Ah, yes.
This is why I have never competed. At a certain point in my life, I think I would have done quite well, luckily, I had too many other things to do at that time. I feel this pressure at my gym, where the other people who take my boot camp class all compete, regularly, in triathalons and other running stuff. I help them with bike advice, but I steadfastly tell them I have no interest in joining them. Heck, we are all ninjas compared to the general population. I'm not against competition, but more the vibe that Rocknroll is describing.
Balance is good. Heck, I almost ruined my health at age 35, from teaching too many classes at the gym, so I kind of knew after that, that balance was the key for me.