They're more than likely different to the reasons that you continue to run.
You run. I run. Often separately, yet as a group...as one.
Some say that running can be addictive. Of course, the scientists will pontificate that it's probably not the running you become addicted to, but the neuro-chemicals produced by "...frequent and violent agitation of the body" (James Fixx 1977).
Apparently, regularly searching for those neuro-chemcial goodies is a key to what keeps you putting one foot in front of the other.
I re-read a 2003 New Scientist article by a pontificator today. It was about addiction to (high sugar, high-fat, high calorie) fast-food, also known as take-out or take-away food. I'm about to come-down from a successful 2013 New Year's Resolution...to eat (at least) one Kit-Kat a week.
I found myself answering the following questions, as posed by DSM-IV guide of the American Psychiatric Association for substance addiction (with my re-emphasis):
- do you take it larger amounts or over a longer period than intended (do you often run more than planned, or more than you should)?
- do you have a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use (particularly on easy days, unloading blocks, or a taper)?
- a great deal of time spent seeking the substance out, using it or recovering from it's effects?
- important social, occupational or recreational activities given up or reduced because of substance use?
- continue use despite knowledge of harmful consequences (particularly when ill, or injured)?
- increased tolerance with use (experience a need to do more?)
- withdrawal symptoms?
With many injured runners more worried about not being able to run rather than concern for the injury itself, it's not difficult to see addicted runners easily meet the minimum of 3 of the above.
Allowing myself to pontificate it's easy to see the guilty party: u-runethanine,2.
Whether addicted or not, I wish you all the best for a faster, further, fitter running New Year.
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