Jim Suss loses 75 pounds

Height: 6 feet 6 inches

Age: 51 years

How long he's kept it off: He started in April 2010 and by September he was down 50 pounds. He'd like to lose 10 more pounds.

Personal life: "I work at Turner Studios at Techwood as a video editor," said Suss, who has started a side business as a personal trainer (www.jimspt.com).

Turning point: "I had a cardiac calcium score at the Piedmont Heart Institute which showed a moderate risk of heart disease. Googling cardiac calcium score, I found this test was invented by 'South Beach Diet' author Dr. Arthur Agatston, and I downloaded the 'South Beach Diet' audio book within days of these test results."

Diet plan: Breakfast is three eggs and broccoli sautéed in olive oil and chicken stock. Lunch is vegetables and chicken with homemade sugar-free barbecue sauce. And dinner is either chicken or fish with dark green leafy vegetables. He snacks on peanuts or low-sugar dark chocolate.

Exercise routine: "I run trails at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park with a 20- to 25-pound hydration pack on my back," he said. "I usually run about 5 miles every day and do a long run, about 12 to 15 miles a couple of times a week. My goal is to do a 100-mile run by the end of the year."

Biggest challenge: "Biggest challenge was how to deal with blisters on my feet from the long runs," he said. "After talking to some fellow runners, I found applying Bodyglide on your feet before a long run greatly reduces blistering."

How life has changed: "No male in my family on my dad's side has lived past 64 years old, and I have too much to accomplish to call it quits that young," he said. "Plus, after this weight loss, I want to help others reach their goals of a healthier, fuller lifestyle through a balanced diet and exercise. I have never been a runner before this. In fact, I really hated it. Now, I crave getting out and running for two to three hours at a time. It's a great stress reliever and overall makes you feel great."

Be an inspiration: If you've made positive changes in your diet and/or fitness routine and are happy with the results, please share your success with us. Include your email address, a daytime phone number and before and after photos (by mail or JPEG). Write: Success Stories, c/o Holly Steel, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or email ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.