Mon 11 Jan 2010
Running with the Pack 64: My First Ice Bath!
Posted by Allan under running
[11] Comments
This is the official record (and recording) of my first ice bath. The short version: it was freaking cold and ached a lot, but I can see why they would be useful.
Hey Allan, I'm really glad you tried it. Did you find any soreness diminished today as a later result?
I'm a little sore in my left hip, but that's mostly because I did about 85 laps on that track running in the same direction. I'm not muscle-sore at all though, so I think it worked pretty well. I did a workout today and I was a bit tired, but that's to be expected.
Something I find that helps when I do ice baths is 1) wrap your upper body in a thick towel or blanket (or wear a sweat shirt), 2) crank up the heat in the bathroom, and 3) like you did, drink some hot tea, cocoa. I also usually throw some Epsom's salt in there while I soak, since that's supposed to be good for recovery as well.
I'll definitely take your advice for next time. I didn't think about the salts, but I'll try that next time – or maybe something moisturizing for my skin since it gets really dry this time of year. So do you get out of the tub and get dressed, or do you take a warm shower afterward? Maybe something else?
OMG, I wasn't sure if I should laugh or cry while listening to this! I've never taken an ice bath and after that, I'm not sure that I ever will!
LOL…I didn't mean to scare people off. How about taking a cool bath afterward and then add some colder water for a bit? Based on what other people wrote in, I made it worse than it has to be. I read online that water around 60 degrees works. It doesn't have to be freezing.
i was curling my toes listening to that. you are a brave man. I can't climb in to an ice bath. tried it a couple of times. my feet would get really sore for some reason…and i'm a coward. i do what carryanet suggested and wear a sweatshirt and a winter hat. I also wear socks otherwise my feet ache, and the socks seem to help. i sit in an empty bath and fill it up with cold water. when the water gets to desired depth i put in 2 bags of ice and chill.
Yeah, those were good suggestions. I'm kind of a newbie at ice baths. I'll let you know how the second one goes.
First time listener, love the podcast.
I started Ice Baths when training for my first marathon the infamous 2007 Chicago Marathon Meltdown, and yes… I finished.
My routine is:
Get in the empty tub with my running shorts on, and a warm hoody on my top.
While sitting in the tub, empty the ice into the tub, and start filling the tub with cool water.
By the time the water is over your waist you've been in for 5-10min. and can either get out, or stay in a few more minutes. I find this is less of a shock to your body, than if you jump into a full tub.
Well, congrats on Chicago first of all. I'm very likely going to run it this year. Second, why on earth didn't anyone tell me this stuff before I jumped into ice water in the buff? Don't worry – I'm not blaming you. As a first-time listener, you have an excuse.
What do you think about adding some more images? No offence, blog is really great. Just as I know visitors acquire info much more efficient if they see certain helpful illustrations.
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