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.

Real Rating: 3.75* of five

I read this because I am unable to fathom <i><u>WHY</u></i> 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.

Iron Hope by James Lawrence is the ultimate guide to mental toughness by James “Iron Cowboy” Lawrence—the greatest endurance athlete in human history.
This journey is so inspiring!
Lawrence shows readers how to overcome incredible exhaustion, immeasurable suffering, and unfathomable pain in order to achieve impossible goals.
An incredible read! I very much enjoyed!

I really enjoyed this book. I am someone that is not in the world of fitness events at all. I went into this with zero knowledge of events or even the author. I really liked following his journey and reading his story. I was not a big fan of the self help aspect of the book. The extra self help blurbs almost drew away from his story. It could have been two separate books and been just as good. Aside from that I really enjoyed the story and all the ups and downs the author went through. Definitely worth the read if you like a memoir style of book.

I just finished 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 love 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 these 100 days.
James writing style made this an easy read, however I am sure every reader will flinch, cringe and grimace as they read. I enjoyed his Iron Hope motivational thoughts intermittently scattered throughout the book. I did feel motivated by several which I can apply to my own life.
I also enjoyed his references to the many people who 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.”
Many many thanks to James Lawrence, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an arc of this inspirational read that everyone could benefit from.

Thanks for the opportunity to read IRON HOPE. I enjoy athlete memoirs and endurance-over-40 stories, but the writing style didn't click for me. I read to the 30% point before stopping, but I admit being put off early in the Introduction by, "I warn you, it’s raw and emotionally charged. In places, it’s bound to bring a lump to your throat. I suspect that at other times you’ll want to stand and cheer, because it’s also hugely triumphant."

This was a powerful read that required me to stop and reflect every once and a while. You will definitely not regret learning what the human spirit, and body, is capable of when pushed to its limits. Beautiful.

James “Iron Cowboy” Lawrence’s Iron Hope is an inspiring and compelling look into the mindset of one of the most extraordinary endurance athletes in history. Packed with personal stories, actionable advice, and profound lessons, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to build mental toughness, overcome challenges, and chase seemingly impossible goals.

Lawrence’s feats of endurance are awe-inspiring, and the details of his achievements—50 Ironman triathlons in 50 states in 50 days, followed by the mind-boggling 100 triathlons in 100 consecutive days—are almost beyond belief. What makes Iron Hope so impactful is how Lawrence demystifies his success, showing that it’s not his genetics or physical advantages but rather his mental resilience and relentless consistency that set him apart.

The book is structured around practical lessons that readers can apply to their own lives, whether they’re training for a triathlon, navigating a career challenge, or overcoming personal struggles. Lawrence’s concept of “small promises” as the foundation of mental fortitude is simple yet profound: by consistently keeping even the smallest commitments to yourself, you build confidence, momentum, and the ability to tackle bigger goals.

His candid storytelling brings both triumphs and setbacks to life, from the grueling physical pain and mental exhaustion of his endurance feats to the personal challenges he’s faced along the way. These moments make the book feel deeply human and relatable, reminding readers that perseverance is not about perfection but about showing up again and again, no matter how hard it gets.

The only drawback is that some sections can feel repetitive, as Lawrence frequently reinforces the same key ideas about discipline, consistency, and mindset. While this repetition underscores the importance of his principles, it might feel redundant for readers who are already familiar with similar self-help or motivational content.

Overall, Iron Hope is an empowering guide that blends jaw-dropping feats of endurance with actionable strategies for building resilience. James Lawrence’s message is clear: greatness isn’t reserved for the extraordinary; it’s available to anyone willing to commit to their goals, face their fears, and push through the impossible. Whether you’re an athlete, a dreamer, or simply someone seeking inspiration, this book will leave you motivated to tackle your own challenges with an iron will.

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.

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!

Not my genre not my thing at all but this well written tribute to the power of the mind will no doubt inspire those who like tales of physical efforts and mental toughness. I DNf but that's on me, not him. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Over to others.

This book was very enjoyable. I liked getting to learn more about the Iron Cowboy while also learning how to achieve my own goals. It was an interesting mix of life story and self-help in my opinion.

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.

I followed The Iron Cowboy's 50.50.50 journey but had no idea he had taken on a new challenge - 100 ironman triathlons! It was a fun story to read about, and I was surprised at how detailed it was - who was journaling and documenting these thoughts in real time so he could remember how he felt?

Although I wasn't necessarily inspired to take on a physical challenge this radical, I appreciated his point about how he noticed he had become complacent and needed a new goal.

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.

“You are not finished. You are not spent. You are not out of the fight. You can keep going. You are far stronger than you think”

Iron Hope tells James Lawrence’s (aka the Iron Cowboy) story of resilience and mental toughness while completing his Conquer 100 challenge. If you’re into endurance sports and hearing stories of people completing hard things, this book is for you.

While this book is centered around Lawrence’s challenge and other accomplishments, there is lots of advice for building your mental toughness that applies to everyone, not just athletes.

I would highly recommend this book. Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC!

life-altering perspective related not to physical acumen but mental strength... how to get it, keep it, and improve your life as a result.

Physical ability aside, so much of physical endurance is "mental toughness" -- our nervous system stops before our physical capacity does in so many instances. Iron Hope is a fascinating exploration of one man's lived experience with this exact concept. Highly recommend not just for athletes but also for anyone looking to engage and develop their mental toughness. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.