A Cold Dip for a Good Cause
Boulder will host its annual Polar Plunge at 11:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day at the Boulder Reservoir. Benefiting the Young Professionals Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado, this event raises funds to support Alzheimer education, counseling, support groups, a 24-hour Helpline, and research to find a cure. Participants receive a 2010 Polar Plunge long-sleeve T-shirt, a Plunge certificate, refreshments and a dip in the hot tub.
Registration on New Year’s Day begins at 10 a.m., with a $25 fee for adults and $20 for teens and kids. Pre-register online at www.alzco.org and save $5! $20 for adults and $15 for teens and kids.
What is the Polar Plunge?
The annual Polar Bear Plunge at Boulder Reservoir has attracted people since 1983, and possibly earlier. Participants enter the water despite the low temperature. Freezing temperatures shock the body into a state of fever that is briefly invigorating. Followed by a dip in the hot tub to warm up, you will have what the Polar Bear Club calls a “reset.” American Medical Response is an event co-sponsor and will be on site with an ambulance in case you aren’t polar bear enough for the cold.
Cold-water dips have a long ascetic history around the world. The icy swims are allegedly good for stimulating the brain, stirring the psyche, releasing stress and are even known to be a great hangover cure, in case you’re planning on partying like it’s 1999.
