Count me as one who prefers creature comforts (including hot showers!) after sporting activity. ;-)
As for feeling like a hippo in the woods, I'll let you know I regularly get an "error" indication on my finish split (from Attackpoint) because while I'm running as fast as I can, I feel like I'm running through mud as the young folks sprint by me. :-D
But I don't let it bother me because I'm doing the best I can on that day.