Setting a pace is an entirely different thing from synchronizing with a pace that is already being set. The reason we all use wall clocks and wear wrist watches is to be the time master of ourselves. The major reason known to me for the equivalence in time in our home clocks and wristt watches is synchronization of our time with the mother-time.
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Same goes for pace to some extent. Most people run races with no clue of the finish line on how it seem to be. Self-paced reality seemed to be the best but circumstances have pushed us all to either compete or join the winning parties. Using another man's success to judge yours is one big mistake we should try to avoid. The reasons are simple.
You can never tell the actuall problem of that person and you can never tell if that person is actually successful or its just a mere mirage of your perpective.
If you don't wanna be a pace-setter, try to synchronize with others but at your own favor and don't ever try to act on another person's pace.