Client Testimonies
Look at what just a few of our many satisfied clients are saying:
Kari trained Sharron Roggenbuck who, at the age of 71, completed her first Ironman distance triathlon, Beach to Battleship, Wilmington 2009. Congratulations Sharron, we're so proud of you!
Kari, My wife (Wendy) and I were in your ChiRunning class at Inside-Out sports a year ago. I wanted to give you an update on the impact ChiRunning has had.I am thrilled to see that you are registered again for the MB Half! My son and I will be running the half as well... this year we're running barefoot (well with Vibram Five Fingers). Thanks again for your class! If you remember, I started with heavy motion control shoes + custom arch supports + ChoPat knee support + cortisone shots in my knee. Now I wear only minimalist footwear (VFF) or nothing on my feet at all! I haven't had to see my PT or doctor since starting ChiRunning. Best of all... all leg & knee pain is completely gone. I am thrilled with the changes (and feel like I was bamboozled by medical/shoe industry for 40 years). I am thrilled with the freedom. I could not have made the transition without your help. Hopefully we'll see you in Myrtle Beach. Good luck,Ben
I ran the Tobacco half on Sunday. I wasn't fast (1:52) but that was never my goal for the race. I didn't plan on "racing" per se, more of just a good up tempo training run. In fact I actually did a 40 mile ride/3 mile run brick workout on Saturday, not what I'd normally do if I was planning on going for a PR Anyway, I felt great for 10 miles which doesn't surprise me since 10 is the furthest I had run this year. The last 3 miles were tough. I focused on my form as much as possible and think I did a pretty good job. The reason I signed up for Chi was to put an end to the constant shin splints and recurring calf strains. Well I can proclaim that I experienced neither problem during or after the race. In the past, the calf strains were a rare occurrence but the shin splints were always a constant annoyance. I've never been able to put in an appropriate amount of run training due to the injury issues. If Sunday was any indication I should become a much better runner in 2010. I once had my doctor tell me I'll probably never be able to run on successive days or complete a marathon program without significant shin issues. I'm excited to be able to prove him wrong.
I called Kathy after I had my second child and wanted to get in shape for my sister's wedding. She was very flexible and accommodating with my schedule considering I have two kids under 2. Kathy came into my home each week and introduced me to weight training. She made it exciting and interesting. Every week we did something different and before I knew it I had a bunch of different routines I was able to do on my own. She gave me great ideas for cardio in addition to weight training. I looked forward to every session and knew she would be motivating and encouraging. I did not always feel that I was making the best progress and she knew how to make me feel better about it and realize how far I had already come. I have been very satisfied with my experience and feel confident that I am now prepared and ready to do the training on my own. Personally I found her very inspirational and so easy to talk to. She is a true athlete with many successes, although she is not intimidating. I enjoyed learning more about her life and her experiences and she instantly became someone important in my life. I felt confident and strong at my sister's wedding and although I am not at my ideal point, I feel that I am definitely on my way. I now love weight training and have become addicted to exercise again, something I thought would not happen at this stage of my life. It would not have been possible without Kathy's inspiration and excellent training. Thanks Kathy, you have absolutely made a huge impact on my life. Dawn Atkinson, Hillsborough, NC
Working with Kathy has given me the confidence to work out regularly at my home. I knew that I didn't feel comfortable joining a gym, so Kathy came to my house for personal training sessions. Kathy is knowledgeable, is able to discern my capabilities and push me harder, and is a fun workout partner to boot! We are even able to workout outside on nice days-- an added bonus. Since starting with Kathy, I have created an exercise area and I'm faithful to my program-- thanks to her encouragement that I really can do this! Julie Schmidt - Hillsborough, N.C.
Wow! I'm in love with triathlons. I had a blast and it was a personally very successful day as I met my goals. I also can't go without thanking both of you for the support. Kathy, you really got me started in a big way with everything from encouragement, advice, information, and gear. Kari, your swim help and transition introduction was key, as well as your overall positive attitude. You are both amazing women to be supporting us newbies in such a great way. You are joyful and spiritful mentors for me. Thank you! Kristie Wells, Hillsborough, NC
I thought Kari's Chi Walking workshop was very helpful. I have practiced my Chi Walking and found myself going faster than normal and feeling no discomfort. I even started to jog some and did not have my usual hip and hamstring pains. So, I will continue to practice.
After breaking a knee a few years ago I just started becoming more and more sedentary. After a while my metabolism had dropped to a point where I was just getting bigger and bigger. The bigger I got the less active and flexible I became. Following my daughter's example, I called Kathy. Kathy came to our home and worked with both my wife and myself. She worked us hard but with understanding and patience for our lack of fitness and advancing years. In a matter of weeks our flexibility and strength began to return - the more we worked with Kathy the better it became. We are very grateful to Kathy for her coaching and feel like we’re back on our way to fitness. Thank you Kathy! Dick & Carmen Ingersoll, Hillsborough, NC
I have been to many personal trainers in my 20 plus years of trying to be in good shape and Kathy is by far the most motivating trainer I have ever had! She also helped me to design a program that met my individual fitness needs and after only a few weeks I feel myself getting stronger and more fit than I have been in years! Thanks so much!! Tavie Flanagan, Hillsborough, NC
The running clinic was excellent. Kari Wilkinson is both a talented and fun instructor. Being a high school chemistry teacher during the day gives her a huge edge regards public speaking, demonstrating, and teaching. That along with her personal experience as a longtime runner and triathlete, and her skills as a triathlete coach, bicycling coach, and personal trainer gave us so much more in the clinic. And keeping the clinic small, with only 5 students, we all got lots of excellent individual attention with Kari's great eye.
Kathy is knowledgeable, positive, supportive, and encouraging. I LOVE training with Kathy because she challenges me to push myself and I have FUN! I have gotten stronger and feel great about the progress I have made. I would recommend K2 fitness to anyone with fitness goals of all kinds! Helen Ingersoll, Hillsborough, NC
When Kari introduced herself and told us how she came into ChiRunning, I thought she was quoting my injury history, as we've had very similar problems. I really hope and think that I might be on to something with this technique. Now of course comes the work. I completely understood the lessons, both the why and the how. And I even had some short glimpses into how it can and should feel. But, I've got some work cut out for me, primarily in learning to relax my ankles. I'm convinced the work will be worth it, and am looking forward to it, and to the follow-up clinic in about 6 weeks.
I hired Kathy as my personal trainer to help me get my butt in gear and design a program that would be fun, help me reach my goals and safe. I've had an injury before so Kathy really took the time to show me moves that would be best for me. She is not only knowledgeable but patient and fun. I would highly recommend her to anyone wanting to achieve health and fitness at any level. Linda Bos, Hillsborough, NC
Kathy, you have been wonderful in teaching me upper body strengthening as I shift focus to overall strengthening and flexibility while I'm undergoing my comprehensive physical therapy treatment. Not to mention bringing me "tumbling tom" cherry tomatoes for harvesting from a hanging basket this summer. Roxxane Barksdale-Patterson, Hillsborough, NC
