Rosie and Jim: Latest thoughts: 10 marathons in 10 days

	"Rosie and Jim, Rosie and Jim, Chugging along on the old Ragdoll, Rosie and Jim, Rosie and Jim, And Pat who steers the boat, We go to play and have a look... with Rosie's bag...Jim's drawing book, The world drifts by the window frame...and Rosie and Jim will play a gaaaame.’

I’VE just completed a beautiful seven mile run along the Birmingham Canal in the dusk. Birmingham, my City of birth, might not quite be as pleasing on the eye as Windermere but the canal has its own peculiar attractions.  It reminds me of a faded movie queen – well lived in, plenty of stories to tell, yet still captivating and pleasing on the eye.

And of course seven miles on flat footpaths is a little less punishing than 26.2 miles up and down the hills that hug the Windermere shoreline.  I think I could do 10 seven mile Birmingham Canal runs in 10 days. But 10 marathons in 10 days around Windermere in May? I am beginning to wonder! Am I living in a fantasy world?

Back to Brum. A lot of money has been spent revitalising Birmingham’s canal system. Residential flats overlooking the canal have been built in their thousands (very trendy they look, especially the penthouses) while restaurants abound in their dozens.

On a good day, there’s a real buzz to the area, especially around Brindleyplace and the Mailbox. I love it and running up and down its footpaths is as therapeutic as therapy comes. Smethwick, Winson Green (my Dad always said I would end up in the prison there if I didn’t eat all my vegetables), Gas Street. All evocative names. I’ve yet to run all the way along the canal to Wolverhampton but I will do so before the 10 in 10 rears its beautiful 262 mile head in May.

Unfortunately, the fragile state of Britain’s economy has left its mark on Birmingham’s recent canal developments. Closed restaurants (too many for comfort) are a reminder that we are living in tough times. Yet I’m sure that the area will continue to thrive. Certainly, when I left Birmingham 34 years ago, I never thought I could ever live again in the City. But I would not hesitate to live in one of the flats overlooking the canal and spend the rest of my days shuffling up and down the canal paths.

Talking of hard times, I can’t thank you all enough for pushing the state of the economy to one side and supporting me in my effort to raise serious money for the marvellous Brathay Trust. So far you’ve donated more than £41,000. It’s a magnificent amount of money that I know Brathay are thrilled to have received. Every single one of my donors is a superstar.

I’ve vowed to get as close to £100,000 as I can by the time May comes around and the 10 in 10 starts. Maybe I won’t get there (the £100,000 mark that is). But like the 10 in 10, I’m going to give it my best shot.

Take care. And if you’re ever passing through Birmingham, why not take time out to have a walk around the canals (Mailbox or Brindleyplace are your best entry points). You can go on a canal trip, visit Sealife, have a look around the International Conference Centre or pop into Symphony Hall.

You might even see me waddling up and down the canal path training for the Brathay 10 in 10 (I’m a ginga so you won’t miss me!)

If not me, then look out for Rosie and Jim!