I've been an overachiever for much of my life because, well, I've always been capable of single-minded focus for things I was naturally good at. (I know bad grammer, sorry) I tended to avoid things I wasn't good at because frankly, I'm an anal-retentive snob who doesn't like to look bad.

The reason I got into triathlon was because solitary, long distance activity suits my temperament. But I'm not a naturally gifted athlete and I realize that I'll never be posting fast times.

When training for an event, whether it be a tri or DC or whatever, how do you balance personal enjoyment while still maintaining a drive to be competitive? Frankly, I'm finding that a lot of my training isn't fun, esp. the stuff that is measured against a clock.

And for someone who is success- and achievement-oriented... how does one "find the fun" while straggling home in the back of the pack? I know my friends are just trying to encourage me, but the effortless way their gazelle-like legs can spin out 7-minute miles is more discouraging than anything.

Is there a way to repattern my thinking... or is it a matter of finding a training partner who is less fit and even slower than myself?