When we hear about Race2Rio participants who have exceeded their goals, we like to share them! Check out some of our employees and see what keeps them on track and motivated.
Heidi Montecino
Atlanta
Team: Mexico
Why do you like the Race2Rio challenge?
I like the whole “team” concept and that our teammates are from other branches that we are getting to know. I am amazed at the amount of steps everyone does, not just my team, but all of the others!
How has the Race2Rio challenge and wellness program impacted you?
Even when we aren’t doing a company-wide challenge, I always wear my Fitbit (since day 1). Making sure I get my steps in is my own personal challenge. I look at food labels a lot closer than I ever did and try to make better choices.
What has been your greatest amount of steps in one day? What did you do?
I have had two “PR” days! The first one was three summers ago when I walked over 28,000 steps on the Vegas strip. My other “PR” day was when I walked more than 24,000 steps on my favorite Florida beach!
Outside of walking, what other activities do you enjoy?
I like running/jogging. I have chronic plantar fasciitis which has slowed me down a little. I enjoy traveling and always do a lot of walking wherever we go.
What motivates you to stay active?
I’m at that age where “getting old is starting to get old”. I have more aches and pains than I ever did and I know exercise is the key to staying healthy.
Heidi: I don’t know what I would do without my standing desk! I think it is one of the best things “office” people can have. I tell everyone about it and even bought my husband one. I love our new onsite gym at work. Atlantic takes good care of us and it’s greatly appreciated!
David Schmidt
Sturgis
Team:Chile
Why do you like the Race2Rio challenge?
It’s great to be a part of a company that cares about their employees as much as Atlantic Packaging does. This challenge lets me set goals for myself. As a reward for hitting 80,000 steps per week, I get a scoop of ice cream in a waffle cone every Saturday with my son from a local ice cream stand.
How has the Race2Rio challenge and wellness program impacted you?
This program has helped me think more consciously about how my personal health made me feel about other aspects of my life. Setting a positive example for my son is one of the biggest priorities for me. Showing him he can do anything if he puts his mind to it has been enough to keep me going strong. I have lost 45 pounds since I started to work for Atlantic Packaging on February 1, 2016. I am down 5 inches on my waist and can run 4 miles in under 45 minutes. When I started to run back in late February, I was around 14 minutes per mile.
What has been your greatest amount of steps in one day? What did you do?
I was walking while playing 18 holes of golf on a Saturday (I was not having the best day out on the course). I average around 16,000 steps if the ball goes where I want it to.
Outside of walking, what other activities do you enjoy?
I enjoy playing golf as much as I possibly can, hiking with my son on the local trails and a newly found hobby we found, jumping at a local trampoline park. Staying active helps me stay focused when I’m sitting still.
What motivates you to stay active?
My son has played the biggest part of my lifestyle change. I would also like to be a scratch golfer by the end of this season. It has been a goal for years and finally is showing how practice and living a healthy lifestyle can make such a big change.
David: For those just starting on your journey, focus on the large battles and give in on some smaller ones. Set small goals and when you achieve them, step up to a harder goal. You have to be ready to make a change before you can make one. Don’t be afraid to fail, it is part of the process. Know that picking yourself up from falling down will show how committed you are to your journey.
Zehra Jasarevic
Spring Garden
Team: Costa Rica
Why do you like the Race2Rio challenge?
I am from Bosnia and we do a lot of walking in my Country. The challenge is a great way to help me lose weight and stay fit. Walking also helps me to keep my mind off of my daughter who is working on her intern to be a doctor.
How has the Race2Rio challenge and wellness program impacted you?
The wellness program has helped to motivate me to walk more and get more steps each day.
What has been your greatest amount of steps in one day? What did you do?
I have walked over 40,000 steps in a day. I love to walk and I walk at every break. I banded skids on the job so I am constantly moving.
Outside of walking, what other activities do you enjoy?
I enjoy working in my garden and cooking.
What motivates you to stay active?
I’m motivated by seeing my achievements (weight loss) as a result of staying active and living a healthy lifestyle.