Maybe this will sound a little cliche, maybe it won’t, but running has indeed made me a better writer.
Sure, there's the obvious physical benefit. Every run strengthens me, boosts my mood, and increases my stamina, which directly improves my productivity and the quality of my writing. But the real magic lies deeper.
It's about mental toughness—the ability to endure a long, grueling run, which mirrors the perseverance needed to complete a book.
When you're running, or writing, there are countless moments when you want to quit. But you don't. You keep going, driven by the promise of long-term rewards. Your mind keeps you going because, at the end of the day, it is mind over body.
For me, each mile conquered is like a finished chapter. A marathon, or even a 10K, seems daunting at first, but when you break it down into manageable chunks, it becomes achievable.
One more mile, one more chapter. You push through the inevitable dip and suddenly, the finish line is in sight.
The more I run, the more I write. The more I write, the better I become.
I'm not alone in this revelation. In his memoir, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, the celebrated author Haruki Murakami, himself a long-distance runner, reflects on how running has shaped his life and work. He draws parallels between the discipline of both activities, emphasizing how the endurance and solitude of running fuel his creativity.
"Most of what I know about writing I've learned through running every day." - Haruki Murakami.
Another inspiring story is that of Mark Ryall, who coached his daughter Stephanie in competitive running. Their journey, chronicled in the book Run Daughter, Run Father, highlights the profound connection that can be forged through shared passion and perseverance.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Mark on my podcast “Read and Write with Natasha”.
During the interview, Mark revealed that he picked up running in middle age, which mirrors my story, and reemphasized the notion that it is never too late to reinvent yourself.
Whether you're lacing up your running shoes for the first time or starting your first draft, age is irrelevant. The starting line is always open.
So, if you're looking to enhance your writing, I have a simple tip: Run.
What I think about when I think about running