First time on the trainer.....

Yes, the bicycle trainer was clearly invented by a true sadist. If not that, then perhaps it was an early form of capital punishment. I hope you at least set up in front of the tv with a good movie and an equally good fan, as both are necessary for survival. I do not savor winter when the nights are long and the days are cold, as that will force me to lots of time on the trainer, but hopefully I can at least use it to make solid cycling gains over the winter.

It's definitely good training and I find it more difficult than the road as well. You don't have the same ebb and flow that gives you coasting. I would rather ride outside but I don't hate riding the trainer. It is especially good for doing threshold tests or just comparing fitness from one ride to another, since the terrain and conditions can be exactly replicated.

Great to hear you love it!  That is a tough one, same type I have.  The thing is great for being very systematic with efforts.