You’d never know it looking at me: I’m a fairly large dude. I do, however, run. I try to throw down a half hour on a treadmill at a fairly fast pace, and considering that my surroundings are pretty lackluster, I’m left to my own thoughts to keep me from falling asleep and pulling a Kool-Aid Man through the back of the gym.
But, man, do I get to thinking. I think I’ve dissected about thirty rock albums, as well as debated over who was a better wrestler, Animal or Hawk, both from the Legion of Doom (Hawk, if you’re curious). And of course, interspursed is the serious life stuff.
Its that awkward flow of information that frames What I Talk About when I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami. This memoir is a jumble of thoughts centered around the author’s long-distance running hobby adopted in adult life. Haruki manages to squeeze out a life story, constantly hinting at what might make the most subtle instance or object a significant answer to a greater of life’s mysteries. Next time you let your mind drift off as your physical world slips into monotony, consider your surroundings, your life, and think about giving this book a once-through.
It’s too dangerous to think when you’re on a treadmill.