I agree, head winds are diabolical.
I'm also in the "hills are your friends" camp.
One steep local hill, a Mississipi River bluff for those who think Iowa is flat, beat me for a long time. I kept pointing my bike at the slope. Now I can stay in the saddle and get to the top without gasping for breath.
Finally, a humble request for all you really fast riders. When you come upon some out of shape beginner like me huffing and puffing up a hill - at least have the courtesy to sound a little out of breath when you pass. Today some guy about 20 years younger on a really cool looking bike (Pinarello?) with Zipp wheels literally was by me before I heard him coming. Nice enough guy, but the casual way he said "Good Morning, beautiful day isn't it?" was just about enough to make me want to rip his lungs out. Okay, got that off my chest.
Keep at it and you'll be leaving lots of younger riders behind before you know it.
You might also seek some help by adding a cassette with a bigger cog.