I bought a new bike. Seriously, I was a terrible climber then I got my Gary Fisher. I wish I could take credit for training but I give my bike the credit. Plus my bike fits like a glove (which my other was just good enough) and I think having the good fit had given me a lot of confidence. The only thing I can think is I ran to train for a half marathon in the early spring so maybe my cardio is more endurance suited? DH does hill repeats on a long climb, some ledges, some steeper parts. Just a great training hill. Others I ride with said they improve by just trying and trying again, riding lots.