When I first started straight pool the most challenging event was watching my opponent run out. Nowadays I just like watching shot play. Compared to other games the shot play is much more predictable because of that I get to enjoy whether or not my opponent is playing on luck or using strategy. In the beginning I thought high runs were something worth achieving, now I just goof around playing safes and seeing how my opponents manage the situation.
The best is when someone just can't find the safe to play and totally gives up. It is like watching a self-destruct mode on a robot.
After watching the top pros and legends runout 150, 100 and almost 200, I figured it isn't worth it to try to aspire to that level. In conclusion it is best to just enjoy the skill level I am at and find ways to determine the skill level of others. When up against a stronger straight pool player, what is exciting is managing my emotions away from the table. I get into the match and I want to win and show my opponent I can play, but watching the professionals go at it makes me reconsider what time off the table means. I try to spend it just thinking about what I want to do at the table and why I want to do it.
In the beginning I should have just focused on playing the table instead of trying to find a break ball. I know I miss shots and there is no reason to imagine I can get to the break ball each time I am at the table. So I rely on strategy I am not going to attempt a ball for a runout when I know it is challenging for me I'd rather lose the turn and force my opponent into a low runout, rather than give them an opportunity for the high run.
I am also table time efficient a great way to enjoy of table time is to join the straight pool league, safe battles can last as long as 3 hours, reference the movie "The Hustler" with Paul Newman.