ELITE ATHLETE Claire Thomas
Hybrid Athlete | Portland, OR
About Claire
I am an athlete. I did not just wake up one morning and decide that I wanted to post workout videos on Instagram with the intention of gaining a large following, sign a sponsorship deal, and make a career out of fitness. To be honest, creating my business was never my plan. It all happened because this is undeniably in my blood.
Athletics have been the biggest part of my life since I can remember. I grew up playing soccer, basketball, and track. I eventually went on to compete as a D1 hurdler and heptathlete for the University of Oregon. Coming from a very small town, sports were what I lived for. I can full-heartedly say that sports have made me who I am today. Sports built my character, confidence, respect, discipline, grit, ambition, perseverance, leadership, and so much more.
The set of skills that I have accumulated through my athletic career has ultimately led me to the success I have had with 1st Phorm and in all aspects of my life. I worked incredibly hard to become the captain of each of my teams. I strived to be a positive example and a strong leader always. Letting my teammates down was never an option for me, and I will continue to carry that mentality with me for the rest of my life.
I named my business “CPT Fit Co.” not only because of my initials, but because it also stands for the word, "Captain". Now that I no longer participate in sports, I view my life as the big game or race day. I wake up every single morning focused and driven to do my best. Sure I make mistakes, but I’m constantly practicing what I need to improve on, while letting go the things I can’t control.
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Q&A
With
Claire
What got you into fitness
I have always been fueled by competition, which is why I believe fitness has been such a constant throughout my life. I still remember doing push-ups and sit-ups every night for fun before bed as a little kid. Even then, I was determined to get better and I didn't stop until I finished more reps than the previous night. I spent recess challenging the boys to arm wrestling and sprints. I beat them. As I got older, my drive and grit translated into my sports. When my collegiate athletic career ended, I guess it was only a matter of time until I would create my own business in health and fitness.
What's Your Source of Inspiration
I am my own source of inspiration. I am motivated by the woman I am determined to become. I compare myself only to who I was yesterday, not to anyone else. We all have room for self-improvement, but I believe that needs to begin with internal motivation. If you need to change, don’t do it because of the way someone else lives his or her life, do it because it will make you better. We all came into this world with our own blueprint. Once you find what you love and do it to the best of your ability, you will be on the path to greatness. Don’t try to mold yourself according to society’s standard of success; mold yourself according to your own.
What's Your Go-To Cheat Meal
Pizza rolls!
What's Your Favorite TV Show
Friends. It's a classic.
What Does 'Never Settle' Mean To You
To me, Never Settle means to set a baseline standard for what you accept in your life. If you don’t, it becomes too easy to slip into behaviors and attitudes that won’t advance you towards your goals. To never settle is to make a commitment to yourself. It's a decision that does not happen next month, next week, next Monday, or tomorrow. It is proved by immediate action.
If you’re going to change your life, and accomplish what you set out to do ... you have to not only determine what you’d like to become, but also decide who you are committed to being. Make commitments, not excuses ... and never settle for less than you deserve.
What's Your Biggest Achievement
Two of my best achievements that I will always cherish were when I became a 1st Phorm Elite Athlete, and when I was announced "Athlete of the Year" 9 months later.
What Keeps You Going
If there is one thing more fulfilling to me than reaching a personal goal, it’s helping someone else reach one of their own. I'm not going to lie ... broadcasting most of my life through social media can be very difficult sometimes. I put a lot of pressure on myself to be a role model and positive example.
Some days, I don't feel like I am good enough. On these days, I think back to all the people who have told me I helped change their life. Nothing drives me more than knowing that I am capable of helping that little voice in someone's head telling them, “I Can't” fade away.
How Has 1st Phorm Changed Your Life
Before I found 1st Phorm, I always knew that I wanted to help others ... but I never truly believed in myself. Since day one, 1st Phorm has believed in me and pushed me to be a better person. Becoming a part of this Phamily has given me the incredible opportunity to impact more people than I ever thought possible. In the pursuit of helping change and improve the lives of others, my life has forever changed.
Claire's Playlist
Claire's Favorite Supplements
Phormula-1
1
"This was the first 1st Phorm product I tried and I have it to thank for why I am part of this company. After just one sip, I was instantly hooked on the unbelievable taste! I was even more amazed, though, by the way it made me feel. I knew right away that it was the best quality protein I had ever tried."
Ignition
1
"When you mix Ignition with Phormula-1 after training, you will feel so much better the next day. This product had a massive impact on my training and recovery when I first added it in."
Level-1 Bar (15ct)
1
"I am always on the go and the Level-1 Bars ensure that I never skip a meal. Not to mention, they taste better than a candy bar. They also help me hit my protein goals and satisfy my sweet tooth."