Lauren Horton, 52, of Acworth lost 60 pounds

Pounds lost: 60 pounds

Height: 5 feet 5 inches

Age: 52 years

How long she's kept it off: "I started on Feb. 4, 2019, and my goal was to lose 40 pounds," Horton said. "I lost 40 pounds by May 2019. I hit 60 pounds lost in November 2019."

Personal life: "I have been married to my wonderful husband, Matt, for almost 28 years. We have two adult sons and an almost 1-year-old puppy. My family, friends and co-workers have been so supportive and encouraging. We run races together or take walks. I am the controller for a locally owned and operated staffing firm, Discover Staffing." She lives in Acworth.

Turning point: "I had two weddings that I was attending in May 2019, and I didn't want to look like I did. So, a year ago, February 4, 2019, I began a journey. I needed to do something. I needed to lose weight, and I needed to get healthy. I had high blood pressure, questionable cholesterol and borderline diabetes," Horton said. "I made a plan, I had goals, and I went to work. I started small, walking 1 mile a few times a week, and I mean 1 mile — not a step further. Then I did a 5K and thought I was going to die, but I didn't."

Diet plan: "I intermittent fast and drink less. It's not so much a diet plan as it is a change in when I eat," Horton said. "I don't eat between 7:30 p.m. and 11:30 a.m. During the eating window, I eat lean meats and vegetables. I have reduced my carb and alcohol intake."

Exercise routine: "I started walking 1 mile a couple of times a week. I did this for months, adding in some 5Ks along the way," Horton said. "I gradually increased my distance and started to walk or run two to three miles several times a week. I started training for a half-marathon at the end of August 2019, and I was up to 15 to 20 miles a week. Now, I mostly run."

Biggest challenge: "When I started, getting myself to walk a mile instead of having a glass of wine after work," Horton said.

How life has changed: "In the last 365 days, I have walked or run 556 miles. I have done 13 5Ks, one 7K, two 10Ks, one 15K and two half-marathons," Horton said. "I run — words I never thought I would say. I sleep better. … I have always played tennis, but I am a better tennis player. I'm going to do a Sprint Triathlon in August 2020. My knees don't hurt. My reflux is gone. I've reduced my blood pressure medicine, under doctor supervision. I never thought I wanted to be a runner, and I don't actually, I just finish faster by running than walking. I keep registering for races so that I always have something to work toward. … My bloodwork is amazing. I am in the best shape of my adult life."

Share Your Success: Each week, Success Stories focuses on an individual’s unique weight loss journey. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution does not endorse any specific weight loss program but includes names and links for the benefit of readers who want further information. Have you lost weight successfully with a healthy lifestyle change? If you would like to share your story with our readers, please include your email address, phone number, and before and after photos (by mail or JPEG), and contact us at: Success Stories, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or email Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.