Cody Day

Cold Water, Warm Hearts: Why I Plunge

This year marks my third Penguin Plunge, and every time I do it, I’m reminded why this event matters so much. Yes, the water is brutally cold (and yes, my beard absolutely freezes), but the real impact of the plunge has nothing to do with the temperature.

What stays with me most is seeing what this event accomplishes for athletes with intellectual disabilities through Special Olympics New Hampshire. Last year, a Special Olympian took the stage and spoke about how the program changed his life — how it gave him confidence, community, and opportunity. Hearing that firsthand really hit home and puts everything else into perspective.

This year’s theme is Jungle Safari, and in many ways, that’s exactly what the Penguin Plunge feels like.  It’s like stepping into the unknown, pushing past your own personal comfort zone, and navigating something challenging for a purpose bigger than yourself. The plunge itself is chaotic and intense. You come out of the water disoriented, scrambling to find a towel, and then running barefoot across a frozen beach to the heated changing tents. Last year, that meant crossing the beach in nearly a foot of snow.

The immediate hit of cold affects every system in your body. I prepare in the weeks leading up to the event by ending my showers with a blast of cold water and practicing breathing techniques. After the plunge, your body goes into survival mode.  Staying calm and controlling your breathing is essential. That experience is a powerful reminder that many people face immense challenges every day.

This year, I’m dedicating my plunge to my grandmother, Nancy Thistlewood, who passed away on December 19 at the age of 80 after battling leukemia. Supporting a cause that brings hope, strength, and joy feels like a meaningful way to honor her life.

I hope you’ll consider contributing to our 2026 fundraising effort, and if you can join us in person on Sunday, February 8, even better. Thank you for supporting me and the incredible athletes this event serves.