Another thing I wanted to throw in as a relatively new "hill climber" myself, well, more accurately a newbie to the "wonderful" world of hill repeats, hills became easier for me when both my mental approach began to change and become more positive, and more importantly when I started to learn technically how to climb.

I began to understand what an appropriate pace was for myself and also learned how focusing on a solid pedal stroke all the way around really made things easier. I haven't quite learned to love hills yet, but I don't dread them like I used to! I have always loved to stand on the pedals but I am enjoying learning how to sit back, find a good cadence, and keep chugging even when the quads are screaming!