Obese 545lb man whose weight spiraled out of control after he developed a tumor vows to run 30 races this year after completing 21 5K runs and losing 80lbs in 2015
- Derek Mitchell from Kansas City, Missouri was diagnosed with a noncancerous tumor on his pituitary gland five years ago
- The 35-year-old's condition slows down his metabolism and is the primary cause for his obesity
- Derek vowed to run at least one 5K a month in 2015, and this year he is hoping to complete a total of 30 races
A 545lb man, who spent last year walking and running 21 5K races, is looking to complete 30 more in 2016 after making a New Year's resolution to take his health into his own hands, proving that if he can do it, anyone can.
And indeed that is Derek Mitchell's motto; in addition to competing in 5K races the 35-year-old from Kansas City, Missouri has also taken part in two 10K events and even made it half way through a muddy 10-mile obstacle course.
However, what is even more inspirational is the story of why Derek vowed to run at least one race a month in the first place.
Scroll down for video
Determined: Derek Mitchell from Kansas City, Missouri completed 21 5K races last year despite weighing 545lbs after making a New Year's resolution to get healthy
Patriotic race: The 35-year-old is pictured at the finish line at the Potomac River Running Firecracker 5K, which took place in Virginia last July
Five years ago, Derek was diagnosed with a noncancerous tumor on his pituitary gland, a condition that slows down his metabolism and is the primary cause for his obesity.
Although he was put on medication to shrink the tumor, Derek decided that just waiting for the pills to work was not an option, and in November 2014, when he weighed in at 625lbs, Derek knew something had to change.
Two months later, Derek kicked off 2015 with a new start; he began by cutting soda from his diet, opting instead for more nutritious food options and a healthier lifestyle.
At the time, Derek was only able to walk, so that is where he started, building up gradually each time he went out.
'There was a streetlight I found and [walking] there and back was three-fourths of a mile, so I just walked down to it and back,' he told KMBC TV. 'I was up to a mile a day, then a mile-and-a-half a day.'
Overcoming adversity: Derek was diagnosed with a noncancerous tumor on his pituitary gland five years ago, a condition that slows down his metabolism and is the primary cause for his obesity
Life-changing decision: Derek was put on medication to shrink the tumor, but after his weight reached 625lbs, he decided to take matters into his own hands
Before long Mitchell, with the support of his sister, began signing up for races, and the two of them came up with the idea of taking part in a monthly 5K event.
Derek completed his first 5K in his hometown, and the support he received from well-wishers was phenomenal and he found that he was excited for the next event.
He also caught the attention of CrossFit trainer Chase Knight, who offered to work with him. As a result, Derek has gone from strength to strength and continues to compete in as many events as possible.
His new attitude has helped him lose 80lbs, but his goal is to reach 400lbs, so he can start running more of his races.
Derek, who was featured in the December issue of Runner's World magazine, admitted that it isn't always easy to stay motivated.
Getting healthy: Derek kicked of the New Year by cutting soda from his diet and looking for more nutritious food options in January 2015. This year he hopes to complete a total of 30 races
Success: Derek said there is nothing like the sense of accomplishment you feel when you cross a finish line
'I’ve had moments where I don’t want to do it anymore, especially during the 10Ks,' he told the magazine. 'At one, [the race organizers] said they didn’t care how long I took, but they started shutting everything down.
'After I hit the 5K mark, I had a police escort because they’d opened up the streets.'
However, despite his setbacks, Derek continues to find new ways to challenge himself, and if he ever needs inspiration, all he has to do is pick up his shoebox filled with his finisher's medals and bibs.
'When I pick up the box, it’s really heavy,' he said. 'It’s like a dream, like, did I really do all of this?'
Derek has more than 23,000 followers on his community Facebook page where he shares updates on his progress and his upcoming race schedule.
Happiest 5K on the planet: Derek, who is pictured at a Color Run in May, was later brought on stage
Making moves: The budding runner tracks his mileage using the Nike+ running app (right)
Earlier this month, Derek took to his Facebook page to announce that he will be doing 22 push-ups every day in April to raise awareness for the 22 former and current service members who commit suicide every day.
'I can't do regular push-ups. I am going to do knee push-up, but this is my way of honoring them and their sacrifice,' he explains in the video.
Additionally Mitchell has been chosen as a spokesperson for health insurance firm Humana, and having competed seven 5Ks in 2016, he is aiming to complete a total 30.
'There is nothing like it,' he told The Advocate. 'There is a sense of accomplishment when you cross the finish line.
'I did this, all of this, on my own. I had people here supporting me, but my feet crossed the starting line and MY feet crossed the finish line.'
- Incredibly cute moment a baby sees his mum for the first...
- Dr Pimple Popper removes huge blackheads from man's back
- Singer carries on show after cobra bite before dying onstage
- First trailer for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- Police officer bodyslams middle school girl, knocks her out
- Divers are amazed as they spot a surprise submarine
- Women brawl over parking space at Houston Zoo
- Woman records surgery and hears OR staff talking about her
- Hillary Clinton has trouble swiping her Metrocard at subway
- Police release video of suspect in murder of Haruka Weiser
- Ted Cruz heckled over immigration policy in The Bronx
- Bill Clinton criticizes Black Lives Matter protesters
- South Carolina house with major design flaw baffles the...
- 'People fall asleep in corners and cry in the bathrooms,...
- Cops hunt bike-riding suspect after freshman dance student,...
- Two students hospitalised after their necks were cut during...
- Man has re-constructive surgery on his intestines after...
- That's gotta Bern! Hillary tries to show 'real New Yorker'...
- Popstar carries on performing for 45 minutes despite being...
- Welcome to the Voyeurs' Inn: Colorado motel owner secretly...
- Chuckle that says: I can see you now Mummy! Heartwarming...
- EXCLUSIVE: Model girlfriend of One Direction's Niall Horan...
- 'She's a handful': Woman secretly records her own surgery...
- Shocking moment Texas school police officer is caught on...