At Work teams find inspiration from family, coworkers and sponsors

Posted April 29, 2018 7:10 am

By Kat Polomsky kpolomsky@dailyherald.com

From left to right, We 5 Loser's Lisa McQueen, best friends Ireland Wildhart and Kelly McQueen, and Lisa's youngest Chloe McQueen after completing a local 5K. The two best friends finished 1st and 2nd place in their age group with only 4 seconds apart. Chloe also finished in 1st place in her age group for completing a 1-mile race in 8:52.8. Photo courtesy of Lisa McQueen

Trying to change lifelong eating and exercise habits is a challenge to do alone. Luckily for At Work participants, they have support from their family, friends, co-workers, and teammates.

Teams also found support and valuable knowledge from activities offered by Fittest Loser sponsors.

Brandi Talaga from Schaumburg Park District's Schaumburg Shredders says, "I have had such a wonderful time being part of this team! I've learned so much beyond weight loss."

Brandi also said the social settings of team workouts have improved her mental and emotional health.

"At work officers often bring in doughnuts and baked goods, but when they see a member of Pounds for Blue #3 heading toward the goodies they can often be heard saying 'What are you weighing in at?'" Talaga said. "The entire department reads the Daily Herald every Monday looking for information on the team or a picture and when they do not find it they say, 'you guys must not be losing enough weight.' The ultimate support at the police department are the insults, most of which could not be printed. But the jawing back and forth is the best motivation."

Participants have discovered that they have influenced others with their hard work and commitment to the challenge.

Greg Belbeck, captain of Franciscan Ministries' Transformation Nation, says, "My wife joined a walk to run club and is also taking snack bags to work with nuts - like me."

Lisa McQueen of We 5 Losers set out on this journey not knowing what to expect, but knew it was going to be challenging.

A personal goal of Lisa's was to have more energy to help with her daughters' sports. She set a goal to run a 5K with one of her daughters. However, she struggled a bit with training and doubted her ability.

When it came time to race and doubt filled Lisa's mind, her daughter Kelly said: "Mom, JUST DO IT!"

With the support of her team, family, and Kelly's advice, Lisa completed her first 5K!

Participants continue to reach their goals and with the support of those around them, refuse to give up.

Team captain Quint Thompson literally has the support of his team from QT3. From left to right, Saul Jimemenez, Quint Thompson, Trish Stevens, Tasha Anderson, and Nancy Ramirez. Photo courtesy of QT3 team

Tempco teams Net Loss, Feel the Burn, and Trabajando Para Quitarselo have their boxing gloves on and are ready to roll out the punches. Photo courtesy of Tempco teams

District 214's WildPhats have tried new things out of their comfort zone while attending At Work activities and continue to push each other until the end. From left to right Angela Ginnan, Brittany Vore, Adriana Eloiza, Gretchen Constantine, and Jerry Cook. Photo courtesy of Wildphats

Team RSM - 0BS Lbs has each other's support when junk food becomes a threat. From left to right, Kelsey Bowen, Samantha Becker, Brooke Truman, Heather Winandy, and Sara Jacobson. Photo courtesy of Team RSM - 0BS Lbs

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