Nathan Robinson

I have been married for 6 1/2 years and have two children, 22-month-old Isabella and Quinton, 12. I want to be there for my kids.

My son wants to work out with me, starting on his birthday, Feb. 21.

I gained 10 pounds a year for 20 years. It inches on slowly. Genetics plays a big part in it. My whole family is big. I went to my grandmother’s funeral five years ago and I didn’t realize until then how big my family is.

I’m elated to be part of the challenge — I know I have to lose 200 pounds. My trainer wants me to lose 100 pounds over three months. I have no problem being in the newspaper. If anything, it will motivate other people.

I feel like people are behind me. I’m feeling positive.

Elisabeth Westlake

Ten days after my first day of retirement, my husband Tony was diagnosed with advanced cancer. From the day of diagnosis, I was determined to support Tony whichever ways the cancer journey demanded.

Tony lived 20 months. In the last few months of his life, my support role evolved into being a primary caregiver. So when he passed away Aug. 31, I lost my husband, my “job,” as well as the anticipated retirement with my life partner.

I don’t know where I’m going, as this is not the retirement I imagined or wished for. However, in 12 weeks I will be fitter, stronger and better able to figure out what I would like to do, and able to do in the future.

Raechel Gray

I had knee surgery in November and need to start exercising again. I was so worried thinking about how I would be able to get started again. I’m in the worst shape of my life, and this [Health Challenge] came up at the perfect time for me.

I am determined to make 2013 a better year. I need to be a better role model for my kids. I think I am a smart person and I know I’m doing the wrong things, so I just need to snap out of it.

I’m worried about letting people down. I know that this is such a great opportunity and I don’t want to waste it. I have no excuses now, so I need to succeed.

I want to run the Times Colonist 10K in an hour and hike to the top of Mount Finlayson.

Steve Holub

I am a 26-year-old single male, five feet, 11 inches tall, 240 pounds and a waist measurement of 51 inches.

I really need a big change in my life and the weight issue is the main thing that’s hindering me from feeling good about myself. I remember reading that if you can get your weight to where you want it to be, or get in shape, you can pretty much get other parts of your life under control as well.

I can envision myself in shape and having the courage and confidence and enthusiasm to do the things I really want to do. I want to go to the Vancouver Film School where there’s a four-month course on acting essentials. Voiceover work is what I really want to do.

Suzie Spitfyre

I’ve spent years accumulating this weight through a variety of unhealthy practices. I eat frequently, and often with emotional, reckless abandon.

I lead a sedentary life. [The TC Health Challenge] is truly a lifestyle change and it was just too amazing to pass up.

I’ve got pounds to lose, and nothing to lose.

I am currently on a leave of absence from work in order to deal with my weight and stress eating. This is the perfect opportunity for me to take charge of my health. I have to make this change now or it’s going to kill me. I don’t want to be buried in a double-wide.

I want to rekindle my love affair with being active. I want to swim, ski, mountain bike, ride horses, snowboard, kayak, hike and dance up a storm.

Sandra McCulloch

I’ve been on and off both running and diets all my life. Running never helped me lose weight but I ate what I wanted. Diet plans like Weight Watchers worked because I’m good at following them, but I focused on caloric cutback and eschewed exercise.

One thing I’ve never done is follow an exercise program and eating plan simultaneously.

The timing can’t be better for a new approach because I’m now diabetic. Insulin controls my blood glucose, but it has made me fat.

When I broke my arm in a horse-riding accident Jan. 3, I didn’t even consider quitting the challenge.

I have another functioning arm, a couple legs and a cardiovascular system that could use some work. My goal is to run a 10K at my pre-insulin (September 2010) pace, finishing in 68 minutes or faster. It’s going to happen.

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