I run stupid long distances...

[wafflycat]

...like 100km races. I'm not fast but I'm determined!
Training is a bit like meditation (just zone out) but with scenery and wildlife to look at.

That's what a long cycle ride does for me. Other than the fact I can't zone out as I'm on the road so need to stay alert, I find the slower pace of cycling compared to driving (usually), and you get a different perspective on the world. You see things you miss when driving, such as the hawk moth caterpillar making its way along the verge and the wildlife doesn't run off. I also find it releases endorphins and if I go out on a bike ride - all is well with the world.

[heebiejeebie]

Richard - personal I think and maybe a little competitive. And I can eat whatever I want and not put weight on when training! (I want to yell when I get comments like, "it's ok for you, you can eat anything and not get fat". There'd be a reason...)

Wafflycat - I think of long runs as metitation without the boredom. Never could sit still!