Yeah I know it, I live up on Beacon Hill also. You're taking the hill to the left or right of the medical center? The right side would be monster to have to do every day. When I first was riding it I walked once on the left hill but realized I was just giving myself a mental block, and just had to keep pedaling even if I felt slow. I get to ride the left to my place, and have only taken the right once or twice. It gets better, and if it helps I see a lot of people walking, majority of them with choice of gears too. You're not alone on it.