Ice Baths anyone?

winsomehill

Cathlete
Hey, I was reading in Runners World this month about this guy taking a 12 minute ice bath after long runs. Does anyone have any experience with this? I have Plantar Fascitis and was thinking of just doing some ice baths for my feet. Any thoughts? I did two today for 5 minutes a piece, Ouch.... the first minute and a half is the worst part. I'm sure I could work up to a lengthier bath.
Heather
 
I did the same thing for my PF. Yes it is an ouchy. It did seem to help my foot but I also did a lot of strtching and exercises for it. I think when I did it, I read somewhere that 3 minutes is enough.
LD
 
I have done them for years after long runs. I have found that they really help! Just remember to BREATHE!! ;)

I generally do 10 minutes minimum.
 
Hello,

Paula Radcliffe (world champion marathon runner) has one after all her runs as well, training sessions as well as races. I once saw a picture of her standing in a tub up to her waist in ice cold water after a race.

I'd recommend it if you are a long distance runner. Try doing it up to your knees and slowly work your way up to your waist.

Yen
 
I have done the ice bath's on occasion, but it does take a lot of ice. What always do is; I keep a strofoam cup filled with water frozen and when I come back from my long runs, I just peel away some the cup and rub around on my joints and muscles. This is very convenient and very effective.

Dianne
 
I do the ice bath after long runs and often track workouts. I really think it helps. I just sit in the tub up to my waist...I wear a sweatshirt to keep the upper body warm and I have been seen sipping soup or mint tea while in there!

Anyway, the cold temperature is supposed to shock the lower body and shoot the blood into the lower body to help recovery. Surely, it helps reduce inflammation as well.

Not the most fun thing to do but afterwards, your legs will feel like a million bucks!
 

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