Thank you for the replies, ladies.

Emily, thanks for the suggestion on the shoes. As for other exercises, I know that riding more will ultimately help me get better. I just meant, are there any other things that I can do in addition to riding that will help me. Like yoga, for example. I was trying to use my yoga breathing to help me with my climbing, which helps some, but I still get really winded. I ride with people who are better than me, but my boyfriend hangs back with me. I'm going to look into some group rides around my area. I'm hoping to find a women's group.

Owlie, I am wearing Sugoi bike shorts, with no underwear. Shorts and a helmet were the first two things I bought, and at the LBS. Everything else I waited and bought online. I'll look at that link, take my measurements, and go from there on the saddle. I'm glad it's not just me with the Giant saddle! I thought it might be just because I am new to road biking and needed to get used to the harder seat. But, I've put in some time with it and it is still horrible!

Goldfinch, it was really hard finding a bike that fit me. What bike do you have? I initially wanted to buy a used bike, but after searching for weeks and weeks, I finally realized that a used 44 cm would be hard to come by, much less one that actually worked for me. The two bottle cages just barely fit. I have a larger bottle on the lower one and a small bottle on the upper one. It's definitely a pretty tight fit! I'll look into those exercises. I think strengthening my core will be helpful. Thanks for the tips!