I race. My rules are, don't do anything stupidly dangerous; definitely don't endanger anyone else; don't force anyone else to adapt to you; and above all, don't spook pedestrians.
This allows for rlj, which I do routinely, so long as it's 100% safe (my daily route includes, eg, about half a dozen sets of lights which are not at junctions and serve absolutely no purpose but to be pedestrian crossings. If there are no pedestrians, I keep going. I also cross junctions where I have clear line of sight and can see clearly that there is no cross-traffic within 100 metres).
It rules out pavement riding.
It rules out most undertaking.
It rules out steaming past stationary traffic into blind spots/across zebra crossings and the like.
It demands giving way to - if necessary stopping for - pedestrians in the way, regardless of right of way. (If they're crossing against the lights, eg.)
I do get beat, fair & square. Not often, but it happens. When it does, I feel bad about it, but I take it on the chin.
Anyone who 'beats' me by doing anything I wouldn't do because it's dumb and/or dangerous, it doesn't count, and I don't feel bad about it.
Them's my rules.