For most of my life I have been a competitive athlete culminating in a scholarship to play football (QB) and baseball (SS) in college. So, getting into cycling later in life became a competitive activity for me. As a result, I have approached every ride as a personal challenge. I have burned out, engaged in "come backs" and generally not enjoyed riding. And, I've dreaded riding as a result of a bad attitude. But, having recognized that dynamic, I decided to ignore the numbers. As a result I am once again happy on the bike and at age 74 am riding better and as fast as I have in the past 10 years. Change your perspective. I think you will be surprised and pleased.