Run and Plunge

It's 2015 and I have made my list of resolutions: exercise more, spend quality time with my family, and check more things off my bucket list. This morning, I accomplished all three.

Every year, my town starts the new year off in style with a 5K/10K race and a polar bear plunge. This was the first year that I was a full participant. It is January in the mid-Atlantic. It is cold! The air temp this morning was bracing. I can't bring myself to find out what the water temp is...

My family was the Flying Herons, divided into three sub-teams. The White Herons were Isabelle and Lynn, who ran in front. The Blue Herons were Russ and Mikey, who ran in the middle. The Grey Herons were Mom, Diane and I who walked. I have never done a race of any kind, but I am hooked. It is so much fun to get up in the morning, bundle up, and go out for a long walk. As I have never done a race before, I can honestly say that I set a personal best record this morning. We three Greys all crossed the finish line in under an hour.

After the race, we adjourned to Mango's on the boardwalk for food. I was tempted by the beer, but decided against it as (a) it was not yet noon and (b) the truly challenging part of the day was ahead of me.

This was not my first polar bear plunge. I did it last year, but was disappointed in myself as it took me forever to get under and I felt as though I had marred what it should be. This year, I was determined to do it right. I did! When the horn blew, I ran into the water and went directly under.

It may not have been my first plunge, but it's probably my last. But, I can cross #23 off my bucket list. Happy New Year to you all.

The air temperature at 9:30.  Chilly!

The Flying Herons.

The halfway mark.

The finish line is in sight.  Mom and Diane leading the way in.

Mango's was happening!

Proof positive that I did it!  That is not a happy face.