Bikinis in the Snow Week 1 – Polar Bear Splash at Barton Springs in Austin, Texas
Each week we will have a new, Bikinis in the Snow challenge, and answer these questions: How did I feel before trying this challenge? How did I feel during the challenge? How do I feel after the challenge? What did I learn? This week, we did the Polar Bear Splash at Barton Springs in Austin, Texas.
Week 1 Polar Bear Splash at Barton Springs on New Years Day:
Start thinking about ways you can take a plunge. Today, we started out the new year by taking a plunge, literally. Every year, I have talked about doing the Polar Bear Splash at Barton Springs. Today, as a family, we jumped into the 68-degree water, starting out the new year with a splash!
Questions and Answers
Rachel:
How did I feel before trying this challenge?
I was worried about being in the cold and jumping into the cold water of Barton Springs. If you know me, you know I really do not like to be cold. Every year, I regret not trying the Austin Polar Bear Splash. I had always wondered what it was like and how it would feel after the fact. It helped to have my family with me and facing this challenge on together.
How did I feel during the challenge?
Right before jumping into the water I questioned whether I had made a mistake. You can see the look on my face as my toe hits the chilly water. As I was fully submerged in the water, I realized it really was not too bad and I was proud of myself for taking the risk.
How do I feel after the challenge?
I loved the adrenaline rush after splashing into the water. Yes, it was a small challenge. It is not like I went sky diving or anything, but it was still a big deal. Actually, I would consider doing this again next year, if it is not too cold outside.
What did I learn?
I like to set a good example for my children. Within reason, it is good to take some chances and try new things. I learned that having my family with me is great motivation and encouragement. This was a good challenge to begin Bikinis in the Snow.
Morry:
How did I feel before trying this challenge?
I had only been in Barton Springs once back in 1999. That time, I also jumped in without testing the water. I remember how cold it was, though at that time it was 100 degrees outside and 68 degrees in the water. I didn’t really want to do it since I figured I know what cold water feels like and I don’t want to feel it.
How did I feel during the challenge?
Just before I was thinking, let’s get this over with. Get in and out as fast as possible and get clothes back on. I knew I’d do it and not chicken out, I was just trying to minimize the impact.
How do I feel after the challenge?
I’m glad I did it. I don’t know that it was on my bucket list, per se, but it was a good thing to say I’ve done. My friends from the Northeast I’m sure are laughing at me. This is not like jumping in the Atlantic Ocean or Lake Michigan or anything. But I’m glad I tried it.
What did I learn?
I have to remind myself that while I’m not a kid anymore, it’s important to try things and not just write it off. As an adult, we’re quick to say, I know what I like and what I don’t like, even if you’ve never tried it. This was a good reminder that I can still try things.
Share your thoughts
If you completed your own challenge and would like to share your answers to these questions, please leave your comments below.
Rachel Belkin is an Austin, Texas blogger, entrepreneur, speaker, freelance writer, and educator. After selling her lifestyle blog for six figures in 2021, she teaches business, blogging, and influencer marketing strategies that helped her build her business on part-time hours. Bylines include MSN, HuffPost, Medium, NewsBreak, and Hometalk. She has been featured on KXAN, Studio 512, Fox 7 Austin, CBS Austin, and other news and media outlets.
