Ice Bath Methods
835
Member
1370 days
glbrum posted 2 years ago.
So far, I only use them after races where I want to recover quicker from. Or if I ride hard/long 2 days in a row, I'll ice bath between.
I don't think they are necessary all the time. In the first few weeks - 1 month of increased volume, your legs will probably be really tired, but they adjust and then your body can handle the day in day out large volume so ice baths aren't necessary very frequently.
804
Member
828 days
cayman posted 2 years ago.
I only use ice baths after marathons and they work great for me. I didn't know about them for my first marathon and I was hobbling around and walking down steps backwards for 2 or 3 days. Now with the icy enlightenment, I'm usually back out for a slow shake out run the next day.
I find 8-10 minutes in 54-60* water(if you have a thermometer) works for me. I follow it up with a wam, not hot, shower about a half hour later then hit the sack.
I haven't found the need for them on my 20+ mile training runs simply because the race pounding intensity is not there. I do know people who use them after intense speed workouts, but that initial ice shock keeps me from using them that frequently.
john
Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.
560
Member
1591 days
Riverbrady posted 2 years ago.
I used to use them every day during collegate running...and have found that my recovery doesn't feel as good without the frequency nowdays.
As I don't have an ice machine of my own, I usually try to ice bath after long or intense workouts, and just ice in general after most workouts.
"Care more than others think is wise, risk more than others think is safe, dream more than others think is practical, expect more than others think is possible."
835
Member
1370 days
glbrum posted 2 years ago.
It's best to allow your body to heat back up by itself, so make sure you do the ice bath after any showering or anything of that sort.
791
Member
1563 days
toni posted 2 years ago.
I use them after long efforts/training days/races. In order to save water, I drive down to a nearby lake and tread in until the water is up to my belly button and stand there for 5-10 mins. I feel great afterwards and the next day. Hot shower later with some stretching is nice too.
People at the lake will stare, but I just remember how far I ran and how good I feel and try not to notice.
-Toni
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. - FDR
360
Member
980 days
alowrun posted 2 years ago.
Thanks alot...That all sounds very sound- Will try to implement some of this later on.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
-A-Low
I Believe In Cross Country
4914
Member
1718 days
beads1985 posted 2 years ago.
I hate them but I love them.
That first dip into the icy water is excrutiating but I know the effects after are amazing. My recovery is so much better and faster.
I have a garbage can that I use and even bring with me when I race out of town. It is about crotch high. I put in 3-4 bag of ice and fill with a hose. I step in and try to hold out for a few minutes. I get out and then back in after a few minutes. I try for a total of 20-25 minutes.
Other times where that is not available I like doing what Toni suggested. I walk into the water at a lake or a beach and stand there for a few minutes. Anything like that will reduce swelling and get the recovery process going quicker.:D
Nothing to it, but to do it
360
Member
980 days
alowrun posted 2 years ago.
Cool, I was thinking of the trash-bucket/hose method. Sounds like it would work well.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
-A-Low
I Believe In Cross Country
Im starting to become a believer in ice baths. How often do you people use them, and from what methods have to reaped the greatest benefits? Is there anytime one shouldn't use them?
Thanks!
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
-A-Low
I Believe In Cross Country