Meet Kristen Thomas

“It is for us to pray not for tasks equal to our powers, but for powers equal to our tasks, to go forward with a great desire forever beating at the door of our hearts as we travel toward our distant goal.” ― Helen Keller

We all need help to succeed…

It seems it always takes someone else to help us get set and excel on the path to health and success. My athletic life began by my wonderful parents putting me on a swim team when I was just two years old. Luckily, I had coaches that were willing to work with me at such a young age. I was excited to learn and participate in the sport (and I still hold a swimming record in my hometown). Fast forward through many, many training sessions with guidance from several coaches…as I began college at Purdue University, it took friends to teach me about lifting weights and introduce me to the school’s water polo team. Playing water polo for a Big Ten team was something I never thought I could do. I was happier and healthier, mentally and physically, when I was challenged, active, and engaged with others.

I fell off the exercise train when I took a corporate job and moved away from anyone I knew. I was unhappy, angry, and depressed without activity in my life. One day I was tired of being tired. I just started running one block at a time. I looked up a famous running coach from my hometown (Hal Higdon) because I had his wife as my 6th-grade teacher. Utilizing his plan, I trained for a half marathon and at that race discovered the wonderful group: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. With their help, I prepared for my first triathlon and then, through TNT, was provided the opportunity to mentor others that wanted to get into the sport. Once I started coaching with them, I knew I had found my passion for helping others achieve their goals. Triple Threat Tough and Sport Speed Lab were created out of that passion which still intensifies to this day.

Over the years, I have taken time off for injuries, I have been humbled by sport and life challenges, but I am still on the path to be better each day even though it looks different year after year. I still embrace racing and pushing myself to new limits.  I enjoy when others challenge me to do new things.  My life, especially professionally, is blessed because others have invested in me. I want to do the same and devote my time and energy in others. As iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17).

My Coaching Philosophy

My passion as a coach lies in connecting with the authentic individual—understanding who they truly are—and helping them unlock their highest potential.

This process starts with building a relationship rooted in trust. When athletes trust me, they allow me to challenge them when it’s time to push—and to rein them in when it’s time to pull back. I believe great coaching is about more than just physical training; it’s about reading the whole person and knowing what they need in that moment to grow.

I emphasize balance: between seriousness and joy, between focused training and recovery, between striving hard and simply enjoying the process. That balance is what keeps people in sport for the long haul—whether they’re just starting at age 9 or picking it up for the first time at 60.

Longevity in sport requires taking care of both the brain and the body. Sustainable progress doesn’t come from mindlessly piling on volume, but from intentional, high-quality work tailored to each individual’s goals and life context. Whether someone is chasing a podium or simply trying to stay active and healthy, my coaching centers on specific, purposeful training—not just logging yards or miles.

I work with junior swimmers to refine their technique, sharpen their mental edge, and develop race strategies that help them succeed—again and again. I guide adults through the journey of completing their first triathlon and, for some, even crossing the finish line of an Ironman. I’ve taught individuals who once feared putting a toe in the water how to swim laps with confidence—and eventually embrace the open water with joy.

I thrive when working with clients who are committed, curious, and willing to put in the effort. Whether they’re facing physical hurdles or mental blocks, I welcome the challenge of helping them move forward.

One of my core strengths is meeting athletes exactly where they are—honestly assessing their current level and then providing the coaching and structure needed to get them where they want to go. I teach that reaching big goals takes more than physical training; it takes the alignment of both physiology and psychology. When athletes develop both their bodies and their minds, they open the door to extraordinary outcomes.

Achieving success requires knowledge, planning, and dedication. My role is to educate, guide, hold them accountable, and fuel their motivation—every step of the way.

“Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.” -Abraham Lincoln