Any advice on how to get uphill as quickly as possible?

Yesterday I raced Tahuya-Seabeck-Tahuya in Washington state. It climbs just shy of 5,000 in 62 miles. I was able to maintain with the lead group for the first 40 miles and then got dropped on a hill. I am a larger women - 5'9" and weigh 160. Obviously smaller women have a huge advantage over me on the hills - but I want to reverse that. I visualize lifting my hamstrings vs. pounding down my quads - but still am left in the dust. For all you billy goats out there - what's your secret?

I look forward to your discussion! Jen