Icy Plunge for the Cure

Before I talk about my experience, I just wanted to thank everyone who sponsored me. We raised $270 for Breast Cancer research in just a single day! We have some audio and video of the event that I will be posting (Some on my podcast). But, for now I will tell you my experiences briefly as I warm up and prepare for a shower.

There were hundreds of people just running in, there may have been nearly a thousand spectators, although it was hard to judge. One people of note was woman wearing an orange dress. I got a picture with her that I will post when I get it. We talked for a bit and she liked that I brought a waterproof mic with me. She was going to run in heels but decided it was too dangerous. Another person that I though was clever despite lack of tact was a guy with the words "Save Second Base" painted on his back.

So everyone gathered on the beach. Most of the girls were in bathing suits, shorts and T-shirts, while others were just in bathing suits. Some of the guys had on shirts but most just their trunks, and I was among them. I managed to get beside the woman in the orange dress and we talked for bit. I was just getting ready f-

"BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTTTTTT" The horn blared and chaos ensued. The first brave souls plunged into the water and half of them stopped suddenly. I climbed in but was afraid to jump on chance of hitting someone. Waist deep my lower body lost all feeling and I could barely walk. Then I saw a space and I dove right in, head first, mic and all. I'm still not sure how much I picked up. I was expecting to be cursing but after the horn blew I was in a total zen moment and I was totally silent. I crawled out of the water and stumbled onto the beach and ran toward my clothing, specifically my bathrobe. While drying off I noticed I could feel nothing in my legs. My core was pretty warm at this point, almost pleasant. My arms were cold but they were not in as long as my legs.

Now I'm sitting here typing this out for you while it is still fresh on my mind. Wherever the trunk was on me, I am still very cold, since I didn't take them off right away. My legs are tingly but the feeling is coming back. I have a minor headache but I'm sure that will go away. Overall it was a great experience. I've never been more awake. I will definitely do it again. I may even do it "Just because" if I can get some people into it. All I can say is we did good, and I'm glad I was part of something so great.