Lauren Jensen McGinnis is the Owner and Head Coach of Tri Faster, a Professional Speaker, co-founder of the non-profit Making Waves Milwaukee, contributing author to TRIing Times and a World Champion Triathlete. As a licensed Physical Therapist and movement specialist, Lauren is able to combine her extensive knowledge of the body along with her over 35 years of multi-sport racing and coaching to help others to realize their full potential. Her style is to share in the adventure with the individuals that she coaches, acting as true partner in their journey.

Lauren’s strongly believes that with the right mindset, all things are possible, and that mastering the art of positive self-talk is the key to being successful in life.  Reinventing herself both physically and mentally after a devastating accident in 2010, Lauren self- coached herself to winning a World Championship title at the 2018 ITU Age Group Sprint Triathlon World Championships.  This coaching mindset is the foundation behind her success in leading over 250 cancer survivors to the start and finish-line of their first triathlon.

Lauren has a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing for the University of Illinois as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy from Northern Illinois University.  Like most entrepreneurs, she has built her toolbox through an evolution of careers. The time she spent as a Pediatric Physical Therapist working with special needs children taught her that any obstacle can be turned into a stepping-stone.

Contact Coach Lauren at lauren.shark.jensen@gmail.com or 414-430-2467.

Coach Lauren’s Athletic Career Highlights

Coach Lauren is welcoming, knowledgeable and enthusiastic Coach who leads by example. Since 1985 Coach Lauren has competed in over 400 multi-sport events including Triathlons from Sprint to Ironman distances, Duathlon, Aquathon, and Aquabike events all over the globe. Career Highlights include:

World Championships

  • 2018 ITU Age Group Sprint Triathlon World Champion – Australia
  • 2015 ITU Age Group Sprint Triathlon Silver Medalist – Chicago

National Championships

  • 2018 & 2019 USAT Overall Female International Aquabike National Champion
    2018 & 2019 USAT Age Group Aquathon National Champion
  • 2016, 2017 & 2019 – USAT Sprint Triathlon Age Group National Champion
  • 2004 – USAT Pro/Elite Overall Female Long Course Triathlon National Champion
  • 2003 – USAT Pro/Elite Overall Female Duathlon National Champion

Olympic Trials Competitor

  • 2000 – Competed in the first ever Team USA Olympic Trial for Triathlon

Ironman Competitions

  • 1991-2010 – Competed in eleven Ironman events – including three Hawaii Ironman races
  • 2004 & 2005 – Second Overall Female at Ironman Wisconsin
  • 2005 – Third Overall Female at Ironman Brazil in 9:49

Other Highlights

  • 1993 – 2010 – Raced for 17 years as a Professional Triathlete, while balancing Parenthood, Physical Therapy School and Career pursuits
  • Overall Female Champion at 200+ Multisport events
  • Personal bests – Marathon – 3:02, Ironman – 9:49, Olympic distance Triathlon – sub 2 hours, Sprint Triathlon (750 swim, 20K Bike, 5K Run) – sub 59 minutes