A Beautiful Work in Progress

By: Mirna Valerio

Narrated by: Mirna Valerio

Runners' vocabulary is full of acronyms like DNS for "Did Not Start" and DNF for "Did Not Finish," but when Mirna Valerio stepped up to the starting line, she needed a new one: DNQ for "Did Not Quit."

Valerio has tied on her running shoes all across the country, from the dusty back roads of central New Jersey to the busy Route 222 corridor in Pennsylvania to the sweltering deserts of Arizona. When you meet her on the trail, you might be surprised to see she doesn't quite fit the typical image of a long-distance runner. She's neither skinny nor white, and she's here to show just how misguided these stereotypes can be.

In this prejudice-busting, body-positive memoir told with raw honesty, an adventurous spirit, and a sharp sense of humor, Valerio takes listeners along on her journey from first-time racer to ultramarathoner and proves that anyone can become a successful athlete.

©2017 Mirna Andrea Valerio (P)2017 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Good read

I felt like it wasn't in order and she hopped around on topics but I like the overall message about being an athlete and embracing one's body type.

inspiring to say the least

This book gave me a renewed sense of hope in myself. It has helped me to believe #IAMANATHLETE

Love this book!

I love this book! The author mingles her richly detail race experiences with her life experiences in a way that kept me hooked chapter after chapter.

It’s a great book. I totally want to run trails now!!

I knew she was an ultra runner and that she wasn’t a tiny girl. She a great writer and such a badass!! And so many more talents!! No limits Mirna!!

Inspiration and reality

Mirna embodies the spirit of a true athlete and runner. She had me laughing, nodding in agreement and at times wanting to hug her and say thank you. This book is one I will listen to again while training for my next full. I need Mirna in my ear!

Great encouragement for pursuing our journey in body movement

I appreciated how raw she is with her journey and have recommended this book to family and friends! Thank you for sharing your story Mirna and reminding us that all bodies deserve love through movement! As a massage therapist and curvy woman, I am grateful for your encouragement for us to try something no matter what the general population tries to tell us we can and cannot do.

Surprising Poetic

This is not just another book about running. Mirna is a talented writer and I would say poet. Her writing is beautiful and while this is a story about her experience, it will also give you info about how to run and do life. Her outlook is bright and she’s so pleasant to spend “time” with. She’s kind, intelligent, skilled and models how to give grace to ourselves. This book was way more than I thought I was getting when I purchased it. It makes me want to run out and be her friend.

prefer the audio book

the writing is very conversational. I started with the ebook, but it was even better as an audio book!!!

Inspiration for all of us

Very well written with fun anecdotes and serious highlights that are very relatable. As a fat girl runner myself, I was excited to read this book but came away with far more inspiration than I ever expected. Thanks Mirna!

Running sucks

I'll preface this by saying, I am not a runner, but my husband is. He introduced me to Mirna Valerio's Instagram and I continue to follow her for simple life inspiration. Her book expanded my very small understanding of runners, their determined spirit, and need to continue running, which has often left me confounded. Mirna was seemingly born with a positive attitude and drive that keeps her pushing through challenges that most people can find at least one they can relate to, making her an authentic inspiration.
The main thing that bothered me about this writing was I thought she overused the word "albeit". I like listening to authors perform their own books, bringing their voice and personalization to the story, but at times I felt Mirna was simply reading her book and not allowing her emotions to always come through where I might have expected them. Overall, a great listen.