Today I had my first ice bath. Why? Because apparently this is what athletes do. I’ve been told by numerous runners that I should try this – but I never listen to other runner’s advice, because frankly, I think hardcore runners are a little crazy. Ok. so I’m a runner too. At least I classify myself as one. But I never listened to this whole ice bath nonsense until someone I really respect started coaching me on running. He’s a baseball player who seems to know most of the solutions to the problems I encounter as a runner. I told him I have been getting really lazy on my runs lately. His solution: take a cold shower every morning before I run and take an ice bath at least once a week.
I am right in the middle of the this years Road Race Series that is offered through my track club, Memphis Runners Track Club. This consists of 10 different races at 2 of each type. So there are 2 5ks, 2 5-milers, 2 10ks, 2 10-milers, and finally 2 half marathons. The Series started in July and lasts until November, and with it being September and each race is 2 weeks apart, that means that I have a 10k this Sunday. Have I confused you yet?
So I am trying to make it through this series and at least set a few personal records. I haven’t yet. I have done terrible. No really and here’s why: I am lacking in motivation, Memphis is hot and humid and it’s really hard to run during the summer here, and I have also sprained my left ankle TWICE this summer. But this week the weather has changed to where it’s not so terribly humid and it’s actually been pretty nice to run lately. My ankle has finally healed. I’m finding new ways to motivate myself (more on that later in a separate post.)
So anyways back to the ice bath. Why should you take an ice bath? It’s supposed to help with your recovery! This is what I did and how I feel afterwards:
1. After I went into pure beast mode and ran a collective 5 miles today at a pretty decent pace, I went to the store and bought a bag of ice. When I got home I dumped that sucker in the bathtub and turned on the cold water. Which then the ice immediately melted. Oh… ok… So I dumped all of the ice in our ice tray and the seemed like a sufficient amount.
2. I put on a sweater and my Chicago Fire hat to keep the upper half of my body warm-ish. I also set up my laptop so I could distract myself from what’s to come. (Thank you PistolShrimps youtube videos for keeping me entertained.)
3. I had a little snack because I didn’t know what to expect, and this just seemed like a good idea – I don’t really want to pass out in super cold ass water.
4. I stepped in, immediately screamed, and then made myself sit down. It really wasn’t so bad. The only thing that really bothered me was how bad my feet were hurting but it didn’t bother me so much after 2 minutes.
5. I only stayed in for about 12 minutes. This seemed like a good number.
Now I’m all warm and toasty. My legs feel great. I think you are supposed to eat a warm post-run meal after taking an ice bath but my dinner has yet to arrive. Which could explain why I’m not feeling so great – I’m really light-headed. I also sneezed a lot after I dried off so maybe next time I will drink some hot tea while I’m grumbling obscenities in my ice bath. I feel a little loopy to be completely honest, I’m kind of wondering – why did I number my post… not making any sense… Is this post coherent? Jeez I hope so….
