Quote Originally Posted by martinler View Post
I've been riding about 10 months and everything seems to be progressing well except my ability to ride hills. I struggle so much on hills that I dread them and I am just before the panic stage when I start the climb. On long or steep hills - I push myself until it feels like my lungs are going to burst and I stop. The crazy thing is - I can rest about 15-20 seconds and then finish the climb with much less effort. What is up with that?
Sounds like may be you are rushing at the beginning. Then you stop and you settle down for the rest of the climb. Hills shouldn't be viewed with anxiety. Hill climb is mental once you get in shape. Take deep breath and fill the bottom of your lung as well as the rest of the lung and just concentrate on the road immediately in front. Relax your upper body and don't lock your breathing to your pedalling. And don't try to climb at the same speed as you ride on the flat.