I'm really glad to hear that. I believe that anyone can get up most hills by not trying to do it too fast. I know there are mountains and really steep grades that are impossible. I think most people who talk about having to walk up a hill though, could do it if they tried to do it slower.
I could be wrong--but your experience seems to support my theory. So I was really happy to read this!
My boss was telling me he takes a street that I'd avoid, to avoid a hill on a parallel frontage road and gets a lot less traffic. I know exactly which hill he means and I don't consider it to be one of the worst hills. I am 100% certain he could make it up that hill if he would slow down.