My 10k PB: Scarecorw in Lancaster

Well, I think a lot of you know just how nervous I was going into this race as I have had my ups and downs lately with injuries. I was not sure what to expect in terms of time. I just planned on going out, keeping my head down and not pushing too much.
The 10k was on the road, and I can tell you, it was the hilliest course I have ever run. At 3k, we hit a hill that was extremely steep and just kept going on. In fact it went on for about 1.3 kms. It was hard but I dug in and shortened my stride and got to the top.
After that the whole race was undulating, yet the relieving downhills by no way compensated for the very steep ascents. It was damn tough. Here are my splits: but firstly let me tell you that I was intending, judging on form and expectation to average 7m/mile pace.

Mile 1: 6:29. I actually intended to do this mile in 6:45, so this was not too bad. In fact, the first half was covered in a rather over eager 2:50, and so I thought, I had better slow down.

Mile 2: 7:15. This was the mile whic had the massive hill, so in hindsight this was a good mile, and it brought my average pace back towards 7m/mile pace which I anticipated

Mile 3: 6:42. This was me recovering from the hard hill with some welcomed descents, along with some not so welcome ascents. Really bumpy, up and down. I passed 5k in about 21.

Mile 4: 6:45. Consistant with the pace, and was way ahead of my garmin race partner, but I started to feel the pain here, thinking I could not keep this pace up. Still more hills.

Mile 5: 6:25. A quick mile, pulled along by a guy in front of me who I caught, and kept with.

Mile 6: 6:31. Again a quick mile with the euphoria of getting close to home. Maximum lactate and increased breathing to the max.

Last 0.2 done in sub 6 pace, to a sprint finish taking on the guy I caught and beating him by 11 seconds.

I finished in 41:29 over a very hard course, placing 18 out of 110 and got a PR by 1 minute. This gives me so much confidence thinking that the elusive sub 40 is definitely attainable in 2008 on a fast course.

Comments always welcome.

Out with my Bro!

Since being out for what seemed forever with injury I have been steadily upping my miles. I have also been going out with a few friends who want to get into running. The thing is, whilst running with them I have rediscovered how enjoyable running can be as when I go with them it is at a very slow and comfortable pace. This all changed yesterday when I went out with my brother who is very fit.
We set out at a fast pace (for me) and I ended up doing a 5k TT. I did it in 20:02. I was happy seeing as though I have been injured and I didnt expect to get this close to 20 mins.
We ended up doing 7 miles in total at 7 in mile pace.
The thing is it really helped running with him as he was always ahead of me and he pushed me to go faster and faster. Do you guys run with others who are faster? My last mile of the initial 5k was 5:55, and I recall my bro just running past me and way beyond me at a comfortable pace. Unbelievable, but it made me push harder.
He said to me literally,

"You need to push yourself more often. Stop being a pussy" Get some balls and run hard until you are dying on your hard days!"

Do you guys agree with this? I want to ultimately break 40 mins for 10k, and I dont thik I am going to do it on just log slow miles. Should I do a session so intense with my bro once a week?What are your thoughts and personal experiences of running with faster others?