"Boot Camp - what an impact. Within the first week I knew this was going to be a very unique experience. The very first thing I noticed was that this was a level playing field. Everyone was there for himself or herself. It didn't matter that I was a little older, okay a lot older. I didn't feel uncomfortable. The competition was within myself, push a little harder, run a little further each time, never say never, never ever quit. It doesn't matter not being first, it only matters that you do your very best."

- Private Sandy Mills

"Today was week 5, day 1 and we ran 5 miles. 5 miles! You could have watered your lawn for a month with my sweat and powered Burbank all day with the steam coming off me at the end, but I ran 5 miles. I love being the first one there in the morning and I almost always have my "homework" done before camp starts. Last week after crunches that added up to 550 I thought my abs would explode out my body. It hurt and then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I did it! I only did 91 crunches the first day and here I was doing 11 times that many. Outstanding!"

- Private Ken Teaney

"Master Chief, you have already changed my life! After finishing my third session of Boot Camp, I feel wonderful, and am myself again after a long haul. Tina, I'd never done anything athletic in my life, let alone being the captain of a winning team!! And at graduation, my friends voted me "Most Likely to Morph!" I was happy seeing the difference in myself, but when I got that support and acknowledgment, it was wonderful! One more thing I must tell you....during my first camp, when I had a problem at home, you called me and left a message that you cared, and left your home number and told me to call any time I needed someone to talk to. It was such a loving and connected thing for you to do with someone you had only met a few weeks before. You are one of a kind, Tina, and I am very grateful to the Universe to have you in my life! Keep up the good work, and I'll see you at the next camp!! (and the next, and the next). "

- Private Suzie Kammins

"The first day of CASTALDI'S KILLER BOOT CAMP I thought I wouldn't last. I was dying during the one mile. I was out of breath. I felt really inadequate around returning campers. When Master Chief asked us to say the Pledge of Allegiance I balked. But by the third day I was already talking about taking the camp again. I met a camper named Yolanda who told me I was nuts!
After two weeks, people around the office started to comment on how great I looked. It was actually working. It's funny because even though you are taking a tremendously positive step and following the program, you don't really believe at first that this is going to affect you. I now see breastbones I never saw. My watch is too big and my rings are all falling off my fingers. These are areas you don't necessarily think are going to change."

- Private Colleen Quill

"It is beyond my comprehension as I write you this letter that I can now run 6 miles without stopping. When I started in week one of boot camp I could not a run a mile without stopping and having to walk part of it. I feel that I’ve accomplished more than I ever imagined I could and I have you to thank for inspiring and motivating magic!"

- Private Sarah Steinberg

"Tina you really changed me for the good for good!
I’ve since joined the LA ROADRUNNERS and I am going to run the LA MARATHON on March 3, 2000. Every chance I get I talk about you and your great program! I would never be where I am at today without CASTALDI’S KILLER BOOT CAMP!"

- Private Sam Caloroso

*Postscript - Sam did run the Los Angeles Marathon. To read his story, go to "INSPIRATION".