I have been training with someone who was a very competitive runner in years past, and I find her perspective and experiences interesting, as they differ from mine. At one time, she was two minutes from an OT qualifier in the marathon, and because of a bad break, never got to train for the trails. Now, as a master's runner, she still runs well and is the best female in the local area. She has described her view in regard to levels of competition, and how there is now no specific or distinct "aim" or "goal" for her. She is a true distance runner, with the half marathon and the marathon being her better events. She still races, but I can see what she is talking about. I feel for her.
For me, one who picked up running in his 40s, running has been a nice addition to my life. I extended my range beyond the 5k and 10k, and have qualified for NYC 2016. I am happy about this, but what is it beyond an age-group affair? There is nothing wrong with being an age-group runner, but is that what motivates us? And for NYC, I will be farther back in the age group (I was sixth in my qualifying race).
In any case, how do we find meaning in all of this?