How I train: Paul Fowler

Paul Fowler of 100% Swimming provides first class swim coaching for swimmers and triathletes of all abilities who are looking to improve their performance. He shares his own swim training regime with us.

Which of your swims has been the hardest and why?

The 24 Hour Swim in 2013 was difficult. It was a charity event for the Ethan Maull Foundation. Ethan was a young man struggling to overcome cancer who wanted to raise funds not for himself but for others. Sadly he passed away one month before the event. The event went ahead and we had a full support team on hand but I hadn’t realised the emotional toll the event would take before I even started.

It’s often said that endurance swimming is 5 per cent physical and 95 per cent mental – it was that day, but after a few miles of crying into my goggles it all settled down. Tricky the things that catch you unawares.

What attracts you to long distance/endurance swimming?

To be successful in long distance swimming it is a matter of having a strong physical base, a good understanding of your body, appreciation of the task in hand and great preparation. Additionally, you need a top team behind you. It’s the bringing together of these elements that I enjoy.

Where do you like to train?

I like to train in solitude. My preference is in open water with very few people around. If I am training at the lake (Activities Away, Lincoln) then I will train out of hours. Other than that I enjoy a swim in the local river (River Witham) and there’s a very special secret spot for winter training with a natural endless pool where we get to swim against a raging torrent, which is a real treat.

How do you stay motivated when training?

Motivation very much comes from within. Over the years I have created several swim challenges and taking these on with friends is what really matters. These have included a few staples such as a 24 hour open water swim, Swim Procida (Italian islands) and ‘The Dolly’ overnight 9pm–5am swim as well as a 24-hour aquathon swim/run just to break things up.

What has swimming taught you?

The value of community. I learnt to swim aged six. Petrified of the water, the community gathered around and helped. I joined a swim club and took up competitive swimming, the community supported the club. I went to university and swam national league, won a spot on the GB Surf Lifesaving team, again the community gathered around. Moving into coaching full time from 2008 I was able to start to give back, to foster and develop my own community.

What is your favourite food/ nutrition for swimming?

I can eat just about anything when I swim or take part in endurance activity. KFC, sausages and pretzels are favourites!

Do you have a favourite training drill/piece of kit?

Easy, one word – kickboard. Those that know me know that I am passionate about the value of kick drill. Having a great kick does so much for the swimmer.

What is the biggest mistake you have made with a swim?

Clearing my throat. During a Windermere end to end swim I had a high level of phlegm present in my throat and I decided that I would continue to remove said phlegm by spitting it out. This over a number of hours resulted in my throat becoming rather raw. Absolutely fine during the swim but I couldn’t eat afterwards and struggled with endurance swimming for several months. Mouth wash and a calmer approach would have been a better strategy.

Your best advice for those training for swim event?

Take your time and choose your own path. Don’t fall into the trap of swimming other people’s swims, targets or goals. If you set your goal then your training will mean far more to you.

Find out more: 100swim.uk