#59 - The Mindset of the Long Distance Runner

What drives success, whether in writing, running, or life's broader pursuits?

Is it talent, consistency, perseverance, or perhaps something more intrinsic?

Haruki Murakami, renowned for his surreal and thought-provoking novels, is also an avid runner. In his memoir, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, Murakami explores his passion for running marathons and participating in triathlons. Beyond the physical aspects, he uncovers intriguing lessons that apply not just to running but to life's many pursuits.

The Balance of Talent and Effort

Acknowledging that talent is essential—"like fuel in a car"—Murakami also emphasizes the crucial roles of concentration and perseverance. He was not someone who could effortlessly write novels but instead, he dedicated significant time and effort to his craft.

"The ability to concentrate and the perseverance to work over a long period can compensate for limitations in talent"

He believes that these qualities, much like muscles, can be strengthened through diligent practice. And up to this point it does not strike as a particularly novel thought. Most people would agree with that. Murakami adds however: "Some people say that I have very strong will, I am able to keep running for twenty years but I don't think it is a matter of will."

"Running fits my nature and therefore it does feel to me exhausting."

Even the strongest person, if he does not feel satisfaction from doing something, sooner or later will drop it. And if not it will impact his health. This insight ties together the key features of success. Without a talent, which Murakami calls a general tendency or a person's nature, he can not withstand demands of concentration and perseverance.

While the idea of putting in 10 000 hours of practice has popular appeal, Murakami suggests that working hard on something misaligned with one's nature is neither realistic nor sustainable. Talent, or what he refers to as a person's inherent tendencies, must align with effort. Without this harmony, the demands of concentration and perseverance may become simply too high.

Competing Against Oneself

Murakami finds little interest in measuring himself against others.

"It does not matter to me if I am better or worse than others... What really counts if I am a little better than yesterday."

What truly matters is meeting his own expectations and fulfilling the tasks he sets for himself. In the solitary miles of a marathon, his only rival is the person he was yesterday. Each stride forward is a testament to personal growth, a quiet victory over his former self.

Bram Lybaert, a friend of mine who has completed the grueling Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc spanning 172 kilometers with 10,000 m of positive elevation around Mont Blanc, and several other ultra-trails (generally considered a trail above 75K), echoes this sentiment. The ultra-trails demand an inner drive. Bram observes that long-distance runners often lack publicity and fans; thus, intrinsic motivation becomes the ultimate driver of achievement. He found that in himself but also twelve other ultramarathon runners he interviewed for his master thesis:

"The sport allows and forces one to go on a journey to get to know oneself at the deepest level, both physically and mentally, possibly reaching a state of transcendence."

His experience aligns with Murakami's belief that nurturing internal motivations is vital for sustained commitment.

Nurturing Motivation

Murakami stresses the delicate nature of motivation. He recognizes that if he were to stop running due to time constraints, returning to it might be unlikely.

"There are countless reasons to quit and only a few to keep going"

To sustain his commitment, he diligently nurtures each source of motivation, treating them as precious and in need of regular care. It resembles one of the resilience cornerstones: finding a purpose. Long distance runners can teach us a lot about finding the purpose inside ourselves.

Bram adds practical advice about breaking down goals into manageable chunks. Focusing on small, daily steps can lead to achievements beyond our wildest dreams. A purpose centered on the journey rather than the destination fosters a resilient and powerful motivation. It encourages consistent progress without being undermined by unrealistic expectations.

Turning Obstacles into Advantages

Murakami contemplates his tendency to gain weight, viewing it not as a burden but as a hidden blessing. This predisposition compels him to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet, resulting in a strong and resilient body. "Perhaps my tendency to gain weight is a gift," he considers. By reframing a perceived weakness, he harnesses it as motivation for positive habits that enhance his well-being.

Similarly he reflects on facing criticism. Undeserved criticism can cut deep, leaving wounds that linger. Over time, Murakami has come to view these experiences as necessary trials. "Because we are different from others, we can define ourselves and protect our independence," he reflects. The scars from criticism become symbols of his distinctiveness, the price paid for being true to oneself.

The Marathon of Life

As we navigate our own marathons—whether in work, creative endeavors, or personal challenges—we can draw inspiration from Murakami's reflections:

• Follow Your Nature: Align your pursuits with your inherent tendencies to find genuine satisfaction and sustainable motivation.

• Balance Talent with Effort: Recognize that while talent is essential, concentration and perseverance amplify its impact.

• Compete Only with Yourself: Focus on personal growth rather than external comparisons to foster a healthy and enduring drive.

• Nurture Your Motivation: Actively care for your sources of inspiration to maintain commitment over the long term.

• Embrace Obstacles as Opportunities: Reframe challenges as advantages that can lead to personal development and resilience.

Bram Lybaert's experiences with ultra-trails running further illustrate these principles. His achievements underscore the importance of intrinsic motivation, goal setting, and embracing the journey one step at a time. He thinks that running ultra-trails increases self-confidence and self-esteem. Extraordinary achievements in one field fuel ability to succeed in others. And those are not just words, but real life experiences, he is a very successful finance executive and running supported his professional growth.

“If I can run 50 or 100 kilometres, I can do about anything else”

As we navigate our own marathons—work, creative endeavors, or personal challenges—we can draw inspiration from Murakami's reflections. By following our nature, concentration and perseverance, competing only with ourselves, nurturing our motivations and embracing obstacles, we too can find meaning and fulfillment in the steady cadence of our pursuits. And perhaps, like Murakami, we'll discover that the journey itself is the destination, rich with insights that carry us through the miles ahead.

Resources

Murakami, H. (2008). What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (P. Gabriel, Trans.). Alfred A. Knopf. (Original work published 2007)

https://utmbmontblanc.com/en/mag - Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, a 100-mile race with 10.000m D+. Each year, at the end of August 2500 runners start at 6:00 PM on Friday evening in Chamonix and have 46 hours to arrive back (last one arrives 4:00 PM on Sunday)