Thursday, June 01, 2006

Taking the Plunge

Today Jason and I ran 9 miles and we paced an average of 8:40min/mile with our two fastest miles being 8:20 and 8:16 which were the LAST two miles. Gotta love when there is still some fuel in the tank at the end.

I have been perusing the Runner's World Forums and there was a great post talking about the Pfitz plans and suggestions/support (read the full thread here).

One of the poster was giving suggestions about ice baths and I have read lots about ice baths and how important they are and all the pros do them and yadda yadda yadda. So on our cool down walk home Jason mentioned that we had recently bought a bag of ice (for yummy frozen margaritas) so we decided to do the ice bath thing and......

YEOWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That was cold! I had the advantage because I just sat in the tub and let water fill over my legs so that I could get used to it.

Jason however went after me and I'm telling you it was like trying to give a dog a bath. Or more similar to the scene in the move Who Framed Roger Rabbit when they were trying to put Roger Rabbit into the 50 gallon drum of oil and he was using his ears and everything else to not touch the water. It was hilarious. There was nothing I could to get that boy to sit down in the water. Finally he let go and took the plunge. So. Funny.

Although I felt great during the run I am really sleepy now. I think maybe I am a bit dehydrated (though we did stop 2 times for water along the run. I HAVE to keep doing this, I tend to go, "NO we can't stop running!" and frankly that's stupid). Jason had to take over on the drive to the lab because I was falling asleep. So I was able to close my eyes for about 20 minutes which always helps. Tomorrow is a long day at the lab and no running, then 4 miles at a recovery pace on Saturday and 12 miles on Sunday.

I think we'll try the ice bath again after the 12 mile run....maybe it'll be a twice a week treat.

12 comments:

Joe said...

Wow. From reading the pace times and distances of your runs for the last few weeks I can clearly see that you two are getting stronger and stronger! Keep up the good work!

BTW, the Roger Rabbit analogy is a good one. I can totally picture it.

jeanne said...

ice baths are good! but i like he gradually approach, like cooking (icing?) a frog...a few inches of cool (not cold) water, then gradually make it colder, then dump in some ice, etc. Poor Jason! (And if I may say so, your tub is immaculate!)
:)

Anonymous said...

You guys are crazy! I could never get into an ice bath. Did it help?

Full Metal Lunchbox said...

Nice photo.  I've also been getting ice bath suggestions, but I think I'm more like Jason than Leah when it comes to ice and it more suitable for mixed drinks than to sit in.

Triseverance said...

Great running you guys, I have taken a few ice baths for my legs none yet this year however...

Ok since no one else has the guts to ask it and I love Seinfeldisms....I will just say one word, shrinkage.....ok two more frightened turtle. hehehehe

Thomas said...

I can't believe you did that. I really can't. I'm rather sore for a few days than endure torture like this. And after only 9 miles - no thank you.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Triseverance said...

Hey and thanks for the link, I just might have to watch that forum, thanks I think...:)

Haight said...

In case of an emergency and an ice bath isn't available...you could always run into Lake Michigan...it's still brrrrrrr.

Jason said...

Despite my reluctance to take the plunge, it's really not bad once you are in there. You become numb pretty much instantly and then it's not so bad. I read my book and the 15 minutes passed relatively quickly.

As far as an effect, I'm not sure yet. My ankle area is fairly sore which may be due to how stiffly I have to hold my legs to fit in the tub and keep my legs submerged. Not sure though.

LeahC said...

My legs are feeling pretty good today.

Haight-we have done the lake michigan thing before. We end our runs at north ave and then go swimming and then walk home. It's a wonderful way to end a run especially if it's super hot out. It's not so fun then walking the 3-4 miles home though.

Haight said...

That's why they invented cabs :)

Scott said...

The worse thing about the ice bath is...

SHRINKAGE!

Scott