Lara Bruce

I got off to a slower start than I'd planned, thanks to a tight hamstring and calf. Once they loosened up, though, I went in hot.

Now, with just over a week to go, I'm battling an extremely tight hamstring and an aching hip, but I'm not giving up yet. I put the call out to see if anyone could help me reach my 100km goal, and the response has been more than I ever could have imagined.

So many people have reached out to ask how they can contribute, and it has truly warmed my heart. Seeing people from all walks of life, who have come into my life for so many different reasons, come together to support a cause that means so much to me has been incredibly humbling.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out. Your kindness and support have carried me further than you know.

There are no words to fully express my gratitude.

Two weeks to go, and training hasn't exactly gone to plan... at least not for me. Henry, on the other hand, seems capable of running indefinitely.

This is my fourth year participating in Run for Autism and my second year as part of Team Electric Blue with Henry.

Henry started running last October through Run for Autism, joining me at Cowra parkrun every Saturday. I'll admit, I assumed that once the fundraiser was over, his enthusiasm might be too. I couldn't have been more wrong.

Every Saturday, Henry is up early without hesitation, gets himself organised (with the occasional motivational reminder from Mum), pulls on his trusty Lightning McQueen socks and Hokas, and heads out the door ready to go.

What started as a fitness activity has become so much more. Parkrun has helped build Henry's confidence and social awareness. He's learning people's names, saying hello when greeted, and becoming part of the community. He even knows what a PB means now, and not just the peanut butter kind.

These days, Henry completes the entire course, including six hills, without stopping and he's closing in on a sub-30-minute finish time.

Without Run for Autism, I probably never would have thought to take Henry to parkrun. Looking back, that one decision has had an incredible impact. The benefits have been endless, not just for Henry, but for me as well.