Why do You Run?

The question, "Why?" has come up recently when I  mention running the Pinellas Trail-all 46.2 glorious miles.  I am not sure I really have an answer but I saw some comical signs about long distance "ultra" running and thought I would share the humor.

I started running as a cheap, quick and easy way to exercise.  When I played sports, I actually hated running.  Typically, running was used as a punishment.  After college, without a group activity, I felt a little lost .  I remember seeing my neighbor running all the time; and I thought, I can do that!  I put on some shorts, a cotton t-shirt, some tennis shoes and took off. Training, pacing--what's that?!?  Full throttle out the door, I was huffing and puffing in no time. Hmmmmm, maybe I should slow down;)

I never thought of running as a sport back then.  It was something to do to relieve stress and burn calories.  I ran/jogged for several years before even hearing about "races".  Running was a track event in my young mind.

My first race was incredible.  I completely got caught up in the energy and excitement of the event!
I shot off the start line like a cheetah and quickly relearned my first running experience--slow down!  Muscle memory did not trigger my brain/body fast enough and I thought I lost a lung by mile 2.
Everything started to cramp and I was forced to slow.  Pride kept me pushing--I could not let people pass me now!
Needless, to say I was hooked.
Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhh--ignorance is bliss.

Of late, I have rediscovered my youthful bliss during PTC training runs.  I mentioned before about a "runner's high" but this euphoric state seems illusory.  However, I have found that when I run 2 hours or more, a peaceful calm occurs.  I am not saying my body and legs feel awesome or anything (most of the time something aches).

Yet in this timezone, there is a spiritual transcendence.
The journey typically happens when running solo but I have found myself in the realm during quiet periods of a group run and in races (most recently, the Disney Marathon).

It is a beautiful experience and replicable versus the runner's high. Maybe it is just my brain playing tricks on me... I am curious if others have found this nirvana?

Ultra races don't always have t-shirts or medals so why would you run all day?  There is no rhyme or reason.
Call me crazy and I will smile ear to ear:)