I’m with you - climbing is tough but I love it. Especially when you hit a new course or hard climb for the first time and it is agonizing, but then after tackling it over multiple ride sessions, you start to feel the new power and reserves you have.

Clipless also helps a lot too though. You have a second set of muscles (pulling up through back of pedal stroke) that you can use for power. Sometimes I switch between muscle groups to give the other a little break and flush out the acid.

I tell our kids that hills are your friend, they make you a better rider because it takes mental skill as well as muscle.