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Limitless: An Ultrarunner’s Story of Pain, Perseverance and the Pursuit of Success
Don’t limit your challenges. Challenge your limits
At the age of 55, record-breaking ultrarunner Mimi Anderson embarked on her most ambitious adventure yet. She wanted to become the fastest woman in history to run across America from Los Angeles to New York.
Her journey would cover 2,850 miles, 12 states and four time zones, dealing with extreme changes in terrain, weather and altitude along the way.
For 40 days, the determined mother of three pushed herself on and on for more than 2,000 miles across the vast continent, despite the onset of severe pain, until she was forced to make a crushing decision: carry on and risk never being able to run again or give up on her all-time goal.
What happened next set Mimi on a new, unexpected journey. She learned to face her fears and bounce back from defeat by taking up the new challenge of becoming a triathlete.
A follow-up to her first memoir 'Beyond Impossible', this next instalment in Mimi’s inspiring story proves that when one door closes, another opens – you just need the courage to swim, cycle and run through it.
At the age of 55, record-breaking ultrarunner Mimi Anderson embarked on her most ambitious adventure yet. She wanted to become the fastest woman in history to run across America from Los Angeles to New York.
Her journey would cover 2,850 miles, 12 states and four time zones, dealing with extreme changes in terrain, weather and altitude along the way.
For 40 days, the determined mother of three pushed herself on and on for more than 2,000 miles across the vast continent, despite the onset of severe pain, until she was forced to make a crushing decision: carry on and risk never being able to run again or give up on her all-time goal.
What happened next set Mimi on a new, unexpected journey. She learned to face her fears and bounce back from defeat by taking up the new challenge of becoming a triathlete.
A follow-up to her first memoir 'Beyond Impossible', this next instalment in Mimi’s inspiring story proves that when one door closes, another opens – you just need the courage to swim, cycle and run through it.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2021
11 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
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September 26, 2023Inspiring. So much willpower to attempt the running challenges, get through hard times and pivot (making the most of it) when her ultra marathon career had to end.
April 22, 2022
Jeg har nydt begge bøger. Jeg er dybt imponeret over Mimis præstationer. Intet mindre end imponerende. Denne bog kunne jeg dog bedre mærke, end den første, som jeg blot gav to stjerner. Dette ud fra selve bogen og absolut ikke ud fra Mimis formåen, mentale styrke etc. Hun fortjener alverdens stjerner. For hun er i den grad bad ass sej og mega motiverende at følge og læse
March 2, 2023
It’s been said time and time again but Mimi Anderson really is inspirational! Good read, enjoyed it from beginning to end
April 10, 2021
I read and profiled Mimi Anderson’s first book ‘Beyond Impossible’ back in 2017. I found it inspiring how Mimi liked to challenge the expectations of others, as a woman and also as an athlete. I was therefore really excited to read her second book, again written with the talented ghost-writer Lucy Waterlow, who kindly sent me a copy to review.
Although the new book ‘Limitless: An ultrarunner’s story of pain, perseverance and the pursuit of success’ touches on some of the difficult issues covered in the first (the abuse Mimi suffered as a child and her eating disorder later in life), this one focuses on her build-up, aftermath and attempt itself to break the World Record for the fastest female run across the USA, from Los Angeles to New York.
Whilst I think the very best endurance runners share some traits such as determination and single-mindedness, Mimi comes across as a team player, with lots of friends and positive relationships which enhance her life and running. She clearly has an ability to tolerate extreme conditions and pain and to do that alone when she needs to, but whereas I have read other books where I have been impressed by a person’s ability to endure; I haven’t always felt “I would enjoy a run with, or a drink with” them (and not just because being able to keep up with them would be a barrier). I’m sure for Mimi’s crew on events like the record attempt, her personality and positive nature would be part of the appeal of joining in with what at times was clearly a demanding schedule for them as well. I was fascinated reading about the logistics, from arranging and parking the RV, to shopping for food and supplies and negotiating the routes. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the vast and varied terrain and environments that she passed through during the challenge and the moments of human kindness she encountered which also stood out in the book.
I found some sections really moving, describing the emotions of those times when very difficult decisions had to be taken, which would not just have ramifications for Mimi herself but for all the people who had supported her; family, friends and beyond.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with injury or who has had to change their plans, or seen their hopes and dreams at risk (which is all of us I guess over the past year!) It’s also a good one for anyone who is taking on a new challenge, whether that is in running or a new sport. I hope that whatever challenge Mimi takes on next, there’ll be another story to tell!
Although the new book ‘Limitless: An ultrarunner’s story of pain, perseverance and the pursuit of success’ touches on some of the difficult issues covered in the first (the abuse Mimi suffered as a child and her eating disorder later in life), this one focuses on her build-up, aftermath and attempt itself to break the World Record for the fastest female run across the USA, from Los Angeles to New York.
Whilst I think the very best endurance runners share some traits such as determination and single-mindedness, Mimi comes across as a team player, with lots of friends and positive relationships which enhance her life and running. She clearly has an ability to tolerate extreme conditions and pain and to do that alone when she needs to, but whereas I have read other books where I have been impressed by a person’s ability to endure; I haven’t always felt “I would enjoy a run with, or a drink with” them (and not just because being able to keep up with them would be a barrier). I’m sure for Mimi’s crew on events like the record attempt, her personality and positive nature would be part of the appeal of joining in with what at times was clearly a demanding schedule for them as well. I was fascinated reading about the logistics, from arranging and parking the RV, to shopping for food and supplies and negotiating the routes. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the vast and varied terrain and environments that she passed through during the challenge and the moments of human kindness she encountered which also stood out in the book.
I found some sections really moving, describing the emotions of those times when very difficult decisions had to be taken, which would not just have ramifications for Mimi herself but for all the people who had supported her; family, friends and beyond.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with injury or who has had to change their plans, or seen their hopes and dreams at risk (which is all of us I guess over the past year!) It’s also a good one for anyone who is taking on a new challenge, whether that is in running or a new sport. I hope that whatever challenge Mimi takes on next, there’ll be another story to tell!
April 26, 2024
**.5
While her first book was inspiring, describing how it's possible to turn one's life around and overcome obstacles through determination and hard work, this one takes it a step too far.
The book focuses on her attempt to break the record for running from LA to NYC, and then her transition from ultrarunner to attempting a triathlon and bike touring. The run across American felt like a repeat of the run across Britain in the first book. But this time she's not only battling the anticipated fatigue and wear & tear of running 50+ miles per day for 50+ straight days, but also pushing through a potentially crippling injury. Even after receiving an MRI confirming the severity of the injury and dire warnings from doctors, she agonizes for hours over whether to quit, despite not being able to take a single step without excruciating pain and hundreds of miles left to cover. It's one thing to persevere through discomfort, and quite another to risk one's health for the sake of breaking a record. This is not inspiring grit, it's obsessive behaviour crying out for professional intervention, and sets a terrible example for a supposed role model.
Many ultrarunners are former addicts or otherwise recovering from earlier issues, and despite her assertions that she's cured of her eating disorders, it's apparent that she's simply replaced one form of mental illness for another, still in denial that anything is wrong with her attitude towards her body.
Making things worse, there are a couple of passages that are repeated verbatim from the first book, which could have just been summarized in a couple of sentences.
The sections on training for her triathlon and first bike trip were rather mundane, and didn't add much to the story.
Audiobook: For some reason, they chose a very American sounding narrator for the audiobook, which clashes horribly with the extremely British writing.
While her first book was inspiring, describing how it's possible to turn one's life around and overcome obstacles through determination and hard work, this one takes it a step too far.
The book focuses on her attempt to break the record for running from LA to NYC, and then her transition from ultrarunner to attempting a triathlon and bike touring. The run across American felt like a repeat of the run across Britain in the first book. But this time she's not only battling the anticipated fatigue and wear & tear of running 50+ miles per day for 50+ straight days, but also pushing through a potentially crippling injury. Even after receiving an MRI confirming the severity of the injury and dire warnings from doctors, she agonizes for hours over whether to quit, despite not being able to take a single step without excruciating pain and hundreds of miles left to cover. It's one thing to persevere through discomfort, and quite another to risk one's health for the sake of breaking a record. This is not inspiring grit, it's obsessive behaviour crying out for professional intervention, and sets a terrible example for a supposed role model.
Many ultrarunners are former addicts or otherwise recovering from earlier issues, and despite her assertions that she's cured of her eating disorders, it's apparent that she's simply replaced one form of mental illness for another, still in denial that anything is wrong with her attitude towards her body.
Making things worse, there are a couple of passages that are repeated verbatim from the first book, which could have just been summarized in a couple of sentences.
The sections on training for her triathlon and first bike trip were rather mundane, and didn't add much to the story.
Audiobook: For some reason, they chose a very American sounding narrator for the audiobook, which clashes horribly with the extremely British writing.
October 22, 2022
Limitless is not just another memoir of an ultra-runner's epic journey, although this one IS seriously epic. I would describe it as a revealing record of one woman's personal experience of dealing with life's losses, pains and how she navigates the twists and turns of injury, unexpected setbacks and building her own resilience, despite everything.
Mimi Anderson introduces the almost impossible idea that we CAN face anything. As a result, by example she shows us how to nurture our fears into a positive medium for developing new skills.
While this may sound like a cliché, given Mimi's terrifying childhood back story around her fear of water, it is hard to comprehend how she has achieved so much throughout her life of sporting challenges, which is comprehensive to say the least.
Ultra-running, cycling and swimming dance across the chapters of Limitless, offering inspiration to men and women alike, no matter whether novice or expert. Beginners in these disciplines will gain as much from Mimi's story as those who have been on any part of the run-bike-swim train for years.
In my opinion, Mimi's message is clear: peel back our layers and expose our vulnerabilities that would otherwise go untouched. With determination we can can learn to remould ourselves instead of acting out the accepted version of ourselves... who we have become due to phobias, rational or irrational fear and limiting beliefs. It's a message that can be applied to our lives as a whole - not just an adventurous or active side of our lives.
Mimi Anderson introduces the almost impossible idea that we CAN face anything. As a result, by example she shows us how to nurture our fears into a positive medium for developing new skills.
While this may sound like a cliché, given Mimi's terrifying childhood back story around her fear of water, it is hard to comprehend how she has achieved so much throughout her life of sporting challenges, which is comprehensive to say the least.
Ultra-running, cycling and swimming dance across the chapters of Limitless, offering inspiration to men and women alike, no matter whether novice or expert. Beginners in these disciplines will gain as much from Mimi's story as those who have been on any part of the run-bike-swim train for years.
In my opinion, Mimi's message is clear: peel back our layers and expose our vulnerabilities that would otherwise go untouched. With determination we can can learn to remould ourselves instead of acting out the accepted version of ourselves... who we have become due to phobias, rational or irrational fear and limiting beliefs. It's a message that can be applied to our lives as a whole - not just an adventurous or active side of our lives.
March 20, 2022
Mimi’s feats of dedication and endurance are certainly impressive — pushing herself to attempt world-record goals, despite whatever pain she might be going through, and only stopping when she had to for medical reasons. What I find most impressive about Mimi’s story, however, was hearing about how she recovered, both mentally and physically, from such a life-changing knee injury, and how she was able to change her goals and focus on the things she could still enjoy: being outside, moving her body, seeing the world, going on adventures. Her current life might not look like what she once expected, but she’s living it to the fullest, continuing to step outside her comfort zone. Definitely a fascinating story.
Interestingly enough, I recently listened to an interview with Sandra V, the other woman who was attempting to set a new TransCon record at the same time as Mimi, and who eventually succeeded. It was really cool to hear how differently they prepared and planned for their journeys.
The only thing I would change is the narrator for the audiobook - she did a good job, but I wish she had been British. I didn’t even realize Mimi was British until she started talking about lorries and the like. Having a narrator with her accent would have greatly increased my enjoyment of the book.
Interestingly enough, I recently listened to an interview with Sandra V, the other woman who was attempting to set a new TransCon record at the same time as Mimi, and who eventually succeeded. It was really cool to hear how differently they prepared and planned for their journeys.
The only thing I would change is the narrator for the audiobook - she did a good job, but I wish she had been British. I didn’t even realize Mimi was British until she started talking about lorries and the like. Having a narrator with her accent would have greatly increased my enjoyment of the book.
July 30, 2024
"Limitless" by Mimi Anderson is an inspiring memoir that details her journey as an endurance athlete. Here are some key takeaways from the book that can be applied to work life:
1. **Goal Setting and Persistence**: Mimi Anderson emphasizes the importance of setting clear, achievable goals. In the workplace, defining clear objectives and working persistently towards them can lead to significant accomplishments.
2. **Resilience and Overcoming Challenges**: Anderson's story is filled with moments where she faced and overcame significant obstacles. Developing resilience in the face of workplace challenges can help maintain progress and motivation.
3. **Adaptability**: Throughout her athletic career, Anderson had to adapt to various conditions and unexpected changes. Being adaptable in the workplace allows for better handling of unforeseen events and can lead to innovative solutions.
4. **Passion and Commitment**: Her passion for running drove her to achieve incredible feats. Finding and nurturing passion in your work can enhance job satisfaction and performance.
5. **Mental Toughness**: Anderson's mental toughness was crucial in her endurance events. Cultivating mental strength can help in managing stress and maintaining focus on long-term projects.
6. **Support Systems**: Anderson often relied on a support network of friends, family, and coaches. Building and maintaining a support system in the workplace can provide encouragement, feedback, and assistance.
7. **Continuous Improvement**: She constantly sought ways to improve her performance. Embracing a mindset of continuous learning and improvement can lead to personal and professional growth.
Applying these principles from Mimi Anderson's "Limitless" can enhance both personal and professional life, leading to greater fulfillment and success.
1. **Goal Setting and Persistence**: Mimi Anderson emphasizes the importance of setting clear, achievable goals. In the workplace, defining clear objectives and working persistently towards them can lead to significant accomplishments.
2. **Resilience and Overcoming Challenges**: Anderson's story is filled with moments where she faced and overcame significant obstacles. Developing resilience in the face of workplace challenges can help maintain progress and motivation.
3. **Adaptability**: Throughout her athletic career, Anderson had to adapt to various conditions and unexpected changes. Being adaptable in the workplace allows for better handling of unforeseen events and can lead to innovative solutions.
4. **Passion and Commitment**: Her passion for running drove her to achieve incredible feats. Finding and nurturing passion in your work can enhance job satisfaction and performance.
5. **Mental Toughness**: Anderson's mental toughness was crucial in her endurance events. Cultivating mental strength can help in managing stress and maintaining focus on long-term projects.
6. **Support Systems**: Anderson often relied on a support network of friends, family, and coaches. Building and maintaining a support system in the workplace can provide encouragement, feedback, and assistance.
7. **Continuous Improvement**: She constantly sought ways to improve her performance. Embracing a mindset of continuous learning and improvement can lead to personal and professional growth.
Applying these principles from Mimi Anderson's "Limitless" can enhance both personal and professional life, leading to greater fulfillment and success.
October 27, 2021
Pain and Punishment - the pursuit of an obsession not sport
This book read far more like one person's unhealthy obsession with succeeding at something, all of the time, for the sake of it, excelling, no matter the cost to herself and those around her than an inspirational and healthy pursuit of something good and outstanding of all that is good about sport. It felt like self punishment rather than sport. I also could not understand the complete disregard for the messages and warnings the writer's body was giving her and her inability to take responsibility for her own body's needs. It left me concerned rather than inspired. I was with her crew when they disbanded so quickly, totally understood it. Sadly the words pain and perseverance in the title also describe the reader's experience.
This book read far more like one person's unhealthy obsession with succeeding at something, all of the time, for the sake of it, excelling, no matter the cost to herself and those around her than an inspirational and healthy pursuit of something good and outstanding of all that is good about sport. It felt like self punishment rather than sport. I also could not understand the complete disregard for the messages and warnings the writer's body was giving her and her inability to take responsibility for her own body's needs. It left me concerned rather than inspired. I was with her crew when they disbanded so quickly, totally understood it. Sadly the words pain and perseverance in the title also describe the reader's experience.
June 9, 2023
This inspirational story is the second book I've read following ultra runner-turned-triathlete Mimi Anderson. The message in this book is a little more down to earth, as Mimi discovers that she actually cannot complete her American run. Although devastating for Mimi it does bring the reader closer to her, as one of my objections to her previous book was the slightly preachy nature, which implied everyone could do these kinds of things. This book has much more temperance and describes her determination and her respect for her body which has led her to hang up her ultra running trainers and adapt to what she can do.
I really enjoyed reading this, and it's inspired me to run more! I'd very much like to know when the film is out!
I really enjoyed reading this, and it's inspired me to run more! I'd very much like to know when the film is out!
February 6, 2024
Wonderful descriptions of the scenery and happenings as Mimi Anderson attempts to run across the entire USA. It really made me want to do it though I know I never could. Definitely NOT the same as seeing the country in a car. And hearing about the various people she encountered was fascinating. Unfortunately, about halfway through, Mimi had to abort her run because of pain and injuries. And I'm glad she did. Pretty much as soon as she started feeling pain I was urging her to stop. You only have one body. I know how invested people get in these making records—and the sheer about of manpower it takes, and how your team is also super invested—but you can't destroy your body for it.
June 29, 2025
Mimi is a true inspiration and I loved this book because of its message of overcoming adversity and of trying new things whatever your age and experience. I enjoyed ‘Limitless’, Mimi’s first book, and hope she shares her next adventures too. It feels a bit that Mimi’s achievements are underplayed - I am sure her name would be more widely known if she were male. Good to read this after Louise Minchin’s ‘Fearless’ and great chapter on Mimi’s amazing feats.
Currently injured and want to run so this hit the spot. A truly inspiring read.
Currently injured and want to run so this hit the spot. A truly inspiring read.
December 27, 2023
Decent read this and one steeped in success as well as failure so great to have a balanced book rather than one where we are trickling towards inevitable success.
However failure is an unfair word given the gravity and intensity of the feat attempted and from this comes a new sporting start ..and that's the good thing about this book...it shows the change sometimes is as good as a rest rather than just a tired old cliche.
Good stuff not read the first book but I will I think seek it out soon.
However failure is an unfair word given the gravity and intensity of the feat attempted and from this comes a new sporting start ..and that's the good thing about this book...it shows the change sometimes is as good as a rest rather than just a tired old cliche.
Good stuff not read the first book but I will I think seek it out soon.
March 7, 2024
I listened to this over the past week, and I loved this even more than her first book. Here, she shares a lot of her difficulties. Major injuries, the extremely hard choice of continuing at the risk of permanent damage to her body, dropping out of a world record attempt, being unable to ever run long distances etc. For me, the most inspiring part was how she rebuilt and transformed herself from the ground up after being told she would never be able run an ultramarathon again.
October 30, 2023
An interesting journey of ultra endurance. The best part is the learnings, to smile in adversity, to find the balance between comfort and pain.
Can be read for learning more on what makes and drives ultra endurance athlete.
Can be read for learning more on what makes and drives ultra endurance athlete.
January 13, 2024
The book is a long list of her unbelievable achievements and a description of her endurance in running, swimming and cycling. I wanted to read more of a guide on how to be persistent and achieve the impossible as she does.
March 14, 2022
Loved this memoir!! Mimi was vulnerable about her difficulties with running and turned lemons into lemonade. She raises issues we all will have to confront someday. Bravo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2023
Inspiring and entertaining. If you’re into long-distance running, this is worth the read.
July 19, 2023
Random choice and not worth the effort.
October 7, 2024
It's a shame a topic so close to my heart could make me feel so bored. I suppose there were interesting parts but overall, I found it a huge struggle to finish.
September 29, 2021
SUMMARY - The book will leave you breathless, and wanting a long soak in the bath - but in the end, it made my days sparkle a bit brighter at the prospect of what's possible in life.
I manage about 20 minutes in the gym each morning. How anyone repeatedly runs 50 miles every day to cross a continent is beyond me. Mimi's ancestory must include swallows and wilderbeast.
Limitless promises an unalloyed golden victory lap, but delivers something much more satisfying - an autobiographical guide to bouncing back from (self-) defeat.
I have a friend who has taken up untra-running, and bought this for her when I was about 1/3rd through. However, anyone can learn from this book, including on subjects such as (trigger warning) eating disorders, empty nest syndrome, healthful aging, and the cultivation of mental positivity. It was like a self-help book without the nauseating cliches - a life story that could do even the most sofa-cosseted bum some good.
I manage about 20 minutes in the gym each morning. How anyone repeatedly runs 50 miles every day to cross a continent is beyond me. Mimi's ancestory must include swallows and wilderbeast.
Limitless promises an unalloyed golden victory lap, but delivers something much more satisfying - an autobiographical guide to bouncing back from (self-) defeat.
I have a friend who has taken up untra-running, and bought this for her when I was about 1/3rd through. However, anyone can learn from this book, including on subjects such as (trigger warning) eating disorders, empty nest syndrome, healthful aging, and the cultivation of mental positivity. It was like a self-help book without the nauseating cliches - a life story that could do even the most sofa-cosseted bum some good.
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