Running without stopping: a guy weighing 250 kg inspires people with his example
Not everyone will dare to run a few kilometers at a time: sometimes there is not enough time for training, then the strength to train, or even the reluctance to do sports at all. That's exactly what happened with Derek Mitchell, until his weight reached the critical mark of 280 kg. That's when he decided to change his life in the most radical way.
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Five years ago, Derek Mitchell from Kansas was diagnosed with a tumor in the pituitary gland, which is responsible for the body's metabolism. This was the reason for the constantly increasing weight. Derek was prescribed a course of medications to reduce the tumor, and at some point he began to justify his inaction by saying that he would start exercising and change his diet when the pills began to work. And so, why try, now nothing will work anyway.
Now Derek is 35 years old, and he weighs 250 kg.
When in November 2014 his weight reached 280 kg, Mitchell finally realized that such a plan of action was completely hopeless. "Then I realized that I needed a change. And I decided to start a new life with the new year." In January 2015, he gave up carbonated water, switched to a more protein-rich food and tried to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Because of Mitchell's weight, all of his exercises at that time consisted of walking normally: he walked as long as he could. "I went to the traffic light and back. It was about one and a half kilometers a day. Then gradually I started walking longer." Mitchell's sister persuaded him to sign up for distance running. "She said that a healthier diet is good, but physical exercise needs to be more intense. So we came up with the idea of running 5 kilometers."
After the first race, Derek became a local celebrity.
Derek made his first race in March of the same year. He was very nervous, but during the event itself, everyone encouraged him, and eventually he was invited to other races around the country. Chayze Knight, a crossfit coach, also drew attention to him. He invited Derek to work with him.
Derek became a role model.
It hasn't been an easy year. But thanks to his dedication and support, Mitchell ran 20 five-kilometer races and lost 30 kg in a year. This year he has already managed to run seven more of the same races and wants to continue running until he runs 30 distances.
The story of Derek Mitchell inspired many other people suffering from excess weight to believe in themselves and start changing their lives. More than 21 thousand people have already subscribed to his Facebook page. And Mitchell himself says: "The main thing is not to deviate from your goal. You can walk to the intersection — go to the intersection. In a few days you will be able to go further. And then even further."
The main thing is never to give up.
Keywords: Running | Diagnosis | Race | Kansas | Overweight | Obesity | Tumor | Usa