Bike Writer, this is a testament to the power of how exercise can help you heal from just about anything. And your attitude is great.
57 is not old ; spoken from the perspective of someone that is closer to 58. Anytime I feel badly about something that is hard, like a climb, I remember that most people my age (or any age) are not out there doing what most of the people on TE do regularly, no matter what their age is.