Well ditch them fatty tires to start with, thats going to be providing quite a bit of resistance. Different techniques for different people, but if I know the hill ahead is gonna be a long one, I go to the easiest gear immediately, and just start pedaling easy with lower cadence. I find this way I can keep going quite a long time before I require a rest. I focus on my breathing, keeping it deep and even, not shallow and panting (sure signs of "blowing up"). It isn't a race. If you have to climb those hills going 3 miles an hour, so be it. You will get stronger, and you will get faster.
You kinda twist your foot to 'engage' the strap, and you angle your foot a little bit to slide it out. I opted for them since you don't have to fiddle with them all the time, you can pull out whenever you want (thats what she said) and they're only 25 bucks.
I am failing to see how that is any different than clipless, really. I never have to fiddle with my pedals or my cleats (once I have them set up how I like them) except to replace the cleats occasionally as they wear out. Clipless also use a twisting motion to disengage (slightly different dependent on pedal system). While my particular pedals are more than 25 bucks, you can get a decent pair of spd pedals for 25 bucks. Unless you do a LOT of walking (and mtb shoes solve this particular problem), clipless is better in just about every way. Better foot retention, better foot support, more efficient pedaling....other than the short learning curve of clipless, what is so bad about them?