Akpan Archives: My guide to following your goals
What I enjoy the most about running is the freedom you get.
I have mentioned many times about aiming to be the best version of yourself, and running helps me do that – whether it’s to do with the endorphins, the alleviation of stress, the fresh air, or the ability to test yourself and your own limits. This is why I started running in the first place, and now I have a platform to inspire others which gives me even more motivation.
Running is a great sport for people with autism to do, as you can run as an individual or you can run in a group so it allows you the choice. Whether you are feeling one way or another, you can always get a benefit from running and you do not have to rely on others to be around you. But at the same time, some people on the spectrum may feel isolated so joining in at a free local parkrun on a Saturday morning or joining your local running club or could bring comfort in running.
Joining a running club is a good way to keep running, meet friends, and get involved with activities and team competitions. But thanks to parkrun, in the last 20 years, there are free ways to get timed runs with no pressure at all to feel a need to perform, as there is always a tail walker who is the last to get around the course – so you are never finish last and are never alone.
GALLERY: Matthew out and about in his local community meeting famous faces and being interviewed by Brooks Running at the Great North Run. Follow @matthew_akpan123 on Instagram to keep up to date with Matthew’s ventures.
I have learned that autistic people all have different ways of showing and being ourselves, just like many who are not on the spectrum, but given the correct time and support I believe we all can contribute and achieve whatever we desire in this world. Some, maybe many, on the spectrum may think that their passion or interest has no pathway leading to a job or further growth, but there can be and it is more about finding the support, whether it be a person, company, project or other pathway. One connection leads to another and eventually those pathways will open up a way for you to display your talents to a wide range of people and move forward in your life.
Never give up, follow what you believe in, and work as hard as you can to get it. I never thought that I would be at this stage, and have the impact I have had, and be in the position I am in, but look at me now. So do not let anyone tell you that you cannot, or it is too late to do anything you set your mind to, and look for people who bring energy and passion to things you’re interested in.
My own ambitions are already set for 2026 which is to continue my journalism career by gaining work experience and pushing on with developing my journalism skills. As well as another Guinness World Record attempt at the London Marathon under the disability title intellectual impairment, I’d like to move the goal posts forward for people on the spectrum.
Please click here to read more about Matthew in our interview feature back in September.
