Ice Baths

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2008-08-31 7:26 PM

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Subject: Ice Baths

I know most pro athletes use ice.  Are ice baths effective?  How long should one stay submerged in an ice bath?  My Saturday long runs are kicking my butt.  I thought I would try an ice bath. 

Please share your knowledge and experience.

Thanks in advance.

Allen

2008-08-31 7:54 PM
in reply to: #1640772

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Subject: RE: Ice Baths

There are loads of posts on this.  The consensus (which is also my experience) is that yes, they work.  There is a lot of variation in temperature and length.  I like mine very cold (pieces of ice still floating in the water), but apparently there are good studies showing that considerably warmer is fine.  I submerge up to the top of my legs for 10-15 minutes.  Feels great after the initial shock.  Be sure to stretch before if you stretch, because after you will feel very tight.

For more, see:  this thread,  or this thread, or this one or this one or this one or this one.

2008-08-31 7:55 PM
in reply to: #1640772

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Subject: RE: Ice Baths

I don't know if they work but I do use them after long runs (anything over about 15 miles).  I do two 20 lb bags.  I typically sit in them for 15 mins with a glass of chocolate milk or beer

Probably not the correct way but that's my way.

2008-08-31 7:56 PM
in reply to: #1640772

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Subject: RE: Ice Baths
Thank you for the reply and my apologies for the repost.
2008-08-31 9:18 PM
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Subject: RE: Ice Baths
I've done them after some of my longer runs (and a long bike ride or two), and they definitely help with the soreness.  I've also been having some hip/IT Band trouble and it's helped a little with that as well. I fill the bathtub half way with coolish water, then dump two bags of ice in and sit down, so my hips are submerged. It SUCKS the first couple of minutes. Get yourself some chocolate milk or something tasty, or a magazine to skim while you're sitting there - takes your mind off of things
2008-09-01 12:04 AM
in reply to: #1640772

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Subject: RE: Ice Baths
Cover your junk with a prewarmed washcloth. This will make all the difference in the world.

As suggested, a beer helps, too.

2008-09-01 2:22 AM
in reply to: #1640772

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Subject: RE: Ice Baths
At my gym we have a "plunge pool" that is around 45 degrees.  I am thinking about doing that after my long runs.  The great part is when I get cold I can them jump in the sauna and go back and forth. 
2008-09-01 7:41 AM
in reply to: #1640772

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Subject: RE: Ice Baths
Works, works, works.
For me.
Try it and see if you like it (can tolerate it) and if it helps.
2008-09-01 7:50 AM
in reply to: #1641304

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Subject: RE: Ice Baths

fgray - 2008-09-01 8:41 AM Works, works, works. For me. Try it and see if you like it (can tolerate it) and if it helps.

Haven't done them myself yet but the wife loves them. 

2008-09-01 8:02 AM
in reply to: #1640772

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Subject: RE: Ice Baths
started doing em about a month ago after long runs.  saves ya lots of limping around the rest day IMO.  feel great after long runs and a good 10-15 minute soak.
2008-09-01 2:17 PM
in reply to: #1640772

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Subject: RE: Ice Baths
Or if you're lucky enough to live in or visit the mountains, a nice running stream with temps in the 40s works like a champ, too. Just sit down in your bike shorts and wave at the people looking at you like you're a freak.

2008-09-02 1:06 AM
in reply to: #1640772

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Subject: RE: Ice Baths
And if you don't have ice on hand even soaking in cold water out of the tap or shower is still worth it. I've done it several times now after 2ish hour runs and really noticed the difference.
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