Polar Bear Swim in the Snow

Summary

Mary Chang, an editor, writer, and fitness enthusiast, shares her experience and progress with open water swimming, culminating in a 9-minute swim in the Pacific Ocean on New Year's Day 2022, despite the freezing temperature, as part of her personal fitness challenge.

Abstract

Mary Chang has embarked on a personal fitness journey that involves swimming in open water every month. Over the course of a year, she completed 131 swims in various bodies of water, ranging from 5 to 45 minutes, without the aid of a wetsuit. Her dedication led to significant progress, as evidenced by her ability to swim for 9 minutes in the frigid Pacific Ocean on New Year's Day 2022, a stark improvement from the 10 seconds she managed in 2021. The experience, while daunting, provides her with a natural high and a way to manage stress and anxiety. Chang also invites others to participate in the Six Word Photo Story Challenge, which she edits, and encourages people to express themselves through photography and storytelling.

Opinions

Chang finds that the initial fear and shock of cold open water swimming are replaced by an exhilarating sense of achievement and well-being.
She believes in the power of practice and perseverance to overcome challenges, such as enduring cold waters.
Chang values the mental health benefits of her swimming challenge, noting that it helps to alleviate her worries, stress, and anxiety.
She encourages others to share their stories and experiences through the Six Word Photo Story Challenge, emphasizing the importance of self-expression and community engagement.
Chang's approach to fitness is holistic, combining physical challenges with personal growth and the joy of storytelling.

Snowy beach, chilly swim, embracing life.

In 2021, my personal fitness challenge was to swim every month in open water. I completed 131 open water swims in the Pacific Ocean and various lakes, rivers and creeks from January — December. On average my swims lasted 5 to 45 minutes, depending on the season. I swam barefoot, bare-headed, and wore a swimsuit and goggles (no wetsuit) — that was part of my swim challenge.

On Jan 1, 2022, it was -2 degrees Celsius with snow on the beach that frosty morning. For the first time, I wore a swim cap, swim socks, and two long sleeve dry-fit shirts over my one-piece swimsuit.

It took practice and perseverance to endure cold waters. It’s scary, but the invigorating plunge takes away my worries, stress, and anxiety.

I focus on survival, now, and breathing — and the natural high after-effect is exhilarating.

My swims in November and December averaged 16–20 minutes. On New Year’s Day 2021 (my first-ever Polar Bear Swim), I lasted 10 seconds, and on New Year’s Day 2022, I swam for 9 minutes — it was the coldest swim I’ve done to date in the Pacific Ocean. Practice makes progress.

Swim like nobody’s watching.

Can you tell a story in six words inspired by a photo taken by yourself?

If you’d like to submit to the Six Word Photo Story Challenge and participate in January’s “Self” Challenge, see full details and rules below.

About the Writer

Mary Chang is the editor of the Six Word Photo Story Challenge publication — inspired by her original 6-Word Photo Story Summer Challenge writing prompt (2021) on Medium. She’s also a writer, parent, and fitness enthusiast who takes a good photo sometimes — and loves creating monthly challenges.

Fueled by cartwheels, laughter, and encouraging people to shine. Read her blog at www.marychangstorywriter.com

Photography, Swimming, Writing Prompt

Polar Bear Swim in the Snow

January Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Self”

Snowy beach, chilly swim, embracing life.

Show Yourself: January Prompt

January Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Self”

The “Click” Moment of Cold Open Water Swimming

The click is shocking — but I’m hooked. Facing my fear of drowning & how I became a superhero with goggles

About the Writer