Well, in order to keep myself motivated, I have entered a couple more 10ks. These are Muscular Dystrophy 10k at Holkham Hall in August, and a Cancer Research 10k in September on the Sandringham Estate.

Only problem is, these are both on tracks/trails and I have never really done much off-road running. I am a complete townie - sample training run, round the industrial estate at 7am on a Sunday! As all my running is done either early morning or late evening (to fit in with the children) I just wouldnt really feel safe going out to the woods for a run. Is there any way anyone can recommend I ready myself for this sort of terrain other than actually running on it?! eg any strength training or specific exercises that would help? Or have I got to persuade hubby and kids that they really do want to spend every Sunday morning biking round the woods after me?

Any advice appreciated, as ever!

Have you got a kids playing field or park near you? The kids could play while you run round the field.

I'm like you though... never been into off road. This year, while I'm trying to get my injury fixed I'm running a series of short races, and some of them are off road. I ran my first one a couple of months ago during one of the wettest weekends...and surprisingly I quite enjoyed it. I think because I'd mentally prepared myself for it and the fact that it was a very muddy and slippery 7 mile course, the object of the game was staying upright and getting to the finish line.... eventually

I love the off road stuff. It stops you becoming a slave to the mile marker and the watch. You can just enjoy yourself. Well, unless a marshall sends you the wrong way, which happened last weekend.

Ooh no, don't tell me that! I have a hopeless sense of direction and quite easily get lost in the woods without anyone else's help

Some hill reps will give you strength to face the ups and downs of the course.
Taking the family on their bikes on Sunday mornings sounds like a very good idea too And they will get more interest in what you are doing (my guess)

Hills sound like a good idea, though given the landscape where I live (ie flat as a proverbial pancake), these are going to have to be done on the treadie.

Working on the family bike ride/run theme...

I'm the opposite ive only trained on tracks and trails so when i did my first race earlier this month i had to run on some roads and it was a real shock to my legs i can tell you. So i've told myself that i have to do some road training, probably go early morning so no one sees me. I'm weird like that i get really embarrassed if anyone i know sees me.

Stotty,
Its ok to run off road as it reduces the risk of injury - I'm always beeing told to run off road by the podiatrist, physio type people etc. Running off road is supposed to be better for strengthening as well.

__________________
Getting ready for the GNR

I much prefer it to the roads and its nicer scenery too. I will try and do a bit of both from now on if i get up early enough i'll go for a few laps around where i live but the weekends are definately for the countryside i love it, its beautiful.

What about the safety aspect? Do you always run with someone else when you are on trails etc? There are woods near where I work where I would love to go for a lunchtime run but not sure if it would be a good idea on my own?