It's all about following the right people. I actually use Strava to make me feel good about going very easy at my easy runs (~8 min pace, sometimes slower as 16:45 5k runner) when I see pros and sub-elites doing them at for them ridiculously easy paces.
Follow people like Reed Fischer, Kyle Medina, or Grayson Murphy, they never go faster than 7:20 on their easy days, with most runs being in 7:20-8:00 range (at altitude, but even if you take off ~20s/mile it is still very slow for their level).
Don't expect the average 35-36 min 10k runner at your local race to have a good coach or be knowledgeable about proper training. Most of them are just above average talented, but their training isn't any better than let's say a local 40 min or 43 min runner.