A Beautiful Work in Progress

by Mirna Valerio
A Beautiful Work in Progress cover
Good Books rating 4.56
Biography and Memoir
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 5563
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-29
  • ISBN: 9781503943391
  • Published: 2017-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

Mirna Valerio's journey from first-time racer to ultramarathoner is a testament to perseverance and self-acceptance. She challenges the typical image of a long-distance runner, showcasing her adventures across diverse landscapes and her raw, honest experiences. With a sharp sense of humor and an adventurous spirit, Valerio shares her story of overcoming prejudices and embracing her unique path in the world of running. Her memoir is a body-positive celebration of athleticism and personal growth.

Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
inspiring 4.50

The reviewer found the book to be a heartwarming and inspiring story about self-discovery and personal growth. They appreciated the author's honesty and vulnerability in sharing their journey.

This book is a beautiful and inspiring account of one person's journey towards self-acceptance and personal growth. The author's honesty and vulnerability are truly commendable, and their story serves as a powerful reminder that everyone is a work in progress. The book is filled with valuable insights and lessons that can be applied to one's own life, making it a must-read for anyone looking to embark on a similar journey. The reviewer found the book to be a heartwarming and uplifting read, and they were particularly impressed by the author's ability to convey their emotions and experiences in such a raw and authentic way.

Quick quotes

    The author's honesty and vulnerability are truly commendable.

    Their story serves as a powerful reminder that everyone is a work in progress.

    The book is filled with valuable insights and lessons that can be applied to one's own life.

blinkist.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
inspiring 4.50

A Life Without Limits is a delightful sports autobiography by Ironman world champion Chrissie Wellington. The book offers humorous anecdotes, practical lessons, and inspiring advice on pushing personal limits and overcoming imperfections.

A Life Without Limits is a captivating sports autobiography by Chrissie Wellington, a legendary Ironman world champion. The book is not just a ripping good yarn but also filled with humorous anecdotes and practical lessons. Wellington's journey from struggling with perfectionism and eating disorders to becoming a professional triathlete is inspiring. She shares valuable advice on training, discipline, and focus, emphasizing the importance of self-assessment and overcoming imperfections. Her race reports are full of important lessons, such as the need to concentrate at the start of a swim and the importance of discipline and focus. The book encourages readers to push their own limits and be ready to overcome imperfections. It is highly recommended for aspiring or accomplished athletes, especially triathletes or other endurance athletes, or anyone looking for an inspiring holiday read.

Quick quotes

    Part of her inspiration is that Chrissie did not grow up with anyone, including herself, thinking she had a destiny as a professional triathlete.

    Her advice includes liberal use of Vaseline and weeing a squirt on the bike if someone is drafting behind you!

    She learned the importance of discipline and focus with regular self-assessment.

sherunsbytheseashore.com · Unknown · 2021-11-13
brilliant 4.50

The reviewer found Chrissie Wellington's biography, 'A Life Without Limits,' to be fantastic and highly recommendable. They appreciate her honesty about personal struggles and her impact on sports and equality, though they note it's not a training manual.

The reviewer thoroughly enjoyed Chrissie Wellington's biography, highlighting her incredible athletic achievements and her honest portrayal of personal struggles. They appreciate her impact on sports and equality, noting her support for women's rights and community development. However, they clarify that the book is not a training manual but a biography, which provides insight into her life and personality. The reviewer also admires her ability to inspire others and her dedication to supporting fellow athletes.

Quick quotes

    She has won the Ironman world champions in Kona four times

    She is searingly honest about her battles with anorexia and bulimia in her late teens and early twenties

    She believes it’s really important to use the opportunity that has been given to her to be a role model, to raise the profile of the issues that matter to her and to increase participation in sport throughout the world.

NerdProbs · 2018-09-29
inspiring 4.75

The book is a body-positive memoir that is both inspiring and evocative. The author's active lifestyle and personal experiences make it a unique read.

This memoir is a powerful testament to the author's journey of self-discovery and acceptance. It's a body-positive book that challenges societal norms and celebrates the joy of movement. The author's active lifestyle and personal experiences are beautifully woven into the narrative, making it a unique and inspiring read. The book is not just about running but also about overcoming personal challenges and embracing one's true self. It's a book that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt out of place or struggled with self-acceptance.

Quick quotes

    The book was exactly the body positive book that I needed

    The author is an active woman. She runs daily and runs long distances

    The book is a powerful testament to the author's journey of self-discovery and acceptance

Appears in Lists