"Between that and using up a great deal of energy before the wall- many find themselves wavering before the final stretch." And knowing Anakin as he does, the endless font of enthusiasm and energy he was at this age? Obi-Wan knows that he'll need to feign faltering before catching a 'second wind' to best whomever decides to take up the boy on his challenge.

Perhaps even the soldiers making distant, mocking commentary. "Nevermind them, Anakin. While we are...busking for coin, we are only competing with ourselves, yes? Meeting the challenges we make for ourselves."

Curbing Anakin's innately competitive nature is- something Obi-Wan still hasn't quite mastered, not for lack of trying. Projects and interest in his processes helps somewhat, but the boy's mind is ever alight with curiosity and creation both. It makes directing that focus difficult, though he knows now that he should do so gently. "Besides. The more the underestimate us, the more amusing when we best them."

Not that he should encourage that, but it's the best carrot he has on hand.