I think I need to learn to stand more (I'll try the dancing idea...) I just seem to spin my way up...and will confess to using the granny ring still. But my fitness has improved so that I am actually shifting into harder gears as I approach the top, which helps me pull over the top easier and faster....

When I started, I found that my lungs did an almost reflexive big gulp at some point up the hill. But I find that if I sit back in the saddle, loosen my grip and relax my arms and shoulders, everything else follows suit, including my lung capacity and rate of breathing. I also really love hills, so I just imagine that I am Lance and Jan is on my tail... But I do like the mantra that was shared earlier along the lines of "I like hills and chocolate is good" I may try that as needed!