how to warm your feet up after swimming

[@adamthorntonillustration9281]

Excellent video! Some great ideas here, Rach. Thanks very much for making and sharing! Just one suggestion - instead of rice, use buckwheat. Because each grain is about twice the size of a grain of rice the buckwheat holds its heat longer. So would stay warmer if the time between the microwave and putting your shoes back on is longer.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hey Adam, that's a super suggestion, thank you. I did us arborio rice which is fatter than normal rice (and I realised I dislike the texture when it's cooked!) but a switch to buckwheath could be in order. Stay warm!

[@marycharlebois6627]

Hey Rachel… I’ve not gone to bed yet, and you’re up and moving ahead into your day. I’ve been outside shovelling snow like crazy… nothing like a midnight workout with the white fluffy stuff 💪 I think my swim season just officially ended today... if the lakes weren’t frozen over by now, they sure will be after this winter storm has passed. You really have some great ideas to keep your feet happy. Thanks for sharing your tried and true experiences. What an amazing spot you were dipping in… I’m so happy that you shared it with us. Also, nice recovery on your changing robe… good idea to stay away from the glow sticks... apparently the “glow” chemicals can be really harsh. Thanks for the great video… I think I’m swimming vicariously through you now for the next 5 months or so. Have a great day my friend. 🌎💦Ⓜ️ary☃️❄️

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hey Mary, you are up late. Shovelling snow at midnight is another level of harshness! I'm pleased you could join me for a vicarious dip, I thought of you so I made sure to put in a bit of countryside. I sure hope things let up a little in Canada soon, you're all having a really rough time of late. I hope you have friends and neighbours nearby and that you aren't too lonely. How about a zoom catch up sometime soon?

[@SanaurRehmanShahmir]

Great Idea my great friend! Lot of love and respect from a solo mountain hiker from the Lower Chitral District of Pakistan!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Good morning from the New Forest! I hope you are doing well and the weather is treating you well.

[@playgroundbrawl]

I started open water swimming this summer at Chase Water near Lichfield. Really enjoyed it, can't wait for new season. I found getting my feet warm the biggest after swim challenge. Using thermal socks are a good one but take a while to work. I think I will definitely try the tips re hot water and pre warming my socks next time which I hope will be boxing day. My tip would be don't spend loads of money on kit. Do you research and experiment first to see what works. Sometimes tht cheap, simple solution works best.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

There is so much you can do with things that you already own. Like many hobbies, there are plenty of things you could buy, but deciding carefully what to put on a Christmas list would be my tip! 🏊😃

[@barbaracozens9521]

As always Rachel full of good ideas and thank you for the book suggestions. I watched this as I was trying to warm up my feet after a swim

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Brilliant, so I joined you post swim just as you joined me for one! Love this 🏊😃

[@lisaclarke4535]

If anything, it's my feet that suffer. I felt you made this video just for me! Thank you for the sock warmer tip - I will make some before my next swim. Thank you too for all these fab videos you take the time to make. I always look forward to them and so often you 'hit the spot' with the content. Thanks again (from Devon).

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Lisa, you live in such a beautiful county, so many watery options! I'll definetly visit the River Plym again, it was fabulous! Hope your feet warm quickly!

[@mairead5891]

I love the tip of using old socks filled with rice and then heated to keep things warm! I've just ordered myself some ankle length wellies with a fleecy lining which I'm hoping will keep my feet warm. I'm a knitter too, so I also rely on my hand knitted socks which are excellent. Thinner wool walking socks would do the same job if you don't knit 😉

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Those fleecy ankle wellies will be the business Mairead! I am about to up my sock game by testing some merino wool knee socks... Enjoy the water 🏊😃

[@ATRamsey]

Thank you, Rachel. You’re always full of good ideas. It’s definitely my feet that suffer most so I’ll try some of these out.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I got mine really cold the other day walking on frosty sand barefoot - to save my shoes from getting sandy. I needed to remind myself about foot rewarming and thought I’d share it 🥶🦶☹️🥰🦶😀

[@m.j..g7186]

" capital" idea with the hot water bottle, I'll be trying this one for sure! 🤩

[@gwynhurren-edwards3570]

Loved this video, it's great that you can have so much fun in the water on your own. You cheer me up no end. And I love your cute hot water bottle. I can't wait till I can get back in the water. Thank you. Xxx

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I had a belting time on this one. It was after a good few days of travelling and working, I was up for a relaxing laugh and a little explore! Thanks for joining me! 🏊😃

[@sharkfx8917]

Helped me a lot, thank you so much, and by the way loved the waterfall. And off topic I would like to tell you a story of my favorite thing to do. I discovered your channel few months ago and you were the one to encourage me to wild swim and it's the best choice of my life, I am a very weird person,😅 in the Catalonian forest where I live there is 2 beautiful blue water streams these streams have smooth rocks on their sides which is very slippery and very wet, and I like to slide down those smooth rocks and you slide down for about 3 minutes then there's a huge drop and a waterfall (about 15 meters high) so it is really dangerous but really fun.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Your slippy slide sounds epic fun! I’ve ridden my motorbike in Catalonia a little, and I swam a couple of times near La Seu d'Urgell (and made a video of it). I’d love to have a go at the slide another time!

[@sharkfx8917]

@@EverydayAthleteRach Yeah it's very fun especially in summer, but also very dangerous because there is no warning when the waterfall comes and it is a big drop.😅

[@runningmarit5927]

Great ideas, thanks! Cold feet is one of the things that are holding me back from open water swimming in winter...

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Ah Marit, now you have a couple of ideas you might find it gives you access to the water in winter, just stay out of the wind 🏊😃

[@nualamurphy8892]

Hi Rachel I love your videos - so many fabulous places in nature, it's like a warm hug! Plus your enthusiasm for outdoor swimming and the useful tips are great. Have you made a video on how to warm up your hands? My hands can take ages to warm up - thanks!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I have yet to make a specific on on warming your hands, but it looks like it might be popular as a video topic. I just love being out and about in nature and am always on the look out for somewhere to dip or swim! 🏊😃

[@RafaelFernandezGonzalez-v6d]

I love your videos, and ideas. I have just started my acclimatization to cold water swimming for my next challenges in June 2024. They are very helpful and funny. I write you from Spain (Madrid) where low temperatures are not that low so far. But we'll get there in January. These tips in the video are great to have my family involved as a Xmas present.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Great to hear from you. I’m happy to hear you enjoy my videos. What is your challenge in June 24?

[@Andre.R]

Great tips Rachel,neoprene gloves and socks when in the water, and love the heated socks after!!😁 and you could warm up a pair of gloves in the same fashion. A win win!😁🥶😎

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Absolutely, there's no limit to the kind of things you could stuff into the back of a hotwater bottle or rice sock heater! 🏊😃

[@kitchingfamily]

Great video. I've got some of the furry lined crocs and they're not all that; without socks, the lining sticks to your feet and comes out when you take them off. Also in autumn / winter the lining just tends to pick up mud. Maybe consider "clicky disc" reusable handearmers to warm your socks? I use them whilst camping. If you reset them by boiling they're hot to start with and then can be reheated by clicking the disc.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thanks Neil. I'm disappointed the furry crocs aren't great, maybe the fur lined ankle wellies could be better - less chance of gruft getting in! I did think about the clicky disc ones, which I would be happy to use as they are reuseable, but I don't have any and thought I'd have a go at the rice ones as everyone has those ingredients kicking about at home.

[@GenXRainbringer]

Hi Rachel, I have been swimming in cold water for about 20 years and only recently realised there was more I could do to keep warm than rush home and get into a hot bath!! (I think I've been living under a rock...) Anyway, I found your videos (obviously via the super brilliant DryRobe comparison one you did) and I love your channel. You inspire me to go swimming more often, and when it's cold, and you are such a sweetie. Thank you so much, and keep swimming, lovely lady!!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Lisa, thank you for joiing me. It's great to hear from someone who's been swimming outdoors for so long, you must be a pioneer! I'm pleased you can still pick up the odd tip here or there. Stay warm and enjoy the water 🏊🌾❄☕😃

[@ingom6363]

Good morning Rachel and thank you for your videos 🙂👍. Always an inspiration for me to hit that cold water 🥶

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

You are so welcome! I hope you manage a dip soon 🏊😃

[@Socialembers]

I am so pleased your robe has survived the glow stick accident! I have put a little pot of talcum powder in my swim kit as it makes my socks go on easier!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

What a great idea, less wriggling and pulling the socks on - serene!

[@karinashaw5098]

Thank you so much for sharing. There's some fabulous ideas here! Much appreciated.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

You are so welcome! I hope you find one or two which work for you 🏊😃

[@luisellavaleri6171]

My feet says thank you! Next time I’ll try! You are a genius!😊

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Ah! You found the video on warm feet. I hope it worked for you!

[@luisellavaleri6171]

I also found warming to use for feet and hands, get out of the cold water and dry me, a cream with red pepper (capsicum) and CBD inside.

[@bernardinelermite1133]

Hi Rachel ! The newbie me that has only swam in water down to 10-12°C wonders at what temperature threshold this "hands and feet" biting cold happens, if it happens at all ? For the moment, I have never felt that my feet or my hands were painful because of the cold water (I mean : more than the rest of my body). But I DO know that if I plunge my hands in really cold water (mountain river or winter water tap here in the Alps) it's really painful after just a few seconds. That's actually why I had never imagined plunging myself entirely in freezing cold water (I mean below 5°C). I started my journey to cold water swimming at 17°C in the summer, and gradually accustomed my body until the lake was about 10-12°C. And I never reached the hurting point. I was actually pretty amazed (and pleased) about it, because the longer I can enjoy the lake the better ! But I'm still a bit anxious about it. I don't think I would have the guts to try a swim in a 5° water, for example. My goal is more to fight chronic inflammatory problems and enjoy a good swim without a whole crowd around. 😄

[@TheHuzi2012]

Great video Rachel

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thank you 🏊😀

[@claireaston151]

Great tip about those insulated bags!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I love to reuse stuff where I can. Stumbled upon it as an idea after looking forward to a hotwater botter which after my swim turned out to be just about luke warm! 🏊😃

[@mrguillemot]

Another really great video Rach, really like the tips re the home-made boot warmers; I know have a use for all those single socks!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Good luck with the crafting. Someone suggested using buckwheat as the filler as the grains are larger so may retain the heat better. Stay warm! 🏊‍♀️😀

[@swiminthesea6391]

Another beautiful swim spot and lovely weather on top. I wish I could find anything similar near here. Really useful tips about warming your feet up, too. I have a turtleback bag that has an insulated mat inside, which I usually cover with a folded towel. I sit on that while taking the neoprene socks off. Than I stand on it and use it for drying my feet before putting on at least two pairs of wooly socks. After some warming up and tea drinking while sitting in the bag, I put on Ugg boots for the walk home or back to the car. Also I regularly dring beetroot juice to activate the circulation in hands and feet and find that the actually do warm up more quickly that way. I find your warm water tricks very appealing and will try them. Thanks for sharing.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

This was just before Storm Arwen, it was actually a really windy day, but I picked the spot thinking the angle of the river meant there wouldn't be much wind and was chuffed with my desicion. Those turtlebag changing matbags look amazing. My pure tarp one is much more comfy when I add a little square of yoga mat to it. It sounds like you have your routine down. I've never heard of the beetroot juice tip, thanks.

[@sharonperry7947]

thankyou for another excellent video and great tips im definately going to make sock warmers ,well done on the dry robe recovery ,we're so lucky down here in the south west with so many diverse swim spots ,

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

The SW is a swimming paradise! Enjoy!

[@grahamargent8057]

My chilblains stop any swimming until Springtime. Too much heat too quick makes them much worse. Your tips on foot care will come in useful next year. I use crocs to wear while changing.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Graham, could you try swimming with gloves and booties and taking them off last? Inside the longer booties, my feet aren't cold 🏊😃

[@caffeinekitty8983]

Brilliant tips - once winter arrives I always use my mat (made from upcycled wetsuits) and hot water bottle to stand on as I get changed, must try the sock warmers!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Those upcycled wetsuit mats sound great, I often add a square of yoga mat to this one which is great.Standing on the hotwater bottle sounds a little high-risk,, I imagine slipping and landing heavily on it, bursting it and burning myself whilst soaking my clothes 🏊😃

[@caffeinekitty8983]

@@EverydayAthleteRach True, but I always make sure it is only about 1/3rd full so can stand on it one foot at a time as I change and it is stable and not going to burst. But I probably should look into something else like a heated pad to stand on.

[@vanessacatala5187]

Wonderful tricks, thank you. And what a wonderful place to swim.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

It was a beautiful location out of the wind too!

[@valgreen5881]

Brilliant Rachel thank you. I get Reynauds syndrome and SO grateful for these tips. Yippee! 😆

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I hope some of them help Val, let me know how you go or if you have any more that you use?

[@JemBowdenWatercolour]

You are so helpful! Thank you.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

You are so welcome! Glad there was something there for you to try 🏊😀

[@JemBowdenWatercolour]

Thank you again!

[@lelanixon3248]

Found it! Good stuff.

[@lindase7715]

Brilliant tips Rachel . Thank you. X

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

You are so welcome! Glad you enjoyed it! 🏊😃

[@hookedonwood5830]

Been looking at a pair of Giesswein Merino slippers to see if the ability of wool to insulate even damp would work - but has not made the purchase yet. so still use some thick woolly socks and an open pair of sandals :-) Works ok as I can step into the sandals with wet feets and after drying up I can hop in with my warm socks. Not the best for windy days and I am also not far from my car. - but I am looking for new places to hop in and will need a better solution - thanks for all the great input.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I'm saying socks n crocs (without holes) espeially if there's a bit of a walk. Not sure how the slippers will hold up to walking very far. I often wear my neoprene booties and socks back to the car then put on my socks and slippers..

[@laurahoughton1289]

Heated insoles have changed the game for me recently. :)

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Wow, I never thought to use those, I think they're what I have in my snowboard boots. Great suggestion :)

[@victoria7105]

Brilliant advice 👍

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thanks 🏊‍♀️😀

[@squiffell]

Lovely scenery and great tips. Now, I wish we had a microwave, though TBH, it's a bit of an extravagance just for heating up homemade hand warmers 😄

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

You can pop them in the oven for 5 minutes instead. The other option is the reusable ones with the disc that you bend to set off the reaction which warms them up. You reset them by warmning them up in hot water so they're ready to go next time.. No poppettiping necessary! 🏊😃

[@jenniferosullivan5029]

Gorgeous lighting in that video. Did you have a portable ring light for the speaking shots?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thank you very much Jennifer, I did not have a ring light, it was natural light. However, I do try to ensure I'm facing the lightest part of the sky - thanks for noticing 🏊😃

[@lucyb3984]

great video thanks.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Glad you liked it! 🏊😃

[@lelanixon3248]

Rachel, what a beautiful spot! Although when you went in with just a bathing suit, no neoprene, I found myself holding my breath!🤣 I’m a little intimidated on doing things on my own as a single female. Have you done a video on what you do or carry with you to stay safe? Let people know where you are going, check in at the entrance of a park, flare gun, satellite radio? I’ll check, thanks for the warming tips, never thought of the thermos. Take care!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I’ve done a few about keeping safe and having an emergency contact. Try the video on SafeTrx and the one on Emergency Contacts

[@lottieisthequarry]

Winter wetsuit boots have been my lifesaver, feet are toasty the whole time, only problem is getting the buggers off with cold fingers. 😂

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

They make all the difference but can be a frustration to get off (that's why I dress frist). Here's a video I made which might help: how to remove wetsuit boots or socks - 4 ways kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4XElXqCh9WgfLM 🏊😃

[@jronkowski4346]

Very interesting

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thanks 🏊‍♀️😀

[@mehitabel1290]

Grrr! Frustrating! I live in south Dartmoor and swim in the river a lot (only in summer, I confess! - so far). But I can't work out just where this is.. But thanks for posting anyway. It looks lovely. And the more winter swimming gets put out there and normalised, the better.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hehehe, it's the River Plym. As a clue, I was heading from Plymouth to Princetown. I parked near a bridge and walked downstream for about quarter of an hour.

[@mehitabel1290]

@@EverydayAthleteRach :-)

[@virginiet6818]

I haven't watched all your videos so you may have answered already......I've been swimming for more than a year now and I've purchased different kinds of gloves but I'm still unhappy with the load of water getting in even when they have long sleeves. Could you give tips to find a good pair (so long Decathlon is the "least bad" option)? Thank you for your videos....it'sfresh and interesting!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Virginie, I find that Lomo Tri-X gloves work best for me: www.lomo.co.uk/acatalog/triathlon-swimming-gloves.html

[@stephenhill3875]

you found a hot spring?!.😁

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

No, it was the pretty chilly River Plym on Dartmoor!

[@Franscampi]

Gorgeous swim spot, great tips as usual !

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

It was an absolute peach!

[@janecooney1988]

Hiya what gloves & socks would u recommend please ?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I find Lomo Tri-x gloves and socks to be brilliant for me. The socks are just that so shouldn’t be used to walk anywhere, just swim in. Otherwise a tougher base is needed or crocs.

[@uglyduck2]

Faaaantastic !!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

It really was fun, I can't wait to go back again later in the year!

[@karenhedges8762]

Well, thank you, I hadn't considered a hot water bottle!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

It’s a real comfort in a cold day and warmed up socks are lovely!

[@debbiebanks8766]

Hi 👍🥶Can you let me know where you were swimming ? Many thanks

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Here are the clues. I was in the River Plym. I was driving from Plymouth to Postbridge and parked by a bridge. I walked downstream about 15 mins. Enjoy 🏊‍♀️😀

[@nigelfranklin870]

What brand/make are your zip up booties? Asking for a friend (honestly!)

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I don’t use zip up booties Nigel, the little ones here are made by Gul with a link in the description. I also have some C-skin Legend booties and Lomo Tri-x socks. All are slip on :)

[@stefanoghiotto8019]

😂😂😂you are great!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thank you Stefano, I hope you get to enjoy the water too 🏊😃

[@gretelstonebridge2323]

Glad the stain disappeared!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

What a relief. Hope it doesn't reapear when I eventually wash it! For now though, it was a lucky escape!

[@laurahoughton1289]

Recently heard of someone who wears ankle length welly boots filled with warm water for post swimming changing.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I can sort of see the logic but must be a pain to carry them back wet afterwards!

[@laurahoughton1289]

@@EverydayAthleteRach Yes, heavy!

[@stephenhill3875]

I'm gonna just watch this lovely video with hot chocolate n whiskey..that'll be enough Thank you Rachel!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

That sounds like a tasty drink, hope it does the job! 🏊😃