What I talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami

7/10

Haruki Murakami’s memoir, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, blends his love for long-distance running with his life as a novelist. Through a series of essays and diary-like entries, he recounts his training routines, marathon experiences, and the lessons he’s learned on the run. Running, for Murakami, is more than physical exercise—it’s a way of life that teaches discipline, resilience, and the importance of pushing through discomfort.

He often echoes the sentiment, “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional,” using it as a guiding principle both in running and writing. The memoir reveals personal reflections on motivation, aging, and the parallels between the steady focus needed for a marathon and that required for writing. His daily habits—early morning runs, careful diet, and consistent training—mirror the disciplined routine that has fueled his career.

The tone is intimate and thoughtful, offering insight without preaching that running is a cure-all. Instead, Murakami shares his own journey of finding meaning and satisfaction through committed practice, making it a resonant read for anyone interested in the art of perseverance and the challenges of creative work.