Interesting information about lactic acid. As a former middle distance runner--800 and 1600 meters--I'm very familiar with the feeling that comes after a really hard effort both on the track on on the road. When I climb, I definitely get that can't-move-my-legs-for-another second feeling. The "winded" feeling is something different, at least I think so. My legs just feel just a little less "enthusiastic" about spinning. It's usually temporary, which makes me think it's really more a function of the road surface, wind, terrain, etc. Some roads have an almost imperceptible incline and that slows me down. Of course, dehydration/hunger/inadequate recovery could also play a role.