The Natick Runners and a few of their associates kicked off the New Year with a quick Polar Plunge at Dug Pond, something that’s become a yearly tradition among the athletic and social group. About a dozen hearty souls met at the small beach at the boat launch area, counted to three, and dashed into the chilly waters. The air temps were in the high 40s, so there was much swagger and boasting about how this was really nothing, and you should have been here the year the ice had to be broken up for the plunge to take place.
Natick Select Board member Paul Joseph was there for what he said was his fourth or fifth time. “I’m going in,” he said. “The bigger question is if I’m coming out.” (Spoiler alert: Joseph’s term will not be cut short due to any mishap. All went fine.)
We weren’t sure if the pond was zoned for this type of activity, so we checked in with Zoning Board of Appeals’ Jason Makofsky, who also joined in the fun. “As long as we’re not building any permanent structures today, it should be fine,” he said.
Since we’re the types to take our time easing into the water on the hottest July day, we’re duly impressed by anyone willing to shrug out of their down jackets and so much as dip a toe at this time of year. “I like doing it,” Mikal Rosendahl said. “I don’t know why. It doesn’t make any sense. I just do.”
Meredith Bazirgan emerged positively glowing with good health and discreetly revealed that this was just her first plunge of the day. “I’m an ocean dipper, so this wasn’t that bad. It really wakes you up.” Next stop for Bazirgan was Salisbury, NH, where she was meeting up with some family members so as to wake up even further.
To Polar Plungers everywhere: I am not worthy.
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