The first important opportunity is the possibility of experiencing pain without suffering. The theory is that aversion, not the pain itself, is the actual cause of suffering; the pain is just a sensation that creates that aversion.
Remember reading that meditators can withstand pain much better than others. Experienced meditators can focus on something other than the pain to withstand it. Expert meditators fully experience the pain but don't associate any aversion/discomfort with it. They just observe it as they would music playing in the background.
Kind of a wild concept but seems really cool.
Wonder if it works for enduring pain in athletic/endurance competition. But when I've experience pain climbing hills, it really does feel more that my legs are weakening/generating less power rather than I allow myself to slow to avoid pain. It's not at all the same sprinting on the track (right up until 750m into a kilo ;) )
