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.