A Beautiful Work in Progress

by Mirna Valerio
A Beautiful Work in Progress cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Technical
  • ID: 5563
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Reviews: 4
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.

takinglongwayhome.com · Unknown · 2017-11-17
decent 2.50

The reviewer found Chrissie Wellington's 'A Life Without Limits' to be an interesting but not the best sports book they've read. They admired Wellington's achievements but struggled with her relatable nature and the detailed accounts of her eating disorders and other personal struggles.

The reviewer received 'A Life Without Limits' from a friend and was intrigued by the praise it had received as one of the best sports books. However, they found Chrissie Wellington's story to be less relatable than they had hoped. While they admired her incredible drive and achievements, they struggled with the detailed accounts of her eating disorders and other personal struggles. The reviewer also found some of the content, such as discussions about GI issues, to be shocking and not particularly enjoyable to read. Despite these issues, they appreciated Wellington's race reports and her interactions with amateur athletes. Overall, they found the book to be decent and interesting but not the best sports book they've ever read.

Quick quotes

    Several people have touted this as the best running/sport book they’ve read (it’s actually a triathlon book, and she came to the sport from the swimming side, but there’s plenty about running in it). Unfortunately, I can’t quite agree — I really didn’t find her relatable, although there’s a huge amount about her to admire of course, and I had difficulty reading about some of the issues she faced.

    The book does open well with a description of her first Ironman World Championships with some visceral writing.

    The big day dawned, and I was encouraged by an unusual steadiness in my bowels. (p. 253)

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