I don't care about other people doing more or less than me... but I find that I will work HARDER if I'm running the treadmill with other people nearby. Not to compare my body size with theirs or anything (I really don't care about that part of it when I'm exercising... trying on clothes is another matter though...
)... but to compare speeds, lengths of time, etc. Each of us have different goals... and I'm a bit of a competitive person.
I really want to start running again... but I'm afraid of another shin splint...