We climbed to the East Peak of Mt. Tam and back from SF on this fine Labor Day afternoon (about 50mi). I didn't think I was able to do it (it's a 2.4 kft hill), but we did it anyway. I don't know about the others but I had to push myself (although it might not look it!), lots of focus, just keep going, even strokes, etc.. The hardest part was actually the hill before the Golden Gate Bridge...
For some reason the scenery was more stunning in the photos than when I was there. Usually it's the other way around.