So today I decided to run. A good two kilometres I must say, which surprised me as well. Having stopped running in the last year of college this was a pleasant occurrence.
But what does writing have to do with running? And why at all even club it?
In one of his interviews, Murakami states that one thing he considers of utmost important in his writing career is his physical fitness. At the age of 31 he decided to train for marathon. Not having done any form of sports previously, this was a tough decision for him.
One that ensured his phenomenal success in the world of fiction writing.
You may now ask why.
According to him, what often failed him was not his mental stamina but rather his physical one. Sitting for long hours at the desk was more trying for his body than mind.
Having conquered the marathon hurdles many times, his writing and consequent success in the world of novels increased.
He also added that the writing room in his house has a rather heavy door one which needs a decent amount of strength to open and move inside.
Reason being two. First is that the idea of opening a heavy door and then shutting it behind him denoted the act of closing a real world he lived in. And opening doors to characters and stories. A form of mental isolation.
Second he says is that the day he cannot open that door on his own, he would stop writing. It would denote to him that his body is no longer capable of enduring the hard life of being a writer.
The heavy door can perhaps come later, for now twenty minutes of running will be duly added to routine 😀
Interesting. Running does clear the mind and stimulate new thought. I also agree with the door – shutting out any interruptions
Yes and helps provide the much needed peace to write..
I like that door concept.. a lot.
My UBC Day 6 Post
Me too Bhavya 🙂
What a lovely post on writing! I’m a new reader here and loving it! Following you now 🙂
Thanks a lot for the appreciation 🙂
Oh. Did we discuss this in AAAM sometime? 🙂 It feels very familiar, Richa. and very inspiring of course, to add the running to my routine. Will progress to speedily walking first 🙂
Yes we did discuss it in AAAM 🙂
The concept of the heavy door, linked to writing, is superb!
Thanks Usha jee 🙂
Running is actually one of those stress busters after which you like the endorphins taking charge of you!
Tina from The Sunny Side of Life
True Tina. 🙂
Coincidence or what…. Just finished reading Murakami’s -What I Talk About When I Talk About Running. Inspiring..Yes! You have described the gist of it here….And I hope you continue your running! 🙂
Oh you have read it! Yes a lot of his philosophies are captured in it 🙂
This is really interesting, Richa 🙂 The equation of physical fitness and writing. Well captured!
It is Shailaja, one which I am trying to capture..
That’s an interesting post and I feel it’s important to be physically fit since it increases concentration cum make us more creative.
Vishal
https://vishal-newkidontheblock.blogspot.com/2014/07/chapter-11-orkut-love-story.html
Yes Vishal that is true 🙂
Pune has lot of marathon events happening. Register for one and then train for it, that should be a nice motivation too!
Wow! That’s really interesting and inspiring!! Let me update songs on my iPod and start walking on the treadmill from tomorrow, I mean, morning! 🙂