carbs and switched to whole grain whenever possible. I completely cut out salt and soda. I have a sweet tooth and every afternoon, it ached. Sometimes I fulfilled it with fruit, and other times, I gave in to chocolate. The most important lesson I learned was balance and moderation. One aspect I had to balance was the checkbook.  Undeniably, eating fresh and healthy IS more expensive when you're feeding a family of four. In the long run, it's a great investment, but still a challenge of current money and time to keep fresh foods in the house.

This latest weight loss success has made me slightly nostalgic. I started my weight loss journey in the fall of 2008 when I topped the scales at (gulp)... 230 lbs.  Seriously, right?  I was miserably obese with a depression that transferred to every area of my life. At the peak of my life with two baby girls, I was falling apart at the seams.  My heart breaks when I think of the hell I put my husband and mother through. They truly are my life vests. 

I started walking, then wogging and finally running.  I quit smoking and cut down the alcohol.  It began a gradual weight loss that changed more than just the number of the scale.  Running changed my life.  I fell in love with the run and how it made me feel.  It was contagious, a healthy addiction for once. It made me a better person, a better mom, wife, daughter and friend.  This is why I write about running - it is a passion, a love, that I believe has the potential to change everyone's lives.

Then & Now...

My journey continues... Keep on Running!

xoxo

Three Things Thursday

TRAIN HAPPY or GO HOME!

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1.  Stop by my Race All 50 page... I need your input on the best races to run across the great 50 States! My fall race calendar is still wide open... Where 'o where should I go?

2. Mark your calendars!  The Jelly Bean virtual race is back for it's second running.  This race was such a giant success last year and I'm so excited to do it again.  More events + more prizes = More Fun!  More details to come, but early registration is now open!
Sign up here.

3.  The Dirty Girl winner went unclaimed.  Boo-Hoo... But that means a new opportunity for someone else!!  Rafflecopter drew a new winner this morning and the lucky lady is...

Jenna Nappo!!

Email me at runwithjess@comcast.net to claim your free race registration!

Didn't win?  Still time to register for the Dirty Girl near you...

WIAW: Smoothies!

I haven't done a WIAW (What I Ate Wednesday) in awhile.  I had planned to take all kinds of pictures of our glorious food on vacation... and then I just wasn't feeling it.  Perhaps a bit guilty over the choices I made?  I gained 6 lbs over my Myrtle Beach vacation, but this last week I've managed to shed it all off once again.  Was it worth it?  Heck yeah!  I fueled my body for the race of a lifetime AND I had a wonderful vacation to reconnect with my husband (over beer and ice cream!).  There is nothing wrong with jumping off the bandwagon every now and again... as long as you get back on... quickly.

So this week it has been challenging to find my "food zone" once again. I've fallen to temptation several times, but I'm never afraid to work the calories back off... literally as soon as I consume them!

I start my day with coffee. always. no exception...

This week I've been bad about breakfast and grabbed a breakfast bar or banana on the way out the door to the gym.  For lunch, I've been serving up some pretty tasty smoothies for a protein pump after the gym.  Check out my newest creations...

2 large handfuls of spinach + 1/2 c. almond milk + 1/2 frozen banana + 1 t. honey

 + 1 T. ground flaxseed meal + 2 heaping spoonfuls of light vanilla yogurt 

 + 1 small apple + good handful of ice cubes

Throw it all in the blender. Top with light whipped cream. Makes one serving.

300 calories  |  8g protein  |  26g calcium  |  10g fiber

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3/4 c. almond milk + 3/4 c. orange juice + 1 frozen banana + 1-2 peeled oranges

 + 2 T. ground flaxseed meal + 1 t. vanilla + 1 scoop vanilla protein powder

 + 1/2 t. orange extract + sprinkle of cinnamon + good handful of ice cubes

Throw it all in the blender. Top with light whipped cream. Makes two servings.

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Want more Smoothie Recipes? Check out these from the past...

Pumpkin Smoothie

Peanut Butter Smoothie

Chocolate Banana Smoothie

For dinner, I whipped up these super yummy Mozzarella & Roasted Garlic Chicken Sausages

 (only 120 calories) with some broccoli and red peppers...

 And since we're lovin' veggies this month, I mixed some cucumbers, onions and tomatoes

 with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of ranch for a nice side salad. Delicious and fresh.

Remember that weight loss challenge at my gym?  The final weigh-in is this Saturday. Wish me luck!  My personal goal was to lose 25 lbs during the 55 Day Challenge.  I may be a couple pounds shy, but I'm almost there!