What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
Haruki Murakami
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional"
You really get to know what Mr Murakami talks about when he talks about running in this fabulous book. A wonderful piece of literature that takes the reader through the time period of 2005/06, as Haruki works through the trials and tribulations of preparing for a marathon as he ages. The book has a light feel to it, as it dances back and forth through his thoughts while he runs and his learnings from running distances beyond a marathon.
Having solf his jazz bar in 1982, Murakami turned to writing and running to keep fit. Fast forward many years, marathons and criticall acclaimed books, this book reflects upon the influenec of running on his life and even more importantly - on his writing.
This memoir covers the few months before his 2005 New York City marathon while interjecting magic moments, like his euraka moment when deciding to become a write. A masterful and private writer, this book was in part responsible for getting me off my sorry ass and give running an actual go. A book I would recommend to those looking to take a behind the scenes look at someone following their passion, with equal parts of joy for running.