One of the hardest things for me to do is to get directly into a cold water shower directly from my bed in the morning, especially the first 30 seconds or so. This winter I have tried a new technique which seems to work for me and is a lot less harsh and a shock to the system.
I now start off with a reasonable temperature from the showerhead get all soaped up and then I turn the temperature dial down a notch. I have numbers on the shower temp selector that go from 1 to 8. However you can override the control and go full cold or full hot.
Every 30 seconds or so I turn the dial down a notch till I hit the number 1 and then after another 30 seconds or so I just turn it to full cold and stay there under the shower rose for a few minutes. I find that when I get out the shower after using this method I warm up pretty quick - well faster than if I start full cold and then turn the heat up a little to take the chill off before getting out.
If you decide to try this, let me know how you get on in the comments section.
Showing posts with label Shower. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shower. Show all posts
Monday, 4 January 2016
Friday, 21 October 2011
Winter is Coming
As the weather is cooling down here in the UK now, I think it is about time to get back to the origins of my blog - my experiences of cold water. There has been a relatively dramatic drop in temperature in the UK over the past 2 weeks. From basking in >20C sunshine to the first hard frost of the winter last weekend (1C) has barely taken 10 days!
To give you all an update on the running. I have continued to run shirtless through the summer and will continue to do so through the winter this year if at all possible. I have run all my races this year shirtless (often being the only person in the race to do so) and although I have put in a personal best (PB)time in a 10km run early this season I have not been able to improve on my half marathon PB. I did improve upon my time for one of the half-marathons that I did the previous year by around 5 minutes, so my training can't all have been in vain. I still weigh around 67kg so not much fluctuation there either.
With the weather cooling down, so has the water temperature out of the tap too. I am starting to take cold showers again after a summer break (2 with only cold water this week). I find that in summer the water is tepid and not as enjoyable as either really cold or really hot. So I tend to mix it up a bit depending on my mood in the summer. I am looking forward to the water temperatures getting down into single digits again (i.e. below 10C/50F). Also planning to take some cold water baths again to get used to full immersion. I am still looking for a good place to swim outdoors in the winter. If I find a place I will take some pics and post them here.
That's all for now. Drop me a mail or leave a comment as to what you are goin to be doing this winter.
To give you all an update on the running. I have continued to run shirtless through the summer and will continue to do so through the winter this year if at all possible. I have run all my races this year shirtless (often being the only person in the race to do so) and although I have put in a personal best (PB)time in a 10km run early this season I have not been able to improve on my half marathon PB. I did improve upon my time for one of the half-marathons that I did the previous year by around 5 minutes, so my training can't all have been in vain. I still weigh around 67kg so not much fluctuation there either.
With the weather cooling down, so has the water temperature out of the tap too. I am starting to take cold showers again after a summer break (2 with only cold water this week). I find that in summer the water is tepid and not as enjoyable as either really cold or really hot. So I tend to mix it up a bit depending on my mood in the summer. I am looking forward to the water temperatures getting down into single digits again (i.e. below 10C/50F). Also planning to take some cold water baths again to get used to full immersion. I am still looking for a good place to swim outdoors in the winter. If I find a place I will take some pics and post them here.
That's all for now. Drop me a mail or leave a comment as to what you are goin to be doing this winter.
Monday, 13 December 2010
Boring week
I was away this past week with very little time to get out and run (early morning meetings and travel play havoc with running, as does staying in the middle of a city landscape with nowhere to run freely). I did, however, manage to get a couple of 1km swims in the pool at a hotel I was staying at and also to get a rare treat in the form of a massage one evening. I love massage and wish I could afford more of them.
I did a 10k run on Saturday morning in relatively warm 5C conditions compared to those I've been running in of late. Today I did a 7km run this morning in freezing fog (-1C) followed by a cold water shower of at least 4 or 5 minutes duration. The forecast is for colder weather and snow later this week so I may get my first snow run in for the season soon.
One of my blog followers wrote me an e-mail saying that he had re-read some of my earlier posts and how my early experiences with cold water were similar to his own. He also noted that some of my observations about how my body reacts to the cold were correct and how exciting that journey had been for both of us. I think I need to re-read what I wrote and discover some of that early enthusiasm again - maybe it will inspire me to do more and to push my body just that little bit further into experimenting with cold water some more.
I did a 10k run on Saturday morning in relatively warm 5C conditions compared to those I've been running in of late. Today I did a 7km run this morning in freezing fog (-1C) followed by a cold water shower of at least 4 or 5 minutes duration. The forecast is for colder weather and snow later this week so I may get my first snow run in for the season soon.
One of my blog followers wrote me an e-mail saying that he had re-read some of my earlier posts and how my early experiences with cold water were similar to his own. He also noted that some of my observations about how my body reacts to the cold were correct and how exciting that journey had been for both of us. I think I need to re-read what I wrote and discover some of that early enthusiasm again - maybe it will inspire me to do more and to push my body just that little bit further into experimenting with cold water some more.
Monday, 20 September 2010
10k Race time
I did a 10k race a few weekends ago. I managed a time of 46m 51s on a course which had a 1km steady climb at the start and a steady descent on the way back cos the course ended along the same road that it started on. I was hoping to do better than 5
minutes per km (which I did) so I am quite pleased with the time. Weather was overcast but quite warm (around 18C at the finish)and humid. The best part was I did the run shirtless (as usual) but did not see any other runners shed their shirts at the start or during the race. I guess being shirtless will become my "signature" for future races.
We had a short cold spell this past weekend with the air temp on Saturday morning down at around 5C. It made a change to get cold on a run instead of too hot. Bring on the colder and wetter weather, I cant remember the last time I ran in the rain.
Finished my 55 minute run today with a 10 minute cold (14C) shower. Water temp gradually creeping down to single figures - just how I like it. All I need to do now is to find that elusive pond or stream to take a dip in mid-run!
minutes per km (which I did) so I am quite pleased with the time. Weather was overcast but quite warm (around 18C at the finish)and humid. The best part was I did the run shirtless (as usual) but did not see any other runners shed their shirts at the start or during the race. I guess being shirtless will become my "signature" for future races.
We had a short cold spell this past weekend with the air temp on Saturday morning down at around 5C. It made a change to get cold on a run instead of too hot. Bring on the colder and wetter weather, I cant remember the last time I ran in the rain.
Finished my 55 minute run today with a 10 minute cold (14C) shower. Water temp gradually creeping down to single figures - just how I like it. All I need to do now is to find that elusive pond or stream to take a dip in mid-run!
Friday, 11 December 2009
Recent Activity
Well, its been much of the same, mostly running these days to keep the weight off over the last 3 weeks. Cold showers most days for around 5 minutes too.
Have been running at least twice a week (sometimes 3 times) for the past 3 weeks and I am sticking at around the 66Kg to 67Kg mark weight wise. My run times are consistent between 37 and 39 minutes for my standard distance of approx 4 miles/7Km. Pulse at the end of my run is around 132bpm and goes down to around 90bpm within 5 minutes and back to the 70-75bpm mark after around 15 minutes.
Today's run was done in the normal gear - shorts and trainers only - even though the outside air temperature was only 3C. It was not the coldest I have been over the past weeks - I did a run in driving rain and cold (approx 2C) - about 2 weeks ago where my hands were painful after the run to the point where it was difficult to use the key to get back into my house! It seems the colder mornings lead to better times (Today was 37m 35s only a few seconds off my best time) maybe its an innate thing to work harder to keep warm while running to maintain the core temperature?
Mountain biking for about 2 hours on one Saturday through vast expanses of wet, muddy tracks also led to a cold water hose down of the bike and me to wash the mass of mud off at the end of the session. A lot of fun but a cold ending which did not end with a cold water shower like my runs do but a warm (not hot) one to gradually warm me up (along with a nice cup of tea, of course).
Hope to do 3 runs next week before heading off to a much warmer climate for a short winter sun holiday.
Have been running at least twice a week (sometimes 3 times) for the past 3 weeks and I am sticking at around the 66Kg to 67Kg mark weight wise. My run times are consistent between 37 and 39 minutes for my standard distance of approx 4 miles/7Km. Pulse at the end of my run is around 132bpm and goes down to around 90bpm within 5 minutes and back to the 70-75bpm mark after around 15 minutes.
Today's run was done in the normal gear - shorts and trainers only - even though the outside air temperature was only 3C. It was not the coldest I have been over the past weeks - I did a run in driving rain and cold (approx 2C) - about 2 weeks ago where my hands were painful after the run to the point where it was difficult to use the key to get back into my house! It seems the colder mornings lead to better times (Today was 37m 35s only a few seconds off my best time) maybe its an innate thing to work harder to keep warm while running to maintain the core temperature?
Mountain biking for about 2 hours on one Saturday through vast expanses of wet, muddy tracks also led to a cold water hose down of the bike and me to wash the mass of mud off at the end of the session. A lot of fun but a cold ending which did not end with a cold water shower like my runs do but a warm (not hot) one to gradually warm me up (along with a nice cup of tea, of course).
Hope to do 3 runs next week before heading off to a much warmer climate for a short winter sun holiday.
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
A Change in Routine
No Posts for a while - just too lazy I guess! Apologies to those that wait with bated breath for each installment.
I have been running quite a lot recently - up to 3 times a week (mon, wed & fri Mornings) around my standard route. Times are fairly consistent at around 37 to 40 minutes. I am still running in just trainers and shorts without a shirt (although my new running partner thinks I am a little crazy as he runs with a long sleeved T-shirt and track suit pants)even though the temps are starting to drop. I have run in the rain several times now and I must say that I quite enjoy the feeling of getting wet and cold. With the paths getting muddier and pools of muddy water building up in the woods I think it wont be too long before I will risk a mud bath along the way one of these days.
Just for interest on a cold morning I took my temperature orally after my run and subsequent cold shower and it was 33.7C - a little lower than the normal body temp of around 36.2C! No ill-effects so I guess I am getting used to being cold. I will monitor and let you know once the outside temps are firmly in the single digits range and there is a little frost on the ground in the mornings. I dont know how low the digital thermometer goes before it fails to register - maybe I need to see if I can get my body temp down another degree or two.
My weight seems to be relatively stable, despite all the running, so maybe I am replacing fat with muscle. Weight fluctuates around the 67Kg mark. Today for instance was 66.4Kg , but yesterday was 67.2Kg. I put the difference down to hydration levels - is this likely? What do you think?
Water out of the tap is still well above 10C so no opportunity for cold baths as yet. Am going to explore different areas for outdoor swimming soon. I will let you all know if I find somewhere.
I have been running quite a lot recently - up to 3 times a week (mon, wed & fri Mornings) around my standard route. Times are fairly consistent at around 37 to 40 minutes. I am still running in just trainers and shorts without a shirt (although my new running partner thinks I am a little crazy as he runs with a long sleeved T-shirt and track suit pants)even though the temps are starting to drop. I have run in the rain several times now and I must say that I quite enjoy the feeling of getting wet and cold. With the paths getting muddier and pools of muddy water building up in the woods I think it wont be too long before I will risk a mud bath along the way one of these days.
Just for interest on a cold morning I took my temperature orally after my run and subsequent cold shower and it was 33.7C - a little lower than the normal body temp of around 36.2C! No ill-effects so I guess I am getting used to being cold. I will monitor and let you know once the outside temps are firmly in the single digits range and there is a little frost on the ground in the mornings. I dont know how low the digital thermometer goes before it fails to register - maybe I need to see if I can get my body temp down another degree or two.
My weight seems to be relatively stable, despite all the running, so maybe I am replacing fat with muscle. Weight fluctuates around the 67Kg mark. Today for instance was 66.4Kg , but yesterday was 67.2Kg. I put the difference down to hydration levels - is this likely? What do you think?
Water out of the tap is still well above 10C so no opportunity for cold baths as yet. Am going to explore different areas for outdoor swimming soon. I will let you all know if I find somewhere.
Friday, 16 October 2009
Winter is coming
Just a short update and a promise to do so more regularly in future.
I finally found a running buddy. Hopefully it will improve my endurance a bit as he seems fitter than me and we tend to push each other along. 3 runs this week already so a good start. Time improving a little - getting closer to the 37 minute mark for my standard run. Today was 37m40s only 20s off my best time.
Cold showers (water temp 13C out of the tap) are still the order of the day. I decided to wait till the water temp goes below 10C before doing the cold bath thing in earnest. Still looking for a cold water venue close by to swim in.
Added new vid on YouTube too. Take a look - links on the right.
I finally found a running buddy. Hopefully it will improve my endurance a bit as he seems fitter than me and we tend to push each other along. 3 runs this week already so a good start. Time improving a little - getting closer to the 37 minute mark for my standard run. Today was 37m40s only 20s off my best time.
Cold showers (water temp 13C out of the tap) are still the order of the day. I decided to wait till the water temp goes below 10C before doing the cold bath thing in earnest. Still looking for a cold water venue close by to swim in.
Added new vid on YouTube too. Take a look - links on the right.
Friday, 21 August 2009
Back in Circulation
I know it has been around 5 weeks since my last post but I have an excuse - I was on vacation.
The pic on the right was my everyday view (yes, sunny skies, >30C every day and cool, clear water for swimming in). Sorry for the poor quality but it was taken on my phone rather than with my digital camera. Still working on some more pics to post here in the coming days.
Spent 3 weeks in Greece replenishing my Vitamin D content (i.e. nude sunbathing to get an all-over tan). Also did a fair amount of walking, running and swimming (a lot of that was done naked too!) as well as trying to not eat too much (mostly clothed to eat, unfortunately!).
The effort seems to have paid off as since I have been back in the UK I have seen a slight improvement in my time for running my standard route and also am less breathless during the latter stages of my run - also I am managing to run the complete route now too which I found very difficult before.
It has also had an effect on my weight - which, depending on when I weigh myself, occasionally shows below the 66kg mark (today was 65.9kg so very close to my self-imposed goal weight of 65kg). There is definitely not a lot of fat left on my body but I don't have the tools to get an accurate body fat assessment.
Am still running shirtless all the time and do not intend to run with a shirt on through the winter either. Looking for a local running partner in the hope of improving my fitness further.
The cold showers are more like luke-warm showers at the moment, but still have one after my run to cool me down as I am normally very hot when I get back after around 40 minutes of solid running. Haven't measured the water temp since I have been back but it is certainly not that cold.
Till the next post......
Friday, 22 May 2009
This week (with pic)
Well, another week has gone past and without a post from me. Its been a fairly busy week.
The water in the taps is definitely getting warmer as I can stay in the shower for a lot longer without feeling cold at the end of it now. I am persisting with the cold showers.
On the exercise front I have been fairly active this past week. I managed my normal run on Saturday and Sunday as well as Thursday night so almost 15miles under the hoof this week! I also managed to get out to swim 2km at the local pool on Wednesday night. I seem to have reached a consistent swim time of approx 30 minutes per km. My run is also run in a fairly constant time of around 40 minutes for 4.5Miles. My weight is also back down below the 70Kg level - I hope to get this down a little more over the next month so that my body is really lean and my body fat level down below 10% for my summer vacation. I included a webacm pic I took today to give you an indication of what I look like right now (apologies for the bad quality!).
Question: Are these times for running/swimming good or not? What can I do to improve them? Any comments on my body shape/form and what I can do to get the 6-pack showing more? Do you think I should get my nipples pierced? I am thinking of getting a small barbell in each.
The water in the taps is definitely getting warmer as I can stay in the shower for a lot longer without feeling cold at the end of it now. I am persisting with the cold showers.
On the exercise front I have been fairly active this past week. I managed my normal run on Saturday and Sunday as well as Thursday night so almost 15miles under the hoof this week! I also managed to get out to swim 2km at the local pool on Wednesday night. I seem to have reached a consistent swim time of approx 30 minutes per km. My run is also run in a fairly constant time of around 40 minutes for 4.5Miles. My weight is also back down below the 70Kg level - I hope to get this down a little more over the next month so that my body is really lean and my body fat level down below 10% for my summer vacation. I included a webacm pic I took today to give you an indication of what I look like right now (apologies for the bad quality!).Question: Are these times for running/swimming good or not? What can I do to improve them? Any comments on my body shape/form and what I can do to get the 6-pack showing more? Do you think I should get my nipples pierced? I am thinking of getting a small barbell in each.
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
Day 85 - Cold Water Videos
I had a cold shower again this morning. I don't know what the temp of the water is at the moment as I haven't measured it in many days. I did enjoy the sensation this morning more than most. Maybe this is because i am getting used to it as a long term part of my life, or maybe its because I was feeling more energised this morning and got in with view of really enjoying the water.
Now that the winter season here in the northern hemisphere is over it is interesting to trawl through some of the video websites such as Youtube to see what other cold water people have been getting into. There are a lot of "Polar bear" swims in some of the colder countries (Canada, USA, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Russia and others) and others where there are organised cold water swimming groups or clubs. Polar Bear events are typically one-off events on a specific day (such as Christmans Day, New Year's Day or Epiphany) whereas the club events are more geared to regular, organised swims or dips (daily, weekly or monthly).
A number of these events have photos or videos taken of them and are posted for all to see. There is a collection of these in my links and playlists on the right of this post. I must say that the open water swims tend to be the most appealing to me such as this 500m+ swim one done in 2C water by Youtube poster Ujumine (click here for video). Whilst I have not done this yet myself I certainly will be making every effort todo so next winter or whenever the opportunity arises.
There are other Youtube users such as Ulysse3329, ToughPaul and blechdose2, who also seem to share this love of cold water swimming and endurance. If you know of any more people, vidoes or other sites related to coldwater swimming and endurance, please let me know.
Now that the winter season here in the northern hemisphere is over it is interesting to trawl through some of the video websites such as Youtube to see what other cold water people have been getting into. There are a lot of "Polar bear" swims in some of the colder countries (Canada, USA, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Russia and others) and others where there are organised cold water swimming groups or clubs. Polar Bear events are typically one-off events on a specific day (such as Christmans Day, New Year's Day or Epiphany) whereas the club events are more geared to regular, organised swims or dips (daily, weekly or monthly).
A number of these events have photos or videos taken of them and are posted for all to see. There is a collection of these in my links and playlists on the right of this post. I must say that the open water swims tend to be the most appealing to me such as this 500m+ swim one done in 2C water by Youtube poster Ujumine (click here for video). Whilst I have not done this yet myself I certainly will be making every effort todo so next winter or whenever the opportunity arises.
There are other Youtube users such as Ulysse3329, ToughPaul and blechdose2, who also seem to share this love of cold water swimming and endurance. If you know of any more people, vidoes or other sites related to coldwater swimming and endurance, please let me know.
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Day 76 to 84 - Spring is Here
There has not been much happening over the past week, especially as the Easter Holidays have intervened and other things have been happening which have diverted my attention.
The water from the cold taps is warming up so the cold showers every morning are not as cold as they used to be. I am still taking cold showers and still enjoying them. The opportunity to take a cold bath has also not been available to me the past week either.
My running has been taking a bit of a back seat as there have been a number of things going on which have meant I have not been able to get out as much. I did manage a longwalk with some friends of about 4Miles one day and around 2 short runs of 1.6miles each all within a reasonable time. I will resume the runs in earnest this week. With some recent rain the ground has started to become muddy - quite inviting to take run and jump (or even a slide) into? Anyone else tried this? The idea of being covered head to toe in slimy mud is quite appealing in a weird sort of way/
One day this week I will take my camera along and post some pics of my daily route through the local woods, especially as "Spring is Here" and the woodland takes on a completely different perspective - flowers, blossom and new growth of foliage, bushes and other exotic plants. I am still looking for that elusive pond somewhere along the way so that I can really take that swim and cool off en route.
Till next post.
The water from the cold taps is warming up so the cold showers every morning are not as cold as they used to be. I am still taking cold showers and still enjoying them. The opportunity to take a cold bath has also not been available to me the past week either.
My running has been taking a bit of a back seat as there have been a number of things going on which have meant I have not been able to get out as much. I did manage a longwalk with some friends of about 4Miles one day and around 2 short runs of 1.6miles each all within a reasonable time. I will resume the runs in earnest this week. With some recent rain the ground has started to become muddy - quite inviting to take run and jump (or even a slide) into? Anyone else tried this? The idea of being covered head to toe in slimy mud is quite appealing in a weird sort of way/
One day this week I will take my camera along and post some pics of my daily route through the local woods, especially as "Spring is Here" and the woodland takes on a completely different perspective - flowers, blossom and new growth of foliage, bushes and other exotic plants. I am still looking for that elusive pond somewhere along the way so that I can really take that swim and cool off en route.
Till next post.
Sunday, 5 April 2009
Day 71 to 75 - From Cold to Exercise
Being at home after all the business travel is quite refreshing. And now the weather and the water temperatures are warming up I think my toughness regimen must move from cold water endurance to toughening up my body and muscular endurance. I will still do the cold water showers (as I have this week apart from 2 days when the water was so luke-warm that it was unpleasant - neither hot nor cold enough - so I added some hot water to it) but I will look for other opportunities to get into cold water situations (rivers, streams, ponds, ice baths, sauna cold pools etc.) which are likely to be colder than water from the tap.
As far as exercise is concerned I have been extending the distance I have been running over the past few days. Today it was close to 5 Miles on a mix of road, woodland paths and across farmland. There was a mix of up and down too, but nothing too extreme as far as inclines are concerned. The time was not that good - close to 1 hour but for the most part I did jog or walk at a fast pace. I did the majority of the run in shorts (no top) as the paths are public footpaths and there were people around. I even got a few hoots from cars when I was running without a shirt along the road!
I hope to mix the running with swimming occasionaly during the coming weeks. I don't know if I will find a cold water pool in my area but I will certainly try to find an outdoor one rather than an indoor one. If you know of one west of London let me know. Also looking for suggestions of places to go swimming in West London area (Tube accessible) during the week and/or to meet up with others with similar interests occasionally during the coming months. Suggestions welcome via mail and/or the comments section please.
I would like to find a running mate of similar ability so that it is not so boring and that will challenge me to do better (i.e. push me along a bit). So if you live on the west side of London along the M40 corridor anywhere between J2 and J4 and are interested in joining me for the occasional run please leave a comment and let me know.
As far as exercise is concerned I have been extending the distance I have been running over the past few days. Today it was close to 5 Miles on a mix of road, woodland paths and across farmland. There was a mix of up and down too, but nothing too extreme as far as inclines are concerned. The time was not that good - close to 1 hour but for the most part I did jog or walk at a fast pace. I did the majority of the run in shorts (no top) as the paths are public footpaths and there were people around. I even got a few hoots from cars when I was running without a shirt along the road!
I hope to mix the running with swimming occasionaly during the coming weeks. I don't know if I will find a cold water pool in my area but I will certainly try to find an outdoor one rather than an indoor one. If you know of one west of London let me know. Also looking for suggestions of places to go swimming in West London area (Tube accessible) during the week and/or to meet up with others with similar interests occasionally during the coming months. Suggestions welcome via mail and/or the comments section please.
I would like to find a running mate of similar ability so that it is not so boring and that will challenge me to do better (i.e. push me along a bit). So if you live on the west side of London along the M40 corridor anywhere between J2 and J4 and are interested in joining me for the occasional run please leave a comment and let me know.
Sunday, 29 March 2009
Day 67 and 68 - Weekend
How come weekends pass so quickly? It never ceases to amaze me that a weekend can go by without doing most of what you intended. 2 showers this weekend and 2 runs, one on friday after I posted the blog and one tonight. My times for the run are not as good as before I hurt my leg but they are improving. And after 2 weeks of business trips and entertaining my weight is back up over 72Kg! I really do need to watch what I eat and exercise more.
Any hints and tips for running/jogging training? Drop me a comment.
Any hints and tips for running/jogging training? Drop me a comment.
Saturday, 28 February 2009
Day 39 - Preparation
I think this will be my last post for about 10 days as I am off to the Alps for a skiing vacation from tomorrow. I have my thermometer with me and will be on the lookout for a lake with ice that has a hole in it to take a quick dip (or a snow melt run-off stream). Hopefully someone will film it so I can put it on Youtube. Other than that I am sure that the water in the taps will be colder than the UK so I am hoping to report back that I was able to go down a few more degrees in temp. I didn't have any feedback as to what is the best way to do the really low temps (<5C) - whether to stay in only for a few minutes the first day and then build up the time or stick with 10 minutes and gradually reduce the temp - over the time I am there. I think I may just go with the first option and see how I get on.
Today I only managed a short cold shower but I think was good enough after yesterdays re-acquaintance. Temp outside is 6C so I may just go for a run later too.
The blog has not gone away - will be back with a vengeance on the 10th of March. Have fun while I am away and leave me a comment or two, please!
Temperature: 10C (Shower)
Duration: 4 minutes
Today I only managed a short cold shower but I think was good enough after yesterdays re-acquaintance. Temp outside is 6C so I may just go for a run later too.
The blog has not gone away - will be back with a vengeance on the 10th of March. Have fun while I am away and leave me a comment or two, please!
Temperature: 10C (Shower)
Duration: 4 minutes
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Day 34 & 35 - Hot Water
Still away in a hot climate and nothing I can do to get the water colder. It still comes out of the tap at close to 30C! I just resigned myself to the fact that I shower hot. I can see that I am going to have to get used to the cold water back in the UK in a hurry on Friday by immersing myself in a bath full to the brim with cold water for as long as I can stand it.
I have been walking (not jogging) since I am here and also, unfortunately, eating a lot too. I just hope my good work of the past weeks has not been undone in an instant. Next weigh-in will be on Friday.
Over the next 2 days I do hope to catch up on some sun tanning to add bit of colour to my skin after a winter drought of the suns rays on my body. At least at my hotel I can get away with wearing a thong swimsuit at, and in, the pool.
My next post will probably be on Friday. If you want to ask me a question, just post a comment.
Temeperature (Air from 25C to 37C; Cold water out the tap 30C)
Duration: Here, as long as you want..........
I have been walking (not jogging) since I am here and also, unfortunately, eating a lot too. I just hope my good work of the past weeks has not been undone in an instant. Next weigh-in will be on Friday.
Over the next 2 days I do hope to catch up on some sun tanning to add bit of colour to my skin after a winter drought of the suns rays on my body. At least at my hotel I can get away with wearing a thong swimsuit at, and in, the pool.
My next post will probably be on Friday. If you want to ask me a question, just post a comment.
Temeperature (Air from 25C to 37C; Cold water out the tap 30C)
Duration: Here, as long as you want..........
Friday, 20 February 2009
Day 30 & 31 - A month of Progress?
Well it has been a week of showers and I am missing the cold baths. More importantly a whole month of cold showers and baths at temps from 16C down to 7C, my lowest to date. Hopefully I will get back into the bath routine again soon. Next week will be difficult too as I am away in the Middle East (topping up the suntan hopefully too), so unless I buy tons of ice to ship back to my hotel and put in the bathtub it will be "warm" cold showers for the whole week. This may change the week after though as I will be up in the Alps above the snowline. Here's hoping for a few evening runs and rolls in the snow at temps well below freezing air temperature.
After a whole month of this new routine I suppose I should pen some thoughts for consideration:
Temperature: 9C
Duration: 10 Minutes (day 30) and 12 Minutes (day 31 - of which 5 minutes straight was with the shower directly on my head despite the pain and temptation to get out)
Please dont forget to look at my playlist of videos collected about this topic on my Youtube link.
After a whole month of this new routine I suppose I should pen some thoughts for consideration:
- It has changed my way of thinking a little - every lake or stream I see from the window of a car or train becomes a potential place to cool off. Anyone else have that sensation/feeling?
- I am not afraid of the cold anymore - just more aware of my limits.
- My fitness has improved. My run on day 29 evening was around 13.5 minutes for the1.6 Mile run - not far off my current target time of 12. Maybe if I keep up my exercise routine while away I may be able to go a further distance or set a new goal time.
- My weight has dropped by almost 2Kg (4.5lbs)
- I need to tell my family what I am doing. It will be easier to practice this lifestyle change if things are out in the open.
- I want to get to the point where I can spend several minutes in ice cold water (below 2C) before summer really kicks in. Here's hoping the Alps prove to be the place to do just that - I know there is a stream close to the place I am staying that I can run to which may prove suitable.
- I will start running in only shorts and trainers from now on (OK, well maybe not in the alps except for a few minutes at a time, but certainly for my nightly runs in the UK).
Temperature: 9C
Duration: 10 Minutes (day 30) and 12 Minutes (day 31 - of which 5 minutes straight was with the shower directly on my head despite the pain and temptation to get out)
Please dont forget to look at my playlist of videos collected about this topic on my Youtube link.
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Day 29 - Shower & run
Another shower day today - 11 Minutes. Still working through the pain barrier of having 9C water flowing directly on my head from the shower. Managed about 4 of the 10 minutes today - longest session was 2 minutes straight with two other 1 minute sessions.
I went for a jog last night too and probably will tonight after I finish writing this. My standard street circuit of 1.6 Miles completed in 15 minutes dead. An improvement over the previous time which is a good thing. My aim is to get it down to around 12 minutes within about a month.
My weight is slowly coming down too with the cold water and the exercise. Weight was 71.6Kg today (stark naked on the bathroom scale after my shower as usual). Goal weight around 66kg and down to a 30" waist before the height of summer.
Temeperature: 9C (Shower)
Duration: 11 Minutes
I went for a jog last night too and probably will tonight after I finish writing this. My standard street circuit of 1.6 Miles completed in 15 minutes dead. An improvement over the previous time which is a good thing. My aim is to get it down to around 12 minutes within about a month.
My weight is slowly coming down too with the cold water and the exercise. Weight was 71.6Kg today (stark naked on the bathroom scale after my shower as usual). Goal weight around 66kg and down to a 30" waist before the height of summer.
Temeperature: 9C (Shower)
Duration: 11 Minutes
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
Day 28 - A cold memory
Today was another rather boring 10 Minute shower day for me today and with no exercise yesterday I am starting to feel a little edgy. Maybe a longer run tonight in shorts only? The Shower this morning was interesting for one reson only and that was to see if I could overcome this cold head aversion that I have. The pain of cold water flowing onto your head can be quite intense. I was sure that if I kept my head under the cold for long enough the pain would go away or at least subside as my body got used to it. So after a few quick splahes I put my head into the water flow. I timed it - first one minute and then a break as the pain increased, a short break then another 2 minutes straight after which the pain subsided a little. I finished with another 1 minute at the end and that was not as bad at all. Maybe next time I go for 5 Minutes straight. What do you think?
I wanted to recall a bad experience I had with the cold a few years ago - skiing in the French Alps. I dressed as normal for a day on the slopes, fairly lightly because I ski quickly and get warm just as quick. Normal ski gear for me is a one-piece ski suit with thong underwear and a t-shirt underneath as well as the obligatory socks, boots, gloves etc. On this particular day the weather was not so great, cloudy and overcast, a little bit of snow. I had skied quite a bit and then got a long slow lift to the top of one of the runs. By this time the wind had really gotten up, the snow had started to fall as had the temperature to quite a few degrees belwo zero. Around -12C and with the windchill the station at the top it must have been around -20C effective.
The problem was not the cold while skiing but on the lift - it stopped while we were half way up. Completely exposed to the wind with no shelter at all we were left there for a good 10-15 minutes. Even a good ski suit is not that effective at such temps and with the windchill I got really, really cold. I felt OK after i got skiing again but I think the real cold did not agree with me because that evening when I got back I got really shivery, even after a warm bath/shower, and later was quite violently sick. After a few hours in a warm bed I felt much better. I think I did get a real chill - right to my core that day. I suppose its one of the reasons that I want to toughen up a bit now so that I can overcome these irrational fears about the cold and to recognize and know my limits.
Anyone else have any cold experiences that they want to share?
I wanted to recall a bad experience I had with the cold a few years ago - skiing in the French Alps. I dressed as normal for a day on the slopes, fairly lightly because I ski quickly and get warm just as quick. Normal ski gear for me is a one-piece ski suit with thong underwear and a t-shirt underneath as well as the obligatory socks, boots, gloves etc. On this particular day the weather was not so great, cloudy and overcast, a little bit of snow. I had skied quite a bit and then got a long slow lift to the top of one of the runs. By this time the wind had really gotten up, the snow had started to fall as had the temperature to quite a few degrees belwo zero. Around -12C and with the windchill the station at the top it must have been around -20C effective.
The problem was not the cold while skiing but on the lift - it stopped while we were half way up. Completely exposed to the wind with no shelter at all we were left there for a good 10-15 minutes. Even a good ski suit is not that effective at such temps and with the windchill I got really, really cold. I felt OK after i got skiing again but I think the real cold did not agree with me because that evening when I got back I got really shivery, even after a warm bath/shower, and later was quite violently sick. After a few hours in a warm bed I felt much better. I think I did get a real chill - right to my core that day. I suppose its one of the reasons that I want to toughen up a bit now so that I can overcome these irrational fears about the cold and to recognize and know my limits.
Anyone else have any cold experiences that they want to share?
Monday, 16 February 2009
Day 27 - Penance
After the disappointing weekend I thought I should make the extra effort and have at least 10 minutes in the shower this morning - my self-imposed penance, I suppose.
I have noticed that I get a sort of cramp/pain on the top of my head if I leave it directly under the shower head with cold water flowing over it for a longish period. I am sure this is one of those things that I need to get used to so that the cramp is just another "brain" signal or pain barrier that I need to fight to overcome and conquer. Today I tried ot let the water flow over it for longer than normal. The pain/cramp was quite intense the first 2 times I tried it but for the third time right at the end of my shower I fought the urge to get out of the stream of water and endured a full minute of the 9C water flowing directly onto my head. I survived the ordeal so I guess it can't have been that bad. Does anyone else have this same feeling? How did you overcome it?
Temperature: 9C
Duration: 12 Minutes
I have noticed that I get a sort of cramp/pain on the top of my head if I leave it directly under the shower head with cold water flowing over it for a longish period. I am sure this is one of those things that I need to get used to so that the cramp is just another "brain" signal or pain barrier that I need to fight to overcome and conquer. Today I tried ot let the water flow over it for longer than normal. The pain/cramp was quite intense the first 2 times I tried it but for the third time right at the end of my shower I fought the urge to get out of the stream of water and endured a full minute of the 9C water flowing directly onto my head. I survived the ordeal so I guess it can't have been that bad. Does anyone else have this same feeling? How did you overcome it?
Temperature: 9C
Duration: 12 Minutes
Day 25 & 26 - A Lazy Weekend
After the high (or should that be low?) of yesterday, a much more mundane start to the weekend. A 5 minute cold shower. A longish fast walk of around 4 miles in the afternoon and then another cold shower in the evening of around 2 minutes.
Now for the confession. As the shower was just before bedtime I cheated and warmed myself up with hot water afterwards for around 5 minutes or so. I must admit that in the hot water phase I was able to get a good close shave on my face, chest and the rest of my body as the skin is much more supple and pliable to get that really close shave with warm water. I did finish the shower with a one minute cold water blast just to close the pores again.
Day 2 of my weekend was much less eventful - too many things going on so no shower or bath today. However, a late evening quick jog around the block (1.6 miles) in around 16 minutes in jeans and a thin cotton shirt. The next week is going to be difficult for me to take anything but showers unless my family vacate the house for an hour or two.
I really need to get myself kitted out to do proper running in shorts and vest as a maximum. As I have not been into this style of exercise before I don't want to change too many things too fast or too quickly so as not to raise too much suspicion about why I am doing this.
I am looking for innovative ways in which to tell my family about this change in my life-style.
How did others of you raise the issue of toughness and changing your lifestyle with your partners and families? How did they react when you told them? What did you do to raise this with them? Did you do it gradually or just a bold "This is what I am doing now" statement? Do they support you now? Do they think you are crazy?
Now for the confession. As the shower was just before bedtime I cheated and warmed myself up with hot water afterwards for around 5 minutes or so. I must admit that in the hot water phase I was able to get a good close shave on my face, chest and the rest of my body as the skin is much more supple and pliable to get that really close shave with warm water. I did finish the shower with a one minute cold water blast just to close the pores again.
Day 2 of my weekend was much less eventful - too many things going on so no shower or bath today. However, a late evening quick jog around the block (1.6 miles) in around 16 minutes in jeans and a thin cotton shirt. The next week is going to be difficult for me to take anything but showers unless my family vacate the house for an hour or two.
I really need to get myself kitted out to do proper running in shorts and vest as a maximum. As I have not been into this style of exercise before I don't want to change too many things too fast or too quickly so as not to raise too much suspicion about why I am doing this.
I am looking for innovative ways in which to tell my family about this change in my life-style.
How did others of you raise the issue of toughness and changing your lifestyle with your partners and families? How did they react when you told them? What did you do to raise this with them? Did you do it gradually or just a bold "This is what I am doing now" statement? Do they support you now? Do they think you are crazy?
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