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.

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 Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC.

Audiobook/Book Review 📖🎧

thank you so much partner @stmartinspress @macmillan.audio for the gifted ARC & audiobook!

Iron Hope: Lessons Learned from Conquering the Impossible
by James Lawrence
narrated by James Lawrence

About the book 👇🏽

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.

🎧📖 My thoughts:

This is a great book to start the new year with! Yes, we get to learn more about Iron Cowboy but we also get a glimpse inside his head and what mental and physical toughness looks like. The audiobook definitely hits different and I would highly suggest listening to the audiobook. Not only is it the author reading it but it’s realistic and practical advice. It actually makes you feel like it IS possible and it’s not some concept that’s difficult to grasp. My favorite parts of this book are the parts in each chapter that have the inspirational tidbits in its own specific box… that are meant to stand out and do! If you’re looking for a book to start your new year with that’ll change your mindset in the best way, you gotta get your hands on this book. Iron Hope is on sale 1/21/25!!

Happy reading! 📖🎧

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.

James Lawrence, also known as the "Iron Cowboy," delivers an awe-inspiring and deeply personal narrative in Iron Hope: Lessons Learned from Conquering the Impossible. This book isn’t just a recounting of his jaw-dropping endurance feat—completing 100 triathlons in 100 days—it’s a treasure trove of life lessons for anyone striving to overcome their own challenges.

Lawrence’s writing is raw, honest, and relatable, and I loved hearing the audiobook read by the author himself. His voice adds an extra layer of authenticity, making it feel like he’s speaking directly to you. He doesn’t shy away from detailing the mental, emotional, and physical struggles he endured, but he frames them as stepping stones to resilience and growth. Each chapter feels like a conversation with a wise friend who’s been through the fire and emerged stronger, offering practical advice and encouragement to push past your limits.

What makes this book so special is its universal appeal. Whether you’re an athlete, a professional pursuing ambitious goals, or someone working through personal challenges, Iron Hope resonates deeply. Lawrence’s journey teaches that hope, grit, and an unshakable belief in one’s potential can help us achieve what once seemed impossible.

This book isn’t just a memoir—it’s a manual for embracing discomfort, setting audacious goals, and refusing to quit. I walked away feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to tackle new challenges. It’s a must-read for anyone who needs a reminder that true strength comes from within.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book.

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.

Hearing this audiobook with the authors voice was a nice touch.

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!