Hi Marian,

Where I live, all my runs from home have hills in the first half mile or so, but it gets the heart pumping and the breath going so if you can settle back into your pace afterwards, it's actually quite useful.

I also find that if I do a route or a race which starts off flat, it feels like I'm flying for the first part.

I agree with Antony though, asthma notwithstanding, grit your teeth, get up them and the more you do the easier it will get.

Treat them as a challenge,they do make you stronger,and the feeling of satisfaction when you're in a  race and pass other competitors walking,helps make the effort worthwhile. I find the downhills harder- plays havoc with my knees.

I agree with the earlier post when they said keep the rythm of the flat but shorten your stride, also give yourself  targets to get to,ie next tree, lamppost, runner etc.

it's all good ....