When I started working at lululemon in August 2008, I decided to challenge myself by setting the goal to cycle a century ride (100 miles) in 2009. Thankfully, my fellow Carlsbad Forum store key leader Rachelle Morton was interested in training with me. A two-time Ironwoman, Rachelle had never ridden a century ride outside of an IM race, and set a goal to compete in a race a month in 2009.

So, we committed and signed up for the Lighthouse Century Ride flat 100 on September 26, 2009 in San Luis Obispo County, California. We knew the views from the Lighthouse Century Ride would be gorgeous.

View of San Simeon from the saddle

First thing first - I sold my hybrid bike and purchased a road bike that could withstand thousands of miles of training on flat roads and rolling and steep hills alike, and of course, make me fast!

I knew the second I got in the saddle cycling would become my passion. This bike has gotten me through a successful triathalon and a century ride this year - not to mention thousands of miles of training.

Rachelle became the "big sister I never had" and walked me through all things advanced cycling, from equipment, training, and cross-training, to recovery, hydration, and nutrition - you name it, she taught me! I became someone to help keep her honest in training, push her up the long climbs, and the one to introduce her to the best recovery drink - coconut water.

Her husband Todd, to whom I also owe much thanks, became my mechanic, another advanced rider to provide me equipment and cycling 201, chauffeur, and wine-tasting buddy as a reward after the race.

And now, for the ride:

There were four rides going off at the same time, and we accidently hopped on the metric century (62 mile) route. Very thankfully - due to my trusty math and route slip comparing skills - we realized we were only 10 miles behind, and our intended route met up with the metric route at the first rest stop. It was here we discovered our favorite riding fuel is Nutella and chunky peanut butter on anything! We loaded up, as we knew we had to add on 5 miles past the rest stop, to bring us back up to 100 miles.

We were SO thankful for coffee at the mile 55 turnaround rest stop. We'd been facing headwinds for 20 miles that stalled us to 7mph at one point, and I'm convinced our core body temperature must have dropped a degree or two. Lesson learned - buy arm and leg sleeves!

Elephant seals at mile 59.

At mile 82, Rachelle was dropping me on the hills (I usually can take most guys on a climb) so she feared I was on my way to "bonking." It was then she yelled, "Take your Espresso Love GU NOW!"

I abided, and after the final rest stop for our final 10 miles, we were passing nearly every rider in our foreground.

My Garmin proves to the world we rode 100.1 miles in 6 hours 16 minutes. While we weren't doing the century for time, we rode our fastest pace for a long ride yet.

We did it!

For more pictures from our ride, check out my Flickr photo set.

The following day, Rachelle and I wore our 2008 lululemon holiday goal shirts to work. It was awesome to share with guests our achievement and inspire them to set goals that "tickle their tummy," as our store manager Laura Murphy puts it.

Rachelle, Todd and I had such an awesome experience, we're all doing the Solvang Prelude on November 7th.

Now it's time to create a 2010 health goal; thinking about running a marathon or racing a 70.3 (half Ironman).

What are your health goals?

Stop the mania. The this-is-not-the-right-head-band-for-me mania!

Do you have slick hair? An odd-shaped head? Bangs? A mild case of generalized anxiety disorder and an empty pocketbook from testing every kind of headband out there, only to be left with a general feeling of malaise from constant slippage?

Look no further than the Slipless Headband, made exclusively for use by the aforementioned yogis and athletes.

The slipless grip will keep your headband on your head - where it's meant to be! It's been tested on runners, yogis, cyclists, power-walkers, Pilates pros, stroller-striders, dancers and fashion-forward hair models.

Alright, let's take this headband for a spin!

Pre-workout. Sure, the headband stays in place when Lauren's not doing anything...

Mid-workout. Ain't slippin' yet! Starting to get impressed.

Bangs not in face. Check. Hip opening pigeon pose releasing tension previously built from anxiety around bangs in face before Slipless Headband use. Check.

Post workout. The headband stays and proves its moniker is accurate!
Editor's note - Slipless Headband does not prevent fly-aways or keep make-up from sweating off.

Want one? Drop in to your local lululemon store or check it out here:
http://shop.lululemon.com/Slipless_Headband/pd/np/600/p/1215.html

It wasn't me that I expected to change and inspire when we created "Love Your Body" month at the Carlsbad Forum store.

We created a recent store window display to educate on body dysmorphic disorder, running rampant in fit rooms across America, especially in our community.

Jacquie and Kenna created a story showing a fit woman looking in the mirror, which to passers-by is a standard mirror. To her, the reflection back is similar to that from a funhouse mirror. As she comments how much she hates her muffin top, a woman behind her says she wishes she looked like that, and two men trailing behind exclaim their interest in getting to know her better. This scenario is all-too-common.

To correspond with our window, we rolled out a challenge to said guests and educators in the fit rooms. We all hold each other accountable for not complaining about how we look. If anyone is "caught" we enroll them in dropping and doing 10 exercises corresponding with the area of complaint.

We are doing this to bring awareness to unnecessary complaining and inspiring taking a second thought first, not so much to fix the alleged problem zones.

I've found my abs stronger and chest more sore than ever these past few weeks. Why? Because I am complaining!

Who do I see in the mirror? I don't see what others see. I've become (alarmingly) aware of this and make every effort now to not make disparaging remarks about myself.

So what am I doing about this? I talk to trusted family and friends for support. During my yoga practice I "let go" of concern for what I may see in the mirror. I focus past my reflection, and look into myself. When I run, I focus on elongating my spine and legs, not for vanity – to feel long.

No complaints will come from my direction any longer. And if they do, my fellow educators – and guests – now have permission to hold me accountable to this.

If you or someone you know may be suffering from a body image or eating disorder, please visit here for help and resources.

Above, Lori Moretti from Yatra Yoga takes our running gear for a spin. 

Conquer your head games

You've wanted to do a race and excuses are top of mind to rationalize your way out. I've heard: I'm not in shape, I am not competitive, and I don't have money.

Together, we're going conquer the head games, because this is the year you will race. I'm here to give you the inspiration, how-tos and tips to get ready for your first, fifteenth or five-hundredth race.

Find the race for you

Online magazines such as Active.com, Runner's World, Bicycling, and Triathlete are hubs for event listings and training tips.

Check the community board or website at your local lululemon store for training groups and buddies, tips, and run clubs.

Add athletes' blogs to your blog reader and check out their upcoming race schedule (see our blogroll on the right side of this page for a list of athletes' blogs).

If you’re still not sure what you want to do (a 5K vs. a half marathon or a sprint triathlon vs. an international/Olympic distance) go watch one! Not only will you be inspired, you have a chance to network, sign up for upcoming races and talk through your questions with professionals and athletes.

I cheered on local athletes and our ambassador Rachel Challis at the Oceanside Ironman 70.3 with fellow blogger Kirsten and our ambassador Beth Gerdes and realized that if I want, and start training, I can do this race next year!

There are a variety of opps to volunteer at races and race EXPOS as well, both will connect you to people also interested in the sport.

Create a goal

Perhaps your goal is a PR (personal record). Maybe it's to meet new friends in a new town. Just finishing an event is an incredible fete. Some other ideas:

• start small: a 2 mile walk is amazing. We aren't all Ironman triathletes, and that is okay
• align yourself with a charity and create a fundraising goal (Will your company sponsor you? Can you fundraise your way to the registration fee - plus some - through your contacts, friends and family?
• join a relay and make a mini time goal for your leg
• think big: as long as you train, rest, eat and condition your body and mind properly, you can be an Ironman!

Just sign up

No more excuses.

What race did you sign up for? I've started training for the Lighthouse Century Ride in San Luis Obispo County, California.

I'm off to try on the new lululemon bathing suits just delivered to the store!

When I started wearing lululemon clothes, I thought of them as mostly running and yoga apparel. Since beginning working here last year - low and behold - I have discovered some gems for cycling wear.

The run line is an ideal match for spinners and cyclers. The moisture-wicking, flat-seemed garments often include either Silverescent (anti-stink/anti-static) or quick dry and zip or back pockets.

I put our clothes to the test.

The Carlsbad store hosted a private yoga and shopping event with the San Diego Velo Bellas cycling group.

I rode with them before yoga and showed off the Run: Activa Vest and Flow Y Bra, explaining that I was testing the garments for cycling efficiency. While not wind resistant, the back zipper pocket fits my camera and cell phone, and the back pocket of the Spin Babe shorts fits chapstick and my lens cloth. I could have fit Gu, gum and my car key if I wanted to, but it fit in my bike's seat bag.

Jackie, my riding buddy, exclaimed that of course the vest worked - she didn't realize it wasn't a "real" cycling vest.

After the ride, we hosted yoga for the Bellas and invited them to a private shopping event in exchange for design feedback.

After a few months of testing our products in various saddles, here are the winners (please note, not all are currently available in stores):

- Spin Babe Short - have worn spinning and cycling. Lightly padded in the bum.
- Tri Babe Short - see above, plus more moisture wicking
- Run: Sprint Singlet - wore this in a triathlon
- Run: Activa Vest - wore this on a 2 hr ride
- Run: Power Crop - spin class
- Persist Jacket - to/fro bike rides and races
- Hot Yoga Bra - triathlon
- Flow Y Bra - spinning and cycling
- Brisk Run Arm Warmers - made for cold-weather running - and ideal as cycling sleeves.

That being said, lululemon is not best in the world at making cycling gear - yet. The more feedback you give us via our blog, Facebook, twitter, online, and at the store level, the more the designers will hear it and implement changes.

What else have you worn spinning or cycling and loved?

Okay, guys. We get it. More than two options between shorts and you're ready to ditch the drama.

Here's a break-down of the RUN:Response Short, Reflex Short and Interval Short into standards you can handle with need-to-know fit and function features. Pop into your local lululemon to try them on yourself.

Check out our selection of online RUN:Response Shorts and jump in a fit room at your local store to find a selection of the Reflex and Interval Shorts.

Similarities:
- Moisture-wicking/ quick-dry fabric (goodbye sweat stains)
- Zippered key pockets
- Built-in liners
- Reflective logo - safety alert for road-runners!
- Inner drawstring
- Flat-seams = no chafing

Differences:
- Interval Short's liner is a brief, whereas the Response Short and the Reflex Short's are boxer-brief meets compression short
- Reflex and Interval Shorts have rear/waistband zippered pockets; the Response Short's is on the side
- Those who like to show off their quads will be comfortable in the Interval Short. For those who require a little length - try on the Response and Reflex Shorts
- Hang up your dirty Response Shorts with the rear waistband hang tab.

And now for some pictures ...

RUN:Response Short

Above: Rear view shows off the venting along the low back and bum on the Response Short.

Above: Long length (and a barely there mesh compression short) make the RUN:Response Short the best technical men's short seller.

Reflex Short

Above: The side of this Reflex Short has a reflective design.

Above: Pockets, pockets, pockets make the Reflex Short an option for the gym or the trails.

Interval Short

Above: How many keys can you fit in the rear zippered pocket of the Interval Short?

Above: A brief-liner makes the Interval Short a grab-n-go staple garment.

View all of our mens shorts

You asked for it, and here it is a side-by-side comparison of our run shorts.

No matter which shorts you choose, each of the Run:Speed Short, Groovy Run Short and Run:Punya Short are set up with the following features:

• Flat seaming for a chafeless run
• Inner liner for a line-free bum
• Zippered pocket so you stride hands free
• Quick dry shell so your sweat wicks and doesn't look like you…had an accident

The Differences:

The Run:Speed Short is one of our top selling run shorts because of its technical functions and universal fit. The venting along the lower back/bum seams keeps you cooled off, and the curved hem along the thigh shows off the biggest muscle in your body. It's a favorite of many of our Carlsbad triathlete ambassadors.

If you're a little more humble about your gams – there are options, still! A few educators and guests have been going a size up in the shorts, since there is an inner drawstring (which won't get lost in the wash!). Just pull that sucker tight and blaze the trails! A higher rise and a mid-thigh length make the Groovy Run Short ideal for those craving a few extra inches top and bottom. Since the inseam is longer, those who are concerned about the shorts "riding up" can quell their fears.

If coverage in the waist-zone is what you're after, the extra fabric in the mid-section of the Run:Punya Short will do wonders (it's moisture wicking, too). The left leg houses the zippered pocket on this short, so the contents won't get in your way during an ab-workout or car ride. The bottom hem is cut straight across on this four-way stretch short, which is again ideal for those more modest about showing off all of their legs.

Now lace up your runners and get your own, by checking out your local lululemon store or our online store.

Run:Speed Short

Meredith from the Carlsbad store wears the Run:Speed Short.

Why We Made This:

• Ultra light short for running, tri & gym
• Wicking & quick dry shell fabric with 4-way stretch
• Open venting for added breathability
• Coolmax liner with mesh for airflow
• Secure pocket for $/keys & sport snacks
• Soft wicking waistband with drawstring & elastic for support
• Chafe resistant - flat seamed

**Shell fabric made from recycled polyester!!

Colours: Snorkel Blue, Black/Neon Purple, Black/Alfalfa, Coal/Electric Orange, White/Silver Dream/Stripe/Fatbird, Turf/Caribe , Black/Frisby Sunset Floral, Bon Bon, Black or Coal

Groovy Run Short

The Groovy Run Short covers all bums.

With a longer inseam and higher rise than the Run:Speed Short, the Groovy Run Short is a tad longer than the Run:Punya Short.

Why We Made This:

• Ultra light mid-length run short
• Wicking shell fabric with 4 way stretch
• Soft coolmax liner for increased air flow
• Overlapped hem for maximum range of motion during running
• Secure pocket for $/keys & sport snacks
• Chafe resistant - flat seamed

Colours: Black /Royale Manifesto Swirl, Deep Navy / White/ Deep Navy Dream Stripe, Greys Checkmate, Black or Black/ Caribe/ Aruba,  Black/ Kiss/ Multi Up or Down or Black/ Aruba/ Fatbird Dot,  Crystal Pink Fatbird Floral/ Bon or Coal/ Bon Bon/ Paradise

Run:Punya Short

The rise of the Run:Punya is high like the Groovy Run. It's in-between short and mid-length, and cut straight across the thigh.

Ooh! A side zipper pocket for your keys or GU!

Why We Made This:

• 7 minute mile?? -- no problem!!!
• Wicking & quick dry shell fabric with 4-way stretch
• Coolmax liner with mesh for airflow
• Secure pocket for $/keys & sport snacks
• Soft wicking waistband with drawstring & elastic for support
• Chafe resistant - flat seamed

Colours: Grey Checkmate,  Black or Deep Navy,  Aruba, Kiss/Multi Up and Down

I'm a runner, not a yogi, so I never thought I would feel a void for my yoga practice. I brought yoga into my life when I started training for my first triathlon in 2007, and it became a vital addition to my exercise regime when I was training for my first half marathon later that year.

Since then, I have practiced once every other week to four times a week. Running, cycling and strength training have always taken precedence.

Now, I miss yoga.

Yoga represents to me an inner centered energy, peace, calm...until pigeon pose. Yoga is recovery at that point. Since it's said we hold emotion in certain parts of our body, I wonder what I am holding in my hips. I subconsciously - or consciously - have a hard time letting go there. Certainly the runner in me craves the hip opener pigeon offers after a long run that tightens up the hip flexors.

I'm competitive by nature and am thankful one of the first pieces of advice my instructor gave me was to not worry about what/how my fellow students were doing. And to never compete with myself or push my body further than it is willing to go.

Since I pushed through triathlon training at the start of this season, both to be prepared for Encinitas and to win the Carlsbad store's Triathlon/Yoga Bingo Challenge (I tied for first place and won a new pair of Reverse Groove Shorts to wear to hot yoga) I am feeling minor burn-out, and am craving the steady flow and grounding yoga offers me.

I want to let go. Power Yoga 1 by Candlelight at Sculpt Fusion Yoga tonight at 7:30 couldn't come sooner. My hips are tight.

You're committed! You love the idea of completing the race! It's going to be fun! Now when do you fit in the training?

We're all busy, so first, let's drop that line from the excuse pool.

Training for a race - no matter your goals - takes some rearranging, flexibility mixed with stringent scheduling, and a lil' bit of sleep sacrifice.

Below are four general activity groups and tips to get the workouts in without rearranging your life:

• Parent
• Worker Bee
• Social Butterfly
• Already Active Athlete

Parents

• Join a training group or gym that offers childcare. It's a guiltless way to get in strong training time, assured that your children are well cared for during your time on the road or in the pool.
• Work out while your children are at school, a function or sports. Nothing like a track workout during that soccer game.
• Wake up before the kids. These are the stolen hours. Use them!

Worker Bees

• Balance: Take your lunch break to get in a quick run, stretch/strength session or 60 min. yoga class. And leave on time! The more productive you are at work, the more "okay" it is to leave on time. Use those hours to get training in. Maybe it's a sunset run - so much better than missing it while holed up behind the proverbial computer screen.
• Wake up earlier. Yeah, you may have to trade your reading the morning paper ritual for an NPR podcast on the road.
• Schedule it in. You're going to make that meeting, the call in to the conference call and the deadline. Put your training in your calendar and you'll be accountable to yourself to follow through. This tip goes for everyone.
• Get to know the city. This is a special one for those who travel. If you're too jam-packed during daylight to get in a run or ride around town, get to know the hotel gym.

Social Butterflies

• Train with friends. You still get the gab time in without the effects of the cocktail (or reward yourself with one at the end of the training session).
• Join a run group or tri club. Expand your social circle while sweating it out.

Already Active Athletes

• Replace workouts. You're a soccer player on two teams? Let one of the teams know that the alternate is off the bench, because you're hitting the deck that day. Yogi? You may be replacing three of your four weekly practices with swim/bike/runs.
• Add on. You're already in great shape. Your endurance - the foundation - is strong. Don't give up your fave workout. Just add an additional one in.

I'd love to hear other ways you fit your workouts in, particularly when training for races!

Seven of the lululemon Carlsbad Forum crew (including Kirsten, who we consider part of our store) completed our first triathlon of the season – and did amazingly well!

Meredith, Cristina and Sherry came in second in the relay, Rachelle is 5 of 12 races (1 per month) through her fitness goal for 2009, Kirsten is a third of the way there (her goal is complete 3 tris this summer), Laura swam her first open water 1 mile race (in less than 30 min) and I got 10th in my age group, making my goal time. Our Ambassador Rachel Challis was the second overall female.

We all sported the new Run:Sprint Singlet in Frisbee Blue - easy to spot one another and easy to show off our newest run top to competitors and spectators. It felt like a bathing suit top - soft, moisture-wicking, and sucked me in, in the right ways.

It was rewarding to train hard and compete hard. I loved finishing in an early heat to cheer for the rest of the team, guests and people I'd never met.

We now have one race under our belts and goal times to beat. I, for one, will be working on my transition time! I'll definitely be working out with Rachel's group Training Transition throughout the next several months.

So, you've signed up for a race. You're stoked, you're gradually starting to train and realize that you need a few extra pieces of gear to properly - and safely - outfit yourself.

Here are some suggestions for you from a budget-minded perspective:

Find a friend

Friends who've been training for races, that is. I cannot stress enough the value of pals, family and teammates already in the know. So many are willing to share their knowledge and help newbies find their way.

Some may even let you borrow and product test their gear before you buy (due to following this step, my new name is "Can I Borrow Your Bike" Clapperton). People in the know - especially coaches, will send you information on the hook-ups to pre- and post- season gear sales.

Clothes

It'll be hard to steer you away from lululemon products for your run, cross-training and swimming. Yes! Select lululemon stores have women's sport bathing suits right now (check out the image of Georgia in our Fastlane Suit) We even have some amazing cycling-appropriate pieces: TriBabe Short and Activa Vest, anyone?

Shoes

Your local running-specific shoe store is your safest bet. Many have sales on once-worn shoes. The most important thing is that they'll evaluate your gait and stride, ensuring the ideal fit for your foot, which is worth the price.

Just remember to replace those suckers every 300-500 miles (3 months to a year, depending on your activity level). If you're still relying on your Nike Air Jordan high-tops, hate to break it to you, it's time for some new kicks.

Bikes

- Cycling shops - check out the low mileage rentals turned sale bikes and last season's close outs. Like the shoe shops, these guys will fit you properly.
- Local Tri Club postings
- Craigslist (but be careful - I almost accidentally bought a stolen one this weekend). Have a cycling enthusiast check out the post or come with you to the test ride. If the seller won't let you take it for a few days, or at least a legitimate test ride, don't trust 'em!
- Helmet is a must!

Gear

- At a race expo, usually held one-two days prior to the event. Deals galore can be had here, just make sure to come with a list of what you NEED, and enjoy the new bar samples along the way!
- At a race - similar to the expo, on a smaller scale, and usually guaranteed to be sport-appropriate
- Xterra frequently has sales on wetsuits
- Again, go with your "real" tri friends to special pre- and post- season sales

Used = good

Don't be ashamed to start used with wetsuits and bikes. Don't buy new and pricey, especially if this is your first race and you aren't sure you love the sport yet (but you will!). Find the money:

- Sell your old beach cruiser
- Give up frozen yogurt for a month (ah- that is hard one)
- Pick up an extra shift/account/client with motivation to fill the wallet for your gear
- Take change from others' couch cushions

Next up - We're all busy; No one is too busy to train. How to fit in workouts in around work, family, and sleep!

I'm incredibly competitive so when our educator Rachelle came up with a staff fitness challenge for May - Tri/Yoga Bingo - I was so pumped that I started training for it that day (technically, I am also training for my first sprint triathlon of the season, but I digress).

The challenge consists of 25 bingo squares with workouts that correspond to triathlon training (swim/bike/run), our in-store fitness events and yoga. Whoever blacks out the card first wins a pair of shorts.

The intentions of this challenge are:
- support local triathletes /triathlons
- do one thing a day that scares us
- brand wearing the newest lululemon swim and run gear

The Carlsbad store is a competitive bunch. We're all pushing 2 - 3 workouts a day to stay ahead of one another. This is risky business and requires quite a bit of planning when you work two jobs, don't live in the city you work in AND need to have a few days off to compete in a triathlon.

Our store manager, Laura - who is in the lead ahead of Rachelle and me, by the way - is working through an Achilles strain. Sherry is busting through with a wrist injury. It's mayhem - and camaraderie. Three of the squares are "with a lulu," meaning we have to go together.

One of the components of the challenge that drums up the most visual intrigue is the layout of the Bingo cards themselves. We put up two pages on our Community Board to show the cards, and educate guests on what is going on in our fitness world.

I’m having a blast testing out the Fastlane Suit for lap swimming and my new bike. Plus, I can eat more froyo and feel good about it!

Fitness/health challenges are awesome no matter where you work, live or play. My friend Jamie is planning to issue a Bike To Work Day challenge to her company. Catherine, the La Jolla store manager, found lululemon through the San Diego showroom's 40 day yoga challenge last year.

And I am going to win a new pair of Run: Punya Shorts by winning our challenge!

How are you going to inspire the fitness bug in your co-workers?

Above: Lauren mixing business with pleasure behind the cash desk. Lauren is a Key Leader, focusing on community, at our Carlsbad Forum store in San Diego. Read about a day in her life below:

5 AM - "I wake up, prep my breakfast, lunch and dinner for the day, and pack a few outfits for the day ahead. No need to share a picture of me at the point in the day!"

6 AM - "Probably not safe to take a picture of myself driving. GOAL - bike to work (it's 21 miles one way) by the end of the summer."

7 AM - "I start training clients in the super slow strength training method at 7; every 1/2 hr. I keep the day different and fun by focusing on my clients' mini goals and successes."

8 AM - "Healthy, filling, POWER."

12noon  - "If it weren't for yoga, my upper body would be weak! I love the stretch at the top of the pull down. Since adding strength training to my training regimine, I've shaved 3 mins. off both my 1/2 marathon and 10K times!"

1 PM - "I believe Encinitas, CA is per square mile, the most densely yoga studio city in the world. We have the pleasure of at least 10 studios on the 101 alone. I get in one yoga practice a week to help with flexibility, calmness and added strength."

1:30 PM - "Set up my first studio account with Still Point Body Lounge in Encinitas. $30 for two weeks unlimited classes right now! I rolled out a staff yoga challenge this week - whoever takes the most yoga classes in April wins a pair of lululemon bottoms!"

2:30 PM-  "lululemon is just downstairs from SuperSlow Zone in the Carlsbad Forum! Ain't it pretty? "

7 PM - "The pant wall is not overwhelming once you get a few tips! As a Key Leader, I get to be in on the fun of educating about our rad, technical and comfy products, and also develop my team within my fave. realm of our company - community, including social media."

9 PM -  Surprised I could bust that out. I think I was thrilled with my new Punya Shorts and Run:Swiftly Tech. Anna and I just finished counting the tills and mopping the store before Pilates the next morning.

10 PM - This is where I'd take a picture of me lovin' on some frozen yogurt covered in chocolate chips. I'm too consumed in the goodness to do that. Def. my reward after a long day!