It also gets plain easier! Easier on the hills, easier on flats, easier to sit and pedal for longer periods, and easier for the relaxed no-stress ride like Alan S mentioned.

It was Greg Lemond who said this, the incomparable American winner of the Tour de France. Training to win races, and winning the hardest one, OK. I'm not one to say he is wrong. But I will tell you that distances do get shorter, your hills flatten out, and you start wanting more time on the commute instead of less. And at the beginning this all starts to happen quickly - just keep at it!