Legs feel tired. Just wondering?
I wouldn’t do that the night before any race unless I had already found it was effective in training. I wouldn;t try it the night before a big race though- no telling what your reaction may be!
If legs are tired, eat a really healthy meal then go to bed. They need good fuel and rest.
Ice baths reduce inflammation and I’m not sure how that would help so I wouldn’t do it.
one of the theories of ice baths is that they constrict the blood vessels, then new ‘fresh’ blood is drawn in, and the lactic acid is pushed out.
I’ve used them in training, after long runs. The legs feel great later in the day. Typically the day after a long run I rest/go easy, so I’ve never thought about how they feel for a workout.
Yes, go for it. I have found that 10 minutes in an ice bath does the trick. I also like to lay down with my feet elevated for 10-15 more minutes after the ice bath. I used this technique quite regularly during college XC season. Good luck tomorrow!
Personally it feels really good to do a short dip in the ice water. But I really need to warm up well the next day because they feel a little tighter than usual.
one of the theories of ice baths is that they constrict the blood vessels, then new ‘fresh’ blood is drawn in, and the lactic acid is pushed out.
excess lactate is buffered out of your muscles quite quickly after you’re done with the workout. The tiredness you’re feeling isn’t a result of lactate buildup, more likely little z line tears in your muscles or something.