“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.”
As a long-distance runner and endurance athlete, reading Haruki Murakami’s “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running” felt like connecting with an older brother’s spirit.
It was the 3rd time for me.
Each time, at a different age (23, 37, and now much older), I experienced a different type of reflection and understanding.
Murakami, a ‘rockstar’ Japanese novelist, offers a reflective, almost meditative account of how running has influenced his life, writing, and philosophy. The book isn’t a manual on how to run faster or build endurance but rather a deeply personal exploration of what running means to him and, ultimately, what it can mean to anyone who has ever put on a pair of running shoes.
Having spent over 30 years in long-distance running and competing in endurance sports like cycling and Ironman competitions, I found myself nodding in agreement and reflecting on my own journey as I turned the pages. Murakami captures the essence of being a long-distance runner.
It is not just the physical challenge but the mental and emotional aspects that often go unspoken and are much deeper than what the eye sees.
The Solitude of Long-Distance Running
The book starts by drawing a parallel between running and writing. Murakami states that both activities require discipline, persistence, and a willingness to embrace solitude. As someone who has trained for countless marathons and triathlons, I’m intimately familiar with the solitude of long-distance running. A certain peace emerges during those long hours on the road when it’s just you, your breath, and the rhythmic pounding of your feet on the pavement.
Murakami’s descriptions of his training run along the river in Boston or through the streets of Tokyo remind me of some of my early-morning training sessions before the world woke up, mainly during my time with Google. Running is simple and pure, stripping away distractions, leaving only the runner and their thoughts. It’s a way to do meditation while you are moving.
The Discipline of Endurance
One of the key themes in “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running” is the idea of discipline. Murakami quickly points out that he’s not an exceptionally gifted runner—he’s not setting world records or aiming for Olympic trials—but his dedication sets him apart. He runs every day, whether he feels like it or not, much in the same way he sits down to write. This daily practice, he suggests, ultimately allows him to succeed in his running and writing.
This resonates deeply with me as a runner and endurance athlete. It’s not about the occasional burst of motivation; it’s about showing up daily, even when your legs are sore, or the weather is terrible. Ironman training requires a similar kind of relentless consistency. There are days when the idea of a 100-mile bike ride or a 20-mile run feels overwhelming, but you lace up anyway, trusting that the cumulative effect of those miles will pay off on race day.
Murakami doesn’t glamorize running, and this honesty is refreshing. He talks about the aches and pains, fatigue, and the inevitable slowing down that comes with age. As someone who has been running for decades, I appreciated his candidness about the physical toll it takes. There’s a sense of acceptance in Murakami’s reflections—an acknowledgment that, while we may not be as fast or strong as we once were, continuing to run is a victory.
Running as a Metaphor for Life
For Murakami, running isn’t just a physical act; it’s a metaphor for life.
The lessons learned on the road: perseverance, patience, and humility apply to nearly every aspect of life. Endurance sports, whether running a marathon or completing an Ironman, teach you to push through discomfort, pace yourself, and embrace the process rather than fixate on the outcome.
One of my favorite ideas in the book is when Murakami writes, “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” This simple statement perfectly encapsulates the mental fortitude (or grit) that running builds.
In endurance sports, pain is part of the deal.
Whether it’s the burning in your legs during the final miles of a marathon or the mental fatigue that sets in during the last leg of an Ironman (=running after a long bike session), you can’t avoid pain.
But how you respond to it is a choice.
It’s not easy, but doing hard things makes you grow (and smile).
Conclusion
“What I Talk About When I Talk About Running” is an excellent book for runners, athletes, and anyone interested in understanding the connection between the body and mind.
Murakami’s reflections on running are both personal and universally relatable. As a long-distance runner who has spent decades on the road, I found his insights to validate my experiences.
The book reminds us that running is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life, a practice that teaches us how to endure, reflect, and grow.
This book will inspire you to keep running, not just for the sake of fitness but for the sake of the journey.
Have fun out there!
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