Brian Heiss, a 23-year-old triathlete from San Francisco, asked that he be permitted the honor of sharing his story with our readers, as he began his running career while living in Washington, DC. This 5K was his first race and it played an important part in his metamorphisis. He has participated in many of our events and considers them a huge factor in his change. The article below is a press release from Ironman Triathlon North America. We found his story inspirational.

One of the great things about the Ironman triathlon is that athletes of all caliber, shapes, and sizes can compete in what is truly one of the most inspiring and rugged events in the world.

Brian Heiss of San Francisco, CA is a perfect example. Like many triathletes, Heiss's ultimate goal is to qualify for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. A first-time Ironman competitor, Heiss will be looking to take his first step toward Kona at the second annual Ironman California event.

What makes the 23-year-old's story so unique however, is the fact that he weighed an appalling 320 pounds less than two years ago. "It was only after graduating college that I realized how much I had let myself go," admitted Heiss. "I was not an individual who was depressed, ashamed, or shunned because of my weight. I was actually very popular because people liked me for who I was--a funny, likable individual who happened to be severely obese."

Heiss had been a competitive swimmer, wrestler and football player in high school, but after competing in college football as a freshman at Catholic University in Washington DC, Heiss turned his focus toward academics and other activities. With the lack of physical activity, Heiss had added 120 pounds to his frame by the time he was a college senior in 1999.

After seeing college graduation pictures of himself, Heiss decided it was time for a change. "I was always a proud person with an extremely high self-esteem, but it was only after graduating I realized that there were two pieces to the puzzle, a pride in myself and a pride in my appearance," said Heiss. "I knew that the pride in my appearance could be enhanced if I could rediscover my love for athletics."

In early June, Heiss did what most people who are attempting to get into shape do--he joined a health club. With his own background in swimming and a family background in running and swimming (his father, Bob, is a seven-time New City Marathon finisher, his sister, Chris, is a former champion Big East Conference swimmer at Seton Hall) he turned toward running and swimming to take the first steps toward a healthy lifestyle.

After four months of working out, dieting, and seeing tremendous results, Heiss decided to enter his first race: the National Press Club 5K.

"I was nervous going into the race, but the race was made truly special because my father ran it with me," said Heiss. "I finished in just over 25minutes, but crossing the finish line I had become a new man with a new lifestyle."

By January 2000, Heiss had completed an amazing metamorphosis. He literally became half the man (physically) he used to be, tipping the scales at a lean 160 lbs.

Through the suggestion of his brother-in-law Gordon, Heiss then began to look toward a new challenge--competing in triathlons.

Heiss was introduced to triathlon coach Scott Fisher and began training and competing in short-course triathlons. By July, Heiss (through Fisher's urging) decided to race in the Hudson Valley (NY) Half Ironman in July 2000.

Heiss finished fourth in his age group at the event, going from a 320-pound man to a Half-Ironman finisher in less than a year and a half.

Now, officially hooked on triathlon, Heiss turns his attention to the most famous and grueling of the triathlon events, the Ironman, with a renewed vigor and an always positive outlook. "I look back at my change and realize that it tells a solid principle that can be applicable to anyone: if you believe in yourself and have the support of friends and family, anything is possible." said Heiss. "People need to realize that if you commit to the 'never-give-up' mentality, their dreams can and will come true. My story is not only applicable to overweight people, it could be anyone with a problem that they are trying to overcome."

Heiss will join 1,800 of his fellow competitors in the city of Oceanside in attempting to complete the Ironman California race. But in many ways, he has already accomplished more than most people could ever imagine. "Brian represents what Ironman is truly abou," said Ironman California Race Director Buzz Mills. "He has overcome obstacles and through hard work and determination has put himself in the position he has dreamed about--competing in an Ironman triathlon."