July Athlete of the Month: Kristyne Stahlman

Congratulations Kristyne, you are our July Athlete of the Month!

At 51, Kristyne is a former marathoner (with an incredible 18 marathons under her belt), military veteran, and now a dedicated NoCoast athlete. After hanging up her running shoes, she found a new passion in CrossFit, and she and her fellow Centripital members have seamlessly found a new home at NoCoast. Kristyne's kindness, welcoming spirit, and outgoing personality have been a big part of bringing our communities together and helping create the fun, supportive atmosphere that makes NoCoast special.

Get to know Kristyne as she shares her fitness journey, her favorite movements, and her advice for anyone just getting started.

Age: I am 51.

Athletic/Sports history/highlights: 

I was always active in sports growing up, participating in volleyball, basketball, softball, and track.  As an adult, I turned to long-distance running while serving in the military as a way to manage stress.  What began as a coping mechanism grew into a passion and I ultimately completed 18 marathons before my body signaled it was time to retire my running shoes.  

How has your transition to NoCoast been?

My transition to NoCoast has been smooth and welcoming and I have quickly found it to be the perfect fit for me.  

How did you get into fitness/exercise? 

I discovered CrossFit after I was no longer able to run long distances and I found it provided the same sense of accomplishment and adrenaline rush that running once did.  

What is your favorite workout or movement?

My favorite movements are cleans and wall balls - silly, I know!

What is your least favorite workout or movement? 

Although push-ups consistently humble me, I would still choose them over a burpee.

Since starting at NoCoast, what’s your favorite thing that has stood out to you?

Since joining NoCoast, I've especially appreciated the friendly members, knowledgeable coaches, clean facility, and a strong sense of community that makes everyone feel welcome and supported.  

How does nutrition play a role in your fitness and recovery?

Nutrition plays an important role in my recovery but like most athletes, I need to eat more protein, like a lot more, and drink more water.  That said, some of the newer low-calorie white wines are so light and refreshing they can almost be mistaken for water.  

How has NoCoast/Training improved your overall wellness?

NoCoast has already had a positive impact on my overall wellness through its flexible programming.  I value the ability to choose my workout based on how my body feels, which helps me stay consistent while balancing intensity and recovery.  

How has your dedication to health and fitness changed your family? 

I hope my dedication to health and fitness has been inspiring to my children.  They have seen me work through multiple injuries and return from several surgeries, and I hope those experiences have shown them that setbacks are temporary and that grit and perseverance are invaluable in their own lives.  

Advice to new people:

My advice to new members is to simply show up.  Sometimes, that's the hardest part.  Focus on building habits rather than seeking immediate results.  Finally, some of the best people in my life are there because I walked through the doors of a gym.