Iron Hope: Lessons Learned from Conquering the Impossible

by James Lawrence

This program is read by the author, who is one of the most dynamic, inspiring, larger-than-life keynote speakers in the world, having shared his astonishing story in 50 different countries across the globe reaching millions of people

The ultimate guide to mental toughness by James “Iron Cowboy” Lawrence—the greatest endurance athlete in human history.

Lawrence’s accomplishments are nearly impossible to comprehend. After breaking two Guinness World Records, he shattered possibilities in 2015 by completing 50 full-distance triathlons in 50 states in 50 consecutive days. Yes, THE IRONMAN, “the single most difficult day in sports”—a 2.4-mile swim, 112 miles on a bike, then a 26.2-mile run, all completed in under 17 hours. It is a race so intense that less than .01% of the population have completed one.

Afterward, Lawrence subjected his body to exhaustive physical testing, to every genetic test known to science. The stunning discovery is that physically, James Lawrence is unspecial in every way. The secret to his bulletproof body is his bulletproof mentality.

Even those accomplishments weren’t enough for James. In 2021, he set out on another endurance endeavor, this one so difficult he wondered if he would even live. He set out to complete a staggering 100 full-distance triathlons in 100 consecutive days. By persevering, he wanted to inspire people to do the same for whatever difficulties they are going through.

How does a person develop the mental fortitude necessary to overcome incredible exhaustion, immeasurable suffering, and unfathomable pain in order to achieve impossible goals? With Iron Hope, that’s exactly what James “Iron Cowboy” Lawrence shows listeners how to do. Lawrence explains how listeners can forge an iron will by making and keeping small promises to themselves again and again, amassing experience and building momentum until giving up becomes impossible. Combine a big dream with small improvements repeated with great consistency and make your goals and dreams a reality.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

Genres: Biography, Self Help, Nonfiction, Sports, Audiobook, Memoir

Audible Audio

Published January 21, 2025

Reviews

[JPDB23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, a book that took me to places I haven't felt in a very long time...

"Impossible is nothing," "(IM)possible." These are the beginning of mottos that I live by. I have lived a life full of many challenges, and this book hits new levels to help you move out of any mindset you could have. Whether it is positive, or negative; this book will help you in the lowest of lows, and bring you further to reach new levels in your highest moments. A motivational poster written in book form.

There is so much I could write about this book. The personal feelings I had, the resilience in his manner and discipline to take any challenge and conquer it. It is 90% mind, and 10% body at times. the mind can be a tricky thing, but he makes it look so easy to control. I have grown to love reading these types of books. Not just for there message, but for the way they resonate you and move you spiritually and emotionally. Like any book that can take you on a journey, through your thoughts and feelings, sometimes it doesn't have to be fiction to get you there.

I would recommend this book to everyone. It takes place during our countries, and worlds lowest moment, COVID19. I challenge everyone to look iside and push yourself. This is a great book to start with.

As always, happy and health travels, and stay thirsty my friends!!

[Paige Staley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This felt like I was reading his journal as he went through those 100 days. I’m not an elite runner by any means, but this book really resonated with me about why I continue signing up for races and the kind of parent I want to be. Feeling inspired going forward!

[Lauren | Wordsbetweenlines · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

A non fiction review! I have such an interest in extreme athletes so was very excited about this. I find a common thread with extreme athletes is the mental toughness.

His goal was 100 Ironmans in 100 days. Wild. The pain he endured, by choice, is fascinating to me.

His story was so interesting and I loved delving into his mindset. I also was fascinated that James grew up in Calgary (same as me) and lives in the exact same part of Utah that I lived in.

The self help/ advice portions of it took away from the book for me but in general that’s not my cup of tea. I know he’s a motivational speaker so it tracks for this book, but I was here for the memoir part of it.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iron Hope is more memoir than self help, though it's coined as a lesson or guidebook for others to build their own Iron Will. I don't necessarily think that it did that, though James Lawrence certainly includes pieces along the way. The most compelling portions of the book were about his journey to finish the 100 challenge: 100 full distance triathlons in 100 consecutive days. Having my feet in the running community I know the feet it takes to finish a marathon let alone one every day for 100 days and oh by the way you're also doing a 2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike ride every single day. I loved that he expanded on his support team, particularly his wife and children who not only handled the day to day business but also how they function as a team.

James Lawrence may not be genetically gifted, he checked; but mentally there is a lot to learn from him. I certainly won't be signing myself up for a marathon anytime soon, but that is the beauty of Iron Hope; you have to set your own 100 and whatever that looks like for you.

For athletes or people who just like learning about the lives of others, this is a great book.

Thank you St. Martins Press for the gifted ARC.

**50 States Challenge: Utah

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iron Hope is the memoir of James Lawrence, also commonly nicknamed “The Iron Cowboy”, as he sets out to conquer a world record of completing 100 Ironman Triathlons in 100 days. That is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run to be completed sequentially in under 17 hours - every day for 100 days straight. This is the story of someone who has pushed themselves to the absolute limit of mind and body. His story is very moving, especially when he speaks of his wife and children supporting him. There are definitely a few times I teared up reading this. There were other times when I was horrified by his condition and worried for his health (mental, physical, and emotional). James sprinkles tidbits of “iron hope” advice and inspiration throughout the book for the reader. I feel like I finishing this book feeling impressed by his accomplishment as well as inspired to improve my own physical/mental toughness and general positivity in life. As a physical therapist, I would never recommend anyone put themselves through something like this. The fact that he did it and lives to tell the tale is remarkably astounding and makes for a great book. Thank you to NetGalley, James Lawrence, and St. Martin’s Press for the gifted ARC in an exchange for an honest review.

[Joshua Curtiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very good book. James Lawrence is an incredible human being, and he details the pain and struggle that he went through to achieve 100 triathlons in 100 days. It is a testament to human will and achievement, and I think that everyone would benefit from reading this book and applying the lessons they learn to their own life. I know that for me, there is a lot of practical advice I took from this book about doing hard things, as well as more abstract concepts of struggle, trauma, and overcoming.
The reason I only gave this book three stars is mainly because I think it is too long. He details every single day on the Conquer 100, most of them in detail. While some of these days are exciting and vividly written, many of them are highly similar to each other, and even if they are inspiring examples of achievement, I do not think putting all 100 of them in the book was needed. If I could change one thing about this book, I would tell all of the fun and tragic stories from different days on the Conquer 100, but not include every single day. I would also fixate more on the practical lessons and less on the stories themselves, as I at least read this book for something applicable to my own life and less to hear about his story (even though it is interesting).

[Lauren DiGi · Rating 5 out of 5]

i absolutely loved this book. easily one of my favorite nonfiction reads. this felt like reading james’ diary during the conquer 100, which was soo cool. the messages and takeaways throughout were well delivered and incredibly inspirational. i feel like a lot of “mental toughness” miss the mark on delivery, but i felt like this book did it perfectly. the message wasn’t overly aggressive or filled with “i’m just better than you” vibes. rather, it felt like it was coming from a place of humility and genuine want to help the reader find their spark to reach their full potential.

[RJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Accept the simple and straightforward challenge to be there for others. Your growth is for the benefit of the people who need you most. Never forget: someone important in your life is counting on you”

“When you undertake challenges with other people, it bonds you so strongly. Collectively you experience high moments that wouldn’t have existed had you not traversed the low. The storm you went through together didn’t define you. It shaped you. You and your team stretched boundaries, battled through, and made most of the experience. Your spirits emerged unbroken”

[Sam Montgomery · Rating 4 out of 5]

This man is insane, but I just kept wondering what motivation/confidence he had outside of himself. Lawrence, a Mormon, did not really reference his faith, but the motivation of pure self-improvement seemed to be very present in his thinking and actions, which maybe should not be a surprise given his religious beliefs. Mad respect to him for doing 100 Ironmans in 100 days, but I also am somewhat saddened that he is working so incredibly hard in the wrong direction. I could write an essay about this but that’s all for now😂

[AURA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read

Loved every line of this book! I recommend it ONE HUNDRED percent, my favorite part was the importance of community and others when conquering difficult things in life.

[Katie Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow he’s crazy. The amount of times he blacked out is just insane. But also love how he focused the challenge around his family. His family is definitely something to aspire to.

[Alvin Narsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome. do hard things.
a pick me up just when you need it
nothing new, but all very well reiterated

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for learning effective tricks for increasing mental toughness. His journey through 100 consecutive triathlons was interesting to learn about too.

[Karissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5)

[Jen (The Jenerator) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good. Entertaining.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is an excellent book.
I wasn't sure what to expect since I'm not a marathoner, but James' story is interesting and inspirational. I recommend it to anyone who needs encouragement to perservere in their life - athlete or not.

What I liked:

Throughout the book are little inspirational (Iron Hope) sidebars such as "Sometimes rock bottom is the exact place you need to hit. When you hit rock bottom, you discover the courage and power to rise. Falling down and getting back up can redefine you. Choose to fuel your comeback. Determination, a winning mindset, faith, and your close supporters help you rise. You may fall seven times, but you get up eight."
Even if you just read these Iron Hopes, the book will be worthwhile.

Excellent, wise advice throughout the book. For example, ...When you focus on how much you have - versus how much you don't have - your mindset shifts from victim to victor."

Sunny. A beautiful love story.

Highly recommended! Thanks to the publisher and Goodreads for sending me the ARC through winning a Goodreads giveway. I'm really grateful. Now my husband wants to read the book ;) and he is a dedicated bike rider, unlike me.

[Jory Kunzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded down, a good and inspirational book but gets a little repetitive

[Cameron Rebarchek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Earlier this year, I ran my first marathon. I trained extensively for the event, and it proved to be one of the toughest mental and physical challenges I have endured. This was expected, sure, but at the same time, it was even more than expected. That said, it is impossible for me to wrap my mind around what James Lawrence has accomplished.

This was not Lawrence’s first rodeo. I mean, he is the Iron Cowboy after all. He previously had set a record by completing 50 full-distance triathlons across 50 states in 50 consecutive days. Yet, the Conquer 100, which this newest book details, would prove to be a new challenge altogether. The Iron Cowboy set out to do what no one has previously accomplished: 100 Ironman-distance triathlons in 100 consecutive days.

Iron Hope not only details the events which tested Lawrence’s limits in every way imaginable, but each chapter offers hopeful messages to inspire you to achieve—rather, to exceed—your own goals. If you enjoy reading through other inspiring stories of endurance athletes and those who push the boundaries of what we thought possible such as those by David Goggins or Cameron Hanes, then you will have a deep appreciation for Lawrence’s journey, as well.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. In addition to the mind-boggling storytelling, I appreciated the positive messaging throughout the pages. At the end of it, Lawrence is not challenging you to necessarily aspire to accomplish what he has; rather, he is inviting you to push a little further than you thought was possible for yourself.

I am grateful to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read through an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Prof. Purple · Rating 3 out of 5]

Endurance as Philosophy: Iron Will and the Relentless Cult of Mental Toughness

Western civilization has long harbored a certain reverence for those who suffer well. From the Stoics of antiquity to the puritan work ethic to the modern ultra-marathoner whose idea of leisure is a casual 100-mile sprint through Death Valley, we have cultivated a peculiar admiration for those who do difficult things simply because they are difficult. This cultural impulse has produced great literature, great leaders, and, more recently, James Lawrence—the “Iron Cowboy”—who decided, as one does, that completing 50 Ironman triathlons in 50 states in 50 days was merely the prologue to an even greater, more Herculean task: 100 Ironman races in 100 days.

This, it must be said, is the sort of ambition that makes Alexander the Great seem like a man of moderate impulses.

In Iron Will, Lawrence distills his journey into a manifesto on discipline, endurance, and the fine line between inspiration and self-imposed masochism. The book is not merely about physical feats—though there are plenty—but about the mental fortitude required to push through exhaustion, doubt, and the pesky voice of reason that suggests, at mile 85, that one might simply sit down and eat a sandwich instead.

It is a book about breaking limits. It is also, in its own way, a book about the human condition—or, at the very least, about the peculiar subset of humanity that believes a reasonable Saturday morning involves swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles, and then casually running a marathon.
The Making of a Modern Spartan

Lawrence is, to put it mildly, not a man given to half-measures. A former mortgage broker turned endurance athlete, he first entered the public imagination with his 50-50-50 challenge: fifty Ironman triathlons in fifty consecutive days across all fifty states. This was not merely a feat of physical strength but of logistical sorcery—requiring meticulous planning, a devoted support team, and the ability to function on levels of exhaustion that would make even the most hardened Navy SEAL wince.

For most mortals, such an accomplishment would be enough to satisfy a lifetime of athletic ambition. Lawrence, however, is not most mortals. Iron Will recounts how, having already cemented his place in the annals of human endurance, he decided to one-up himself, embarking on the unfathomable task of completing 100 Ironman triathlons in 100 consecutive days. This, one imagines, is the sort of idea that, in ancient Greece, would have prompted the gods to step in and suggest a nap instead.
The Gospel of Grit

At its core, Iron Will is a treatise on perseverance. Lawrence is not merely interested in the mechanics of endurance; he is interested in its psychology. How does one continue when the body is failing? When the will to persist falters? When, after logging thousands of miles, the sheer absurdity of the task begins to eclipse the original purpose?

His answer is both simple and profound: because he said he would.

This is not a book about comfort, nor about the modern obsession with life hacks—those magical, three-step solutions that promise transformation without toil. Lawrence offers no shortcuts, no secrets. Instead, he offers discipline, discomfort, and the unromantic but undeniable truth that greatness is often found at the precise moment when one most wants to quit.

The book, like its author, is relentless. Lawrence recounts his trials with a mixture of candor and unshakable conviction. He is not interested in whether an excuse is valid—only whether it is useful. He describes biking through brutal winds, running on fractured feet, and swimming with exhaustion gnawing at the edges of consciousness, all while reminding the reader that the mind, not the body, is the true battleground of endurance.
A Stoic in Spandex

In reading Iron Will, one cannot help but be reminded of the ancient Stoics, those stern philosophers of antiquity who preached the virtue of hardship. Epictetus, a man who began life as a Roman slave, famously declared that suffering is not in events themselves but in how we interpret them. Marcus Aurelius, the last great emperor-philosopher, wrote that the impediment to action advances action—that the obstacle is the way.

Lawrence, though unlikely to be found composing meditations in the candlelit solitude of a Roman tent, follows much the same creed. His suffering is not an obstacle; it is the point. To push forward when reason dictates retreat is, in his worldview, not insanity but transcendence.

Of course, one must ask: to what end?

This is the lingering question in Iron Will. Lawrence makes a compelling case for mental toughness, but at times, the book strays dangerously close to the modern cult of hyper-productivity—the same worldview that suggests the only respectable vacation is one spent climbing Everest in record time. Endurance, when wielded wisely, is a virtue; but when elevated to an all-consuming ideology, one begins to suspect that the line between grit and self-flagellation is thinner than advertised.
The Verdict: A Monument to Perseverance, But Not Without Questions

It is impossible to read Iron Will without feeling, at least briefly, the stirrings of motivation. Lawrence’s conviction is contagious. He writes not as an aloof guru dispensing wisdom from a mountaintop, but as a man who has bled, suffered, and persisted, and who believes—fervently—that others can do the same.

And yet, as inspiring as the book is, it invites a reflection that Lawrence himself never quite addresses: is more always better? Does endurance, when taken to extremes, become its own kind of obsession?

Perhaps that is a question for another book.

For now, Iron Will stands as a testament to the power of relentless perseverance. It is a book that will appeal to athletes, entrepreneurs, and anyone who has ever wondered what might be possible if they simply refused to quit.

It is also a book that, if read too enthusiastically, may result in some poor soul waking up at 4 a.m. tomorrow, strapping on running shoes, and deciding to see just how far their own iron will can take them.

If so, James Lawrence would be pleased.

[Thebestdogmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book. I always enjoy a book about extreme endurance events and the athletes that partake in them. I once did 5 marathons in 5 states in 5 days. I know how hard it was to get up each day and do it all over again. I cannot imagine doing that plus the bike and swim each day for 100 days! Nice bits of motivation and encouragement directed to the reader sprinkled thru the book.

[Richard Derus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real Rating: 3.75* of five

The Publisher Says: The ultimate guide to mental toughness by James 'Iron Cowboy' Lawrence – the greatest endurance athlete in human history.

Lawrence’s accomplishments are nearly impossible to comprehend. In 2015, he set a Guinness World Record record by completing 50 full-distance triathlons in 50 states in 50 consecutive days. Yes, THE Ironman, 'the single most difficult day in sports'—a 2.4-mile swim, 112 miles on a bike, then a 26.2-mile run, all completed in under 17 hours. It is a race so intense that less than .01% of the population have completed one.

Afterwards, Lawrence subjected his body to exhaustive physical testing, to every genetic test known to science. The stunning discovery is that physically, James Lawrence is unspecial in every way. The secret to his bulletproof body is his bulletproof mentality.

How does a person develop the mental fortitude necessary to overcome incredible exhaustion, immeasurable suffering, and unfathomable pain in order to achieve impossible goals? With Iron Hope, that’s exactly what James 'Iron Cowboy' Lawrence shows readers how to do. Lawrence explains how readers can forge an iron will by making and keeping small promises to themselves again and again, amassing experience and building momentum until giving up becomes impossible. Combine a big dream with small improvements repeated with great consistency and make your goals and dreams a reality.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.

My Review: I read this because I am unable to fathom WHY anyone would do this insane thing to their body.

I still don't know.

What I *do* know is that doing this insane thing to his body afforded Author Lawrence great clarity about how he accomplished this absurd, OTT feat of effortful activity. He reports to readers the means by which he accomplished a feat of endurance and self-discipline that a vanishingly small number of us fellow humans ever even attempt, let alone accomplish.

There is huge value in absorbing this attitude: "do it to prove you can." Do hard things because they are hard, and along the way build the habits of mind that will make you unstoppable in areas that actually matter.

*oops* I didn't mean to type that out loud.

There it is, though. What earthly use is doing this to one's body? This smacks of the religious ascetics who do appalling things to themselves because god. In what way is this necessary, or beneficial to the world? As an example to emulate? I'd drag anyone I know to the shrink if they announced they'd got this idea for abusing their body in this way.

However much I decry the wasteful, expensive thing this lunacy promotes...that training costs, the supplements and dietary demands cost like crazy, donate the time and money to bettering the world you selfish thing!...I acknowledge the author's using the platform it gives him to have accomplished this as a means to offer practical, actionable advice on how to acquire the *habits* that got him there. He's offering good information, clearly and understandably formatted, explaining how and why this or that effort pays off in self-discipline; this is the thing I focused on, not the reason *he* was doing it but rather *how* he did what he did.

I devoutly hope the readers the book will get because the author did what he did will put his path to attaining an enviable strength of mind to more useful ends. It's the egotism, the selfish "MY victory" straight-male vanity of the exercise (!) that won't let me get to a full four stars despite the more positive uses the information can be put to.

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

It is not a question of if you can...it's if you should. This book was such a disappointment and I can not condone his "motivational" storytelling.

I followed his 50/50/50 Ironman journey b/c having done a few myself, I knew what it would do to his body and thought he was crazy. I was hoping to get more info on his prep and how he managed to get through it.

Instead, I got a book full of random snippets from his 100 in 100 journey and Same standard motivational jargon you get fed everywhere else. Very repetitive. Nothing really new. It was painful at times.

Much like David Goggins' book (though Lawrence certainly has a better grasp of the English language enough to not curse every 6 words and use demeaning (especially toward women) language to make a point about how tough he is.

Lawrence took every physical test out there to find out he has no special anomaly in his body to allow him to do what he does...what he should do is talk to a mental therapist. That would be more appropriate. To do one Ironman and suffer as we all do, and walk away calling Guinness to see what the world records are for IM completions in various categories and find one you can do, is not proving something to yourself...it's feeling the need to make a name for yourself (which he admits) to a great detriment to your body just to make money off it to support his family the way he wants to not what he needs to.

I’ve completed 4 IMs and could have written my own book. And being smart about training… I didn’t destroy my body in the process.

Why do I say all this... Here are examples:

Ignore pain and press on… He goes above and beyond on this...dangerously so. “I don’t want them to know I blacked out”. And doesn’t want paramedics to check him. Even he doesn’t want to know if something is wrong like broken bones. So that keep going. That’s not healthy mentally or physically. His body will shut down. It may not be now, but damage is done and he will find out as he ages.

Chapter 10… why you don’t go to this level. There is a time you need to realize you are putting your life and the stability of your family behind your need to BE somebody… he even admits he has to get his name out there as a reason he does it.

He had an army of people putting their own lives on hold to make it happen. His resources are way more than what an average person has at their disposal. He says he accepts all these resources in exchange for… hope. He “asks” friends and family to step up and help him. They are selfless at best, enablers at worst.

No matter how he packages it.. his mantra is I will finish or kill myself trying. He seems very literal in that stance based on his performances. Glad that latter hasn’t happened but he’s trying. And if he keeps ignoring the "pain" and pressing on to bigger and bigger challenges b/c he can't be satisfied with the last...he will certainly find out he is not invincible.

[Afterglow Earring Co · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iron Hope by James Lawrence is a deeply inspiring book that delivers powerful insights on mental toughness and perseverance. Lawrence, dubbed the “Iron Cowboy,” has accomplished the seemingly impossible. From completing 50 Ironman triathlons in 50 states over 50 consecutive days to later breaking his own limits with 100 full-distance triathlons in 100 days, his journey is both extraordinary and incredibly humbling. What’s fascinating, though, is how James emphasizes that his success isn’t due to superhuman genetics or innate physical gifts. Instead, it’s the result of an unshakable mental mindset—a message that resonates throughout the book.

What makes this book so engaging is its balance between jaw-dropping feats and practical advice. Lawrence walks readers through how mental toughness is built not through grand gestures but by consistently keeping small promises to yourself. He explains how small actions, repeated with discipline, create unstoppable momentum. It’s both empowering and relatable, showing that success, no matter how overwhelming it may seem, starts with small steps.

I found the section on recovery especially impactful. I happened to finish the book while I was sick, so his emphasis on rest as a critical part of success hit home. It’s easy to overlook how essential recovery is, but Lawrence makes it clear that pushing yourself beyond limits must include time for healing—physically and mentally. For someone like him to highlight this was a refreshing perspective that made me reflect on how I treat my own downtime.

The writing itself is straightforward, direct, and honest. Lawrence isn’t trying to sugarcoat his achievements or make himself seem superhuman. He acknowledges the pain, suffering, and doubts he’s faced, which makes his triumphs feel even more significant. His story is not just for athletes but for anyone looking to overcome obstacles, whether they’re physical, mental, or emotional.

Iron Hope isn’t just a guide to endurance; it’s a guide to life. It inspires readers to think bigger, work harder, and never give up, no matter how impossible a goal may seem. Whether you’re striving for athletic greatness, professional success, or simply trying to push through a tough phase in life, this book offers the tools and encouragement you need. Highly recommended!

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

James Lawrence, famously known as the "Iron Cowboy," delivers a compelling narrative in " Iron Hope: Lessons Learned from Conquering the Impossible". This book is not just a chronicle of his extraordinary feats—like completing 50 full-distance triathlons in 50 states over 50 consecutive days—but also a profound exploration of mental toughness, resilience, and the human spirit's boundless potential.

Lawrence's storytelling is raw and authentic, offering readers a glimpse into the grueling physical and emotional challenges he faced. His ability to transform seemingly insurmountable obstacles into stepping stones for growth is both inspiring and instructive. The book is structured around key lessons that Lawrence learned through his journey, making it not only a memoir but also a guide for anyone looking to push their limits and achieve their dreams.

The audiobook, narrated by Lawrence himself, adds an extra layer of intimacy to the experience. His voice carries the weight of his experiences, making the listener feel as though they are sitting across from him, hearing his story firsthand. The narration is heartfelt and engaging, capturing the highs and lows of his journey with a sincerity that resonates deeply.

"Iron Hope" emphasizes the mental aspect of endurance. Lawrence delves into the psychology of perseverance, sharing practical strategies for developing an "iron will." From making small promises to oneself to building momentum through consistent effort, the book offers actionable advice that can be applied to any area of life.

"Iron Hope" is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of mindset in overcoming challenges. Whether you're an athlete, an entrepreneur, or simply someone seeking inspiration, this book is a must-read. Lawrence's story reminds us that the impossible is often just a matter of perspective—and that with hope and hard work, we can achieve greatness.

For those who enjoy motivational stories and practical life lessons, "Iron Hope" is a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration. Dive in, and let James Lawrence guide you toward conquering your own impossible.

[Lydia Vaile · Rating 5 out of 5]

# 👍🏻 What I Liked About It

- It's easy to read, very heart-warming, sometimes provocative, sometimes very touching and definitely worth to read! It’s a survival story like none other. It’s raw and emotionally charged.
- I like how the tone changed during the whole book, from complete miserable destruction to cheerful happiness in the end.
- Many good side stories, people who were participated during conquering the 100, - incredibly touching! The love for his family, the moments of grace!
- In comparison to David Goggin's - Never Finished, this is much, much better in every aspect of reading, much, much pleasant and heart-warming!

# 👎🏻 What I Didn't Like About It

- Nothing, the length is good, the notes are at their place. It's an easy to read and comprehend high-end material.

# 👨‍🎓 What I’ve Learned

- The secret to gaining new heights is a bulletproof mentality.
- When it comes to living your dream, this one important question can change everything: What are you willing to sacrifice to reach your goal?
- You must take action.

# 📜 Quotes

“I don’t want you to miss this. The world is designed to break you. If you’re pursuing your goals with everything you have, I guarantee you will get punched in the mouth. You will feel pain.”

“In times of big difficulty, let the momentum you’ve built carry you forward.”

“Once you discover what you’re passionate about, your purpose can emerge from your passion. I always tell people: If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. Your passion can lead you into your purpose.”

“Your growth is never solely for your benefit. It doesn’t matter if your area of influence is in business, sports, education, family, politics, community, or the arts. You always want to bring people together to join forces in the pursuit of hope and happiness. Accept the simple and straightforward challenge to be there for others. Your growth is for the benefit of the people who need you most. Never forget: Someone important is counting on you.”

[Melanie Mayhem · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Iron Cowboy, James Lawrence exceeds expectation with his book Iron Hope. Although James' story is not unfamiliar to me, listening to him narrate his own story leant so much authenticity. I watched a documentary about his journey and at the time, although I found his accomplishment to be hard earned and inspiring, I did not resonate with him as a person, I thought him selfish for putting his family through all the travel and his training schedule. This book has turned that opinion around.

This memoir walks us through Lawrence's quest to complete 100 triathlons in 100 days. James gives great insight into the type of mental toughness and perseverance it takes to compete with yourself day after day without being the overtly "manly" about it. He is raw as he speaks on the injuries and pain he endured day after day. Along with the successes and incredible stories from people would join to run or bike along side him, sometimes multiple times, this highlighted how his challenge to himself was bringing others hope, and how it in turn gave him the same. Lawrence skillfully covers subjects such as goal-setting and mindfulness without being too preachy. And most of all, something that is often glossed over, rest and mental health. Though all of this he was truly grateful for his family, who had all made sacrifices for his goal, yet were such a huge part of his journey and his success.

While this book certainly will be interesting for endurance athletes it is so much more. It is a book about life, gratitude, and finding motivation to push your limits, even if only by a small amount.

I received an advanced copy of this audiobook via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Bobby Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grit Over Glory: A Triathlete’s Tale of Tenacity

Iron Hope: Lessons Learned from Conquering the Impossible by James Lawrence is a solid 3-star listen that fueled my runs with its raw look at endurance but left me wanting a tighter story. As a triathlete, I was hooked by Lawrence’s jaw-dropping feats—100 Ironman races in 100 days is straight-up unfathomable. His ability to push through brutal pain, mental fog, and wild weather, like he says, “Your limits are just a starting point; true strength begins where comfort ends,” hit me right in the gut. Having loved the documentary, I ate up the details of his grind, from sore muscles to relentless resolve. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to lace up and keep going, no matter the odds.

But man, the pacing dragged. The book weaves his 100-day saga with other achievements, which sounds cool but ends up feeling like the same story on repeat—more pain, more pushing through. I wanted a sharper structure, maybe fewer side stories that just echoed the main one. Lawrence himself is relatable, a guy battling doubts like any of us, but his family and others stay in the background, not fleshed out enough to grip me like the characters in my favorite epics. The emotional wins are there—finishing those races is pure triumph—but they blend together, missing that one big, heart-pounding payoff I crave.

Overall, Iron Hope fired me up and spoke to my triathlete heart, but it could’ve been so much more with better flow. It’s a solid pick if you’re into endurance sports or need a push to conquer your own challenges, but don’t expect a literary home run. I’m still thinking about Lawrence’s grit, and that’s worth something.

[Marcia Meakim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Iron Hope and all I can say is…unbelievable! James Lawrence is absolutely incredible. I cringed as I read what his body suffered during his quest to complete 100 triathlons in 100 days. I loved the support he received from so many others, particularly his wife, Sunny. Such an appropriate name for this woman who repeatedly put James and his dreams before her own, living his life each and every day, supporting and urging him on. Most women would not be able to be so selfless, especially with their five children and virtually an open house every day for 100 days. I would love to read her version of their lives during those 100 days.
James writing style made this an easy read, however I am sure that every reader will flinch, cringe and grimace as they read. I enjoyed his Iron Hope motivational passages intermittently scattered throughout the book. I did feel motivated by some which I can apply to my own life.
I also enjoyed his references to the many people he met and inspired as well as the hundreds who cheered him on or joined him in his grueling swims, bike rides and marathons. They sheltered him, motivated him, and protected him from harm and certainly cared for him throughout his triathlons. They inspired me as well.
My favorite quote, among many is, “I remember that when you work hard for something you don’t care about, that’s called stress. When you work hard for something you love, that’s called passion.
Truly a five star read.

[Sarah Dressler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Iron Cowboy- I heard him speak at a Young Living event I attended in Utah somewhere around 2018, when he’d finished his 50.50.50. Now he has a new book out on January 21st about his 100 triathlons in 100 days.

Thank you @stmartinspress for my early reading copy & @netgalley for my early listening copy!

I always like reading and listening to the stories of athletes and I’ve read several over the years. James Lawrence’s story is no different as he chronicles each day in detail. I think I enjoyed the story of his daughter Lucy and her rollerblade crash during his marathon phase one day. It was a beautiful story and I loved her perspective.

Blue Collar Days- days you punch the clock, do your job, then go home. You navigate repetition, but long-term these days are about reliability, faithfulness, and dogged endurance. [Lawrence pg. 144]

Lawrence walks us through each day, the struggles, the wrecks, the high levels of pain as he completes 100 triathlons with his team. I think one of the most beautiful chapters is when he does 101 starting the next day at the pool, alone after so many days with his team pressing ahead for him.

If you are looking for a story that helps inspire you to do something challenging and difficult, James Lawrence’s story is one you won’t regret reading.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm halfway through this book and not sure if I will finish it. It struck me while reading it that it's kind of a slap in the face to anyone who thinks completing a triathlon is an achievement - which it undoubtedly is - as the author does a hundred of them in a hundred days. Worse, the author seems to imply that "anyone can do it" if you just take his positive thinking to heart and get out there and try. Just do it. Obviously, the author admits, you're not going to complete a hundred triathlons, but what is your personal Everest and why aren't you out there trying to conquer it? I wasn't convinced and I did become irritated with the "You can do it" hectoring that you read of in so many personal development and management books. I'm sure I once read a book that convincingly made a case that deliberate positive thinking, telling yourself you can achieve anything, is actually counterproductive when life continually proves otherwise, as it often does. Still, I don't want to belittle this guy's achievements and some of the book was quite inspiring and, I hoped, might rub off on me next time I feel sore and bored after swimming for half an hour.