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