Her example will inspire your resolve

As 2010 begins, weight loss seems to be on the minds of many. Resolutions are made. Promises and goals are written.

This year, Jennifer Needelman, 28, of Huntersville, doesn't need to make a weight-loss resolution. She has achieved her goal. Sixty pounds lighter, and much happier, Needelman reflects on her achievements over the past several years.

As a child, Needelman was excused from gym with a doctor's note because she had asthma. She never did any physical activity.

When she moved to Charlotte in 2007, she was the heaviest she had ever been, 208 pounds. She fell into the trap that many Americans do. She tried and failed at every diet imaginable. Nothing worked long term and exercise was never included because of her asthma.

One night, in January 2008, Needelman decided to take a walk. Then, she started taking short walks and then added short jogs. In the beginning, she ran from one street light to the next with her inhaler.

After seeing immediate results, Needelman was hooked. She went from jogging short distances with her inhaler to running 3 miles, four- to-five days per week, rarely with the inhaler.

Not only is she 60 pounds lighter, running has also become a stress reliever and a passion.

Like most people, Needelman has a busy schedule and working out can easily be put aside. She is a full-time sign language interpreter and has a daughter, Julia, 3.

When she returns home each day, Needelman spends time with her daughter and her husband Craig. They play, eat dinner and tuck Julia into bed. With Julia asleep for the night, Needelman quickly changes into her running clothes to begin her nightly running routine.

In April 2009, Needelman ran her first 10K race with her brother, Donnie. In the beginning of her running journey, Donnie gave her the extra push she needed. Because of his help, she now self-motivates and enjoys racing alongside her brother.

Needelman has found a passion in racing and consistently runs two 5K races per month. Her biggest achievement so far is the half marathon she ran in Charlotte last December.

She now is signed up for another half marathon later this year and plans to continue with shorter races several times per month.