Being an endurance junkie/newbie triathlete myself-I was drawn to this book. Being a human being wanting more from life-I was drawn to this book. Being a fan of others' stories of success-I was drawn to this book. I could go on and on! I have admired Ms. Wellington for a while-not just as an athlete but as a role model for anyone to follow, whether you have ever run a step, swam a meter, or rode a mile on a bike. A Life Without Limits is a story about a woman's journey. Yours and my journey will look different, but there are some themes I picked up on that anyone can take from reading the book.
Given the entirely subjective nature of this review, here's some of the things I liked and took away from ALWL:
Chrissie Wellington has natural athletic talent-but something her and I have in common; although I'm not sure where I stack up! She was basically unaware of how good she really was up until her late 20's and early 30's. Naturally gifted, yet clumsy and her gift sat dormant for many years. A central theme is the notion of drive. Perhaps her true x-factor. If Christine Wellington was anyone else, this would not have come to be. This is the story of a world champion, but there's lessons anyone can take from this book and she writes in such a way to reach the masses.
Chrissie also talks a lot about truly making a difference. She chronicles her pre-athletic work in British Civil Service and her disappointment with the system in place; red tape and policy kept preventing her from fulfilling her dream of making a difference to those less fortunate. Her drive got her the education and position, and her drive helped her use her other abilities to reach others through her platform in triathlon. Throughout the book, she honestly speaks about her doubts, triumphs, sacrifices, relationships, and everything in between that have allowed her to get to endurance sport's highest stage. What left an impression on my mind is this: "If you don't like where you are, you can change it". The transcendent power of sport is nicely woven into this compelling story.
Wellington's honesty in this book is also something I find refreshing. She lays it out there: she suffers from an eating disorder. She began her pro career with a very controversial coach using often brutal techniques. There were times I almost felt uncomfortable just reading some of her training stories. One line that stands out from the book is this:
Coach Brett Sutton to Wellington: "I think you have the physical attributes to make it as a pro, but I'm going to have to chop your head off".
That is an example the dynamic of her early career, learning not to think but just do. A little harsh? Perhaps. But is there some truth to the statement? Highly likely.
The mental side of sport gets a lot of credence in ALWL, which of course I love. A lot of the things I discuss with my triathletes rings true. We must prepare our minds for dealing with anything. This is a champion's mindset-you see the finish line and are prepared to deal with pain, deal with challenges, and still say 'yes' when the body and conditions say 'no'. Chrissie is the model of mental toughness.
Perhaps my favorite thing about the book is the emphasis on the process of winning and becoming a champion. In Ironman triathlon-this is quite an arduous one. Getting very little fave time are splits, times, and outcomes. The importance of these things is stated, but the audience mostly hears about effort, guts, consistency and lifestyle that gets Chrissie to World Record times.
Bottom line: you want to break records, then focus on what gets you there and the rest will take care of itself. Chrissie spoke to my affinity for reading your own body and focusing on the "right things" instead of some arbitrary number.
So who should read this book? Of course any runner/triathlete type. Even those who don't do triathlons seem to know who Chrissie Wellington is-that's says a lot in a sport that is still pretty small. Others who would benefit is anyone who wants more from life; more from their talents, more from themselves. Even though it is her and her story alone, this book definitely plats seeds for how people can define their own success and begin to live 'without limits'. That is perhaps the most inspirational part of the book to me-a clumsy girl from England, with the perfect blend of ambition and opportunity, became the best in the world. And the world is a better place because of it. Thank you, Chrissie Wellington.
Stay the course.
4 comments:
Maybe you can let me borrow the book when you are finished? I would love to read it. She was here for a book signing a week or two ago, but we had pracice. :( I really wanted to meet her. I heard she is as awesome in person as her book alludes. YAY- I get to see you tomorrow!!!!!
I ordered the book a few days ago. So excited to read it!
No doubt wellington is serious as a competitor. I have often thought I would be a better athlete if I chopped my head off too! (as her early coach said) And lighter! heh.
Oops! I wasn't done yet..:)
It sounds like a great read about an athlete who can really gut it out. Thanks for the tip!
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