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Not in Chicago and not so plungy

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* OK, so I heeded the advice of friends and the weatherman and decided not to drive to Chicago for the Polar Plunge on Sunday. We were supposed to be buried by a blizzard and I didn’t want to risk being stranded or worse. Turns out, we barely got any snow here.

So, what to do? Well, we have a lake in Springfield, and it’s mostly frozen over, so I ventured forth on Sunday afternoon. I had purchased some waders earlier last week to make sure I didn’t die when my body hit that frigid Lake Michigan, but I decided not to use the protection since I had wimped out on the drive.

* Oh, man, I am not a cold water person. On a long ago college spring break camping trip I vowed never again to take a cold shower. I remembered why as soon as my toes touched Lake Springfield yesterday. Have a look…

My feet hurt for almost an hour.

Thanks again to all who donated. We raised close to $5,000 for Special Olympics Chicago. Way to go.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 9:31 am

Comments

Way to stay honest, Rich. I felt for all you guys yesterday morning as we were driving to church through the frigid weather. Good job!

Comment by Levi Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 9:36 am
I saw a guy on NBC5’s livestream coming out of the water that I would have sworn was you.

Oh well maybe next year.

Comment by too obvious Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 9:37 am
Start one here in Spfld, I’m in!

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 9:37 am
===Oh well maybe next year. ===

I wouldn’t bet the farm on that one.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 9:39 am
I want my money back! You barely got your toes wet!

Comment by Rahm's Middle Finger Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 9:39 am
No refunds.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 9:41 am
I admire you for following through on your pledge given the dire weather predictions in Chicago. That being said is that the first time those legs have been exposed to fresh air?

Comment by Stones Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 9:43 am
There was plenty of fresh snow up here. You were wise not to drive up.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 9:43 am
“decided not to drive to Chicago”

Good choice. We accomplished what we set out to do anyway, which is to raise money for Special Olympics Chicago.

Speaking of Chicago, here is some good news this morning about the city’s and state’s business climate and corporate ranking.

http://www.suntimes.com/25938400-761/report-chicago-state-among-best-for-corporate-facilities.html

Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 9:44 am
You are a wise and honorable man, Mr. Miller.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 9:44 am
In other news, Rich Miller realizes he can raise money and then not follow thru with campaign promises. Can a bid for Governor be far behind? : )

Comment by Big Muddy Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 9:45 am
You needed to run in to the water and then quickly run out before the shock hits you.

Comment by G'Kar Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 9:46 am
Jumping in Lake Michigan on a cold March day is way over rated.

Comment by Samurai Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 9:51 am
Wading in is NOT the way to go. Its like a kick in the groin, you just have to jump in, run out and suffer through it!

All for a good cause though!

Comment by RonOglesby Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 9:58 am
Very wise. It was not merely snowy here, it was COLD! Single digits.

Comment by Joan P. Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 9:58 am
You can plunge this weekend in Springfield, IL.
http://www.firstgiving.com/soilltorchrun/2014-polar-plunge-springfield

Comment by MsBeags Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 9:59 am
For those of you who missed it, there was a plunge here in Springfield on saturday.

Comment by Anon Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 9:59 am
oops, sorry, it was last weekend!

Comment by MsBeags Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 10:00 am
Here’s what you missed. You ain’t Jimmy Fallon, but you do have a few years on him. You were bold enough and the cause was great. Thank you for slightly (very slightly- Thank God) exposing yourself!
www.suntimes.com/25918773-761/chicago-takes-the-polar-plunge-with-jimmy-fallon.html

Comment by A guy... Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 10:02 am
I Plunged yesterday. You really have to run and you get to the water before you have time to think. That and lots of liquor. You’re a wimp Miller…just kidding. You honored your commitment. Next year in Chicago?

Comment by .Anon Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 10:06 am
===That and lots of liquor.===

I usually try not to drink that early in the day. But thanks.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 10:08 am
I went down just to watch and can say with no hesitation that was the coldest temp of the winter, by far. Rahm and Jimmy Fallon looked like they had stuck a fork in an electrical outlet when they came out of the water. Great job. Great cause. And I think A Great One Time Experience for most participants.

Comment by And I Approved This Message Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 10:08 am
No worries Rich. The money is going to a good cause.

Comment by Chavez-respecting Obamist Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 10:20 am
You did your plunge and you didn’t have to deal with Rahm. I call that a win-win.

Comment by a drop in Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 10:32 am
White pants after Labor Day Rich?

Oh, those are your legs. Never mind.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 11:01 am
Very smart move trying to avoid bad weather and being stuck somewhere.

The cause is just and those donating should feel warm in their heart, wether or not you were cold in the water.

By attempting to “make good” shows more character than either completely not doing anything, or going to Chicago with unknown weather conditions for a “result” and not for a cause.

I applaud you, and thank you. The end result of a great cause raising money is the big picture and should not be forgotten.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 11:09 am
I say when you put a limb in danger, it’s plungy enough!

Comment by lake county democrat Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 11:15 am
The money goes to a worthy cause without the plunge by Rich.

Comment by Nearly Normal Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 11:19 am
Navy seals are so tough bec of their tolerance for being really cold and wet. I couldnt do it

Comment by Langhorne Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 11:26 am
that’s great! I love your integrity! You stuck with it despite the weather. Good for you and good for the kids. !!

Comment by My name is Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 11:26 am
congrats on following through. I wouldn’t have even gone out in the shorts let alone walk into the lake. good job raising money for a good cause!

Comment by susiejones Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 12:04 pm
When there was no immediate tweet/You Tube/ Kerry Klester AP writethru we feared you might have seized up and passed….requiring more fundraiser for a proper memorial, ceremony, firewords, parade, etc.

Your alternative seems to show an uncommon display of good sense.

How about a QOTD on who we should nominate for the SPI plunge event?

Comment by circularfiringsquad Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 12:32 pm
Perhaps like others, I did not donate to see you in pain, but rather because you focused our attention on a worthy cause.

If I wanted to see you in pain, I would pay for you to go to a Cubs game at Wrigley in April.

Comment by Tommydanger Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 12:59 pm
They do these all over the state every year. There’s still a few left the next couple of weekends. http://www.soill.org/polar-plunge/#locations

Comment by plunge Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 1:01 pm
Uhhhhhh….weak Rich, really weak.

Comment by allknowingmasterofracoondom Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 1:51 pm
A real profile in courage. Not up to par of Fallon and dare I say it Rahm.

Comment by Mokenavince Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 1:55 pm
Good Job for the Kids Rich. You could have at least gotten your calves wet ? If it were me I would have stopped just above my knees if you know what I mean!

Comment by the Cardinal Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 3:07 pm
Everyone’s a critic…

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 3:22 pm
Next year you should join that other Rich Miller who does the Polar Plunge in Florida.

Comment by Chavez-respecting Obamist Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 3:25 pm
Who was your lifeguard in Springfield? At least the others in Chicago had some, Next time I’ll still donate, but I don’t expect you to do something even more dangerous than just wading or jumping in. Safety first. Always, man!

Anyway, I give you an A+ for guts. A C- for safety!

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 4:31 pm
===Who was your lifeguard in Springfield? ===

I had two beautiful women to make sure my body was properly cared for in case of sudden death.

Also, for those who suggested that I just run into the water, I couldn’t see the end of the boat ramp. Running in could’ve put me in deep water in a really big hurry. No dice. lol

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Mar 3, 14 @ 4:38 pm