Hi its me, Farah!

This November, now in just a few weeks (!) I am running the New York City Marathon to raise money for National Autistic Society. It's a long way to go for a very long run :)

Running for Team Autism is the first time I've ever fundraised, but I felt it would be appropriate given the rollercoaster year I've had since being told I'm Autistic at the age of 43.

Yep. I'm one of those women!

Running for me is not just exercise, it's more like a way to regulate my entire nervous system and it still shocks me how much doing the Couch to 5k app has escalated into attempting MARATHONS!

I run on the same paths every week, sometimes small laps and large distances. I like the no thinking runs, no decisions or getting lost! I get lost a lot! I'm looking forward to the challenge of training for and completing one of the biggest marathons in the world. Running long distances is such a challenge to keep motivation - being sponsored really helps me dig even deeper on the hard runs.

My neurodiversities mean that running is not as easy as for some. My Autism and ADHD are conflicted about the routines and structure, I am massively time blind and incredibly clumsy with poor motor co-ordination. Setting myself lots of short term running goals and being able to run now for longer than I've ever imagined I would, is frankly ridiculous :)

Every donation counts—every quid—and will have a such a big impact on funding vital services, support networks, and advocacy efforts for other women like me. No one should have to wait until their life is basically over before getting any help or support.

And once I reach my target and get over the NYC Finish Line in Central Park on Nov 3, I'll shut up about running for a bit :)

Feel free to follow my journey on Strava!

Warm wishes

Farah xxx