Colorado Springs’ local legend, Mark Rantal, recently embarked on a delicious journey which took him to national news – eating Chipotle for 109 days straight… and counting.

His meal of choice was a Sofritas Bowl with chips and salsa – every day, without fail.  His mission, however, was nothing short of heroic, selfless even.  Mark, according to ABC news, didn’t do it for the fame or the media, but rather for the love of Chipotle Mexican Grill.

“For me, food is one of those things as fuel instead of celebration,” Mark commented to ABC reporter Stephanie Tunder. “I’ve just never really gotten so into it before,” he said. “It became so convenient.  You know where you’re going, you know the friendly faces of the staff, you know you enjoy the meal and you know you’re going to get the calories.”

Rantal’s Chipotle of choice was the Tejon location, where the staff became like family to him and even threw in a free meal every so often.  He also admits he gained around 14 pounds by day 100, but that didn’t stop him .  This shows dedication, and people caught on.  In interviews, there are even fans waiting to get pictures with the “Chipotle Guy.”

Similarly, his drive to enjoy a food he loves inspired an audience to an even larger scale this July, earning him national attention for his efforts.  His story was covered on the New York Post, multiple food blogs, and ABC news, among others.  

All of this acclaim, however, started from Rantal buying Chipotle for a few days in a row by pure accident.  According to the Denver Post, he never even had a goal – the streak just happened and he stuck with it.  “I’m sure I’ll find days when I want something else,” he commented, going on the say that, “ if on that day my desire to keep the streak going is stronger than my desire for something else, then the streak gets to live on.”

As easy as he makes it sound, not just anyone could eat the same food for over one hundred days straight.  His accomplishment demonstrates a certain level of dedication which goes to show how success doesn’t necessarily have limits.

The attention Rantal has received says a great deal about what kinds of stories social media will celebrate and obsess over.  Although his accomplishment may seem to be pointless, it’s also worth celebrating… because why not.

If you happen to see Mark around, and most likely at our downtown Chipotle, shake his hand and realize that you are in the presence of a history-making legend.  Not all heros wear capes: some carry tinfoil burritos.