set the pace

set the pace  {v. phr.}

To decide on a rate of speed of travel or rules that are followed by others.

The scoutmaster set the pace so that the shorter boys would not get tired trying to keep up.

Louise set the pace in selling tickets for the school play.

- pace-setter  {n.}

John is the pace-setter of the class.

- pace-setting  {adj.}

Bob's time in the cross-country race was pace-setting.