After my recent 14 mile run I decided to try an ice water bath to help with swelling and soreness. I had read about and had secondhand advise given to me about how ice water baths are good and hot showers are bad. I believe it's the same logic of how you ice an aching knee or sprained ankle. I mentally got ready, dumped about a 5lb bag of ice into the shallow bath water and got in. At first my feet and calves were not happy but as my body got used to the water it wasn't as horrible as it sounds. The water only came up slightly past my hips since that is my big problem area. After 10 minutes I got out.
It was a miracle. I was less sore than I was after my 10 and 12 mile runs. I'm usually bed or couch ridden after long runs but that day I was able to go out and about with only slight discomfort after being on my feet for a while. I would definitely recommend taking ice water baths if you're usually really sore after long runs. My recovery was much shorter too. I felt almost back to normal the next day and got better everyday since.
I know it sounds horrid but it worked. Try for yourself!
