That’s how many miles are in a marathon.
That is how many miles three other friends and I walked on Sunday at the Saratoga Battlefield.
We set out to walk a marathon, and we did it!
All I can say is wow! I am unsure where to begin, as it was a very powerful day when I think back on it.
After a few attempts to get 6 “Plunger” friends all together, four of us went for it and got it done. It was a glorious Sunday at the Saratoga Battlefield.
This reflection of the day is coming from the one who overslept (and I never oversleep), came into it with only one pair of shoes (I didn’t know that I should consider a change), and didn’t even think about the socks, undergarments or food either.
When the text came in 15 minutes before go time, I jumped up from my over-slumber, out of sorts, threw a loaf of bread, peanut butter, and jelly into a bag, grabbed some water, and ran out the door to get to Julie’s house for our 7 a.m. leave time. I was going, no matter what.
A powerful day is an understatement. Over the last week, I have reflected on our trek. I think there are a few poignant moments and circumstances from this day that I want to share with you.
Here are my top 5 reflections:
- When a Plunger is decisive—just go with it, whether she is right in her decisiveness or wrong. Friends support each other, and Maureen, you were so sure, and I was with you! You were convinced that Phillips Road was where we turned. And like all good, best friends, we let you lead and we followed. And when we knew it was a wrong turn, we laughed and laughed. It was the best laugh of the day. Thank you…for being wrong in your decisiveness because I am still laughing about it.
And we kept marching on…
- Darn Tough socks are THE best when you are heading into war! I think I was the only one without a blister and didn’t even do a single sock change! That was by chance. I did not plan to wear my Darn Tough socks. They were the socks I wore to bed the night before…remember, I overslept. 😉 But for the future, it will be Darn Tough, all the way!
- Re-enforcements during a war are critical. Marathons are no exception. They are so important! They change the energy and are a great distraction. Our reinforcements came in the form of a Katie and a Becky. Our two other “Plungers” were able to join us for approximately 10 of our 26.2 miles. They were a ray of sunshine. However, when Becky wanted to take us all on a path off the main road, and Angela denied it, I thought things were going to come to blows. LOL! The core four were at mile 23 for the day, and the “reinforcements” were at mile 8. Becky just didn’t quite understand Angela’s abnormal lack of fun and adventure. I didn’t say a word. I just kept on walking. 😉 It was amusing, indeed. We love our spunky girl, Becky. Always up for an adventure and a physical challenge. But at mile 23, we felt tired and just wanted to be done. No off-the-beaten paths for me, either. Next time, girlfriend!
- We must keep pushing ourselves physically. A conversation that resonated with me during the day was born from a statistic Angela shared. Only 5% of adults after age 30, will ever sprint again. Think about it. When was the last time you sprinted or pushed yourself physically? Once we finish schooling, no gym teacher will make you run a mile. You don’t have practice after school for a sport, and there is no pushing your body for higher performance. Why? Because it’s uncomfortable…and no one is forcing anymore. You must keep moving. You must find ways to push your body. Your body is the most well-made, durable, high-technology machine you will ever operate. Keep taking it to its limits to ensure that it stays working. Like the abandoned house or the boat left in the weeds, deterioration happens rapidly, with little to no use. Keep the life in your body, sprint to the mailbox, walk a mile more, sweat, and breathe hard!
- At mile 19 and 20, you just have to keep on going. Looking back on the walk, those 2 miles were my most difficult. Angela and I were hoofing it ahead, and I was just ready to take a seat and go home. My right Achilles tendon was on fire from an injury I had sustained 2 months ago, and I was hungry and thirsty. But we found music, which is the balm of my soul. Music helps me feel unstoppable. It’s as if the notes resonate with my core vibration, and I get strength. Around every corner, with each note…there is hope! (I know that entrance gate is somewhere here, Angela!)
At the end of it, we celebrated in my 52-degree pool with the most soothing cold water plunge we had ever taken.
It was a magical day—top to bottom, from the sunrise and sunset to my dad texting me throughout the day to see how far we had gotten. I felt love and strength from my people.
I am so blessed to have these friendships in my life. We push each other to keep on moving and be better for ourselves. Physically, mentally, and spiritually, we do this through the laughter and tears we share. Together.
Keep going and be the best version of yourself, for yourself, and for those you love. That should be our motto. But it starts with YOU—and these five women, my Polar Plunger friends, get that. It starts with you! Don’t forget!
So, “Plungers”, what’s our next adventure? Do you have any ideas? As long as it’s not jumping out of an airplane, I am in. Sign me up!
Just know that each of you has a special place in my heart that I will always recognize and cherish. We, six friends, travel together down this road we call life. Together. Cheering each other on the whole way!
Thank you, Angela, Julie, Maureen, Katie, and Becky, from the bottom of my heart.
With love,
Kate
P.S. Next time, we won’t forget to charge our watches and have backup mileage tracking devices, too!
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