I think there is also an element here of trying to live up to some perceived notion of a "hardcore athlete" - not speaking about the OP specifically here but in general. As a cyclist primarily, i see plenty of roadies that act as though they are TdF GC contenders - dude, you are a mid-pack Cat 4 rider, get a freaking grip. I get being committed to your sport, i get the dedication needed to set aside time for it - but as some point, it's also good to have some perspective about life.

I am more than happy to try to tweak my training to accommodate time with friends or go on a hiking/wildife/diving trip. Certainly, I am not going to let a hobby dictate every other aspect of my life - and it most certainly doesnt take precedence over a family. If it did, it would no longer be a hobby - it would be an obsession.

(Hell, I didnt get obsessive with the one sport I played where I *was* at an elite level with a chance to go pro)

YMMV. .

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Those who are slower than me suck.
Those who are faster than me dope