Theres nothing like a fast approaching half marathon to make me read a book about running. And this is a book about running I have been meaning to read for a while. The jauntily titled ‘What I talk about when I talk about running’ is Murakami’s book on his relationship with running. It is described as equal part travelogue, training log and reminiscence, and is a reflection of the influence running has had on his life and on his writing. Murakami ran his first marathon in 1983 on his own, from Athens to Marathon, in midsummer. He has also run an agonising ultra marathon (62 miles), and in 2008 when this novel was published, he was running 6 days a week covering over 130 miles a month. This is the kind of man we’re talking about here.
I am interested in Murakami’s comments on his relationship between running and his creative writing life. Murakami has three goals for running races. Reach the finish, never walk and enjoy the race. He applies this discipline to his writing. When asked what the most important quality for a novelist is. He replies ”focus – the ability to concentrate all your limited talents on whatever’s critical at the moment. Without that you can’t accomplish anything of value, while if you can focus effectively, you’ll be able to compensate for an erratic talent or even a short of it.” This can clearly be applied to running too. “After focus, the next most important thing for a novelist is, hands down, endurance” Again, the same can be said of running, or certainly distance running.
I know that when I am physically fit and have exercised I feel more creative. There is much evidence linking physical and emotional health. We know that exercise can improve mental health. Surely that in turn enhances the creative life? I regularly compose blog posts or ideas for blog posts when out running (or cycling for that matter). Physical exertion appears to clear the mind and open it up.
This is a short book but it moves at a steady pace, giving great insight into the mind of Murakami the runner and Murakami the writer. It is Murakami’s discipline and sense of purpose in all aspects of his life that comes through.
“So, like my three meals a day – along with sleeping, housework and work – running was incorporated into my daily routine. As it became a natural habit, I felt less embarrassed about it. I went to a sports store and purchased running gear and some decent shoes that suited my purpose. I bought a stopwatch, too and read a beginners’ book on running. This is how you become a runner.”
I finished this book feeling more inspired to run and have thought of Murakami’s dedication and self discipline often when pounding the streets. Although I will never be an ultra distance runner or even a runner who runs every day, I do understand his need to run. The pleasure (and sometimes pain too) that can come from being able to run freely and confidently is a joy. I bask in the after math of those runs, when my cheeks are glowing more from health and exertion rather than sheer exhaustion, and when I know I ran just a little bit further or faster than the last time. As a caveat though, I have to say its not always like that, often its hard, and limbs hurt and dragging yourself out when the wind is cold or the days are dark is tough. I guess that leads us right back to discipline, focus and endurance again!
Even if the thought of running is an anathema to you don’t be deterred from reading this book. It is an insight into the mind of a great writer, a great runner and the a blurred lines between the two.
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