I read an article today in Boston’s Improper Bostonian that was interview with Alicia Sacramone, the Olympic Gymnast (http://www.aliciasacramone.net/).
In the article, she was asked: “Body part that hurts the most after competing?” and her answer:
” I think my ankles. Pretty much from the knees down. We stand in a trash bin filled with water and ice. It’s actually my favorite part of practice.”
Pretty neat, huh? I also remember reading about the late Ryan Shay(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Shay), a world class runner, who tragically died in the men’s Olympic marathon trials last November in New York City. It was said by his colleagues that he was as tough as nails and after practice, he would often soak his legs in a river.. in the middle of winter!
There is no doubt that completely submerging your injuries in cold water beats wrapping them in ice packs. I am feeling better and better about my post-run lobster pot soaks. It’s the most use my lobster pot has ever gotten!