Published: 2007 (Bungeishunju)
Setting: Japan, Greece, Cambridge U.S.
Summary: Haruki Murakami's running memoir starts with the saying: "suffering is optional," and ends with his proposed epitaph: "at least he never walked." Murakami is equally interested in systems and experience. Running is the metaphysical key that unlocks the rest of the body and mind, and the way you train determines what door that key opens.
Murakami showcases how focus and endurance can withstand a lack of talent. He uses running, and more particularly the process of training, to relate to his life. Murakami started running in his thirties, and this late start helped him analyze who he was and how he went through life before running, and how that changed when he started running and writing novels. I particularly love how he takes you through his marathons and triathlons mile by mile, it makes one feel like you are there observing the sweat drip down his body as he pushes pain out of his mind. This is a book for any runner, any novelist, and anyone wanting to learn the meditative power of running.
Quote of the book: "For me, running is both exercise and a metaphor. Running day after day, piling up the races, bit by bit I raise the bar, and by clearing each level I elevate myself."
I seem to always pick quotes that serve as central questions or thesis, but I am a teacher so don't blame me too much.
Favorite Character: Murakami, he is the only "character," but we get a full dissection of his psyche.
Favorite Setting: Haruki Murakami describing his marathon in Athens, where the run started, was electric and makes me want to do the same run.
Favorite reference: Murakami listens to the Beach Boys while running, just like I do.
Please stay for: Murakami giving us the scenery, through the text, of some of the most pristine running spots in the world, blow by blow.
Please Question: I would have liked more discussion of music and how it relates to his running, music is a larger part of many of his novels.
Rating: 4.2/5, highly recommend.
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