Congratulations to our November Athlete of the Month, Kerri Thomas. She most recently competed at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.
At the start of her season she listed this as a possible goal. Through hard work, commitment, and most importantly - a positive mindset - Kerri's goal came true at Ironman Lake Placid, earning a spot for Kona. Following that qualification in July, training for another Ironman can be daunting, but Kerri used her skills to thrive. Despite the days getting shorter, the temperatures cooler, and work mounting in her career, she persevered. Coach Kevin says, "Having coached Kerri for multiple years, to see her growth this year has been amazing (and the achievements that followed). She placed emphasis on self-care and a positive mindset - adding another asset to her athleticism. She continues to grow in the sport and it's so much fun to see!"

A:   Kerri Thomas; Granville NY with my Husband, two dogs and now) two cats

A:   47

A:   Accountant

A:   July of 2013 I did my first sprint at Vermont Sun to “try something different”

A:   Kevin coached me in 18 & 19 prior to my “retirement” and then again in 2023 for my return

A:   This is such a tough question because each one holds a special place with me. But if I have to pick one it has to be Lake Placid. Having the whole team there and the energy and support just makes the day magical.

A:   My bike(s)

A:   Placing first in the Master’s division at the Middlebury Maple Half and Troy Turkey Trot 10k Competing at Ironman World Championships in Kona. 70.3 World’s in Nice.

A:   My main goal for 2023 was to become a better all-around athlete, both mentally and physically. Secondary to my main goal was the possibility of getting a slot to Kona but none of what I did in 2023 was to specifically target that as #1 was my main goal for the year. In 2024 my goal is to FINALLY compete in the IMMT 70.3.

A:   My long-term goal is to be sustainable. To try new things, go new places. Enjoy the journey.

A:   Maple Syrup, homemade oatmeal blueberry muffins, peanut butter

A:   Quite a variety but I would say my go-to is 70-current rock

A:   Enjoy the journey. Seriously. Embrace the newness, all the firsts. Learn, take it all in. Focus on the “wins” and give yourself grace for when things don’t go exactly as planned.

A:   The mind is our strongest muscle and can make or break any day. My secret training tip is mindfulness meditation. It has been key to keeping me grounded.

A:   I have to say my favorite this year was my 6x Prospect Mountain.

A:   In my previous life as a triathlete, I was my own worst enemy. Self-sabotage was something I engaged in regularly. I had a negative mindset. I was so consumed with the results that I wanted to see, that I skipped right over the process. When I came back I had done a lot of reading about the mental aspect of the sport and saw how much more success and joy people had. I made it my mission to be more process focused and less results focused. Old me would have been crushed when I fell apart on the run at Placid. The new me embraced the situation I was in and made it my new goal to manage where I was and get it to the finish line. Though the run didn’t go the way I wanted it to, I celebrated how well I handled the cards I was dealt and then looked at ways I could improve. No negativity, just learning. I am very appreciative for the guidance Coach Kevin has given me this year and all the support of my fellow T3’rs. It truly has been a remarkable year. Being a part of history in Kona (and bringing home a kitten as a souvenir) was just icing on the cake.