Extreme Physiology week 2 - 15 seconds

I listened to a really good programme on Radio 4 (podcast here) about the health benefits of taking a cold shower (or cold swimming). It’s with a friend of mine from my Gosport days, wild swimming enthusiast Prof Mike Tipton who specialises in physiology in extremes, especially now how cold can be beneficial rather than just a bad thing.

If you can get to a place for cold swimming, how fantastic. If you can’t, this programme is looking at the benefits of a cold shower, mental and physical benefits including boosting immunity and reducing inflammation.

It’s a slow build up, after the 10-plus seconds of week 1 we’re on 15 seconds of cold at the end/in the middle of your lovely warm shower - I’d recommend knowing 1. Where your happy temperature is on your shower dial 2. Which way is cold (no scalding, please) 3. Double check you know where your happy temperature is, and which way you’re turning the dial.

The aim is to try to have your breathing back under control by the time you’re finishing, but I’ll be impressed if you can remember that at the time.

Who’s with me? 15 seconds start, building up to 20 seconds by the end of this week 2. Don’t worrying about sending photos for the run report...