The main thrust
of his book is that running should be an enjoyable activity. He
emphasizes the importance of running in nature and of
literally stopping to smell the flowers along the way. His
philosophy of running parallels his philosophy of education: in all
his works, he tries to show that human beings should stop competing
with one another and should focus their energies on their own
growth (primarily by learning from others). For Mr. Haitani,
running helps us to be more in touch with our own bodies, to be
more aware of the nature that surrounds us, and ultimately leads us
to a deep respect for the interconnectedness of all life. As a
runner myself, I fully appreciate his point of view.
Coincidentally, Mr. Haitani has lived on Tokashiki Island, a small
island here in Okinawa, since 1991. I had hoped to meet him when I
visited his island to run in the Tokashiki Half Marathon last
February. Unfortunately, however, he was already in surgery
(esophageal cancer) and wasn't home. Thankfully, the long letter I
left in his post box reached him, and I received a short reply.
Even so, I regret that I didn’t make more effort to meet him
in person--especially since I feel that I know him well. I'll miss
him.