- Title in the original language: What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
- Author: Haruki Murakami
- Genre: autobiography
Annotation
Running makes us better. This is the opinion of Haruki Murakami, the author of the book, which started running only 33 years old. Since then, he runs 6 times a week and takes part in one of the marathons every year. Murakami also became a writer thanks to running. The book "What I'm Talking About When I Talk About Running" was written by a great master, so you can find original ideas in it that will come in handy and help you better understand your motivation and your attitude to this sport.
Unless you run, then definitely start doing it. At the same time, do not forget to set yourself a goal: to run a certain distance. For example, the marathon in Greece, which Murakami so interestingly describes, which he did not run during the official start. The concept of purpose will make you go outside when it's raining, snowing, or you're really tired after work. This book is a veritable bible for those who love running. It has had a major impact on the sport, far more than any other book in the last ten years.
Running is an individual sport, in which the athlete has the opportunity to be alone with himself, to disconnect for a while from all possible means of communication. Taking part in various competitions in different parts of the world, you will be able to better explore the places where fate will lead you, meet like-minded people and get new sensations that cannot be bought for any money. Through running, you will not just discover yourself, but create a new you.
Impressions from the book
The book is an autobiography of a person who led a not entirely healthy lifestyle until the age of 33. The author smoked, drank, worked in his own bar from the evening until the morning... But when his creative writing journey began, he decided to stop working in the bar and take charge of his life, health and started running.
At the time of writing the book, Murakami had already run 27 marathons. Since the author is not a professional athlete, but only an amateur, his personal marathon result of 3:27 is not remarkable, but the main thing is how he feels about running itself. It deserves respect.
I was most impressed by the author’s idea – run at least one marathon a year. But - throughout life.
The author also very interestingly talks about his experience of participating in the ultramarathon. It was very difficult and one that I would not like to repeat again. To me, this is not just an interesting book about running. It motivates and reveals pro-marathon approach to life itself. Planned, regular preparation, finding and overcoming limitations in yourself, and transforming suffering into the experience - these are the main ways to achieve success.
Key quotes:
This is how the school is already arranged. The most important thing we learn there is that the most important thing we learn is not there.
... most often the most difficult path turns out to be the shortest
… running helps me understand, how weak and limited I am after all. I perceive it at the lowest, physiological level. Also, the more I run, the more durable I become.
However, everyone else has a much more cheerful look than mine. Or maybe it just seems to me.
When you are young and talented, it gives you wings.
If I were born a horse, I would rather be a working horse than a racing horse.
... The more I ran, the more I learned about myself.
... It is much more important for me to know that today, although not by much, I still surpassed yesterday's self ...
Without the ability to concentrate, you will not achieve anything.
If you're going to waste years, at least it's interesting and fulfilling, with some goal, and not wandering in the fog. You need to reach your individual limit, this is a metaphor for life.
I, like a village blacksmith, am silent and hardworking.
I am just a part of nature, moreover, easily replaceable
With age, we learn - by trial and error - to get what we want and get rid of what we don't need.
You need to be happy with what you have.
It is necessary to learn from mistakes, learn from them and apply the experience gained in practice.
I run, therefore I exist.
What is difficult for you is a fact, there is no escaping it. But you can do more or not, only you decide
Suffering is a personal choice for everyone.
Heartache is the price we pay for our independence.
Sometimes physical pain helps you learn vital things.
The reason for my failure is obvious: I didn't train much. And besides, I didn't train much. And also - I didn't train much. If so, in short