BookBabble #54: "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" by Ha...

So what does Haruki talk about when he talks about running?!

Murakami may well be familiar to some as the writer of Norwegian Wood among other novels and works, and in this offering he takes the non-fiction path…

I've only ever read Norwegian Wood of his books, and that's another story (quite literally) so I'm not so well versed on this guy. I will say that book is quite highly regarded by many… for me it was ok. Nothing special from what I recall but 'quite good'. Not exactly an exciting or overly-positive review, but an acknowledgement that it may hit the spot with many out there.

The thing about Norwegian Wood is that I started reading it, then left it… then came back to it a few years later and read from the start all the way through. It gave me an idea of how the author's mind works, his style, and it was a decent enough story. It just didn't blow me away, but perhaps I missed something (maybe I'll go back and read it again and/or delve into some of his other work).

Anyway, back to this book. I wrote an article a few years back related to running and I was recommended a number of books on the subject. They have (and will) feature in this BookBabble series (see Born to Run and Eat & Run for example), so it was about time I got round to this.

Running is a very interesting activity. It almost has nothing to do with health and fitness. A bold statement as surely that's the whole point? Yes, there is that, but it's more about the mind, facing yourself and applicable to wider life. It can even be a 'spiritual experience' for want of a better term. It's certainly a form of meditation.

Enough about all that, let's see what our old friend Haruki has to say on the matter…

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Some of my highlights from the book followed by my thoughts…

Somerset Maugham once wrote that in each shave lies a philosophy. I couldn’t agree more. No matter how mundane some action might appear, keep at it long enough and it becomes a contemplative, even meditative act.

Shaving, running, eating, whatevering… once you do something a number of times over and over, it can become a meditative act and experience. Mundane, sure, but that's the point; it's in the simple and unremarkable we can find some things, not necessarily in a flash of thunder and lightning. Being present and appreciating the moment.

Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.

You'll never get away from pain, in one way or another. You can avoid it and try to minimise it but if it's on its way to you, then you have to deal with it. Suffering on the other hand is your reaction to the situation and that is in your sphere of control, and your choice. Easier said than done of course, but it doesn't make it any less true.

I’m struck by how, except when you’re young, you really need to prioritize in life, figuring out in what order you should divide up your time and energy. If you don’t get that sort of system set by a certain age, you’ll lack focus and your life will be out of balance.

Indeed, as an adult we need to figure out what's important, prioritise these things then execute on them. As a child you can go with the flow, but when you get older you need to make decisions and take life in the direction you want it based on the data and feedback you've received so far. There's only so much time and energy to go round, so choose wisely!

Check out these 3 Threads on prioritising and productivity (as well as the last BookBabble on Make Time):

Make Time video review:
@adambarratt/re-leothreads-d3hwuepe
The ONE Thing video review:
@adambarratt/re-leothreads-2n2s6xacx
Book chapter on priorities:
@adambarratt/re-leothreads-n8q3uhdm

The most important thing we ever learn at school is the fact that the most important things can’t be learned at school.

I wouldn't say it was a waste if time, but let's just say school time isn't used to its optimum. I wrote an article a while back based on a famous TED Talk about the education system so won't delve into it here. Suffice to say, you do learn some stuff at school but not what's really needed 'out there' and only to prep you to be an obedient worker and citizen.

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Being active every day makes it easier to hear that inner voice.

Getting moving helps keep things in flow. So on a physical level with blood pumping round, and mentally, emotionally and spiritually too. There are messages to be heard, whether that be from within yourself, or outside if you believe in that kind of thing.

Most of What I Know About Writing Fiction I Learned by Running Every Day

It does teach a lot of things. In the intro I alluded to the fact that running is a metaphor for life and the 2 are interchangeable. That of course doesn't only apply to writing (fiction or otherwise) but any pursuit you can imagine.

basic rules for training: I never take two days off in a row.

Always best to do a particular thing every day and then maybe miss a day here and there. And if you do miss a day, be sure never to miss a second. That's a good rule of thumb and means you'll never stray far away from whatever it is.

Obviously with running and physical activities this needs to be in the scope of your capabilities, health and any injuries permitting!

there are things that only runners understand and share.

It's a certain breed, and a sort of 'club' if you like. Very particular (and peculiar?) type of people. The act of running is kind of insane, but at the same time it's the most primordial (primeval?) thing you can do.

So there's the 'higher level' stuff and maybe more of the mechanics and down to earth, day-to-day aspects that only other runners will know and understand.

In most cases learning something essential in life requires physical pain.

There's the pleasure and pain spectrum. And all things only exist due to the existence of their opposites. Without any pain, how do you have pleasure? And learning anything is always going to cause you some sort of distress (if not, perhaps you need to up your game).

David Goggins says you have to suffer. Whilst you may not particularly want to, to make any strides you will need to… or you can live a comfortable, mediocre life which will be ok I'm sure, but not hit those heights you secretly yearn for.

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Thanks Haruki! Anything Else?

Another thing I'll say about running (or any physical activity really) is if you're up and about first thing in the morning and you get that done, then the rest of your day is a breeze.

Ok, things still happen, but you've got that under your belt and you're in a much better position to deal with all that comes at you. Not only the 'runner's high' as it were, but also you can go about your day with confidence and assurance, safe in the knowledge that can't be taken away from you.

A reasonable book, but again like Norwegian Wood, not emphatic. As I say, this was recommended as one of the top 'running' books but is very different from some of the others on that list.

It delves more into Murakami's mindset, and lifelong running pursuit, so we get to see a bit more of his character and also another nudge to get our running shoes on and out the door (literally or figuratively).

All in all, a good book and worth a read, especially for fans of the author and anyone in to running of course (although this book is really not just about running per se, so don't let that put you off).

Right, I'm off for a run!

First image my own, others linked to source

BookBabble #54: "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" by Haruki Murakami

Some of my highlights from the book followed by my thoughts…

Thanks Haruki! Anything Else?