SAFD: For another excuse to go to WDW! Lol.
Like most have said, physical and mental health are big reasons. I love the feeling of getting done with a long run. I love that feeling that my system is running on all cylinders instead of just feeling blah sitting around and snacking all day. Also, I do some of my best thinking and decision making when running. I don’t listen to music, so lots of thoughts and internal discussions.
Also, as being a former college athlete, just trying to replicate that feel you get from competition. That rush of adrenaline and the task of trying to defeat your opponent. I do love race mornings and that build up to the start of the race and the rush when the gun goes off / fireworks shoot off. For the competition part, I do try to always beat my best times or the time goals I set. Also, while on the course, I always try to “target” runners ahead of me to try to catch up to and get a head off. Once I catch one, I set a new target. It helps to stay motivated on long runs while adding that competition element.