Abigail M. Schilling

I've been shirking some of my internet responsibilities. As the #2 Google result for "Chipotle Challenge" I should be constantly reporting on the Chipotle happenings in and around My Life.

On November 8, 2005 Heather and I declared an official CHIPOTLE CHALLENGE. The challenge? Finish an entire Chipotle burrito in one sitting. No races, no single winners. Just you vs. the burrito.

In early 2006 I fashioned a logo that quickly took the internet by storm and anchored my standings in Google Image Search results for years to come.

Then, one fateful day, after proving my skillz round the world, I realized that the key to my success was not the famed seventh inning stretch. I was a champ for one simple reason: I don't like beans. That's right, when I order my Chipotle chicken burrito I ask them to hold the beans. The Challenge lost all meaning to me. I was no fair competitor. I had been cheating all along at my own game.

And so I stopped documenting burrito progress. I stopped blogging about Chipotle.

Meanwhile, Google continued to beat down my door and I continued to frequent my favorite burrito establishment. And Chipotle restaurants were popping up everywhere. Slowly, more sites on the world wide web were dedicated to Chipotle and I started to learn about other challenges.

Surfer El has registered ChipotleChallenge.com. His challenge? Three burritos, 45 minutes. He "accomplished the task in the less than 40." His latest success? Four burritos in 65 minutes.

Most recently, Chipotle lover Greg explained several types of challenges. How many burritos in one sitting, how many burritos in one year, how quickly, tactics, strategy, etc. etc.

I've toyed with participating in these challenges. Why? Because I've actually built up a Chipotle endurance. In November 2005 I believed it was a struggle to finish a beanless Chipotle burrito. In 2007 I can do it effortlessly. So, I've got some ideas on a back burner and no longer challenge my bean-loving friends.

But Naomi approached me the other day and asked for the challenge. I told her it wasn't fair; I don't like beans. And she decided to forego beans in order to make it a fair challenge.

Until I decide to eat three burritos in 45 minutes...

NAOMI

FINISHED!!