What I Talk About When I Talk About Running: Haruki Murakami

Another non fiction book by Murakami so dont expect a story.I was hoping for a biography/documentary type book by and on Haruki Murakami and he wrote this.I was unsure of it when i bought but i ended up loving it.I love the author but also wanted to start running so it was 2 birds one stone.I really enjoyed his routine, his diary like running and experiences in different countries.This is a must if you are thinking of running.He was after all 33 when he decided to start running and still does religiously at nearly 70!!Very inspirational to me.A great background into his running,some humour involved,albeit shorter than his fiction novels but perfect length although i didnt want it to end.Funny enough i did visualise what i was doing in the past when he mentioned preparing for famous past marathons.Overall it wont be to everyones taste but to me i enjoyed it, i just hope he releases an in depth book into his life.Highly recommend to the reader interested in the subject.

Yes, if you've ever read a Murakami story. Yes, if you ever lace up a pair of trainers and run to your own personal rhythm. Yes, if you're interested in the art of the novel. Yes, if you're none of those. You'll find a friend in these pages.As you would expect from a writer of his pedigree, a book about the activity he has pursued since 1982, running, is about much more that the non-runner/running-averse can get their teeth into. As the writer himself says in Chapter One: "running is both exercise and a metaphor." (p10) This philosophy is made apparent in the approach he has taken to writing and presenting this book, and he subsequently reveals much of his inner-self as reflected upon the choices he has made and those activities he has chosen to pursue.This is not a brash book revealing a brash personality boosted by the buzz of running. No, it's a book about an individual constantly reinventing and fighting to find elements of a self that he is content to call his own. I think this is something we can all relate to, whatever lifestyle choices we make or have made.Of course, as a runner, a reader of Haruki and a bit of a word-doodler, you could say that this is a book tailored to me. Again, I think the book's reach is far broader than that: as a reader, I enjoy opening my mind to experiences that lie beyond my own world, as you can only really be enlightened by that which you don't already know or have realised.That's not to say that this book, as I have already mentioned, doesn't have any value for those to whom it appears to be made, such as me: far from it. Through reading the reflections of someone as perceptive as Murakami on issues we - well 'I', for sure - have all wrestled with or experienced, you are able to smile at a metaphorical moment shared and/or be comforted by a familiar problem or obstacle surmounted.Yes, I guess, for me, the time with this book was like time spent with a good friend: we talked, we laughed, we consoled, we supported, and then we went home. It was all-too-brief and we haven't changed the world, but the time we spent together was special and a great comfort to us both.And for those of you whose world of experience falls beyond that of Haruki, running and writing, you are, therefore, in a position to be enlightened, in some small way, about an aspect of each, which takes me back to what I enjoy about a book and, consequently, makes me think that you'd enjoy it, too.Which is a long-winded way of reiterating that I think there is something in this short book for everyone that, whilst not maybe world-changing, is life-affirming and entertaining, and isn't that really enough to expect?

Murakami makes this book a super light, interesting memoir about personal development, discipline and progress - easy to get through in a couple of days at the most.I have no interest in running (though I did consider starting after reading this) and bought a copy for my girlfriend who also has no interest in running, just because I loved it so much, and leant my copy to a colleague who I never got it back from! I need to get myself another copy I think!

`What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' is a part running and part writing memoir from Haruki Murakami and although relatively short it kept me engrossed the whole way through. This follows Murakami as he talks about how he started running and how he trains for various events. It also looks at how his running has affected his writing and how one often helps the other. It is made up of many short essays that follow on from one another and flow well chronologically and sit well together as a complete book. It is written in a deceptively simple way and although this has many short sentences, each one is expertly crafted and is describes what he is writing about perfectly. He also talks about his triathlon training which breaks up the book slightly and adds to the overall dynamic of the book. His tenacity whilst running ultra marathons is impressive and his resolves in maintaining his training schedule, come what may, should be an inspiration for those of us (I.e. all of us) runners who struggle to get out of the door sometimes. The part where he runs the Athens to Marathon route was especially good but to be honest this is packed full of many such stories to keep you reading and interested. I'd suggest you will enjoy this more if you run regularly, but that is in no way a prerequisite and you can enjoy this just as much if you are a couch potato. Well worth checking out.Feel free to check out my blog which can be found on my profile page.

Murakami is surely one of the most likable authors around and this deft and heartfelt little book about running entertained me throughout.This is not a book for people who are looking to learn about running techniques, nutrition, or time improvement. It is simply a series of essays by Murakami about his running experiences, loosely structured around his training for the New York marathon. Long distance runners will understand and empathise with his tales of grueling training and motivations for running. Writers will find the comparisons he draws between running and writing fascinating.Those who are active in measured sports like distance running are more likely to see the marching of the years add onto their times than most, and Murakami is no exception. Some of the most interesting and poignant passages are about his aknowledgement and acceptance of encroaching old age.Definitely one for both runners and fans of Murakami.