<p><strong><span>I'M RUNNING 10 MARATHONS IN 10 DAYS ...</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>... because for many young people, getting through every day is a marathon.</span></strong></p> <p><span>In 2009, my husband Leon and I became the first married couple to complete the Brathay 10 Marathons in 10 Days Challenge. We found the event so personally fulfilling, and were so impressed with what we saw of the work of Brathay Trust, that we couldn't resist planning a return visit in 2011. Leon is unfortunately out of running action with a knee injury, so I shall be flying the family flag alone.<br /></span></p> <p><span>This event, now in its fifth year,&nbsp;is every bit as brutal as it sounds. Along with 15 other runners, I'll race a lap (that's 26.2 miles) of the scenic but hilly Windermere Marathon course every day for 10 days, trying to balance running as hard as I can with avoiding injury.</span></p> <p><span>It is also appealingly simple and low-maintenance, and every penny donated goes directly to Brathay Trust.</span></p> <p><span>Brathay Trust is a long-established charity which works with disadvantaged young people. As well&nbsp;offering outdoors-based and residential courses from its headquarters in the beautiful Lake District, it has outreach projects in many areas of the UK and does not flinch from tackling such challenging issues as gang culture, gun and knife crime, drug misuse, and prostitution.</span></p> <p><span>As parents and as professionals living and working in inner-city Birmingham, we see the need for organisations such as Brathay Trust in our everyday lives.</span></p> <p><span>In 2009, I ran all 10 marathons in 41:00:47. In 2011, I shall be aiming to slip under the magical 40 hours, and I promise to train and race my heart out.</span></p> <p><span><strong>PLEASE SPONSOR ME!</strong></span></p>