well it makes you think...

[ladyrunner]

I run 5-6 miles a week on the road with the rest being on the Downs (grass, mud and gravel mainly). I strongly believe that you can produce good road race times from training on the Downs. Before London Marathon in 1992 when I set my pb 90% of my training was off road, with a couple of road races thrown in (Worthing 20 and Brighton Half).

I also believe that off-road running greatly reduces the risk of injury.

Before Brighton Marathon I am only planning two longer distance road races - Almeria Half and Hastings Half. I will be saving my road legs for the marathon itself.