A few years ago when I was training for my local marathon I was getting achy knees and just on the edge of over training. I was desperate to make it to the starting line, so I was aqua jogging, icing, and cross training in an effort to prevent a full blown injury. It worked. I made it to the starting line and had one of my best races to date and a Boston Qualifier.
When I was going through all of that, my training partner Keena, who was the cross country coach at our local high school for many years, told me that I could make my own ice pack. Not sure how it came up in conversation, but this is a trick that’s been around for a long time. Trainers and coaches probably have been using these DIY gel ice packs for ages, but it was new and cool to me!
As it turns out, my kids and I were at the beach yesterday and I was accidentally hit in the face with a baseball bat. My kids were playing a casual game of sand baseball and home plate kept creeping closer and closer to me. I said, “you guys are getting too close, you’re going to throw that bat and it’s going to hit me — move 10 feet away!” Did they listen? sigh.
Anyway, I am left with a bruised and achy cheek and head. When we got home I was so glad to have a few of these Ice Packs in the freezer, ready for me to apply to the goose egg on my cheek — these aren’t just for running injuries! In fact, I throw a few toys in some and they make great boo-boo packs for kids. The toys are fun to look at while they scream bloody murder, um, I mean cry their cute little faces off.
Instead of pictures, this time I tried out my on camera skills (or lack thereof) on YouTube to give you this little 1:51 minute tutorial on how to make your own gel ice pack.
What You’ll Need
1 cup of Rubbing Alcohol
1 cup of water
1 drop of blue food coloring (optional)
2 Quart Sized Ziplock Bags
If you live in the US, what are you doing for the 4th of July? Isn’t it crazy how easy it is to make your own ice pack? Have you had any recent injuries?
