John,

Thanks for the pep-talk and advice... very helpful and encouraging! I agree with the "don't look too far ahead" advice on the hills, I found myself doing just that and it works. Hopefully half-hour hilly rides on weeknights after the kiddos go to bed (they're 3 and are in bed by 7:15) with a longer ride (14-20 miles for now) on the weekends will be enough (combined with better eating habits) to get me into shape. As it gets easier, I will increase the number of miles/week.

-Jon A.