Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Robert on the run
Volunteer racing 1000 miles in 12 months
An ex-army engineer is taking part in the race of his life after being inspired to run 1000 miles in the space of a year through his charity work.
Baillieston man Robert Clarkson could be set for a few sore limbs over the next few months but is hoping to raise £10,000 for NSPCC Scotland by taking on the Obstacle Course Scotland challenge.
That will see him try to clock up between 20 and 30 miles a week in the gym – and on the road.
The former aircraft technician decided to take on the mammoth task when he started working as a volunteer in his spare time with Childline in November last year after meeting a staff member from the service in one of the classes he runs at his gym in Dalmarnock.
Robert, 37, said: “I had previously done a COSCA counselling course which offers training in counselling, psychotherapy and counselling skills.
“One of the supervisors from Childline uses the gym I run and I’d been talking to her while I was doing the course and she mentioned that her work sometimes looks for volunteers and that was the first time it was on my radar.
“I went to an open evening to get some information and it just appealed to me. I’ve got a daughter who’s a teenager and I thought it’d be quite good to put everything I’ve been learning into practice and give a wee bit back.”
With six years’ service under his belt in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and a long career as a fitness professional, many would assume Robert would be well- equipped to take on his millennium of miles challenge which will see him take part in a string of 10Ks, marathons and obstacle course challenges throughout the year.
However, Robert, who also lectures sport, health and fitness at Glasgow Kelvin College, explained that the task is by no means straightforward. He said: “The good thing about running is that I can go in the morning or at night – I can always find time. The hard bit is actually just the mileage – it’s a lot.
“I have to stay injury-free and there’s a lot more to it than just going out running, which I didn’t realise to start with but it has given me a big focus as well.
“By trying to raise money it has given me that push to keep going and really dig in, especially in this weather, you just need to get it done at times.”
Despite the massive commitment to completing the challenge, Robert is adamant he will still find time to keep up his voluntary work with Childline, where he has spent two months working at the charity’s Glasgow base.
He said: “Being a volunteer has opened my eyes up and this money could be put to real good use.
“I could see where it’d be used so it just seemed like a no-brainer.
“The volunteering can be tough because you encounter some really challenging situations and calls but at the same time every shift you go away feeling like you’ve made a difference.
“There are a lot of things going on for children and although it’s tough, you generally feel you’re doing a good job or you’re helping or listening.”
To support Robert’s fundraising campaign, visit the website www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ReactiveTraining.