Haruki Murakami is an accomplished writer who also spends much of his time running. His book encompasses many thoughts and sentiments of the everyday runner, those of us who spend our free time training and balance that with work and our everyday lives. Anyone who runs can relate to his poignant reflections on the sport and how it can shape our lives.
I greatly enjoyed Haruki’s running reflections as I related deeply to many of them. I love that he points out that running is not for everyone, but it does softly call to those it’s meant for. There is a type of personality that gets drawn in to its structure and goal setting focus. While I too greatly enjoy running as a backbone of my daily routine I can recognize it’s something that fits to my personality and may not fit for others. There’s a great peace that comes with knowing deeply you’ve connected with something that serves you well and that can be felt throughout his writing.
The pieces of his work I connected with the most were his musings on the simple relationships you form with those you see on your common run paths or at races. The people you know the faces of so well yet never know the name of or any details of their lives. I thought of the folks who wave at me most mornings as I pass them on their morning walks, the nice lady who says good morning while walking her dog, the woman who I’ve witnessed go from pregnancy to a young mother as we pass by on our morning runs. All these small moments of connection bring me a small piece of joy thats hard to describe as the connection is so minute, but the consistent presence of a familiar face is a comfort I’m glad other runners also enjoy.
He ends the novel on a reflection of running and how he plans to keep it as a part of his life for as long as possible, despite how it may change over time. I greatly admired these reflections as it highlights how running always can grow and change with us if we allow it. Of course it’s fun to keep progressing and getting faster but we all must contend with the fact that at some point time will naturally slow us down. I hope I can face this fact with as much grace as Haruki when that time comes as I too hope to run for as long as I can, however that may look in the years to come.
His novel takes you through a familiar journey of building to a race, going through the challenges of the race, and then starting the process all over again. I appreciated his perspective as he’s been distance running for many years as is beyond his physical prime at the time of the book but still has a deep love and appreciation for the sport. If you’re looking for a story you can connect with as an everyday runner that will inspire you to keep your connection to the sport for many years, this is the book for you.
Next month: The Longest Race by Kara Goucher