Aderito Beltran, before and after

Background: Raised in Hampton, Va., Beltran, 31, focused on academics through college at Virginia Tech. In May 2002, weighing 270 pounds and living in San Diego, the 6-foot Beltran committed to losing weight. Sitting with a friend at the time, Beltran recalls saying, “We live in a very healthy city. It's San Diego. It's Southern California. We need to get healthy.” More than six years later, Beltran weighs 175 and regularly races duathlons and triathlons. At last month's Imperial Beach Duathlon, Beltran won his age group, covering the 1-mile run, 15-kilometer bike and 5K run in 57 minutes, 5 seconds.

Quick strikes: Beltran lives in Imperial Beach and works as an acoustic engineer, designing speakers. Having raced three triathlons at the sprint distance (typically a 500-meter swim, 15K bike and 5K run), he plans to step up to the Olympic distance in 2009 (1.5K swim, 40K bike, 10K run).

Cardio king: Within two months of committing to lose weight, Beltran was working out at the gym 5-6 days a week for two hours. He said 80 percent of his workout at the time focused on cardio exercises.

Likes to chow: Beltran said he did not change his diet drastically during his weight loss. “I'll eat anything and everything to this day,” he said. “If somebody puts a hamburger in front of me, I'm going to eat it. Pizza and all the toppings? I'm going to eat it.” The one diet factor he did change was eating more meals (5-6 a day) and smaller portions.

Transitions: Beltran did his first 100-mile bike ride in 2004. He completed it solo, calling the ride the “Tour of San Diego.” He took a loop course around much of San Diego, stopping to take pictures at the homes of more than 20 co-workers.

Weight advice: Beltran's top two tips to lose weight: find a cardiovascular exercise you're passionate about; and be consistent with your exercising.

– DON NORCROSS