Rivington Pike & Errwood 10K

Two very different races with two very different outcomes. Rivington Pike was warm (around 15C) and was short(ish) and very sharp. Basically straight up and down this 3.25miles and 700ft course. As always there was a mass start up Lever Park Avenue before turning left and the start of the climb. It's a good 'un and I'd recommend it to anyone. One the Pike comes into view the hard slog sets in. Runnable all the way for some and i just walked the last bit right at the top. Then around the Pike and a madcap, helter skelter race down the grassy slopes and bridleway before hitting the road at the bottom. It's a case of holding form until the finish line which can't come soon enough. 23mins 57secs was a PB and the injury held up OK.
Then onto the 10K and a completely different story. Setting off from the Errwood sailing club we made steady progress along the trail. I was keeping up a good tempo with Julian and Pete W just ahead. There were plenty of other GVS all around but more of them later. Turning the corner at Taxal church still feeling reasonably strong the climb began and I soon lost touch with Pete and then Julian. My hill strength was fading and it wasn't long before Trevor came alongside and then started to pull away. Next up was Alistair followed in quick succession by Brian and Steve Bull. I had to dig in but there wasn't much in the tank. Still I managed to keep within striking distance of the pack and even pulled the place back from Steve. It was the penultimate climb before the dam that did it for me. It doesn't look much (and it isn't!) but I was shot and I lost much ground to everyone. Still I managed to stay on my toes for the last climb up to the top of the dam and it was only just near the line that Steve came back and pipped me by 2 seconds. Not a PB this time, around 45seconds slower than last year, but still carrying an injury I guess it wasn't that bad. Must do some more hill work!!