The genisis of the idea

I was in the middle of my swim a few weeks ago, marveling at how open water makes me happy. Its just that simple. Being in open water makes me happy. And wondering how I could preserve that year round. Because pool swimming does not make me happy.

Then I thought about the winter of 99-00. The year I pledged to run outside, all winter long. I lived in St. Peter, Minnesota. Could I do the same with the lakes? Swim. Outside. Year round.

So here I am. About to find out.

I have official "approval" even if there was also an "I don't understand why you'd want to" from my partner.

So I set out to see if I can. Swim. Outside. All winter long.