Orlando?s Polar Plunge

We did it!

The Second Annual Polar Plunge raised over $190,000 for Special Olympics!!

Now that’s something to get excited about!!!

Millions of thanks to everyone who donated to my fundraising page. All of the money raised truly went to a great cause. Being there today, surrounded by so many Special Olympic athletes, inspires me to do more with the wonderful organization. Those athletes truly are the real heros here.

The Polar Plunge took place this morning at Aquatica Water Park near Sea World.

It was breezy this morning and very chilly considering how sunny it was.

I owe Megan big time for tagging along as my spectator/ photographer for the day. She was a trooper despite the cold.

I think the best part of any type of event like this is the people watching. And boy did we have some people to watch! Loved all the costumes! Next year I plan to go all out with a team and costume theme. Anyone down for the “Running Ice Queens”?

At 11:00 they started the ceremony to announce all the costume winners and top fund raisers. I found it very inspiring that all three of the top fund raisers were Special Olympics Athletes and all three were so excited to be there raising money for the cause. They enjoy competing so much and wanted to make sure everyone else experienced the same thrills they do.

The organizers queued up all 500 plungers and sectioned the line off to 40-50 plungers at a time.

I was placed in the second group of plungers and made sure to wait until the very last possible minute to lose my outer layer.

Like I said – next sure I’m bringing a costume… or a wetsuit. Both will work just fine.

Brrr…

Oddly enough the water temp had been brought down to 65 degrees, meaning the water was warmer than the current temperature in the air. I mean, you can say that all you want – that water was still cold to me!

The DJ counted us down and before I knew it I was chasing all of the other crazy plungers into the water.

I ran out as far as I could, splashed around for a bit, then hightailed my butt out of there.

Brrr…. It was definitely worst coming out than it was going in. Luckily Megan had a towel waiting for me as soon as I exited.

I owe Megan. Big time.

We didn’t stay to chit chat. Instead we ran to a bathroom to change into dry clothes and headed straight home.

It was a fun experience, but I’m not sure how those crazies do it up north. Plunging in the snow and negative temps? I think the FLorida version is just about what I can handle.

Megan and I were both starving when we made it back to my place, so I made us a quick lunch.

A grilled wrap using crumbled Vegan Sausage Balls from last night, spinach, tomato, cheese, ketchup, and mustard.

And on the side some carrot sticks and apple slices.

We also split a mini Heath Cupcake from Sweet!

I’m on my way to Tampa now. Derek and I have tickets for Beauty and The Beast tonight! Please hold while my inner 10 year old self squeals.