Akpan Archives: Setting a world record for intellectual impairments
The marathon was tough. Running a major marathon like the London marathon is completely different to others here in England.
In terms of the overall experience, what was different was the fact that throughout the course people bump into you a lot because of the mass amount of numbers. Spaces to get past or move into were very tight on the course, it was very warm, and many people stopped or passed out.
What kept me going was I knew that I was fighting to get the Guinness World Record for the fastest man with an intellectual impairment at the event (3 hours, 19 minutes, and 16 seconds) and improve the mark for all people with disabilities. The previous record holder was running also which is unusual as I would only chase the time when attempting to break Guinness World Records, not a fellow runner as well – that was also a first-time experience for me.
Preparation went well, but because I was in the transition of jobs training was disrupted and I ended up injuring my Achilles with about six weeks to go. If the marathon had been a month earlier, I would have pulled out of the event.
Coping at the event, especially for people with disabilities and people on the spectrum (but I think and this applies to most people) is to remember why you are there and why you decided to do this initially, the training you have done, and your training techniques should have led you to understand how best you can run the event to get the best outcome for you.
I would emphasize that people with autism should check everything before wanting to take on a marathon, plan food and nutrition, and schedule a training plan for 12 to 16 weeks. It’s good to get involved in mass participation events beforehand to get used to the possible bigger environment, like participating at parkrun or shorter events like 10km and half marathons.
I was in a job for many years and now I am a teaching assistant at a school for SEND children, and a celebrity ambassador for the Magic Breakfast charity. Recently I was nominated for a prestigious award – The Rob Burrow Outstanding Courage Award – as part of the Yorkshire Choice Awards, and I am putting in motion the junior parkrun in Potternewton.
I think, although taking baby steps, almost forcing yourself to be in uncomfortable situations and overcoming them can lead you to greater functioning in your everyday life, which is why sport is so important for people no matter what and who you are.
