Well you don't have to measure your self worth by showing how tough you are. Believe it or not speed training doesn't have to hurt so much, not even on the track. Everyone knows how to do it because everyone used to be a kid.
Kids do speedwork as a natural part of play.
They sprint and recover routinely in their daily lives. But play is important. It's nature's way of conditioning our bodies to perform. Many think that good speed training on the track needs to be measured and regimented, that it isn't working unless it hurts. In fact, it's the other way around.