I'm also in NoVa.
I've got a couple of question for you:
1. How long ago were you crushing these NE hills? If it's been a while, you probably just need to get back into shape.
2. Were these hills in NE steep or just long? The hills in NoVa a pretty short but some can be steep.
BTW, where in NoVa are you. I live inside the Beltway so I ride in Arlington a lot.
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