---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Sometimes I run fast when I feel like it…"
description: "\"“Sometimes I run fast when I feel like it, but if I increase the pace I shorten the amount of time I run, the point being to let the exhilaration I fee..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/100/haruki-murakami-21_every-day_sometimes-i-run-fast-when-i-feel-like-it_2303475.jpg"
---

#  Sometimes I run fast when I feel like it, but if I…

![“Sometimes I run fast when I feel like it, but if I increase the pace I shorten the amount of time I run, the point being to let the exhilaration I feel at the end of each run carry over to the next day. This is the same sort of tack I find necessary when writing a novel. I stop every day right at…” quote by Haruki Murakami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/100/haruki-murakami-21_every-day_sometimes-i-run-fast-when-i-feel-like-it_2303475.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/100/haruki-murakami-21_every-day_sometimes-i-run-fast-when-i-feel-like-it_2303475.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/100/haruki-murakami-21_every-day_sometimes-i-run-fast-when-i-feel-like-it_2303475.jpg)

> ““Sometimes I run fast when I feel like it, but if I increase the pace I shorten the amount of time I run, the point being to let the exhilaration I feel at the end of each run carry over to the next day. This is the same sort of tack I find necessary when writing a novel. I stop every day right at the point where I feel I can write more. Do that, and the next day's work goes surprisingly smoothly. I think Ernest Hemingway did something like that. To keep on going, you have to keep up the rhythm. This is the important thing for long-term projects. Once you set the pace, the rest will follow. The problem is getting the flywheel to spin at a set speed-and to get to that point takes as much concentration and effort as you can manage.””

[Haruki Murakami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/haruki-murakami/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Murakami likens creative work to a rhythm, urging regular, paced effort to sustain momentum and avoid burnout.

**In simple terms:** Write a little each day, stopping before fatigue hits.

Key Takeaway

Maintain a steady creative rhythm.

Themes

creativity discipline rhythm productivity focus

Mood

motivational practical

Type

inspirational practical

When to use this quote

- writing a
- learning a new skill
- exercise routine

Key Concepts

flow state habit formation incremental progress

Questions to Reflect On

- What daily rhythm supports your long‑term projects?
- How do you recognize when to pause?

A Different Perspective

Pushing too hard can cause burnout; balance is essential.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Ernest Hemingway](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ernest-hemingway/) [Every day](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/every-day/) [Feel Write](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feel-write-235068/) [Increase Pace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/increase-pace-4042002/) [Next day](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/next-day/) [Pace Shorten](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pace-shorten-5450693/) [Rhythm Important](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rhythm-important-356815/) [Set Pace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/set-pace-356814/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer/)

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