The problem solves itself with time. Age eventually makes you slower despite your best efforts, so you come to terms with reality or injure yourself and use that as an excuse. Either way, you're covered.

I've always sucked and never had a chance of winning anything, but that never discouraged my compulsively competitive side. In the end, I decided I don't need to prove anything to anyone (including myself), so last year I resolved to be slower. I was a bit more successful at that goal than I wanted to be, so I'm still looking for the balance.