Soak Box Part 2: Fire and Ice

We runners know that ice and heat are an important part of recovery, but often we wait until injured to start thinking about it. I had the opportunity to try both heat and cold therapy at Soak Box recently, and let me tell you, it is not for the faint of heart!

Fire and Ice is alternating infrared sauna with a cold plunge. Initially, I naively thought I’d shoot for about a minute in the cold plunge. Then I watched the video on Soak Box’s YouTube channel to get more information about my upcoming Fire and Ice appointment. (I highly recommend watching before you go!)

In the video, Katie (one of the owners of Soak Box) said something about 20 seconds. That had me thinking maybe 1 minute was a lofty goal. She also said, “the first plunge is the worst plunge.” Oh boy!

I arrived a little early for my appointment, so I settled into a comfy chair in the cozy lobby area while I waited for my room to be ready. The friendly staff got me a pair of spa slides to wear, took me back to my Fire and Ice room, answered my questions, and got me settled in. The room consisted of an infrared sauna, a cold plunge tub, and a shower. There were plenty of towels and even a robe hanging on the door.

The recommendation was to start with about 15 minutes in the infrared sauna, so I stepped into the sauna and begin to settle in. If you read about my recent experience with “Fire” (the infrared sauna and red light therapy), you will know I have some difficulty relaxing and just doing nothing. But, I figured having multiple things to do during this time slot would make that a little easier.

I got some music started on my phone and fiddled around with trying to get the Bluetooth speaker going. I couldn’t figure out which infrared sauna that popped up on my options to connect to was the right one. I was imagining someone relaxing quietly in the sauna next door when suddenly they were blasted with my music when I picked the wrong one. After several attempts, I decided to skip the speaker and just use my phone. Sorry to whoever was next door relaxing if that actually did happen!

Once I was done messing with my phone I stuck it in the little protective box inside the sauna and looked at the sauna timer to decide what time I would be exiting to experience my first cold plunge. While I sat in the sauna, I used some of that time to read the directions of “how to” that were posted on the wall outside of the sauna. That was super helpful, as there was a lot to try and remember. The first 15 minutes passed pretty quickly. I stepped out of the sauna and over to the shower in the room to wash off the sweat before plunging.

The shower was somewhat cool (probably since I just stepped out of the sauna) so I tried to adjust it to make it warmer. Then I realized it was probably a good idea if my body cooled down a bit with the shower before getting into the cold plunge tub. The water in the tub was constantly cycling in and out as it was being filtered and cooled. It looked beautifully clean and clear – almost inviting. After the quick shower it was plunge time. Eeeek!

I stepped into the tub. OK. Not too bad. I can do this. Without letting myself think too much, I immediately sat down in the tub and leaned back so that I was neck deep in the water. Instantly I was taking short, quick breaths as the cold hit.

I remembered the video when Katie talked about focusing on breathing. I tried taking a few slow deep breaths. And before I knew it I was clambering out of the tub. I didn’t even consciously think about getting out. It just kind of happened. Holy cow that was cold! I think I only lasted about 15 seconds. I toweled off and hurried back to the warmth of the sauna.

As I sat enjoying the warmth, I realized I was still breathing hard – like I had just finished a run. Wow – that was a doozy! It was recommended to do about 3 cold plunges during the session. Am I going to be able to do that again? She did say “the first plunge was the worst plunge.” It’s bound to get better – right? I checked the timer and decided to go 15 minutes in the sauna again before plunge #2. Breaking up my time in the sauna did help with my previous inability to settle. 15 minutes was doable. Plus, I wasn’t sure I wanted to get out.

And then it was time. Back to the shower to de-sweat and then into the tub. I employed the same method of getting in quickly, but this time I was able to focus enough to check the timer when I got in. It was crazy cold, but my breathing was under control. I stared at the timer and decided to shoot for 30 seconds. I made it! And it was significantly easier that time! Sweet! Back to the sauna . . .

The recommendation was to end the 60 minute session with a cold plunge. I really debated that. I wanted to end my session being warm, but I also liked the idea of not ending all sweaty. I finally decided to go with the recommendation and once again checked the timer to plan my final plunge time. After a more positive 2nd plunge, I figured #3 would be even better. Maybe my expectations were too high.

My 3rd time in, I was ready to go for at least 30 seconds again if not more. As I “settled” in, both of my lower legs got an intense ache – the kind that feels like your bones are aching from the cold. That was it. I was out after just 20 seconds on my final plunge.  Well, that was disappointing. I really thought I would do better. 

I dried off and got dressed, expecting to be freezing, but I wasn’t. I couldn’t even bring myself to put my sweatshirt on that I had come in with. Despite it being a cooler day, I left wearing my tank top and felt comfortable. I guess the warmth of the infrared sauna really stays with you – even after a quick cold plunge.

Afterwards, I felt kind of amped up for awhile. But later that evening I was wiped out. I was so ready for bed – early – and I slept pretty well! A good night’s sleep is definitely a positive.

I started wondering about the temperature of the water in the tub – it felt like it must’ve been in the high 30s. I searched the Soak Box website and was shocked to discover the temperature is set at 50 degrees. Seriously? I felt that cold and it was “just” 50? That blew my mind! I guess I really am a lightweight. 🙂

Soak Box Part 1: Fire

In speaking with Sally (one of the owners) afterwards, she commiserated with my challenging first plunge experience and said it takes practice to be able to let your body settle into it. She encouraged me to try it 1-2 more times, as most people aren’t really sure if cold plunge is for them after just one time. I would say, I’m in that first-timer camp. I’m not really sure if I’m a cold plunger or not. I can see the value in it, as I know that both cold and heat are great as different modalities for recovery. I think my body (and my mind) will just need a little convincing first.

I would encourage you to try Fire and Ice – if you haven’t – and see what you think. Here’s an incentive to try it out soon: Right now Soak Box in Wilsonville is offering Run Oregon readers a discount code for 50% off your first service! Just type in “run” when you book your first service online. And don’t forget to let us know how it went.

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Up next I’ll be trying out Salt. A Float experience at Soak Box to relax your mind and body. Yikes! This could be a challenge for me. I look forward to sharing this next new experience with you soon!