So glad your seeing improvement in your bike fitness. Keep persevering and be patient with yourself. I am not fast and could do with more of a competitive attitude, but consider any ride good when I'm turning my cranks. When riding with others try to pace yourself so you don't burn-out early. Definitely hill training is needed for tackling those hilly rides. I participated in a hilly tour in Wisconsin last year and couldn't keep up so rode on rails to trails in the area a few days and had a wonderful time. Fantastic to feel you and your bike are becoming better acquainted.