4 Hour workout, yes, sit in 48 degree water for 9 minutes.... no

After the workout on Saturday, I got a crash course in why an "Ice Bath" is a great way to recover from a workout.  The logic is sound but nothing I feel like typing out.  A large tub was filled up with water and then a few coolers of ice were dumped in.  Two other swimmers hopped right in, two others took their time and eased their way in with a little complaining on the way..... then there was me.  To be clear, at no point did I think this was going to be an easy task for me.  I touched the water and knew this was going to be embarrassing.  I sat down in the tub but could only stay in for 30 seconds.  I bailed.  I bailed bigtime.  The others said I just had to get through 2 minutes, at that point, your body goes numb and it doesn't hurt anymore.  It was at that point that they checked the thermometer and read out "48".  I shook my head and laughed as I watched them all shiver in the water.  I tried it again and only got about 35 seconds before jumping out again.  I got called a few words I can't write on here.  I deserved each one.  I think I have a respectable tolerance for pain, but wow.  That's COLD.  I don't know if I'll ever be able to endure the 2 minutes, let alone the 9 minutes it's recommended to stay in the tub.

These people are crazy, but I respect the craziness.