Glad to hear your report, Veronica. Maybe my experience has not been a fluke. I'm convinced that my Spinervals usage has helped.

We bought a couple DVDs and used them quite religiously this winter. When we got out this spring we really felt stronger, but, were we? Was it a fluke? We went out this weekend and did a hilly 50 miler. Yes, no mountains here...but we have sections of road that have been described as "cliffs with asphalt hung on them"--short (in the 1/2-2 mile range), but with sections that often pop clearly into 20%. I actually took some hills sitting down that I never could have before and never ran into a hill that had me in the "oh, my....I can't stop to get out of the cleats, but I don't think I can keep going, either" state.

I'm not in your caliber, but this year, I am a much more comfortable plodder. I guess maybe I should stop calling CT names and thank him? Hmmm....naw....