Monster Run hits Las Cruces

LAS CRUCES — Starting out at more than 570 pounds, a Kansas City man has committed to doing a 5K (about 3.1 miles) every month this year as part of his mission to live a more active, healthy lifestyle. His next race? The Las Cruces Monster Run.

The Monster Run will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Field of Dreams and include a 1 mile fun run, individual and team 5K, half marathon and half-marathon relay.

"For this (race), it's my first time coming to New Mexico," said Derek Mitchell, 35, who has lost nearly 100 pounds since he started making lifestyle changes in January. "I usually jog at the beginning (of a race), but for the bulk of it, I'm just walking. Once I lose more weight, I'm going to try to add more and more running into it."

Mitchell said his commitment to do at least one 5K a month began as a personal New Year's resolution.

"Originally I had started out where I was just going to eat healthier and go on walks and cut out soda, and my sister was like, 'It's great that you're doing that, but you need to exercise,'" he said.

Mitchell's younger sister, a marathon runner, suggested he participate a 5K as a way to stay motivated to go on walks every day. So Mitchell signed up for the Big 12 5K in Kansas City, Mo., in March. Participating in the race gave Mitchell the idea to do a 5K each month for the rest of the year. But Mitchell has far surpassed his original goal. As of early October, Mitchell already had completed 16 5K events and two 10K events since he began the challenge, with several future races, including the Las Cruces Monster Run, already lined up, he said.

"I love doing races," Mitchell said. "It's so much fun to get to meet people and the camaraderie and spirit of the running community is just absolutely amazing — just the support that they give anyone whose out there."

Along with participating in races, Mitchell said he continues to eat healthy foods, and exclude soda from his diet, replacing it with water, tea and occasionally, lemonade. He regularly posts his healthy meals and progress on his Facebook page.

Mitchell's effort to get in shape hasn't gone unnoticed. His story has been featured in publications like People magazine and Runner's World and his Facebook community page, The Derek Mitchell Story, now has more than 17,600 likes. Race organizers throughout the country have asked him to participate in various races, including Matt Mossburg, director of the Las Cruces Monster Run.

"I reached out to him when I first read the article in Runner's World and I said, 'Hey, you're an inspiration and you want to do a 5K, how about come and check out Las Cruces, New Mexico, and make us one of your runs?'" Mossburg said.

Mitchell said his first race outside of Kansas City was the Wounded Warrior 5K in Dallas, Texas. He also has completed races in Washington, D.C., Virginia Beach, Va., and elsewhere.

"I love the attention this has gotten, just because it helps keep me motivated," he said.

At this point, Mitchell said he is not looking to beat any personal record for how fast he can finish a race.

"I've been averaging about 25 minutes per mile; that's my current pace," he said. "A while back I was trying to be faster and faster, but that's how I hurt myself, so at this point, I'm just happy finishing."

Mitchell said one of his setbacks was a stress fracture in his right foot a few months ago.

As for weight loss goals, Mitchell said over time, he would ultimately like to get down to 250, he said.

Mitchell's current exercise regimen includes walking an average of two miles a day (when work doesn't get in the way) and longer distances on the weekends to prepare for the Honolulu Marathon, in which he will walk the full 26.2 miles, on Dec. 13.

While Mitchell is near the end of accomplishing his original goal to run at least a 5K a month, he doesn't plan on slowing down and will continue to participate in races and keep up a healthy lifestyle once the year ends.

"This is just the beginning for me," he said. "(The Honolulu Marathon) is going to be my last race of 2015, but I'm definitely not stopping. I'm having way too much fun."

Those who participate in the Las Cruces Monster Run will get the chance to accomplish their own fitness goals and run or walk alongside Mitchell as he passes yet another finish line. Runners and walkers will have the opportunity to sport their best Halloween costume for a chance to win first and second place door prizes in a costume contest before the race, Mossburg said.

Last year, the Monster Run attracted 184 participants and this year about 250 people are expected to join the race, Mossburg said.

"It's a fun, no judgment way to stay healthy," he said. "We'll have fast people, slow people, walkers, kids, anyone of all ages can come and do it. And the great thing is you don't need special equipment. You just come as you are."

Mitchell said his advice to others interested in running or walking in races is to "do what you can and listen to your body."

"It doesn't matter how fast or slow you are, even if you're the slowest person out there, you're still outdoing everyone who never got off couch," Mitchell said. "My tagline is if I can walk a 5K, anybody can."

The last day to register for the Las Cruces Monster Run is Thursday.To register and get race details, visit lcmonsterrun.com. To learn more about Mitchell's story, visit facebook.com/derekmitchellstory.

Alexia Severson may be reached at 575-541-5462 and aseverson@lcsun-news.com. Follow her @AlexiaMSeverson on Twitter.

If you go

What: Las Cruces Monster Run

• Half Marathon individual or two person relay

• 5K competitive individual run or 4 person team run

• 1 Mile fun walk/run is FREE for children under 12 ($10 Ages 13+)

When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24

Where: Field of Dreams, Tashiro Road

Last day to register: Thursday, Oct. 22

Packet pick-up: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at SpringHill Suites Marriott, 1611 Hickory Loop, in Las Cruces.

Info: Visit lcmonsterrun.com to register or email info@lcmonsterrun.com

Social media: facebook.com/lcmonsterrun