I think I'm with you on this one raydog. Although I'm only 48 yrs old, I have never done any serious conditioning without "pain". There is, of course, time to relax and chat about this and that aspect of cycling, (like right now) and there is time for leisurely rides around the lakes. But there is also time to get out out and push yourself until you feel like you can't push yourself any further, only to find that yes, you can! That's when rolling into the garage feels sooo good. Not only have you pushed your body, but you've expanded your concept of what you are capable of.