why do you want to run faster?

It's a fun and rewarding way to stay competitive as an adult, even if your main opponent is yourself. Plus there's few feelings better than the one you get from knowing you're in great shape. I tend to be intrinsically motivated, as I suspect most runners are, and it's cool to get better than your former self.

that ^

Can't say better than what Silky said. Also a sort that, when I choose to do something or something is at stake, I want to do a proper job. There are times for easy-paced runs, but why not challenge yourself?

Some people just don't want to run fast. Most runners in fact. I just find this weird. They run because they enjoy it, but they don't want to be fast runners. Weird. I just don't understand it.

I find it weird that someone is 'thinking about trying' to run fast. WTF?

Because running slow isn't fun.

Deplorable wrote:

I find it weird that someone is 'thinking about trying' to run fast. WTF?

Maybe the OP is stuck behind a computer or commuting or some other such drudgery and is looking forward to escaping?

well I guess.. wrote:

Deplorable wrote:

I find it weird that someone is 'thinking about trying' to run fast. WTF?

Maybe the OP is stuck behind a computer or commuting or some other such drudgery and is looking forward to escaping?

Really? Hey OP, what do you say? Give us your long list of pros and cons of trying to run fast. since you've been thinking about this and posting the question to multiple forums you should have a nice list. Can't wait to read your reasoned analysis of whether you should, or should no,t try to run fast.

So you've been following this guy eh? Is that better or worse than actually being him/her?

Is enjoyable to the individual and harms none. No more reasons necessary. If needs more reason or clarity on "enjoyable" - is inexpensive, accessible, healthful (mental and physical).

Some people just don't want to run fast. Most runners in fact. I just find this weird. They run because they enjoy it, but they don't want to be fast runners. Weird. I just don't understand it.

Every time I become obsessed with going faster, I eventually become injured and wondering if it's The One (career ender).

I'm not really interested in why anymore. I'm taking my ball (the ability to run 55 mpw pain-free) and going home (this will keep me in great shape for the rest of my life if I don't screw it up).