In anything competitive it is so important to focus on yourself and not look around, which is separate from the comradery in a sport and pleasure of finding friends with the same passion. Sometimes you are crossing all your goals off the lost or sometimes a friend is instead, having obtainable goals for yourself is very essential.  For example, one time when I was in my teens running marathons my orthopedic doctor looking at my stress fracture was insanely jealous about my marathons and sort of went off on an insane tangent about themself that made very uncomfortable.  I really rather would have gone without that ortho doctor's stories about their glory days or heart break days, or issues they had.  Everyone accomplishes things at different ages.  I think that sometimes it is best to just look at your legs and to look at your watch during a race, then to be really careful about who you share your success stories with.  Running is a touchy subject for some individuals.  Then, there's people on the same wave length whom are awesome to connect with or interview sharing the highs and lows in a healthful way.  However, putting the race blinders up certainly is a real thing.  I feel like after this year of covid, I'll feel funny about toeing the line while being in real life versus virtual events and meetings, but just taking that step back and knowing exactly what I'm looking to accomplish is helpful whilst jumping back into real life.  Obtainable goals, focusing on myself and healthful relationships are the big things.