Running News Daily

Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami has long viewed running as much more than a way to stay physically fit. For the internationally acclaimed author, the sport has become an essential part of his daily life, helping him maintain the discipline, mental strength and concentration required to sustain a successful writing career.

Murakami, whose literary works have earned him a worldwide readership, developed his passion for running after making a life-changing decision to dedicate himself to writing full-time. Having previously operated a jazz bar in Tokyo, he chose a different path, embracing a quieter lifestyle centred on literature, personal discipline and a commitment to his craft.

The transition, however, came with a challenge. Spending long hours sitting at a desk made him increasingly aware of the importance of physical exercise. He recognised that maintaining his health and energy would be crucial if he wanted to continue writing consistently over many years. Running gradually became the answer, providing structure to his days and a reliable way to balance the demands of a largely sedentary profession.

What began as a practical decision eventually developed into a lifelong commitment. Murakami established a demanding routine, often running approximately 10 kilometres a day, six days a week, with a weekly target of around 60 kilometres. The consistency of this training reflects a philosophy that extends beyond athletics: meaningful progress comes from showing up regularly, embracing repetition and remaining committed even when motivation is limited.

Over the years, Murakami has also tested himself in competitive distance running, completing more than 25 marathons according to the information surrounding his running journey. His experiences include participation in prestigious races such as the Boston Marathon and the New York City Marathon, placing him among the notable literary figures who have embraced endurance sport as a serious personal pursuit.

Among the races he has discussed with particular affection is the Boston Marathon, celebrated for its historic course, distinctive atmosphere and enthusiastic spectators. The experience of running alongside thousands of other athletes offers a different kind of challenge from the solitary hours he spends writing, yet both pursuits demand patience, preparation and the determination to keep moving forward when the task becomes difficult.

Interestingly, Murakami does not approach running as an opportunity to solve writing problems with every stride. Instead, he often allows his mind to settle, enjoying the rhythm of movement without deliberately forcing himself to produce ideas. This mental space gives him an opportunity to step away from the demands of his work, allowing thoughts to emerge naturally rather than through constant concentration.

For Murakami, the connection between running and writing is rooted in the qualities both activities require. Completing a long-distance run demands sustained effort, while producing a novel requires the ability to concentrate for extended periods, work through uncertainty and remain dedicated to a project long after its initial excitement has faded.

His approach also highlights an important distinction between creativity and inspiration. Rather than relying entirely on moments of sudden brilliance, Murakami has built a lifestyle around consistency, creating the physical and mental conditions that allow him to continue working. Running has become one of the foundations of that routine, supporting the stamina necessary for a profession that often requires hours of uninterrupted thought.

Although writing and running may appear to occupy entirely different worlds, Murakami's experience demonstrates how closely they can be connected. Both require an individual to develop a personal rhythm, respect the process and accept that lasting achievements rarely happen overnight.

His story offers an inspiring reminder that physical activity can play a meaningful role in intellectual and creative life. Whether an individual is training for a marathon, pursuing an ambitious professional goal or working towards a personal dream, the principles of consistency, patience and self-discipline remain remarkably similar.

For Murakami, running is not simply something he does outside his writing career. It is part of the lifestyle that helps make that career sustainable. Through years of steady training and dedicated writing, the Japanese novelist has demonstrated how caring for the body can support the mind, proving that sometimes the strongest foundation for creative achievement begins with putting one foot in front of the other.

From the blazing heat of Singapore to the historic streets of London, national marathoner Soh Rui Yong just redefined endurance and style. Clocking 2:39:57 at the 2024 London Marathon, Soh shattered the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon run in a three-piece suit and tie, beating the previous best by 56 seconds.

But this record-breaking feat was no victory lap.

Running in sweltering heat along the Thames, Soh endured what he called a “sweatfest,” his heart pounding and pace slowing from 3:45/km to over 4:00/km by the final stretch. “The sun was beating down… with my head feeling like I was going to get a heat stroke anytime,” he shared in a candid post. Despite the discomfort, he leaned on his resilience—built from years of running in Singapore’s tropical humidity—and a quote by Haruki Murakami:

“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.”

Those final 30 minutes were brutal. Shuffling step by step, Soh chipped away at the distance—kilometre by kilometre, minute by minute—passing runner after runner with sheer willpower. His sprint to the finish? “I only succeeded in looking pretty ridiculous on live BBC TV,” he joked.

Still, the result was no joke: first person in history to go under 2:40 in a full suit, making a bold fashion statement on one of the biggest marathon stages in the world.

From tiny tropical Singapore to the world, Soh’s message is clear: you don’t need ideal conditions to make history—you just need grit, heart, and maybe a really good tailor.