Houston’s Premier Triathlon & Multisport Coaching
Customized Swim, Bike, Run & Recovery Programs Built on Real Physiological Testing. No Guesswork, No Cookie-Cutter Plans.
Whether you are training for your first triathlon, aiming for a sub-3 marathon, or overcoming technique barriers in the water, Third Coast Training provides individualized coaching tailored to your lifestyle, schedule, and goals.Led by Veteran-Owned & Operated performance coach Johnny Shelby LMT.
Posted on Google
Scott Minton6 November 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
After just one coaching session I know that Johnny was the best choice for me. I have no doubt he will help me reach my goals swimming.Posted on GoogleB K29 October 2026Great guy, great coach, and super supportive.Posted on GoogleRoy Wiersema27 October 2026Very easy to work with. Instructions were clear and really good explanations of how to improve basic fundamentals. Looking forward to working with him again.Posted on GoogleChris Brown24 October 2026Coach Johnny is always amazing. I appreciate his professionalism and willingness to adjust based on my needs. So thankful for the time we’ve spent together.Posted on Googlehanan suleman29 September 2026Thanks Johnny for the twin lake alumni swimming sessions. Your couching techniques are extremely helpful and fun. Appreciate your commitment in providing such a great program. And thank you for the blogs on various training tips. I particularly applied the nasal breathing for runners technique and it’s a game changer. Keep the blogs coming and looking forward for our next swim at the twin lakes.Posted on GoogleDaniel Ferenc28 September 2026Had great time at twin lakes alumni swim session. Good session with other swimmers in the open water, practicing the basics and working on sighting and other open water techniques.Posted on GoogleLee Quiroga28 September 2026Johnny does a great job breaking down my swim deficiencies and creating a plan to tackle my issues one step at a time. I look forward to training again and I look forward to the day I can swim efficiently.Posted on GoogleAshley Sauceda20 September 2026Update 9/20/2026: Johnny is an incredible coach. I’ve had three swim lessons and I love how he breaks things down into small increments to help you master technique. I love how he provides video/instructional feedback for you to take home to practice with. It helps to visualize things should look like while comparing with what it feels like. He’s motivational and has high expectations. I’m grateful to have him teaching me. Original 9/5/2026: Johnny met me at my house for an In-Home Lactic Acid Run Test. He was very professional, came with all the gear needed to test, and provided a formal meeting to go over the results and how it was used to form my training plan. He explained my results, came up with a detailed training plan tailored just to me, and reviewed scientifically what was happening in my body and how to effectively train in a healthy way. I absolutely have loved working with Johnny and look forward to having him as my coach.Posted on GoogleJohn13 September 2026Posted on GoogleGreg McClain10 September 2026My time with Third Coast Training was extremely helpful and I learned so much about the correct way to train and what I am trying to achieve in my technique.Posted on GoogleBlake Broussard24 August 2026Posted on GoogleMichael Walsh20 August 2026third coast training is a must ,if you want to go to the next level of training , my coach johny shelby has pushed me through the hardest challenges so far and now after 1full ironman and 3 half ironman we are headed to sacramento for the next full ironman in october . cant do it without him , thanksPosted on GoogleMike Collins5 August 2026On time, great training, very knowledgeable.Posted on GoogleKenneth Lavergne11 July 2026Johnny is the best. Only six lessons so far and I've become a faster swimmer.Posted on GoogleTW M9 July 2026This is the place to go to sharpen your swimming. Extremely good training within the alloted time. Not sure if it's worth it or if you can commit to more than one? Then at least just try one class first. The refining is permanent since they give you the lesson to take home. This is not a try one and forget it forever class. They give you means to study your lesson indefinitely. That's more than worth the cost.Posted on GoogleScott Ater26 June 2026Johnny has revolutionized my training. I finally understand what zones I need to train in. I enjoy seeing the data and the lactate testing is very helpful to dial in my training. Johnny is extremely knowledgeable and professional.Posted on GoogleChris Mcanespy5 May 2026Posted on GoogleConnie Pfeiffer9 March 2026Posted on GoogleAdrian Milton6 March 2026Johnny 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.Posted on GoogleBryant A25 February 2026Third 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.Posted on GoogleEmily Roth24 February 2026Excellent experience with my lactic acid run test. Professional, knowledgeable, and very encouraging throughout the process. The results were clearly explained and incredibly helpful for my training. Highly recommend!Posted on Googlejay lagrone24 February 2026Working with Johnny over the past month I have improved my swimming greatly. I now have the knowledge to recognizing when something in my swim stroke is off and and the ability to correct it. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is in need of a swim coach.Posted on GoogleNeil Shah21 February 2026Coach Johnny is patient, kind, and willing to help. Highly recommend!!Posted on GoogleEric Gonzalez21 February 2026Best training course I’ve ever taken!Posted on GoogleDominique Crespo21 February 2026Training 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!Posted on GoogleRicky Solis18 February 2026Went from 0 experience with swimming to being able to swim, without being nervous or scared and have more confidence. Coach Johnny helps really break down the technique of swimming, step by step. Easy to comprehend and execute.Posted on GoogleAnima19 December 2025Loved working with Johnny! He gave me great tips for overcoming my fear of deep water and taught me some good skills for treading swimming under water!Posted on GoogleJonah Doddridge19 December 2025Coach 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 recommendPosted on GoogleDEVESH KUMAR18 December 2025Johnny 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 levelsPosted on GoogleKasciandro Senem6 November 2025Johnny has been a great coach with his comprehensive view of all triathlon disciplines. I started only with swimming classes and after one month I initiated the coaching program! He is super available and ready to support!Posted on GoogleDonald Gerratt4 November 2025When I met Johnny, I could barely swim one 25 yd length. This weekend I completed my first Ironman-2.4 miles in the ocean, and the swim was the easiest part of the day. Highly recommend Third Coast-game changer!Posted on Googlechance miller20 October 2025Posted on GoogleThamer Alquthami11 September 2025I was vey amazing. Highly recommendedPosted on GoogleKevin Ewing21 August 2025Posted on GoogleRobert Sam16 August 2025Posted on GoogleJV F31 July 2025Posted on GoogleKimberly Schweinle30 July 2025ABSOLUTELY the best massage therapist ever!!! Definitely can find those spots you didn't realize you had! Hands down will reschedule time after time after time! And now that they do home appointments even better!!Posted on GoogleSowmya Nagraj24 July 2025Posted on GoogleT. D23 July 2025I took 1:1 swimming lessons with Johnny . He is awesome!! He provides clear instructions, and video feedback to optimize my swimming practices after each lesson. I started noticing the difference after 3 sessions, I will definitely recommend him.Posted on GoogleMeena Eswaran22 July 2025Posted on GoogleDan Owen19 July 20252025 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.Posted on GoogleLucia Bravo18 July 2025Very thankful for coach he’s always making every session better and one day I will be a Ironman .+0Posted on GoogleDillon Gray17 July 2025Excellent experience. Training was very easy to follow. Immediate feedback with success from just one 2 hour lesson.Posted on GoogleMarilu Orozco16 July 2025I’m a beginner and have only had three private swimming lessons so far, but I’ve already learned so much. Johnny explains things in a way that makes sense. I’ve started feeling a lot more comfortable in the water and look forward to each session. Definitely recommend if you're just starting out or want to improve!Posted on GoogleCaitlan Moses15 July 2025Posted on GoogleTanner Blackard12 July 2025Posted on GoogleSean Johnston12 July 2025Johnny is an awesome coach and teacher! He combines a relentlessly positive attitude with deep knowledge of training science and outstanding customer service. You’ll love working with him!!Posted on GoogleBhargav Patel12 July 2025Posted on GoogleJustin K11 July 2025Posted on GoogleJoseph Sukal8 July 2025Posted on Googlejenner8 July 2025Posted on Googlelynette perkins11 June 2025Great place, great coachPosted on GoogleThomas Rechtien4 June 2025Awesome swim training to work on my freestyle stroke. Johnny has a way of explaining things and providing drills that just work and help to convert the newly acquired skills to muscle memory.Posted on GoogleGeorgia H1 June 2025Posted on GoogleKevin Roth18 May 2025Johnny is a wealth of knowledge and continues to help us push to the next level.Posted on GoogleAndrew Davila27 March 2025Johnny is a fantastic coach!Posted on GooglePaige Hoyt9 March 2025Great experience. Shoulders, hips, and calves felt more mobile immediately. Will be going back.Posted on GoogleJay R18 February 2025I'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!Posted on GoogleJustin F2 February 2025Posted on GoogleBrittany Hodge16 January 2025Johnny is amazing! I am a busy mom and business owner, scheduling with him online was so easy! My service was hands down the best deep tissue massage I’ve ever received. I went in with left shoulder pain and I left feeling amazing 🤩 I can’t wait to continue with Johnny as I’m working on improving my health!Posted on GoogleJohn Barrett23 November 2024Johnny is amazing and helpful. Highly recommend.Posted on GooglePaulo Soares20 November 2024Thank you, Johnny! It was great to see you again. As I recover from an injury, I am sure I will return for more massage sessions.Posted on GoogleIsmael Garay9 November 2024Posted on GoogleJack Baczek28 October 2024Very 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!Posted on GoogleShad Carter26 October 2024The consultation was extremely informative. He spent a long time discussing how his plan works for my wife and me. I never felt pressured.Posted on GoogleChad N23 October 2024Johnny was very helpful in observing my swim habits and providing me with feedback / drills to optimize my swim stroke. Exciting for my first alumni open water swim this weekend!Posted on GoogleLucy Rodriguez15 October 2024Posted on GoogleM D10 October 2024I 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.!Posted on Googlejuan villarreal11 August 2024Posted on GoogleSeth Karl3 August 2024Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Dedicated High-Performance Services
1: 1-on-1 Private Swim Lessons & Video Analysis
Master the Water with 1-on-1 Swim Coaching
Stop struggling through the swim leg. We offer personalized, in-pool swim instruction and HD video stroke analysis—available at local Houston facility pools or delivered directly to your community/home pool. Perfect for beginners building open-water confidence or experienced triathletes fixing technique limiters.
Learn About Private Swim Lessons
Blood Lactate Testing & Zone Profiling
Precision Physiological Testing
Stop relying on generic heart-rate formulas that don’t match your actual fitness. We conduct track-based run tests and smart-trainer bike tests to pinpoint your exact lactate thresholds, metabolic zones, and fueling parameters.
Licensed Sports & Recovery Massage Therapy
In-House Recovery & Soft-Tissue Therapy
High volume demands proper recovery. Lead Coach Johnny Shelby is a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) specializing in sports therapy, soft tissue release, and mobility work to prevent overuse injuries, clear chronic tightness, and keep you training consistently.
Flexible Coaching Built Around Your Life
No locked-in long-term contracts. Pause or change plans as your season evolves.
| Program | Best For | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Training Performance Club | Self-motivated athletes needing structured plans & discounts | • Custom Online training plans • $150/mo Service Credit (usable for testing, swim lessons, or massage) • 40% off additional 1-on-1 sessions |
| All-Inclusive Coaching | Athletes seeking total accountability & full service | • Custom swim, bike, and run programming • Bi-monthly lactate testing • Monthly coached swim & massage session |
| 6-Lesson Swim Accelerator | Athletes needing rapid technique improvements | 6 private pool lessons with video stroke breakdown • Progressive drill packages and AirDrop video footage |
Why Houston Athletes Choose Third Coast Training
- Data over Hyped Trends: We build training intensities directly from your blood lactate data—not generic heart rate max estimates.
- The “Fourth Discipline” Mastery: Fueling is just as vital as training. We calculate your exact hourly carbohydrate and fluid intake needs to prevent bonking on race day.
- Full-Spectrum Support: From custom workout programming on Final Surge to sports massage and swim stroke technique, every element of your performance is managed under one roof.
Ready to Stop Guessing and Start Progressing?
Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with Coach Johnny Shelby to review your goals, evaluate your current routine, and build a roadmap to your next finish line.
Schedule Your Free Strategy Call