[lazyjones]

If we are born/evolved to run, why do we do it mostly when it's useless to us (i.e. running in circles)?

Running as a sport is, in essence, forcing ourselves to do something we supposedly needed so much as a species that we evolved to be good at it. Our lifestyle has changed dramatically and we obviously don't need it much anymore.

Perhaps we should be running instead of walking whenever possible? I used to do that when I was younger and more impatient (I hated taxis, too), but having sweaty clothes isn't socially acceptable in most cases. Perhaps some research to alleviate this problem would help?

Edit: this looks like an interesting starting point: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_Cooling_and_Ventilation...

[magic_beans]

> If we are born/evolved to run, why do we do it mostly when it's useless to us (i.e. running in circles)?

Because it's FUN. It's ok to have fun, even if it's not productive.