This is a rite of passage that other master runners have had to experience and I'm open to advise on how to deal with it.
I've been a good recreational runner. I am competitive by nature. Actually more competitive than I thought. I thought I could just run races, accept a slowing speed with humor and dignity and continue to enjoy myself.
That kind of was the case until a coworker about 36 yrs. of age started trash talking me about taking the old guy down in a race. In my office I have some rep among midpackers and nonrunners of being an athlete who is somewhat ageless and who has beaten the time factor. (I'm not but to nonrunners you know how that goes)
Anyway this young guy, actually a nice guy, but very kind of arrogant makes this big office issue about taking the old guy down. Well he did. I honestly before the race didn't really buy into the whole competition and figured he was just having fun.
But after I lost, I didn't like it. About three years ago I lost a year due to major knee surgery and have been careful ever since. But now I feel like heavy duty training to beat this guy but I know that may not be good for me.
How do you master runners make the adjustment to mildly competitive but mostly fitness running? Its much tougher than I thought. I don't like to be slower.