I've thought about these questions on and off for years. Sometimes I feel like running shouldn't be such a priority -that there are other hobbies, activities, priorities, etc... in life (which there are). So, about a month ago I sat down and wrote down the reasons why I run. After that, I decided that, for me, it MUST be a priority. So, here is what I came up with (so far):
I run to be the best animal I can be. I run because it feels extravagant and luscious. I run because it pisses people off. I run because I love the ecstasy of the physical. I run because I do not understand my place in the world, and the run sorts this out for brief moments. I run to feel like a wolf. I run to feel like a dog. I run to kick ass. I run because I see others running who are so much slower, but still manage to run. I run because I see others running who are so much faster, and they inspire me. I run to see how fast I can be. I run because it makes the beer taste better. I run because it makes the snow into perfection. I run because it makes the raw rain into transcendental bliss. I run to stay healthy. I run because I see fat people all around me. I run because I am asthmatic. I run because I see people out of touch with their physical self all around me and I never want to be like that. I run to be tough. I run to feel a good pain. I run to clear. I run to settle. I run to meditate. I run to be present. I run to let others piss off. I run because nothing else matters on the start line. I run because it makes life beautiful. I run because it is simple and portable and cheap. I run because I am an animal.