Yes, Anika, I have read that book a couple of times... his ability to put himself "to the test" just because he could is/was phenomenal...

Thats interesting, Anakiwa... I would consider myself "ordinary folks" and def not elite... my race placings and times show that consistently.

But I don't try and think of other things, I do "acknowledge" and focus on the discomfort. I do try not to accept it is pain, but the more intensely I feel it, the better I know I am doing and it ... well... it kind've "drives" me if that makes sense???