What Would Haruki Murakami Do?

After reading the Murakami article in the New Yorker on his start as a runner and novelist, I have decided to think of Murakami whenever I feel like skipping a visit to the gym. If he can train himself to become a long distance runner, the least I can do is make sure that I get my ass on the elliptical machine on a regular basis. I know my limits- no long distance runner am I- but I will gladly think of him as an encouraging patron saint against laziness. I guess I’ll also think of him, preferably wearing a disapproving frown on his face, whenever I’m stuck with writing. On those days allotted to writing, when I don’t actually feel like writing, the thought of Murakami will hopefully give me that extra push to keep going. Who knows, he might be able to help me become a better person. And he won’t even know it!