Meet the 2019 Fittest Loser competitors

On a blustery morning in mid-February, five area residents gathered at Push Fitness in Schaumburg to embark on the 11th annual Daily Herald Fittest Loser Challenge.

Contestants took their “before” photos in black pants and a white T-shirt, met with their personal trainers, received a coupon for a free pair of running shoes and inserts from Dick Pond Athletics, and participated in the Saturday morning boot camp, the first of 12 they will attend over the next several months.

Each year, the Daily Herald selects participants who have struggled with weight loss or maintaining a healthy lifestyle to compete in the Fittest Loser. This year's competitors have all faced a health challenge in the past and hope to use the contest as a starting point for gaining more control over their health and well-being.

With knowledge of 10 previous contests to draw on, the five new participants understand what a demanding and rigorous journey they're about to undertake. Yet, each is committed to making lasting changes that will positively impact their health for years to come.

Ed Poczatek

Ed Poczatek, 64, of Schaumburg, is no stranger to the Fittest Loser Challenge. He has participated in several Fittest Loser at Work Challenges and tied for first place as an individual finisher in 2013, when he lost 44.6 pounds.

Through training for these challenges, he connected with the Schaumburg-based running club, Fast Track, which helped him run over 20 5K races, a 10-mile race, two half marathons, and the Chicago Marathon.

Running improved his conditioning, but one day Poczatek said his joints began hurting. Unsure of the cause, he underwent testing that revealed a cancer diagnosis. As a result, Poczatek had surgery, two months of radiation, and two years of chemotherapy, which he completed in November.

The chemotherapy took its toll, but Poczatek couldn't be happier that he is now in remission. He's eager to get back into an exercise routine and is excited for the opportunity to “lose the gut and kick butt” during the Fittest Loser.

“I want to begin to build muscle back and lose the weight I put on,” Poczatek said.

Poczatek's starting weight is 236 pounds and his goal weight is 190 pounds. One day, he'd like to complete a Half-Ironman event. Poczatek will train with Michelle Jeeninga for the next 12 weeks.

His biggest challenge during the event?

“Not overdoing it,” said Poczatek. “I am very competitive and need to avoid pushing beyond my abilities.”

Melissa Hood

Melissa Hood, 52, of Elgin, is excited to participate in the Fittest Loser because she hopes that improving her health will increase her stamina to serve those in need as a minister in The United Methodist Church.

She said by the end of the competition she'd like to have more energy, eat the right foods, and be intentional about her health. She'd also like to form healthy habits that could help her avoid some of the health issues, like heart disease and diabetes, that plagued her parents as they aged.

Adversity in her own life has made connecting with her body difficult and she's hoping that competing in the Fittest Loser will help her overcome that as well.

“As a sexual assault survivor, I struggle with a disconnect with my body and I'm hoping to feel more comfortable in my skin,” Hood said.

Hood said pastors live life on the go and that her schedule can be unpredictable due to her needing to be present when emergencies pop up. Her constantly evolving schedule can sometimes make organizing meals and workout routines difficult, but despite this challenge, Hood hopes to eventually reach her goal weight of 175 to 180 pounds. Her starting weight is 229 pounds.

“I believe in having a healthy mind, body and spirit and being a good example to those I serve and those I love,” said Hood, who is training with Nicole Caliva. “This is a great opportunity to practice what I preach about intentional living and making good choices for your life.”

Annamarie McMurray

Annamarie McMurray, 69, a retired systems analyst from Schaumburg, applied to the Fittest Loser to jump-start her journey back to a healthier lifestyle.

Until a few years ago, she exercised regularly by attending aerobics classes and working out with free weights, but when her husband passed away, it became harder to exercise consistently and eat right. She said she's prone to eat more “junk food” now that she's cooking for one and hopes that will change over the next 12 weeks.

McMurray, who enjoys bicycling and hiking, currently weighs 192 pounds. Her goal is to drop down to 145 pounds. She knows that amount of weight loss might not be possible in 12 weeks, but McMurray is comfortable with that. She said she'd be happy if she lost between 20 and 25 pounds during the contest.

She is most excited about working with her Push Fitness trainer Mick Viken, and taking advantage of the different workouts offered, such as yoga and Pilates.

She said her barriers to success are getting up early to work out since she's used to staying up late and cooking healthy recipes for one. Like the other contestants, she's ready to embrace the Fittest Loser Challenge and make lifestyle changes.

“I just don't feel good when I look in the mirror,” said McMurray. “Also, when you're older it's important to take care of your health.”

Bob Sinclair

Bob Sinclair, 68, of Batavia, said he's been letting his weight go for way too long and applied to the Fittest Loser to shed the pounds, improve his health, and have more energy for activities he enjoys.

He and his significant other, Mary, like to travel, hike, and ride bikes. They also walk Lake Arlington often and he knows losing weight would make all those activities easier.

Additionally, Sinclair is being treated for high blood pressure and cholesterol and is prediabetic. He hopes that losing weight will help better manage these conditions. His starting weight is 214 pounds and his goal is to weigh 175.

Sinclair said losing pounds initially and hitting the gym won't be challenging. For Sinclair, the challenge lies in continuing to drop weight throughout the competition and not cheating on the nutrition plan prescribed by Push. Sinclair is eager to begin his workouts with his trainer, Steve Amsden and is excited to be a part of group of like-minded contestants.

“It's fun to be a group with people with the same type of goals,” said Sinclair. “I think I can feed off that.”

Rick Meyers

Rick Meyers, 42, of Mount Prospect, is an officer in the Elk Grove Police Department's police dog unit. He has been a member of the police force for 20 years. When he began his career, he weighed 225. Today he weighs 300 pounds and is hoping the contest will help him drop back down to 225.

“I'm excited to get back to where I was, feeling good, and not have aches and pains from carrying around the extra weight,” said Meyers, who is training with Patrick Stille.

Back and foot surgery have prevented Meyers from working out as he did before, but that never stopped him from applying to Fittest Loser. He applied three times before he was selected and he's eager to finally begin his Fittest Loser journey.

He think his biggest struggle will be following the eating plan Push Fitness prescribes, which includes eating every two to three hours, while at work because of a busy and unpredictable schedule, but he is up for the challenge.

Shedding excess weight is a major goal, but Meyers also hopes to learn proper nutrition habits that he can pass on to his children, Abby and Ryan.

The next three months will be life-changing for the five competitors. All are hoping for significant weight loss, a change in lifestyle, and overall improved health.

Only one can be crowned the Fittest Loser. Who will claim the title?