Murakami, my running idol

I bought this book out of boredom. In hindsight, I wanted to learn how other runners think, how it is to be on their shoes, how they started and everything in between. I've been coming back and forth this book at National Bookstore Megamall, so, I gave in to temptation and bought the book. 


The book is about Haruki's memoir to his running life. Of course this has details on how he started running, the runs he's been to, etc. I read this while I was at our province at S. Leyte and it just inspired me to lace up and run. (I borrowed my cousins shoes just to run, I haven't brought any when I went there) It was fantastic, after reading the book, I've never been so inspired. I even went and increased my mileage after this. 


For me, obviously, I highly recommend this book. Let me share a couple of quotes that I love: 


“People sometimes sneer at those who run every day, claiming they'll go to any length to live longer. But don't think that's the reason most people run. Most runners run not because they want to live longer, but because they want to live life to the fullest. If you're going to while away the years, it's far better to live them with clear goals and fully alive then in a fog, and I believe running helps you to do that. Exerting yourself to the fullest within your individual limits: that's the essence of running, and a metaphor for life — and for me, for writing as whole. I believe many runners would agree” 


“For me, running is both exercise and a metaphor. Running day after day, piling up the races, bit by bit I raise the bar, and by clearing each level I elevate myself. At least that’s why I’ve put in the effort day after day: to raise my own level. I’m no great runner, by any means. I’m at an ordinary – or perhaps more like mediocre – level. But that’s not the point. The point is whether or not I improved over yesterday. In long-distance running the only opponent you have to beat is yourself, the way you used to be.” 


"By running longer it's like I can physically exhaust that portion of my discontent. It also makes realize again how weak I am, how limited my abilitirs are. I become aware, physically, of these low points. And one of the results of running a little further than usual is that I become that much stronger. If I'm angry, I direct that anger toward myself. If I have a frustrating experience, I use that to improve myself."