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.