I run because.....<tell me what you'd insert here>

In no particular order I run for:
Time away from mundane chores and commitments
My health
Me time - I'm a true introvert and spending time alone whilst running gives me back my mojo to face things I would otherwise struggle with.
Because I can eat pretty much what I want when I run 3 times a week.
For a challenge - I'm now keen to get pb's when I can.

The high I get afterwards is amazing.

IT stops me killing people!!

I enjoy being alone and getting lost in my thoughts!

Because I'm running away from old age, and if I stop, it'll catch me.

.....I want to be thinner. And I want to be fitter. And I'm just starting to enjoy it.

Because....it makes me feel free.

...because I'm training for the London Marathon.

nell is that the zombie chase app? Tell me more!

These quotes below are from the writer, Philosopher and runner Mark Rowlands about running. I love them, but feel free to think them a bit wanky (but he does run with a wolf pack....)

"On a long run, I can hear the whispers of a childhood I can never reclaim, and of a home to which I can never return. In these whispers, in the rumours and mutterings of the long run, there are moments when I understand again what I once knew"

And

"In the beating heart of the run, I hear an echo of what I once was and what I once knew. When the heartbeat of the run embraces me, holds me tight, I am returned to what I was before the fall. When the rhythm of the run holds me tight, I run in a field of joy. She whispers to me a truth that I once knew but could not remember. These are whispers of joy, of what it is it be free, and what is truly important in a life like this- a life that holds us naked and dying. She whispers to me of my time in Eden"

Sorry to hijack the thread - thought you might enjoy them

Because I can eat pork scratchings.

I once had to run 3 miles to my local pub as they only had 10 pints of my favourite beer left.

I have made a vow to myself in 2014 to do 5k every weekend- often I do more (last weekend it was 9 miles) but the 5k every weekend is my vow to myself. Today I did the 5k, and I'll go again tomorrow.

I feel powerful, free, a little bit wild and just so alive when I run.

I am learning consistency, discipline and making time for my own body and my health, and a slim, toned figure is emerging as a result of my efforts.

Suzanne- I don't honestly know. It's very rare, and the only info I could find said rest. But I had a sneaking suspicion that being unfit was making it worse, that coupled with the fact that I was hunching over as in such constant pain. So I paid for 4 sessions with a personal trainer, we sorted out some strength training exercises (which I do as part of my run), & I gradually started running again. I'm now running distances of 10k and haven't taken any painkillers in two months. Compared to the maximum amount, 7 days a week.

Birds, that's amazing! What a testament to the healing power of exercise you are :o

Do you know if others with the same condition have found running helpful?

Because I love it, it keeps me sane and thin.

But also as I was diagnosed with an incredibly painful inflammatory condition three years ago: running is the only thing that stops my body hurting. I don't have to take painkillers if I run 5 times a week. It's that simple and has given me back my life. So for that reason, running makes my life normal, bearable and probably last a bit longer too

... Because two years ago I couldn't run 50 metres without getting out of breath. Running makes me feel amazing, I can't believe this body can do it!

Because it's free and do-able whenever you want.
Because I am rubbish at it and I'm more competitive with myself than with anyone else.
Because it feels awesome when it's over.
Because it's therapy that stops my brain from malfunctioning.
Because I smoke and it feels like I'm at least trying.
Because I don't want to get fat.
Because - very occasionally - it feels incredible and like I'm a proper runner.
Because music sounds fantastic when you're running.
Because I don't sweat when I'm running but it pours off me when I stop and that makes me smile - like I'm a proper fitness person.
Because I like wine and gin.

...I love it.
I love the power of my body, and taking control over my body back after childbirth
I love being outside (ditto saying hello to the animals!)
I love having my own headspace for a while (ie getting away from the baby!)
I am 100% a better person for it

And it's free and outside.

Because I feel happy when running - especially on a bright sunny fresh day.

The music sounds amazing and I get a rush from the go faster songs.

I feel really good afterwards.

It makes me feel completely alive and in tune with the inner strength I possess, but don't always realise.

I like what someone said about it being cheaper than therapy, it very much is therapy for me.

Because although I love cycling I'm not (yet) fast enough to do it competitively, but I'm a decent swimmer so suffering the running means I can make a passable triathlete.

I'm also asthmatic and up until about a year ago didn't run at all. My asthma is just about (maybe 85%) under control with a change of meds and the c25k got me running properly.

I'm another one who has to stop after about a km to empty the contents of my lungs. I'm usually fine after that, and if I do several days of running or cycling in a row my lungs do get better.

I love the feeling of the fresh air against my skin and filling my lungs- the gym just doesn't cut ti!!

What Pepe said upthread! And the 'It's cheaper than therapy' one too. Sorry - not very original!