Congrats!
I can most certainly relate, though I can choose several alternate routes that offer mellower grades for my grind up onto the "bench" above the city. I'm getting back into cycling form after several years off the bike, and I've noticed an encouraging return to fitness (still in progress) - for me, it has manifested as standing and climbing for certain hills in higher gears when compared to a couple of months ago.
There is a certain hill that I avoid due to its ridiculous steepness. I figure I can occasionally choose to ride it to check in with my fitness level and give the system a shock.
Well done!
