If I choose to go fast or cram a lot into one day of backpacking has NOTHING to do with trying to beat someone or compete with youngsters. It is all about the personal satisfaction I get from my own accomplishment or simply that I LIKE to move fast. This does not disappear just because I age. My current "fast" or "far" is backed off what I did in my youth and will continue to get less fast and less far as I age. I do not feel discouraged if I have to do less as I age- I am grateful that I can still do what I can! Enjoyment is what I am after too. Some of us simply do not enjoy a short hike as much as a longer one. I just do not want to give the younger members of this forum the idea that aging, per se, means they have to significantly slow down. If you stay in shape and are lucky enough to avoid significant health problems you can do some pretty hard core stuff into your early 60's. I will give you an update of that comment for the late-60's when I get there!