Yesterday I was talking to my sister, who is of course, also a marathon runner.  She has been running marathons way longer than me and she is always fit.

She runs in the morning and then swims later in the day.

Swimming is a great way to cross train, supplement your aerobic fitness, strengthen your core fitness and frankly stay cool and relax in the summer.

But I got an email from a runner who had a bout of toenail fungus that was severe enough to need laser treatment to kill the fungus in the toenails.

After the treatment she said:

Now that I’m feeling “fungus free” – new mindset, a few days on the oral meds, new shoes, new yoga mat, flip-flops for the health club – I’m wondering:  Is it OK to go back to swimming?  This is one of my favorite leisure and workout activities at my health club (Club Sport). I take it that I should wear flip flops to and from the pool, etc.  Any other advice or precautions? 

Yes! You can swim.

You just have to make sure you don’t pick up any more fungus.

The fungus doesn’t just jump up and attack your toenails. Runners and triathletes can get it, first in the form of athletes foot.

Today on the Doc On The Run Podcast, we’re talking about how to avoid getting infected with foot fungus from swimming pools.