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What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

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What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

By: Haruki Murakami
Narrated by: Ray Porter
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About this listen

In 1982 Murakami began running to keep fit. Here he reflects on his running experiences. Equal parts travelogue, training log, and reminiscence, this revealing memoir covers his preparation for the 2005 New York City Marathon.

By turns funny and sobering, playful and philosophical, this is a must-listen for fans of this masterful author and for the increasing number of people who find a similar satisfaction in running.

©2007 Haruki Murakami (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc Art & Literature Asian Authors Running & Jogging World Literature Inspiring Funny Feel-Good

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Critic reviews

"Hugely enjoyable.... You don’t have to run a marathon to be captivated." ( Sunday Telegraph)
"This is my most recent inspirational find.... Murakami makes me want to write hard and run far and fast." ( Easy Living)
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Narrator was a great fit, totally convincing. Murakami's fiction has often left me cold but this was a pleasant and interesting journey into the psyche of a writer and runner who's fascinated about why those two pursuits intertwine so naturally. Great for listening to at the gym or...surprise surprise...whilst out running.

Run Haruki, run...

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I wasn't sure what to think about this book. It's off the beaten track in more ways than one, almost a philosophical examination of long distance running, the life of a novelist and what the point of being either actually is. I suspect that you could read or listen to this book several times and get something different from it each time. On the surface, it seems quite a simple read but there are probably layers to it if you chose to look deeply into what is being said. One example that sticks in my mind is where the author passes a pretty girl every day on his regular run. She becomes part of his motivation to head out, in the hope he'll see her in a new outfit, or that she'll give him a bigger smile as she passes by. But he knows he's too shy to try and stop and talk to her, never mind learning her name. That doesn't diminish the connection though and, for him, looking forward to the regular occurrence reinforces his sense of self and is another reason to enjoy running. For others, this might be a missed opportunity that they'd torture themselves over. The lesson is to find your own path, find what works for you and commit to it in a manner that is true to how you live your life. It is your life after all.
Maybe I should go back and read or listen to the book again. I enjoyed it, but finished it wondering if it was the book that was a bit shallow or if it was just my reading of it? I kind of suspect the latter.

Foot for Thought

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Is there anything you would change about this book?

There is really nothing that this book adds to a runner. The author keeps on repeating himself. A lot of what he says is not motivational or helpful. It is just a mindless mumble.

What will your next listen be?

This is going to hurt by Adam Kay

What three words best describe Ray Porter’s performance?

The narration keeps the book alive, without him it would have been a complete disappointment.

Did What I Talk About When I Talk About Running inspire you to do anything?

Not really.

Any additional comments?

May be he could have talked about his training, whether he did anything to improve his time or if he learnt anything from any of the races that he talks about.

No real substance here for a runner

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good listen, well read definately worth the credit. would definately recommend this book to anyone

great listen.

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This is also about the philosophy of life. I have been a huge fan of Murakami for about a year, hoovering up his novels as quickly as I find them, and this short book about his life, attitudes, writing and, inevitably, running is as inspirational as the rest. Beautifully narrated as well. Wonderful.

not just about running

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