Cold baths after long run

After a long run are you meant to have a cold bath? And if so, how long should you be in there for?

I did a 12 mile run on Sunday, and tried to get in a cold bath, but could only last for a few mins (there wasn't nothing pleasent about it) - I heard it's meant to be quite beneficial though.

I like lying in an empty bath with the shower head on full power pointed at my legs. Nearly as good as a massage.

Ha that sounds like it'd be great after the run. I guess you'd use the hot water for that one then? Have you ever tried having a cold bath after it?

When I do the "cold bath thing" I sit in an empty bath and then turn the cold tap on.When the water level is covering my legs I turn the tap off and stick with it for a few more minutes before pulling the plug.  I find this makes it much more bearable.

Also, after a long or hard workout you should try raising your legs for 10 minutes.  Do this by lying next to a wall and then swing your legs around so that they are straight up against the wall.  This drains the legs and helps recovery.  I do this before having the cold bath.

I'll give that a go on Sunday then - it was horrendous the last time I tried, but if it helps in the long run then it's worth it.

How long do you leave it after the cold bath before you have a hot shower? I read somewhere that you should leave it 10-15 mins to help it take effect?

I swear by cold baths and will do one after all my runs over 12 miles. I run the water, get myself a cup of tea / coffee...pile of biscuits, clock, good book. Tell my family to NOT come in to ask stupid questions or they'll get a torrent of abuse.....lower myself in gently and sit there for 15 minutes. Once you've got over the initialy shock - lasts about 4 mins - it's o.k. really and you can drink your hot drink, eat your biccies and relax, but then us women have a much higher pain threshold that you men. 

15 minutes! Ouch. I don't know if i could do it for that long. My hat is off to you. If you don't have an ice bath how do you feel?

It sounds worse than it is, trust me. After the first few minutes your body does get used to it....it's the initial shock that is painful.

It would be daft to think that a cold ice bath will solve all your aches and pains. I never run the day after my LSR and I always have a cold bath after my LSR...so...with that and the day rest, I am fine and dandy to get out and about again the following day. Before I was told about cold baths, I used to feel more stiff and sore etc, but that could also have been down to me not doing quite as much as I do now and would have been less fit, if that makes sense !

I find the benefit is usually that same day when I no longer hobble about quite so much as I do, so I guess that is telling. Works for me anyways.  

You're just a masochist anyway!!

I can totally get on with this. There's nothin better than a cold plunge into the pool on baking day so why not extend it to your runs?

You must do - I only last 5 mins and then jumped out - I was a pretty embarrassing sight to see. I've taken the cold plunge before at the gym, but never after a long run or for more than a few mins. I had to miss my long run this weekend (food poisoning I think), so I'll try it next week and let you know how it goes1

for those of you who do have cold baths, do yuo find that the more you do them the easier it is? Or is the shock always the same?

I've had one in my life and all I can say is never again...

15 minutes in a cold bath?! That sounds awful!

My thoughts exactly, it was horrible

LOL....shock always the same BUT difference is, you know you can do it !!!!!!

Two bags of ice in cold water in the bath just enough to cover your legs. A pair of neoprene shorts for obvious reasons a hoodie and a cup of tea after twenty mins you will feel brand new.

I like the idea of a hoodie to help, that and a cup of tea should hopefully make it easier next. Adding ice is going to be brutal though!

Will you try to have an ice bath after the race? How would you go about doing that?

It is a shock to the system alright, but it is the strangest feeling when you get out. Well worth the pain.