I also try to race the blue hairs. LOL Oh, I starting to go gray, that's not funny. !?!?!
I do try to change up my ridding habits from time to time. Like riding backwards down hills or standing on the seat for the whole trip, and do hands stands on the bars. LOL, just kidding. It does help to ride hard the first couple of days then just seat back for a day. I try to find some one going the same way as me and start up a conversation. This way I have to slow down to ride with them.
So find whats works for you and then change it up so you don't get in a rut.