Christina

I should be packing, but I think it's more important to write this little note to you. Two years ago, I had never run a mile. Not once. Not in PE class or for my life or because I just wanted to burn off some energy. You invited me to come to running group, and I thought, "hey, I'll check it out. I like to walk, so... this is the next step, right?" Then you told us to warm up by running a mile. I'm pretty sure I peed a little I was so scared. I didn't do it. I couldn't do it. I ran as much as I could (which was not much at all, maybe 600m) and then walked. And ran a little and walked. And you told me how to modify the workout so I wasn't just stopping randomly, but was actually working hard and recovering. And then I kept running and walking a little and running more and walking less. And then I did two half marathon training sessions. I ran for miles. MILES, many of them, sometimes several before I even thought about walking. I shaved minutes off my mile time. I broke a 10 minute mile multiple times!

You have been so good to me, running at my pace to keep me motivated when you could tell I was so. over. it. Sticking with me on long runs around Queen Anne when crazy Candy was off dashing away. Hustling me up stairs and encouraging me. Now I run on my own. Voluntarilily. And I like it. I have a running belt and the right shoes. I *am* a runner.

Today, Chase said to me that he wants to do a half marathon with me. You don't know Chase very well, but you know enough to get that this is a pretty big deal. Because you inspired, helped, and trained me, Chase has seen my success and joy and has started running on his own. And now he wants to run with me. I think I'm so overcome right now because things have been a little tough lately and I just realized that you have done a LOT for me and that has in turn sparked something in Chase, which will be good for both of us.

I'm still amazed every time I wake up and think "I'm going to go for a run today" and I truly could not have done it without you. Thank you so much!! I'm looking forward to sending you pictures of my first half marathon!

• Christina and Chase completed their first half marathon Fall 2011.

Chris

I have been working with Dillon since March 2010. At the time I started I was in shock at the state of my body. I had gained about 10 pounds a year for the last 3 years and I was huffing every time I took the stairs at work.  My wardrobe had grown to include large baggy clothes in sizes not intended for someone 5’3” ! I took one last look at the scale - 164 pounds - and I immediately decided to find help.

Working out was way more of a science than I imagined and Dillon helped enormously with helping me to understand how to track calories and how to replace the calories I burned during workouts with healthier food choices. This helped me to help lose weight and add muscle in just the right way.

The hardest part was when I broke my wrist 6 months into training - but that didn’t stop me. Dillon worked around my injury creating workouts with more cardio. Plus my legs got a 3 month intensive workout! When I started rehab, we worked together to find out what I could and couldn't do with my wrist as we incorporated more upper body work.

One year later, I have lost 30 lbs and gained an incredible amount of strength, flexibility, and stamina. I am in an amazing place. I worked really hard, had great support, and look forward to continuing workouts, eating healthy, and challenging my limits.

Now I can do 7 flights of stairs (taking them 2 at a time) at least 3 times a day (when I pass  people they think i'm nuts!) When I started swimming at the pool, I could only do 20 laps an within 6 weeks I worked up to 1 mile. One of the best results is how I look at food and gravitate easily to better choices.