Cold Baths, a la Paula R. - Training

Michael Keeley

27/04/2003 at 19:17

Hi All

Upped my long run last Sun and today from the normal 8 miler to 10.7 and 11.4 miles respectively.

Last week after the run legs felt tired and sore (first time in ages), so this week decided to try the cold bath (a la Paula R.)to see if it made a difference.

So after my run and stretching routine I sat in the bath and filled it up with cold water until it completely covered my legs. I wore a fleece on my upper body and had a hot mug of coffee with me.

I have to say it was not as bad as I imagined. Sitting in the bath as it fills gives your legs time little by little to get use to the cold. I then sat in the cold water for 25 minutes.

I have to say I am only out about an hour but I can feel a significant difference in how my legs feel. Not as achey as last week. Actually the worst part was after I got out and the feeling started to come back.

Looks like Paula R. might actually be on to something :) . Think I'll be making this part of my LSD recovery from now on.

Recommend it to all.

MK

Barnsley Runner

27/04/2003 at 19:19

Thanks Mike for your experiment in the name of better running. Were there any other.. erm... side effects?

TimSutton

27/04/2003 at 19:33

BR, that's what worries me!

Barnsley Runner

27/04/2003 at 19:37

Yes there might be no more `Big' Tim????

Michael Keeley

27/04/2003 at 19:39

Hi Br & BT

eh there was one. My "tackle" almost vanised for the duration ;) but all was well with in a short time. Bit like a snail going into it's shell really ;)

A small price to pay me thinks.

MK

TimSutton

27/04/2003 at 19:39

A bit like a run in the depths of winter then!

Hilly

27/04/2003 at 19:50

Very interesting guys!

I agree the cold bath does wonders for tired legs. Can't say I've noticed any tackle or snails in my bath!

Michael Keeley

27/04/2003 at 22:12

LOL hilly,

Legs really feel much better than normal.

Ta very much Paula R. for your wisdom :)

MK

Frisky Piskie

28/04/2003 at 09:04

MK - I use the cold bath treatment as well but have never stayed in as long as 25 minutes. I usually manage about ten minutes - should it be longer? I know that if you use ice packs you should take them off after 15 minutes or you can start to kill the tissue but I'm not sure about cold water.

Michael Keeley

28/04/2003 at 09:23

Hi RB

I am no expert, only running 9 mths and yesterday was the first time I tried the cold bath treatment. I really have no idea as to how long you should stay in. I have read that Paula R. has ice poured over legs in the bath or maybe it's ice added to clod water and stays in for 20 minutes.

I have always heard that ice packs be applied for 20 minutes but I do not think that cold water from the tap would be as cold as ice packs or an ice and water mix. I also believe that ice can burn your skin and therefore should never come in direct contact with your skin.

I started out to try and stay in for at least 10 minutes and by that time the experience was not as bad as I had expected it to be so I stayed in for the extra 15. The main problem was boredom as I am more a shower person and not use to sitting in baths.

As I said in a earlier post I found the worst time was once I steped out of the bath and the feeling started to come back into my legs. But the difference I felt last night once I had warmed back up and taken a warm shower and that I feel this morning is incredable. My legs feel so much fresher not achey and heavy like they felt after my 10.5 miler last week.

So me thinks this will now be part of my LSD recovery and also for any races which I run.

MK

Michael Keeley

28/04/2003 at 09:24

oops, clod=cold

Kasia

28/04/2003 at 09:38

Hello guys,
Reading about a cold bath after a run makes me shhhiver. I am usually quite cold when I get back (loss of energy?) so I usually have a hot shower - well, apart from in the summer of course!. Brrrr!

Longlegs

28/04/2003 at 13:53

I use the cold bath routine after every race and also after some of my long runs. I find the recovery is so much quicker.

I also find that the deep freeze spray that is available from chemists works wonders if applied straight after a race, good for when you are a long way away from home and can't get into the bath quick enough.

TimSutton

28/04/2003 at 19:05

I've thought about finishing my long runs & heading down to the sea. It's only a mile away & I can easily get parked. Only problem being a pebble beach, but worth a go on a sunny day I think!
I have done this sort of thing before & it does work like Michael say's.

Hilly

28/04/2003 at 19:56

BT-my dad say's if it's good enough for horses it's good enough for us!

I too live by the sea and have to admit not taking advantage of it. Except on very hot days when a book and suntan oil beckons!

TimSutton

28/04/2003 at 20:05

Yes but the colour of it put's me off!

TimSutton

30/04/2003 at 21:22

I'm raceing bank holiday monday by the sea & plan to try this out.
I better take my duck!

Hilly

30/04/2003 at 21:48

What, the colour of the suntan oil or the sea!?

Don't forget the radox, just swish it around a little and pretend you're in the bath at home. Mind does radox work in cold water?

TimSutton

01/05/2003 at 06:57

Colour of the sea, not sure about the radox though, that might be taking it too far.

XFR Bear

01/05/2003 at 07:23

You must need tons of Radox Hilly - the sea's a big place!! :-)