I had never really heard of having an ice cold bath after a long run until super Paula(respect) mentioned it on TV. But I'd like to know what is the best Post race therapy and why?
1. An ice cold bath
2. A warm bath with an Balsan bath massage(it creates massaging bubbles from blowing in air through a mattress).
3 Or a normal hot bath.
Please help Rob
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Comments
RD
Cold showers are much harder to stick though - I take my hat off to you Ironwolf.
I use the balsan bath in a warm bath and the bubbles help with lactic acid as im never really sore the next day.But i might try the cold baths.But also go along with Running dan perhaps you only really benifit if at the top.
try them, honest, i'm on three/four a week too pops and i know what you mean about invigorating, but it can be a bit demoralising and disheartening when you see the shrinkage!
I go with the cold bath. I have only been trying it over the last month after hearing about it on these forums and since my long runs have gone over the 10 mile mark and I have to say once the feeling comes back into my legs they feel so much better.
I have only been using them after my long runs up till now but am planning on using them to aid recovery after my speed sessions as well.
The firs 3 times I sat in the bath and then filled it up with cold water and it was not too bad. Last Sunday I just half filled the bath with cold water and got in and it was supprisingly bareable.
I always have a old fleece on my top half folded up so it covers my shoulders and chest and I also have a mug of hot coffee or a mug of chicken broth or minestroni soup while I soak. I also bring in a radio and listen to my fav station. This way the 20/25 minutes is up before you know it.
I reckon you should try it at least once for yourself and see if it makes a difference.
As for it only helping if you are at the top. I would concede that Paula is a supreme being but she is made up of the same stuff as the rest of us and therefore should have a comparable effect on our muscles.
MK
Thanks for the advice all, the census seems to be in fav of cold baths. So I'll give it a try after my long run on Sunday for 20 mins then I'll post my comments on how it went you never know i might me converted!!
i shall need say no more.
but went to turkish baths yesterday and managed to swim in the very cold plunge pool after the very hot steam room - i gradully submerged myself in the pool up to chest/shoulders and stood in it for a few mins and as i got used to it felt surprisingly relaxed - then swam a couple of lengths - its a bit like being in very cold sea - but after i found i enjoyed the heat more and was much more relaxed - didnt run or do any excercise before - but i do remember how cold showers on a camping holiday were very invigorating ans always felt very 'toned refreshed and relaxed' after so i guess that cold baths and showers are good for general health condition
ironwolf - dont you roll around in the snow too ?
Tut tut
i tried a cold bath last night after my speed session and found it quite relaxing! especially afterwards when i was dried and sitting down.
i will now try it on Sundat after my long run and get it a little colder!!!
so what are u tut tutting at WildWill?
What i tend to do is get into a warm(ish) bath then gradualy let the water out and introduce the cold in. It's less of a shock to the system this way and i find i can tolerate it for about 15-20 minutes.
ps Don't try this at home.
Why 20 mins in one? Is that based on research?
Also, how deep do you fill it? Mine covers my lower legs, hamstrings and groin but not the quads. Should I be filling it higher?
Barnsleyrunner why is it everyone goes for20 mins i was also bored after 10 mins
but i did fill it to cover all of my legs and over quads.