Been running since college. Never formally or with a team, just for relaxation and alone time. I'm one of those people who feels like she's losing her mind if she doesn't engage in some rigorous physical activity every few days. What motivates me to run is life itself. My body often can't keep up with all the interesting things my mind wants to do, and I find that running is one of the few times where my body is moving as fast as my mind - when they're both in sync.
My short and long-term runnig goals are very simple: to keep running as an integral part of my life for as long as I live. Ironically, though I'm fiercely competitive in life, I shun competition during my runs. I run to people watch, enjoy the outdoors, think, solve problems, process my emotions, and keep fit. Its the one form of exercise and self-therapy that I can do practically anywhere, without expense or hassle, as long as I have my sneakers!!