So, it's January and you're considering a bold move to jumpstart the new year. Actually, maybe you're reading this in August and an ice plunge is sounding pretty nice right now. Either way, I wanted to type up a quick review of Big Stone Gaps first (annual?) Polar Plunge. I heard about the event by word of mouth and eagerly took to Google to find out more. Unfortunately, there wasn't much, especially with it being the inaugural event. This is my main motivation for doing this review, to get a little info out there for 2019. I did find out that the event was put on by The Gap Partnership. Honestly, still not 100% sure what that is, but it seems along the lines of a community group that focuses on promoting recreational events within the Big Stone Gap area. This event was a fund raiser and all proceeds went to the Southwest Virginia Children's Advocacy Center. Here were the 2018 options: you could choose to only do the polar plunge, the cost of which was $30 or participate in a 5k obstacle race, then do the plunge. The cost for the race and plunge was $40. With your entry, you received a hoodie and a knit hat. The first 50 finishers in the race received a medal. The course was on the Green Belt trail around downtown Big Stone Gap. A few obstacles took you off the trail, but nearly all of the running was on pavement, as you can see below. I wasn't familiar with the town's trail and was unsure about whether to wear trail shoes or not. Regular running shoes worked just fine. There was no penalty (that I was aware of, at least) for failing an obstacle, mainly because they were all things that any able-bodied person should be able to do, especially if you're running with a team. The obstacles weren't too challenging, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't practice your burpees. There were 4 "crossfit" stations along the way that will certainly wind you quickly (or maybe just me). The true test in this event is obvious, though: the ice water plunge in below freezing temperatures. All in all, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The race really warms you up and by the time you reach the plunge pool, you're just ready to get it over with. The plunge pool was located right beside the visitor's center, which was also the starting point. This provided easy access to heated bathrooms where you could change out of your icy clothes immediately. For the race, I opted for some fleece Fila leggings, wool socks, an Under Armour Cold Gear base layer, a long sleeved t-shirt, gloves and a hat. I actually ended up shedding the t-shirt in the first half mile. In closing, I'm glad to say that I would participate in this event again. Don't go in expecting a full-blown Spartan race, but it is a fun local fundraiser for a great cause. It's a fun race for OCR beginners and provides some affordable practice opportunities if you're working your way up to a Spartan or Tough Mudder. Below is some footage from the race. Don't judge too harshly, it was my first GoPro experience. I hope this was worthwhile for you and maybe I'll see you there next year!
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AuthorSummer Hamrick at Now or Never Gallery |