habilis

I began riding FG last spring and soon found that I needed a new technique for getting up even moderate hills. I've done more out-of-the-saddle pedaling this year than in my entire previous life! Initially, the standing was hard to sustain for very long, but practice (compulsory on a fixie) has greatly increased my endurance.

Mental conditioning (already mentioned in this thread) is equally valuable. I think about the scenery, the movie I saw last night, anything but the long grind ahead. My cadence slows down drastically, and I don't care - I find the cadence that optimally conserves my strength. Before I know it, I'm at the top.

As others have said, there's no shame in taking breaks and no glory in over-straining yourself.