Haruki Murakami gave an interview to Runner’s World magazine after releasing his book on running.
Source: http://articleyeeyanorg/view/274804/240085
Q: Why did you choose running, and when did you start?
A: I started running every day after becoming a writer. As a writer, you typically spend several hours a day sitting at a desk, and I found that without exercise, you quickly gain weight and your body deteriorates. That was 22 years ago. At the same time, I also quit smoking. You know, ever since I became a writer, my health has improved rapidly. You could call me an exception. But because of that, my weight has remained the same as it was back then.
Before becoming a writer, I ran a jazz bar in downtown Tokyo. That job meant I often worked late in a smoky environment. When I could make a living through writing, I was thrilled, so I immediately decided, “I’m going to lead a healthy life no matter what.” I get up at 5 a.m. every day, take care of some work-related things, and then go running. It often refreshes me.
I’ve always liked running, so I didn’t face any major hurdles—it naturally became a habit. All you need is a pair of running shoes, and you can run anywhere. Also, you don’t need anyone else to do it with, so I felt it suited me because I enjoy solitary activities.
Q: How much do you usually run? Do you run a set distance or do speed workouts as well?
A: I usually run about 60 kilometers a week: six days a week, averaging ten kilometers a day. Depending on the situation, sometimes more, sometimes less. If there’s no race, I generally run at a moderate pace—just enough to feel comfortable and relaxed. If I’m preparing for a race, I might focus on speed workouts. But most of the time, I run without a specific pace, just aiming to feel good.
I should add here that I’ve recently started training for triathlons, so my routine now includes cycling and swimming. As a result, I only run about three to four days a week.
Q: You’re moving to Boston, and you’ve run there before. Where do you usually run in Boston?
A: I’ve run the Boston Marathon six times before. I think the best part of the marathon is the changing scenery along the way and the support from enthusiastic spectators. Every time I run the Boston Marathon, I feel really happy. Based on my experience, the Boston Marathon is the most charming. (Of course, the New York City Marathon is exciting too, but it’s different.) One challenge of running the Boston Marathon is setting a good pace. Because the beginning of the course has a lot of downhill sections, I always find it tricky—I never know how fast I should go. Even though I’ve run this course many times, I’ve never felt like, “Yes, this time I got it right!”
However, no matter how challenging the race is, crossing the finish line at Copley Square and then going to Legal Sea Foods to eat steamed clams and drink Samuel Adams beer is, for me, one of the greatest moments in life.
When I lived there before, I used to run along the Charles River. I really enjoyed running there, even though it gets cold in the winter.
Q: If we’re talking about other places in the world, where do you like to run the most and why?
A: The best place in the world to run? I think of a small island in Greece where I used to live. Since I was the only person running there, people would often shout things at me like, “Why are you running?”, “Isn’t that bad for your health?”, or “Stop running and have a drink of ouzo instead?” It was really funny.
Q: I read an article saying that you ran every day while writing Kafka on the Shore. Did you come up with storylines or dialogues while running? What impact does running have on your writing?
A: When I run, I try not to think about anything. Actually, my mind is often completely blank when I’m running. But sometimes, when I’m running like that, ideas naturally come to me—they might become thoughts for my writing. But overall, I try to let my mind rest and relax by not thinking about anything. Running helps cool down the overactive nerves I get from writing.
Q: Do you listen to jazz when you run, or something else?
A: I usually listen to rock. I think the simpler the rhythm, the better. Bands like CCR, John Mellencamp, or the Beach Boys. I burn the music onto MDs and listen to them on a Walkman while running. I once ran a 100-kilometer ultramarathon and had planned to listen to Mozart’s The Magic Flute the whole time, but it ended up being too irritating, so I gave up halfway. Since then, I’ve felt that opera isn’t suitable for running.
Q: You’ve mentioned wanting to run the New York Marathon again. What did you think of it when you ran it before? What are the best and worst things about the New York Marathon?
A: I’ve run the New York Marathon three times. The best part is being able to run through and take in this one-of-a-kind, massive city—the entire experience is deeply satisfying. The course goes through truly astonishing, diverse neighborhoods; every area has its own unique crowd and culture—that feeling exists only in New York. Also, my personal best marathon time was set in New York. As for a downside, the long wait at the starting line before the race begins, with the cold wind blowing, can be pretty freezing.
Q: As someone who has run a marathon every year for over 20 years, do you plan to keep going? How has running (both marathons and regular runs) affected you over the years?
A: I try to run at least one marathon every year and hope to keep doing it for as long as possible. Although my finishing time has gotten slower as I’ve aged, it has become a very important part of my life. The most beneficial thing I’ve gained from running over the past 22 years is that it has taught me to respect my body. I think it’s important for everyone to realize this.
Respecting your own body also allows you to respect others. If more people in this world could understand that, there would be no terrorism or war. But obviously, it’s disappointing that things aren’t that simple—at least not as simple as I’d like them to be. For a novelist, the most important qualities are imagination, understanding, and concentration. But to maintain these abilities at a high level, you must not neglect one thing: staying physically fit.
Without a solid foundation of physical strength, you can’t accomplish anything complex or demanding. That’s my belief. If I hadn’t kept running, I think my writing would be completely different from what it is now.