Hill Climbs - Training

Did some serious hill climbs today.  At our local ski area I did 5 climbs on one of the hills.  The hills is a quarter mile long and ascends 185 feet.  The majority of the climbing is at 15% to 18% grade.  I do the first climb standing, the second two climbs seated, the fourth standing and the fifth a combination of both.  I do run a 2x9 drive train so no granny gear to bail me out.

The first two climbs are pretty high confident climbs, no real issues other than typical lactic burn.  As the climbs continue, it starts to get psychological.  On the fourth and fifth climbs, my mind wanted to quit so bad.  I spent those climbs talking to myself up the hill.  So many times I wanted to fall over and roll down the hill.  It's great mental and physical training.