I am a member of a club, although I am never in any danger of being near the front of any races.... or even in the top half for that matter, although due to various niggling injuries I have been running with them for a while. I do look forward to finally being able to run with the club again, as I just enjoy running with a group more than being on my own....

It may be worth seeing about joinging a club, if only for the support network, i.e lifts to races, advice etc. and you will probably find that other people are also available to run during the day, and may know different routes...