YOUR QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS

Q Why do I want to pee more when i swim in cold water?

A Feeling that urge as soon as you get into the chilly winter water? Don’t worry, there is a reason for it. What you’re experiencing is ‘cold water diuresis’.

In short, when we get into cold water we experience peripheral vasoconstriction, whereby the blood leaves our extremeties and moves to the core to keep us warm. That leads to an increase in blood pressure, to which the body responds by trying to reduce the volume of liquid in the body. The quickest solution? To empty the bladder. It’s very natural and not usually a problem, just be wary of dehydration on long swim. And if wearing a wetsuit, wash it regularly in a specialist wetsuit detergent to remove nasty pongs and bacteria!

Q Can I switch to barefoot run shoes? I’m in my mid-40s.

A Many runners love barefoot shoes and they’re purported to have many benefits for foot and lower body strength. What you don’t want to do though, is swap over suddenly as your body just won’t be used to them – after all, you’ve had 40-plus years of housing your feet in cushioned shoes, which promote more of a heel-first foot strike. Our advice is to transition very gradually, maybe wearing barefoot shoes just to walk around in day-to-day initially. Then gradually add very short run stints, thinking more ‘light pitter-patter’ than long, heavy strides. Brand Vivobarefoot also offer regular seminars with their run coaches.

Q is my sunscreen harmful in the sea?

A When applying before swimming you’re right to consider whether your cream is harmful to aquatic life. In 2018, Hawaii became the first nation to ban 