Ice baths

I am a strong proponent of the ice bath. After every long run i fill the bathe with cold water and two trays of ice cubes. Then I jump in and stay as long as I can. After the intial shock it really is surprisingly relaxing.

Try it,...it works,.....honest

Hey, Mathew--

What's a long run in your view??

Dana

I have run several marathons and been out running for anywhere from 4 1/2 hrs to 5 1/2 hrs.
I think that would qualify as a "long" run.
I started taking ice baths after my second marathon and recovery is MUCH quicker.
I usually go back to the hotel and get in within an hour or two after the race and sit for about 20 mins.
As mentioned above, it does feel good after the initial shock.

My fiance takes his ice "baths" in a garbage can to keep the jewels safe and sound.
Just another option......

Sorry to let you down, Dana.  I wouldn't consider myself an expert on anything, but I never even pondered the notion of putting myself in a slush bath!  Seriously, I don't even know the cardiovascular repercussions (if any) of going from being hot with elevated metabolism to probably ~50 deg. of water.  I've seen sprinters get ice packs placed on their quads to cool the muscles down right after a race so they are recovered enough for the next sprint, but that's different from immersing your whole body.  I do take a cool shower (just what I feel to be cool at the time when I'm hot from the long run, not a specific temp). 

Sharon

My last track coach was a big believer in the hydrotherapy bath. she would tell us after every training session or race to jump in an ice cold bath for 30secs, then hop in a warm shower for two minutes. apparantly it is supposed to aid in the bodies recovery by helping remove lactic acid more quickly or something like that... all i am certain of is that it works for me! it can be a bit unpleasant at first, but u get used to it and you feel much better the next day

aidan

Dana; As far as the ice bath is concerned my "long run" is anything longer then a hour (although the benifits are there no matter the length/duration of the run). My typical Sunday long run is closer to 1.5 - 2 hrs, and the ice bath is a welcomed relief at the end.

Monty

I use ice baths after a run of an hour or longer. But, try putting cold water in the tub, then get in, then add ice. It helps with the initial shock. I've been doing this for about two years and your muscles recover much better.

Good luck

Evelyn

Oh my God! Ice baths? I just have one word...

Shrinkage!

LOL!

Edited by GamblerZ 2004-03-16 1:01 PM

This user's post has been ignored.

Shrinkage is a small and temporary price to pay for a significantly reduced recovery time
Besides who is checking you out in the bath tube!

I will put my feet in cold water and ice packs on the knees after a hard run or ride prior to jumping into the shower. No point in abusing "the boys" though. At my house, I cannot remember the last time I was able to take any kind of bath undistrurbed. I think running the bath water at our house is considered an invitation to make sure I don't get too relaxed.