Polar Plunge 2010. Credit to Fotodog
As long as North Star has been around, we’ve had intrepid derby folks jumping in the Polar Plunge.
That means this will be our 12th year (we’re pretty sure, those first years are like the Jurrasic at this point) participating in this amazing and more-than-a-bit-chilly fundraising event benefiting Special Olympics Minnesota. This event provides opportunity and inclusion to over 8,200 Special Olympics athletes across our state!
This year, we’ve got five souls braving the frigid temperatures above and below the ice this Saturday, March 2.
Clawd’ya Eyesout, Official
Have you plunged before? How many times?
Last year was the first time. It was warmer then!
What’s it like?
While we were in the water, I thought my pants had somehow fallen down. Turns out my legs were numb and I just couldn’t feel them anymore!
Dear God, why though?
Cabin fever?
How are you training for this?
Pretending it’s not happening.
Goals for this jump?
To know where my pants are at all times.
What’s your plunge outfit/day-of plan?
Haven’t decided yet. My brain tells me more clothes would be better, but experience says that’s wrong!
Irish Frisky, Official
Have you plunged before? How many times?
Yes. Twice before. Which makes this feel like approximately my 900 millionth time plunging into the icy cold depth.
What’s it like?
It’s like someone ripped your soul out of your body, stomped on it a bunch, shoved ice where that used to be, and then shoved the whole thing in the freezer for a while. And then the cold air hits.
Dear God, why though?
Because the Special Olympics is a really amazing cause and makes such a difference in so many lives. That, and I was stupid enough to promise Claws last year that I would do it again. There may have been some Fireball involved before I made that promise.
How are you training for this?
By steadfastly ignoring the fact that this is going to happen again and trying to pretend I don’t know what it’s like. Knowledge is NOT power in this case!
Goals for this jump?
DON’T DIE.
What’s your plunge outfit/day-of plan?
I promised folks that if they made my donation goal that I would jump in a bikini. I was 10,000,000% sure they wouldn’t do it. They hit my goal in 30 minutes. Jerks.
Hellelujah, Banger Sister
Have you plunged before? How many times?
Only once before, in 2017, but I’ve also jumped in a frozen lake just for fun.
What’s it like?
Last time we had to run into the lake because the ice wasn’t quite thick enough, and that was awful because it was that slow creeping cold water feeling that everyone hates. Overall, it wasn’t too terrible though, it wasn’t windy that day which was nice.
Dear God, why though?
Because the Special Olympics is a wonderful cause! They provide so many opportunities to people who might otherwise not have them, and if I have to jump in a lake so they can get those opportunities, well it wouldn’t be the craziest Minnesotan thing I’ve ever done.
How are you training for this?
I may have looked at my calendar last weekend and went, “Oh… That’s a lot sooner than I thought!” so I’m just doing my homework to distract from thinking about all of the cold I’m gonna feel. (Also, isn’t just living through this winter training enough?)
Goals for this jump?
I mean, not getting a bunch of water in my lungs? That hasn’t happened before, but it’s a good goal I think.
What’s your plunge outfit/day-of plan?
I am not entirely sure yet. I wouldn’t be surprised if it involved tights, some spandex shorts, some knee-high space socks, and only the finest of footwear: Crocs.
Patty Gnarr, Banger Sister
Have you plunged before? How many times?
Never!! I made a snow angel while wearing just a swimsuit though. That’s like a dry inverse of polar plunging.
Dear God, why though?
Raising money for Special Olympics MN! And also spreading the good word of roller derby.
How are you training for this?
I keep forgetting my scarf before going outside this winter, so at least my face and neck are ready.
Goals for this jump?
Avoiding frostbite. Never feeling cold again.
What’s your plunge outfit/day-of plan?
I’m going to have a hearty last meal. I don’t have an outfit plan just yet.
H-Bomb, Kilmore
Have you plunged before? How many times?
I have never plunged before!!! But I am super pumped to freeze my buns off this Saturday.
What do you think it will be like?
I’m assuming pretty damn cold but also a huge adrenaline rush.
Dear God, why though?
It’s for such a good cause!!! And you know us crazy Minnesotans, it’s never cold enough for us.
How are you training for this?
Uhhhhhhh you can train for this???
Goals for this jump?
Warm up ASAP!
What’s your plunge outfit/day-of plan?
Something somewhat warm and whacky! Definitely eat a good full breakfast to retain that body heat.