You can't really beat training on the hills unfortunately; and the steeper the better for the old BOFRA races. I like to practice my race walking too. Next best thing is fast 400s and 800s to really get the lactic flowing and heart rate high. I do them when I haven't got a hill nearby.
It'll come back soon enough though.
Fitness can't be stored. It must be earned over and over, indefinitely.
Smattering of photo's from this year's race now posted on Wharfedale web site.
http://www.wharfedaleharriers.org.uk...edbergh07.html
...there's a hill nearby missing its fool...