I've noticed this about myself. Mental distraction helps with pain. Really useful when doing long distance backpacking and trying to push out the last few miles. I would whip out my phone and type into my journal.
I noticed this when I switched from a stationary bike at home (where I used to use my phone while riding) to a stationary bike at the gym where I just listen to podcasts. Actively using my phone was a much bigger distraction and made the rides seem a lot shorter.
