Clients reviews about Third Coast Training - Houston Triathlon Training

I would highly recommend Johnny Shelby LMT to others, based on my experience. I am a retired massage therapist, and a recreational extreme sports participant. I appreciate the time he took to listen to my comments and complaints on my physical feelings of pain & numbness. I was evaluated for range of motion and we discussed our initial therapy plan. At all times during my therapy session was I comfortable and free to communicate on pressure, temperature of table, and my questions were answered. My therapeutic body work was effective, and I did receive some immediate relief. However, I know that massage therapy, assisted stretching benefits are progressive and we must get ahead of the curve. I look forward to continuing my therapy and feeling better ~ Bevin J

I went to Jonny for the six hour private swim workshops after attending a 2 days total immersion swimming workshop. Being a newbie to triathlon, I struggle with body balance and speed. Jonny is very patient guiding me on my learing journey. He videotaped me at our first meet for recordkeeping on my bad swim habit and guranteed that those will be corrected at the end of my swim lessons. Seeing the videos along with Jonny's instruction after each hourly session is very helpful. I also got time to practice between sessions. Jonny is very encouraging which motivated me to go on despite my frustration from time to time. Overall I am seeing great progress and it is worth the long drive (every time I need to take at least two hours on the road back and forth from where I live). Thank you Jonny for bearing with me and helping me achieve my goal! ~ Faith J

2025 Update: finally completed my first triathlon and came back to Third Coast for more swim help! Coach Johnny has done an outstanding job identifying my issues and providing drills to practice them. He keeps it focused on one drill at a time so I’m not overwhelmed. 2024: I came into Third Coast without a clue on how to freestyle swim properly. John broke down the basics and worked with me on form and technique, providing clear instruction and video feedback. Still have a long way to go on swimming, but all the tools and cues provided, I now have confidence and will definitely go back for additional instruction as my triathlon goals change. ~ Dan O

I started to take swim lessons at Third Coast Training after I was no longer able to run without aggravating a degenerative meniscus tear. At any rate, my previous swim lesson had occurred during 2 weeks in the summer of 19xx (geezer years). When I started the lessons, I didn't know know what to expect and was a little doubtful. Johnny is a personable, conscientious teacher, with an eye for detail and the right mix of encouragement, correction, and motivation. Through patience, repetition, and insightful tips, he was able to right my off-kilter stroke and breathing styles. I'm now able to swim over an hour, and well over a mile, without any soreness from poor technique. I highly recommend Third Coast Training and the swim instruction from Johnny Shelby. By the way, Johnny also organizes and instructs open water swim practices. They are interesting and challenging. ~ Kenneth K

I have known Johnny at Third Coast Training for as long as I have been into cycling. He coached my dad when he got into cycling and through osmosis was coaching me. As I have developed from a young Jr cyclist into a professional road cyclist. Johnny as always been there to help me out. All the way from training, nutrition, massage, hypoxic simulation, and just someone to bounce ideas off of. I currently use Johnny for regular sports massage to keep my legs, back, and shoulders keyed up and ready for the next hard interval or race. I have also started to come to use his new altitude simulation device to prepare for next season. ~ Michael P

I thought that even with a coach swimming wouldn't click for me. After my first 2 sessions I thought I was wasting Coach Johnny's time, I didn't think I was doing the drills right. Everytime I came back we would polish the drills up and now 5 sessions in, I am swimming! Definitely worth the investment. I started noticing the difference after 3 sessions. It all started clicking and getting easier. Coach Johnny explains everything really well and in away that makes it easy. Practice makes perfect, so get your practices in! I used to dread swimming, now I'm looking forward to every practice.! ~ M D

Entered the NYC Triathlon this year and of course my swimming is the weak element of all the disciplines so I needed to do something about that. Decided to go to Johnny at the Third Coast Training who immediately analyzed the problems through under/above water video. He is fantastic with lots of patience [he needs it with me] so don't hesitate to contact him if you want to really want to learn how to swim efficiently. Going forward it will require practice but if you really want to improve your swim stroke then Johnny will give you all the tools necessary to get you on your way. B ~ Clive D

My wife and I decided to visit Johnny because we wanted to do a half Ironman and did not know where to begin. He helped us learn the skills we needed to finish, built us individualized training plans around our abilities and schedules, and kept us accountable through the process. He focuses on all aspects of the sport from training, racing, fueling, and recovery. We finished Ironman 70.3 Galveston this year, and are working our way up to a full 140.6 next year! I would happily recommend Johnny to anyone looking at cycling, running or triathlon training with intent to learn and improve. ~ Wes P

Coach Johnny has been with me for over a year now. His experience and patience is one of a kind. I have a no commitment monthly package that includes testing for both the bike and run every 8 weeks, pre/post race massages, swim instructions and OWS clinics. The monthly commitment is worth it to check my progress and results. I’ve come a long way and have never felt stronger on the third leg of a race. His insight to BONKing or carb depletion and the signs of it are very useful. Johnny has always been quick to help or answer any questions I might have. ~ Amy D

Very much enjoy working with Coach Johnny. I came to Third Coast to assist me in completing a half Ironman, Marathon and Ironman 70.3. Coach Johnny helped we successfully complete all of them! While i thought it was one and done, i am continuing to work with him for another Marathon, Ironman 70.3 and my first full Ironman 140.6. He helped me accomplish more than I thought possible. I love his technique and methodology. Third Coast Training is an investment you should make in yourself if you are contemplating it! ~ Jack B

Johnny is a great swim instructor for teaching beginners how to swim. He does not over complicate the process or require a lot of equipment, which has helped ensure my technique will translate to swimming in various scenarios. He also does a great job of providing clear and simple instructions that makes it easy to follow his instructions and pick up each technique. I would highly recommend to anyone serious about developing their swimming technique for racing. ~ Adrian M

I've posted before about Johnny Shelby's professionalism and skill as a teacher of all things related to fitness and triathlon, specifically after I took a series of swimming lessons from him several years ago. But I just did an alumni swim/instruction swim this past weekend, and wanted to add another post. Whether you are a rank beginner (as I was with swimming) or a seasoned triathlete, I guarantee you are going to learn a lot from this guy, and enjoy the process immensely along the way! ~ Jay R

i’ve went to johnny here at 3rd coast training for 6 lessons and anticipate going more to start getting faster. i learned how important proper form was, learned how to breathe properly and went from uncomfortably doing the swim portion of a sprint to feeling at home in the water for ironman 70.3 texas. johnny is a great guy to work with, funny, engaging and will keep you in line when needed. i would happily tell anyone to go to him for open water type training. ~ Damon L

Third Coast Training has taken a data-driven, personalized yet methodical approach to overhauling my swim stroke. Titanium Johnny has set high standards and has given me the tools I need to get there. I am exceedingly grateful he has been able to work with me — a 52 year old guy who is trying to recover an athletic past — in a way that meets my availability and exceeds my expectations. I cannot recommend this training enough. ~ Bryant A

I started competing in Triathlons and quickly realized that my swim stroke was sub-par (at best)... Johnny helped me completely reprogram my swim stroke to be much more efficient in the water. My times have drastically improved and my confidence in future races has reached new heights thanks to Johnny's training programs. Would highly recommend for anyone who feels like they are struggling with swimming in any capacity. ~ Jack J

Johnny is an experienced and knowledgeable coach. He can identify the glitches in your technique and can also help you build your technique from ground up. I was so impressed with him that I had my daughter start her swimming journey with him. Additionally for those sitting on the fence thinking about whether getting a coach, I would say dont practise struggle. Get a coach like Johnny and you would enjoy the process of learning. ~ Naitik V

11/10 experience, would highly recommend for anyone looking to achieve a specific athletic milestone or just trying to understand the science behind their training. It's easy to believe in and execute a training program that is scientifically tailored to you and you alone. Training feels "light" again and Third Coast and Johnny are to thank for this! ~ Scott K

Johnny is an amazing coach. I knew I had to improve some of my techniques but didn’t think I needed a complete overhaul. :-) But as I continue with my sessions, I can see why. The drills are helping me tremendously. I can’t wait to put it all together. I highly recommend Johnny, and can’t stress enough the importance of following the drills. Huge commitment but worth every penny. ~ hanan s

I just had knee surgery and plan on swimming when my knee recovers. I recently had a free consultation with Johnny about swimming lessons, and it was great! He took a long time and discussed his process and what would be involved in taking lessons. I really feel like I should have paid for that first free meeting. I am excited about taking lessons this fall when my knee is feeling better. ~ Patrick F

I made an appoint at Third Coast my son who is a Junior track cyclist. The free assessment confirmed to us that this was where we needed to go. Johnny was very knowledgeable and personable. He explained thoroughly the testing and what would be expected throughout. He gave us training tips and diet recommendations. These have been very helpful. We intend to go back to re-evaluate. John Mendoza ~ John M

I’ve been competing in various distance triathlons for about 11 years. After a DNF and a close finish in a couple Ironman 70.3 events, I decided I should get a swim coach to prepare for a Full Ironman. This was the best decision I’ve ever made with my training and I successfully finished the 2023 Ironman Texas. I plan to continue receiving coaching on nutrition and running. Thanks Coach Johnny!!! ~ Evan L

Training for an Ironman 70.3 and was worried about the swim portion. I found Third Coast Training and I had such a great experience! He really breaks every small detail down and does a great job explaining how to make adjustments. I noticed a huge difference on my first session, feeling more confident going into triathlon training! ~ Dominique C

Coach Johnny has been amazing, helping me from the ground up focusing on technique. He videos and voice records and marks up the video and sends it to you to reference for practice swims. Super helpful and his way of describing technique is very beginner friendly! Very nice guy as well would highly recommend ~ Jonah D

Johnny is a phenomenal coach. He approaches the teaching process from both mental and physical point of view. He got me from being not being able to swim at all to floating comfortably in the water in less than 6 sessions. I highly recommend him as a coach for developing or improving swimming skills for people at all skill levels ~ DEVESH K

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