Hey ACG - that situation sounds frustrating - I guess my advice would be along the lines of what everyone else is saying, but also, mentally, I think what is helping me is to have been riding with people who have a lot of enthusaism for the ride (and for me signing up for and doing the ride!) and I think the shared enthusiasm and sense a personal "stretch" is really helpful to me. From what have heard from friends who have done it year after year is that, of course, physical training is a huge part of a "successful" ride (whatever success means with respect to each person's goals) but that so much of it is mental and emotional. I hope you can find a group to train with that shares your enthusiam and commitment, as well as compatible riding styles. Good luck!