1.14.2009

Taking the Plunge (01.14.2009)

I have officially lost my marbles. Today, I signed up to participate in the Polar Bear Plunge on January 24, 2009. What is that you ask?

It's an event that benefits the Special Olympics Maryland where people take a dip in the frigid Chesapeake Bay. My boyfriend's sister is going to be our honorary team captain for the event.

I am pretty much scared to death and have chills just thinking about it, but since it is for such a great cause - that hits close to home - I want to do it.

I was reading the first-timer tips and this one scared me:

"Do not be the first to go into the water if it is your first time. Remember there will be many people behind you and if you get in there and decide you need to get out immediately, it will be very difficult to do so quickly"

I will be at the back of the pack - no question there.

I was talking to someone at work who has done it 4 times and I innocently asked if alot of people wear wet suits. He just laughed and was like - that's not really the point. Soooo, I have to wear a bathing suit? uh oh.

What have I gotten myself into? I quickly decided that I need to figure out a costume or some other outfit that covers more skin because a bikini is just not going to happen in January. People might think I am a ghost if I do that.

So I need ideas - has anyone else done this type of thing before? What would you wear if you were jumping into freezing water?

27 comments:

Anonymous January 14, 2009 at 11:21 AM  

Wow!!! Good for you! I've heard of the Polar Bear Plunge before, but can't imagine ever doing it! I'm so cold in the winter even when fully clothed...

Hmm...fun costume. I'll have to think about that one! :)

I haven't forgotten your email, its just been a busy week! Sorry its taking me so long...

LizNoVeggieGirl January 14, 2009 at 11:27 AM  

It'll be a fun experience!! Good luck!! :-)

Anonymous January 14, 2009 at 11:39 AM  

wowww! you are a brave girl!! I bet it will be quite an experience! you will have to tell us how it goes :) im a big wimp, and am soooo bad with the cold!

tfh January 14, 2009 at 11:54 AM  

Yikes! It will be bad enough standing outside in your bathing suit in these temps without jumping into freezing water. Maybe you could go for a quick run beforehand and consider it your therapeutic ice bath? I don't know what to wear but I'd try to cover my body with one of those oils/lotions that claims to be warming.

K from ksgoodeats January 14, 2009 at 12:11 PM  

Ah - good luck!!

Thanks for the skyr info in your last post too :)

Erica January 14, 2009 at 12:22 PM  

I think its awesome that you're doing this and I agree with Veggie girl- it will be a great and fun experience! Enjoy it!

Aron January 14, 2009 at 12:50 PM  

ahhh crazy!! i dont think i would be brave enough for that :)

Rose January 14, 2009 at 1:26 PM  

Lordy, I wish I had advice for you... the only thing I can say is: GOOD LUCK, girl.

Anonymous January 14, 2009 at 2:23 PM  

You are a much braver woman than me. I really admire you though, because that is one of my favorite events. Special O holds a place in my heart. Good luck!!

I'm not sure on the costume...I'll think about it!

Anonymous January 14, 2009 at 2:25 PM  

Oh you've most DEFINITELY lost your mind! Haha. My good friend is going to officialy photograph it. So I'll look for you! lol!

The Blonde Duck January 14, 2009 at 2:49 PM  

Stopped in to say hi from Juliet's! Congrats on taking the icy plunge!

Anonymous January 14, 2009 at 2:50 PM  

I found the mug at tjmaxx :) one of my favorite stores! Just bought it a few weeks ago actually

Anonymous January 14, 2009 at 4:20 PM  

i'm not one to ask about what to wear... that's one of the last places you'll find me!

good luck... your gonna need it!

Meghann January 14, 2009 at 4:49 PM  

I saw Merridith do taht on the View last year. :) I think it looks like fun! Good for you!

I think a costume is a great idea. It has to be something that is pretty water resistent nbecuase if you come out of the cold water, into the cold air the wet clothes are not going to help.

Anonymous January 14, 2009 at 5:44 PM  

I agree with Meghann. You want something you can get out of quick to get warm clothes on, nothing like cotton that is just going to stick to you.

It'll be something you never forget, I'm sure!

Grace January 14, 2009 at 6:39 PM  

It will definitely be an experience.
Thank you for embracing this event with me and spreading the word.

Lori January 14, 2009 at 7:21 PM  

So cold, but you are sure to have a blast. You will have serious bragging rights after this, not to mention something to put on your life experiences list!

Can you wear a wet suit? That is the only thing I can think that would help. You will totally be pumped up the day of, maybe some extra coffee would help though. :)

Anonymous January 14, 2009 at 8:15 PM  

I could never do that. Best of luck

Caitlin January 14, 2009 at 9:17 PM  

I am so impressed, I could never do that!

Anonymous January 14, 2009 at 9:18 PM  

yikes! That is so awesome, and such a good cause! I've jumped into *pretty* cold water, probably like 40 degrees or so? But NOT The Atlantic, in January :D I'm sure it doesn't matter too much what you wear, maybe you can get your hands on one of those michael phelps unitard suits..

Unknown January 14, 2009 at 9:18 PM  

hehe, that reminds me of girl scout camp! it was at like 5 in the morning in the adirondacks... so probably not that cold :)

good luck!!

I Run for Fun January 14, 2009 at 11:07 PM  

Gosh, Lauren! That's brave...and noble of you! Sorry...no experience in this...but here's to hoping you have a fun time and get out of there quick!!!

Anonymous January 15, 2009 at 9:47 AM  

Fellow Maryland-er here! My dad did the plunge a few years ago and he said it was really fun. So don't be too worried! :)

Corey January 15, 2009 at 11:25 AM  

Hey Lauren - glad to see you have a blog too. Leigh and I have one following the renovation of the house, so you can really see the transformations. :-)

Your neighbor,
Corey

Tyler January 15, 2009 at 6:09 PM  

i'm am getting cold just reading your post! i freak out about getting into cold water even in a wet suit. i almost had a panic attack in my first triathlon... good luck! you are very brave!

Anonymous January 15, 2009 at 8:15 PM  

OMG! Your have lost your marbles! Did you go outside today? It was freezing, I cannot imagine getting into freezing cold water. Honestly, I doubt it maters what you wear, might as well wear nothing ;) but I doubt it is that kind of event! I would certainly wear a swimming cap though.

Elizabeth January 16, 2009 at 12:37 AM  

Umm.. good luck? Sounds cold! I'm sure it'll be fun, though. :) You'll be in good company.

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