About Paul
Dr Paul Fairbairn · Performance nutritionist · SENr Registered Practitioner · PhD Nutrition & Exercise Science
PhD Nutrition & Exercise ScienceMSc NutritionBSc Sport & Exercise ScienceSENr Registered PractitionerISAK Anthropometrist
My story
I’ve never been able to stick to one sport. Over the years I’ve trained and competed in Muay Thai, rugby, football, running, rowing and triathlon, and with every new one came a new set of rules about what I should be eating.
I was the athlete who read everything. Every podcast, every article, every “what I eat in a day”. I knew just enough to be dangerous and not enough to tell the good advice from the noise. So I tried most of it. Cutting carbs because someone convincing said I should. Buying all sorts of supplements that promised an edge and delivered a lighter wallet. Following rules that contradicted the rules I’d followed the month before.
None of it was for lack of effort. I cared a lot, which is exactly why the conflicting advice got to me.
A PhD and ten years of working with athletes later, sorting the useful from the noise is what I do for a living. I already know the mistakes, because I’ve made most of them. My job now is to help you skip them, so you get to the bit where fuelling just works and you can get on with the hard thing you signed up for.
Outside work
I like being in a position where I can say yes to just about anything. Triathlon is my main focus these days, but if someone suggests a long ride, a sea swim, a trail race or something I’ve never tried, I want to be fit enough to turn up and enjoy it.
And I still bake whenever I can, which is where my interest in food started.
What I believe
Four principles behind every plan I build, whether you’re racing your first sprint triathlon or rowing an ocean.
Less to think about, not more
Most people come to me drowning in information. My job is to filter it down to the few things that will actually move the needle for you.
Your life is part of the plan
Work, family, sleep and stress aren’t obstacles to a nutrition plan. They’re what it has to fit around.
Compassion is part of the science
Supportive, autonomy-focused coaching changes behaviour better than guilt and rules.
The goal is your independence
I want you to leave understanding why your approach works, so you can adapt it without me.
Experience
Ten years of applied practice across:
I also spent six years teaching nutrition and exercise science at university, where I developed courses and taught everything from macronutrients to body image. Explaining complex science so it actually makes sense is still a big part of how I coach.
Credentials
Education
Registration & accreditation
Associations & institutions
Performance nutrition, by email
Short emails from Dr Paul Fairbairn (PhD, SENR) on fuelling and training for big goals, whether that’s a first marathon, a season of racing or an ocean crossing. Sent when there’s something worth saying.
Short emails on fuelling and training for big goals. Sent when there’s something worth saying.
No spam. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy policy
