Frequently Asked Questions - testimonials: Coach Christi

January 16, 2011
I began triathlon training a little less than 1 year ago. For my 1st race I pieced together a hodge podge of training programs that I had found online and in various books and happily slogged my way across the finish line 3 months later. I was happy to have finished but I knew that I could do better. Especially in the swim!! I wanted to complete my next race with confidence and I knew that in order to do that I would need the help of a professional swim coach. During that time I met Christi the Swimmer and had struck up multiple conversations with her regarding swim training. I signed up for Christi's Open Water Swim class and after 2 months of very customized and supportive training, I was able to shave over 6 minutes off my 800 meter swim time. That HUGE improvement would not have been possible without Christi's guidance and expertise. Every week we worked, and continue to work, not only on building endurance but also on stroke mechanics and speed which has resulted in making me a much stronger, more confident, and faster swimmer. I've never had so much fun working so hard! In my opinion, Christi's strength lies in her ability to quickly assess a swimmer's capability. She then develops a program specific to that individual swimmer's needs. She doesn't believe in a one size fits all training program and that is what makes training with her invaluable. Thanks to my ever increasing confidence in the water, this year I will be competing in my 1st 70.3. In less than one year I have gone from barely being able to swim a 400 meter distance to comfortably and confidently swimming 1.5 miles. Thank you Coach Christi!! 
-Sharon G., 38, Dexter

You Can Learn to Swim at Any Age!
In my 40s, I hadn't been swimming since I was a kid. I wanted to do a triathlon and needed major help with the swim. I feel lucky to have found Christi as my coach. When we met in June, she assured me she could get me ready for my first race in September. Working together each week, Christi helped me build my freestyle stroke and, more importantly, helped me become comfortable in the open water. Now, I meet fellow swimmers in the pool and many are surprised I've only been swimming eight months. She is a supportive coach to each individual and her primary passion is to share her knowledge of the sport. My goal was to complete one race, but I've gotten so much more. I may have learned to swim later in life, but I intend to keep swimming for the rest of my life.
-Marianne, Age 47, Southfield, MI

I know how to swim and swim very well.  All I was looking for was a couple lessons on how to swim in the open water.  Almost a year later I’m still training with Christi because I found I didn’t really know HOW to swim until I took classes with Christi.   With her incredible experience and background, she has that critical ‘eye’ that is so necessary in taking a swimmer to the next level.
Not everyone can teach or coach; Christi is that exception.  She has been able to take her experience and her swimming career and weave that into her teaching technique.  She has a personal style that is supportive and encouraging.  But, she’s not afraid to kick your butt….Christi continues to take me to higher heights with my swimming technique as I prepare for my triathlons.  I actually look forward to her training sessions to see just how much, how far she can push me.
-Kathy H., advanced triathlon and Endless Pool swimmer

Hi Christi,
Thanks again for the great instruction on Monday!
After about 5 workouts I feel like I’m getting better and getting a decent feel for the water. I have only been able to do about 1500m to 1700m per workout but it’s getting easier.
Have a good weekend!
-Thom R.

Hey Christi - . . .Thanks for putting on a great course. I can't even tell you how big a difference it has made for my swimming and comfort in the water. I'll get a hold of you after IM to see if you are doing any winter pool classes. I am definitely interested.
Thanks again!
- Zoe M.

I've been taking the OWS classes with Chisti and they are great.  She is a great coach and she teaches us and pushes us with her workouts.  I hope these continue and I would be very interested this winter in a masters swim class.  Thanks.
-Christopher M.

Christi -
Deciding to participate in a couple triathlons this year meant I needed to do a lot of work outside my comfort zone (running).  I received an email about the running fit swim clinic in the endless pool and though it wouldn't be a bad idea to check it out.  I decided to pay for the additional two 15 minutes sessions and I am extremely thankful I did.  Even in the first 2 minutes you were able to provide simple instruction that transformed my stoke into a longer and smoother one.  You also pointed out things I was taught years ago, that were not correct, and changed them to help me swim more efficiently.   On another note, your open water swim class was exactly what I needed to get experience swimming with a small group in open water.  The class has helped me to push my comfort zone and challenged me to become a better swimmer.  Although I still have a lot to improve with my swimming, I have come a long way.  The timing of your swim clinic and open water class could not have been more perfect!  Anyone looking to improve their swim stroke or triathletes (beginner to advanced) could greatly benefit from your classes and I would most definitely recommend it!
Thanks for your help,
Kim V.

Christi is a great instructor. I had not been in a swim class since college, 30+ years ago, and wanted to know whether my swimming ability was sufficient to take on one of the triathalons this year. Not only was I encouraged to take on the Tri I am way more confident about my swimming ability in general. I have already recommended Christi to others.
-Nora Gessert

July 8, 2010
Hey Christi
Great class yesterday - I can already feel myself relaxing more when I think about hitting the pool to train so that is a huge improvement.  I actually felt myself get better in that one hour yesterday with your advice about keeping my head looking straight down (I was always looking straight ahead, not down) and the drills from yesterday.  I will focus first on form first and then on starting to breathe without the snorkel in the next few days. I'm doing the One Helluva Ride (probably about 60 miles) Sunday so that may distract a little, but by golly, I'm feeling like there's some hope for my swimming.  Yay!
Anyway, I did mean to talk to you some more last evening but I had to rush home after class.
You had suggested in your last email setting up some personal training sessions in the lake.....how do we proceed with setting something like that up ?
I'm having some painful plantar  foot issues so don't know for sure whether I'll be doing the tri on August 1, but I'm going to train like I will do it anyway.  Whether I do that one or another one, I intend to keep doing the running, biking and swimming as part of an ongoing fitness program.  I think signing up for the tri keeps me motivated do keep going.
I'd like to be in really good shape by the end of the year.
Let me know about the lake swimming plan.
I'm so glad I signed up for your class.
-Susan