A breakaway is a powerful tool.  Going off the front and inspiring others to increase their pace leads to better results.  Racing in the middle of the pack is not courageous.  Launching off the front does not always succeed and sometimes it results in finishing behind the pack because your energy reserves are exhausted.  Being out front offers a different view, a new perspective, a chance to put your strengths to work, and be vulnerable.  Leading can be scary but the stories you will generate will be endless.  The pack is safe but also dusty, uninspired, and the story created is a duplication of everyone else who stayed with the masses.