What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

by Haruki Murakami

This book is exactly what you think it is, a memoir by a popular (and good) author on what running means to him.

Though it may not appeal to everyone, this book attracted me because I love books, reading, writing, and running. Also, Murakami is a new author to me so I’m still learning about him.

I wish every one of my favorite authors wrote a memoir because I would love to align my habits with theirs. Here there is some evident and pre-existing overlap.

Obviously, the book isn’t just about running. Murakami describes his life in Boston, and in Japan, competitions, and ultra-marathons. He speaks about running habits and aging, how he can no longer maintain his marathon times as an older man and thus is more interested in triathlons. He describes operating a bar with his wife when he was younger, his interest in baseball, and sharing a track with Olympian runners.

Like in his other writings, Murakami is accessible. He uses the personal I. This is a plus because I’ve never understood why it’s considered bad form. There’s nothing complicated or high-brow and you won’t feel any sort of chasm between you and the author. There’s no posing.

I like the book for what it is – a window into the life of a man I respect. But unless you’re interested in Murakami’s life, this book doesn’t hold any gems.

Have you read Murakami? Are you a runner? Any other memoirs about running you would recommend?