Check out the exercised induced asthma or COPD. I just got my inhaler a little over a week ago and the difference has been amazing. Hills are SO much easier and long distance (for me as a newbie) rides have gone so smoothly.

It took me forever last summer to get past 6 miles and finally made it up to around 20 miles round trip near the end. In a week, I've pulled off two 10 mile trips, one on hills and one on a bike trail. I would have done more, but I rotated my hip last weekend and haven't been up to riding until Friday.

I'm still taking it easy, but cycling is turning to be amazing now and not a grueling test of oxygen intake like was last year and when I would go over the winter.

Good luck!