Read the last in our blog series following the journey of Clint Wilkinson, a police officer from Wallasey, who is running this year’s London Marathon on behalf of Autism Together…
Round Two! Here we go again…
Two years ago I signed up as Autism Together’s runner for the London Marathon. What a couple of years it has been!
I had never run a marathon before and was well underway with my training when Covid struck and the race was cancelled. Six months later I managed to complete (with little training) the Virtual London Marathon.
This Sunday I finally get to run the streets of London!!
Running the London Marathon has been an ambition of mine for a long time. Running it on behalf of a charity close to my heart makes it even more exciting.
The past couple of years have been particularly challenging for everyone but more so for families with autistic children. The disruption to routines and support has left many families struggling. That is why it is more important than ever to support charities like Autism Together as the world gets back to something more like normality.
I started my training again a few months ago after my place for the 2021 event was confirmed. I have spent my summer gradually increasing my distances. I must admit it did seem harder this time as I had let my fitness slip somewhat since the virtual event last year. I felt a bit like Ricky Hatton between fights and had to start all over again. I recently took part in the Liverpool Half marathon and have been training 3-4 times a week.
With one week to go I am feeling fit and ready to go, though quite nervous as I still remember the pain of the last 6 miles from the virtual race. I am hoping the crowd in London and the support from all my friends and family who have donated to my fundraising will help me through.
I set out on this journey with plans for various fundraising events, most of which have been affected by the pandemic, and I have not been able to raise as much money as I had hoped. Time for one final push…
My fundraising page is still open and if anyone can spare a few pounds for a brilliant cause please do click the link: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ClintWilkinson
See you at the finish.
Clint.
