Pain

There is no gettting around it. As you age, you will experience more and more pain when you exercise. Now, should pain drive you away from competitive training? No way. You simply need to know how to train smart.

So what does training smart refer to? Several things:

1. Training slow and easy
2. Invest proper time in recouperation
3. Don't get hung up on being competitive
4. Don't get discouraged if injuries are impeding your performance

Point one is very important here. The faster and harder you go, the more strain you place on your body. Why expedite an injury if pain is what you want to avoid?

Ultimately, what it all comes down to is training smart. If you try to exceed your physical limitations, then you will find yourself hurt all the time and your training will not be much fun anymore.

Again, it is not about being a tough superman or winning all the time. It is about improving your physical skills and improving your spirit.