How long do you go before you start with the ice baths?

I'm a big believer in the ice bath, I'm trying to remember when I started them in the last training cycle. This past weekend was 11 miles and after a step back week, I have 13 and 15 planned for the next 2 weekends. I'm a little sore today (after the 11 and then 6 yesterday), so I'm thinking that it's time to start taking them after the 13 miler.

Assuming you are an ice bather, how long does your run have to be before you will take or consider taking an ice bath?

I do them after tempo and interval workouts too, so I'm not sure there's a specific distance for which I take one. Instead, I try to hop in the tub after any "hard" effort.

Heck, I've taken them after easy days if my legs feel sore. Like you, I feel very refreshed after an ice bath. So why limit yourself?

Dave-O wrote:I do them after tempo and interval workouts too, so I'm not sure there's a specific distance for which I take one. Instead, I try to hop in the tub after any "hard" effort.

Heck, I've taken them after easy days if my legs feel sore. Like you, I feel very refreshed after an ice bath. So why limit yourself?

I'm smiling at a picture of Dave-O siting in an ice bath while he gathers testimony from a witness at his recent trial.

Dave-O wrote:I do them after tempo and interval workouts too, so I'm not sure there's a specific distance for which I take one. Instead, I try to hop in the tub after any "hard" effort.

Heck, I've taken them after easy days if my legs feel sore. Like you, I feel very refreshed after an ice bath. So why limit yourself?

Laziness, but point taken.

Jerry is curious if ice bath is considered as a criteria for serious runners.

Jerry wrote:Jerry is curious if ice bath is considered as a criteria for serious runners.

No serious runner would wear headphone in a race. That's the only criteria.

Stan

Jerry wrote:Jerry is curious if ice bath is considered as a criteria for serious runners.

No don't worry Jerry, I don't take ice bath either. I prefer taking Epsom salt baths in warm water.

Schuey wrote:

Jerry wrote:Jerry is curious if ice bath is considered as a criteria for serious runners.

No don't worry Jerry, I don't take ice bath either. I prefer taking Epsom salt baths in warm water.

+1

I'm a big believer in ice baths too. I think they are my secret weapon when I compare my training to some of my buddies. I take an ice bath after every quality workout, time permitting.

T Miller wrote:I'm a big believer in ice baths too. I think they are my secret weapon when I compare my training to some of my buddies. I take an ice bath after every quality workout, time permitting.

Ice baths don't work. It's just Tim's mental crutch.

wendy_miller wrote:

T Miller wrote:I'm a big believer in ice baths too. I think they are my secret weapon when I compare my training to some of my buddies. I take an ice bath after every quality workout, time permitting.

Ice baths don't work. It's just Tim's mental crutch.

Haha that was funny Wendy. See there's another thing about training that we can agree on.

I think he tries to get you to do them so you can feel is misery of sitting in that cold ice water! Hey didn't you two once sit in an ice bath during the winter with coffee? At least I think I remember you posting that in an old blog over at Hal's site!! If so you guys are way NUTS!

That is funny! I've never tried one and don't think I could bring myself to it.... Sounds completely awful.

Schuey wrote:

wendy_miller wrote:

T Miller wrote:I'm a big believer in ice baths too. I think they are my secret weapon when I compare my training to some of my buddies. I take an ice bath after every quality workout, time permitting.

Ice baths don't work. It's just Tim's mental crutch.

Haha that was funny Wendy. See there's another thing about training that we can agree on.

I think he tries to get you to do them so you can feel is misery of sitting in that cold ice water! Hey didn't you two once sit in an ice bath during the winter with coffee? At least I think I remember you posting that in an old blog over at Hal's site!! If so you guys are way NUTS!

Yes, we did. But I have been enlightened. I have read actual research that says that, while ice baths relieve pain, they do NOT improve recovery or decrease inflammation. The only time I might do one is after a marathon just to relieve pain. But as far as why Tim uses them? It's all in his head. They don't work!

wendy_miller wrote:

Schuey wrote:

wendy_miller wrote:

T Miller wrote:I'm a big believer in ice baths too. I think they are my secret weapon when I compare my training to some of my buddies. I take an ice bath after every quality workout, time permitting.

Ice baths don't work. It's just Tim's mental crutch.

Haha that was funny Wendy. See there's another thing about training that we can agree on.

I think he tries to get you to do them so you can feel is misery of sitting in that cold ice water! Hey didn't you two once sit in an ice bath during the winter with coffee? At least I think I remember you posting that in an old blog over at Hal's site!! If so you guys are way NUTS!

Yes, we did. But I have been enlightened. I have read actual research that says that, while ice baths relieve pain, they do NOT improve recovery or decrease inflammation. The only time I might do one is after a marathon just to relieve pain. But as far as why Tim uses them? It's all in his head. They don't work!

Research paper? Hmmm.

We will see if it work this Sunday.

wendy_miller wrote:

Schuey wrote:

wendy_miller wrote:

T Miller wrote:I'm a big believer in ice baths too. I think they are my secret weapon when I compare my training to some of my buddies. I take an ice bath after every quality workout, time permitting.

Ice baths don't work. It's just Tim's mental crutch.

Haha that was funny Wendy. See there's another thing about training that we can agree on.

I think he tries to get you to do them so you can feel is misery of sitting in that cold ice water! Hey didn't you two once sit in an ice bath during the winter with coffee? At least I think I remember you posting that in an old blog over at Hal's site!! If so you guys are way NUTS!

Yes, we did. But I have been enlightened. I have read actual research that says that, while ice baths relieve pain, they do NOT improve recovery or decrease inflammation. The only time I might do one is after a marathon just to relieve pain. But as far as why Tim uses them? It's all in his head. They don't work!

Ha ha The proof is in the pudding sweetie. We'll see on Sunday.

Some of you had me convinced ice baths were a necessary evil of marathon running. However, I stopped doing them the past couple of years (years in which I have done 4-5 marathons a year) and I have noticed no difference in recovery time without the ice baths. With Wendy citing some research, I will trust she knows what she is talking about based upon her area of study.