All of you had such great answers to Laura's question but I had a few questions about the answers: What is this "Stick" you all are talking about? It sounds great but is such a mystery! And also how do you do the ice bath? When I ran in college we had a huge tub and the trainers filled it with ice from the ice machine for us. I, on the other hand, do not have that luxury anymore. Do you buy it by the bags before your run? Silly question I know, but I just got curious about your methods.
Thanks and HAPPY RUNNING to you all!
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I use a four foot long foam roller I bought from my physical therapist, but the Stick is just a smaller, more portable manufactured version of the same concept. (www.thestick.com). It's like getting a deep tissue massage at home... it helps work out those tight muscles, loosen them up and promote blood flow, all of which helps to prevent injury. Word of warning: it's NOT fun! In fact, the more my muscles need it, the more it hurts. But it's one of the best tools I've ever used to help keep me healthy and on the road.
If you don't have an icemaker in your freezer, you can certainly use a bag or two of ice. My trick is to take the ice bath almost immediately after I come in from my run, when I'm still hot and sweaty (the shock of the cold isn't quite as bad)! I fill the tub with cold water first, ease myself in, then dump in the ice. I always bring along a watch to keep the time for 15 minutes and a magazine to distract me (usually the latest issue of Runner's World). Once my legs go numb-- takes about 60 seconds-- it really isn't that bad at all. I try to swish my legs around a little once in awhile, but usually it's all I can do to just stay still. Don't wear anything wet up top or it'll make things worse... if you need to, you can wrap a warm towel from the dryer around your shoulders. Be sure to take a hot shower right after your ice bath; the cold water flushes lactic acid out of your muscles and the warm water rushes blood back in. A few minutes of misery cuts your recovery time in half, if not more. It's a lifesaver!
AWESOME! Thanks! I have actually seen "The Stick" now that you mention it! I will definitely have to give it try! And the ice bath too...
wow! thanks for the questions and the answer! awesome!
I agree with Tall Girl's comment. I use both a foam roller and a stick...they seem to work better for different things.
For an ice bath, I actually get in with clothes on. For some reason it doesn't seem as cold if I have a shirt and underwear. I'm really only doing it for my legs and they get plenty cold. I just use whatever ice I have... I am sure I could get it colder, but I think it does the trick.
I agree with tall girl! Good luck!
Again, great answers! THANKS!
WOnderful answers! Thank you! I must agree with everything because it seems to me that you are better! : )
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