Despite quickly advancing medical technology, the 'pace' [=(more commonly) 'rate'] of change in her field remained slow and steady.
The winner finished in 4 minutes, 30 seconds, and the next runner was three seconds 'off the pace'. [=finished three seconds later]
The law has not 'kept pace with' technology. [=the law has not changed fast enough to reflect changes in technology]
(..) Did you get finished? Come on, buddy. How many? I made, uh... . Eighty-five? That puts you... off the pace. Ooh... that's bad. Why don't you just say it? I'm the worst toy maker in the world. I'm a cotton-headed ninny-muggins. (..)2003 Elf