What I Talk About When I Talk About Running vs. Outlive By Peter Attia
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is a memoir by Haruki Murakami where he talks about two things that define a big part of his life: running and writing. Murakami didn’t always plan on being a novelist. He was running a jazz bar in his twenties when, while watching a baseball game, he suddenly thought, “I could write a novel.” He gave it a shot, it worked out, and he eventually sold his bar to focus on writing full-time. But sitting at a desk all day, smoking and not moving much, wasn’t doing his health any good. That’s when he picked up running. For Murakami, running is more than just exercise—it’s part of his routine and, in a way, a metaphor for writing. Both take endurance. Both are long hauls where you push yourself day after day, even when you don’t feel like it. The book follows him as he trains for marathons, competes in triathlons, and grapples with the slow decline of his physical abilities as he ages. He talks a lot about acceptance—accepting getting older, accept...
Outlive By Peter Attia
Modern healthcare is often reactive. This is part of the reason why preventative medicine is so key.

Reviews
Reviewed on 2/28/2024
I read this book when I first started running long distance. I was living in Chiang Mai and I'd go this huge park a couple of times a week and just run loops around the lake. At the end of my run I'd grab a milk tea and a banana bread from a local coffee shop and just read a few pages. Great memories of many chill evenings, running and reading about running.
Reviews
Item | Votes | Upvote |
---|---|---|
Easy read | 1 | |
Motivating | 1 | |
Peaceful | 1 |
Item | Votes | Upvote |
---|---|---|
No cons yet, would you like to add one? |
Item | Votes | Upvote |
---|---|---|
No pros yet, would you like to add one? |
Item | Votes | Upvote |
---|---|---|
No cons yet, would you like to add one? |
Frequently Asked Questions
'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' offers a personal narrative that intertwines running with writing and self-reflection, making it a motivating read for those interested in personal growth through physical activity. In contrast, 'Outlive' focuses on preventative medicine and longevity, appealing to readers looking for scientific insights into health and wellness. The choice depends on whether you prefer a narrative-driven approach to personal development or a more scientific exploration of health.
'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' is specifically noted for its motivational qualities, as it encourages readers to embrace challenges and find joy in running. 'Outlive', while informative about health and longevity, does not focus on motivation in the same narrative way. Therefore, for motivation, Murakami's book is the better choice.
'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' is described as an easy and peaceful read, making it engaging for those who enjoy personal stories and reflections. 'Outlive', on the other hand, is more focused on healthcare and preventative medicine, which may not appeal to all readers in the same way. Thus, for an engaging reading experience, Murakami's book is likely to be preferred.
'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' is a memoir by Haruki Murakami that explores the intertwined themes of running and writing. Murakami shares his journey from running a jazz bar to becoming a novelist, detailing how running became a crucial part of his life and a metaphor for his writing process. The book reflects on endurance, acceptance of aging, and the highs and lows of both running and writing.
Pros of 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' include its easy readability, motivating content, and the peaceful tone of Murakami's writing. There are no cons listed for this book, indicating that readers generally find it to be a positive experience.
Haruki Murakami is a renowned Japanese author known for his unique blend of magical realism, surrealism, and themes of loneliness and existentialism. He gained international fame with novels such as 'Norwegian Wood' and 'Kafka on the Shore.' In 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running,' he shares personal insights into his life as a writer and runner.
The writing style of 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' is straightforward and conversational, as if Murakami is sharing his thoughts over coffee. He often includes personal anecdotes and reflections, making the narrative relatable and engaging for readers.
In 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running,' memorable moments include Murakami's experiences training for marathons, his reflections on aging and acceptance, and the simple joys of running, such as the satisfaction of finishing a race and enjoying a cold beer afterward. His vivid descriptions of running the original marathon route in Greece also stand out.
'Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity' by Peter Attia focuses on the importance of preventative medicine over reactive healthcare. The book delves into strategies and scientific principles that can help extend human life and improve health span.
Peter Attia is a physician specializing in the applied science of longevity. He is known for his work in preventative medicine and has a background in surgery, as well as expertise in nutritional biochemistry.
The main themes of 'Outlive' include the importance of preventative medicine, strategies to extend life span, and scientific principles to improve overall health. The book aims to shift focus from reactive healthcare to proactive measures that can enhance longevity and wellness.