When you see runners in town is easy to distinguish beginners from veterans. The ones panting are beginners; the ones with quiet, measured breathing are the veterans. Their hearts, lost in thought, slowly tick away time. When we pass each other on the road, we listen to the rhythm of each other's breathing, and sense the way the other person is ticking away the moments.
In Haruki Murakami's "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running," there's a clear distinction between beginner runners and those who are more experienced. Beginners often run with visible effort, panting and exerting themselves, while veterans maintain a calm and steady breathing pattern. This contrast highlights not only the physical differences but also a certain mental control that comes with experience in running.
When runners encounter one another on the road, they become attuned to the rhythms of each other's breathing. This shared experience transcends mere physical activity, revealing a deeper connection as they navigate their individual journeys, marking time together in their unique ways. Murakami captures how running becomes a meditative exercise, allowing thoughts to flow and moments to be appreciated amidst the physical challenges.
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