After my 19 mile run this weekend, I knew I was going to be on the go all day. I started my day at 4:30 am and finally went to bed around 11 pm. So being sore was not an option.
On my way home from the run, I stopped at the closest 4bux (Starbucks) and ordered a non-fat chocolate milk. I chugged this and almost immediately I started to feel better. You know how you feel after a long run? Where you can barely form sentences? Only me? Ok.
Upon arriving home to my kiddos, who thankfully didn't want to run (Whew, dodged the bullet on that one), I put the kettle on for some hot tea. I did my stretches and foam rolled while I waited.
In the meantime, I ran lukewarm water in the tub. I am a wuss. I couldn't run ALL cold. I got all of the ice out of the icemaker and put it in the tub as soon as the tea was done.
I put on a bathing suit bottom and a big sweatshirt. I slowly sat in the tub. It was cold at first, but then I wished I had more ice to add. I sat in the ice bath for 10-15 minutes and had to shower and jet out to an appointment.
The rest of the day, my legs weren't stiff. They never ached, like they usually do.
The biggest thing? My legs felt great the next morning. My body usually feels like it got hit by a truck the day after a long run.
So there you have it- a fool proof guide on ice baths! Now go get your ice on!
You can do it!
