Good job! Your commute milage is about the same as mine. I started at 6 miles each way, five years ago, and now do 13'ish in the AM and 11'ish in the PM. For me, it's just the right milage. Long enough to feel like I did something but not enough to wear me out. Time wise about an hour each way. Just keep at it. I have come to terms with the hills I ride everyday. Yes they still suck but I just grind up them every morning and enjoy going down them every afternoon. bikerHen