Limitless: An Ultrarunner's Story of Pain, Perseverance and the Pursuit of Success

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.

This book has been published at a very serendipitous time for me. Mimi's description of her operation prior to the attempt to run across the US and her rehabilitation from that chimed with me as I am recovering from an injury. Mimi's book has helped me to stick to the physio's plan for recovery rather than going out and re-injuring myself or making it worse. But that's only a small section of this book! Her description of the organisation required to attempt such a feat, and then to do it, is really clear and gives insight into how much non-running activity is involved in doing these epic runs. I'm in admiration of the sheer determination and skill, both in her planning and her running. Finally, what I really liked about this book was how honest Mimi was about her disappointment in not being able to complete the attempt and her honesty about the difficult feelings that follow an agonising decision. It helps the reader realise that the great runners are not so different from the rest of us - for some, the idea of doing a 5k will feel the same as Mimi's idea of running across America did to Mimi. The personal challenges are the same, it's only the distance that is different. Thank you Mimi!

Having followed Mimi on social media since I read her first book a few years ago, I was so looking forward to this second book and it didn't disappoint. Reading about her struggles throughout the story, with the unenviable outcome and then an inspiring comeback has shown me what an amazingly tough woman she truly is and how much she inspires other people to want to step out of their doors and try their best! Thank you Mimi for a fantastic read and inspiring me with my own running, I think you are wonderful.

I’m a very new and novice ultra runner and popped this into my basket for some inspiration and it didn’t disappoint. Mimi tells her story very well and at points I felt like I was there with her encouraging her on. I like the narrative of this book more, sometimes things don’t work out and it’s what we do next that really matters. Mimi is one inspirational woman and you won’t fail to be impressed by her achievements, and her tenacity!

As a woman in her 50s I love this account of a woman’s journey through challenge, injury hurdles, change of direction and adventure. You don’t have to be a runner or triathlete to get a lot from this book. Special mention of its highlighting how other people’s contribution of kindness and support got her through even the most hijacking of fears ... so true. Well written and relatable, left me feeling happy to be human.

An extraordinary story of Mimi Anderson’s determination & ambition to run across the USA. This is a great read for runners and armchair admirers of those who do run and strive to achieve great things despite the pain & suffering along the way. Most people would simply stop but Mimi possesses an inner strength & ambition that few others posses. Very well written & a page turning easy read.

This book was just as good, if not better than Mimi's first book. Reading about her run across America was inspirational and it was also interesting to read about what she has been up to since then, and how she has successfully transitions from being an exceptional ultra-distance runner into an ultra-distance cyclist (or "bicyclist" as she calls herself.

This is definitely a book you pick up and can’t put down. A true an honest account of her adventures and her emotions. Mimi shows you that you should never give up and even if your plan doesn’t work out there are always positives to take from it. It’s a truly inspiring read.