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From 37 Yards to Kona

How the Worst Swim of My Life Led to Triathlon's Biggest Stage
From 37 Yards To Kona

​​A story of transformation, faith, and the power of refusing to quit. From energy drink addiction and a humiliating 37-yard swim to competing at the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona and Nice.
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Available January 6, 2025 | Paperback & Kindle

THE STORY BEHIND THE BOOK

What Happens When You Can't Even Swim Across a Pool?
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In 2012, I couldn't swim 37 yards without stopping—gasping for air, humiliated, and wondering what I'd gotten myself into. I was overweight, addicted to energy drinks, and living far from the life I knew God intended for me.
Thirteen years later, I stood on the start line at the IRONMAN® World Championships in Kona, Hawaii—one of the most prestigious endurance events on the planet. Then I did it again in Nice, France.
​This book tells the complete story of that transformation: the brutal training sessions, two back surgeries that threatened everything, the faith that sustained me through doubt, and the lessons learned from 16 IRONMAN® finishes. But more than that, it's about discovering who you really are when you refuse to let your worst moment define you.
Whether you're an athlete, a dreamer, or someone who's ever felt like giving up—this story is for you.
It's time to rewrite your story.

WHAT READERS WILL DISCOVER

Inside This Book
  • The 37-yard moment that changed everything and how humiliation became the catalyst for transformation
  • Overcoming two spinal surgeries and returning to compete at the highest level of the sport
  • The faith principles that sustained me through 13 years of training, setbacks, and triumphs
  • Practical lessons from 16 IRONMAN races including what I learned from both victories and failures
  • Balancing ministry, family, and athletic dreams—how I competed at World Championships while serving as a worship pastor, being a husband and a father
  • The coaching philosophy that emerged from my journey and now helps athletes achieve their own "impossible" goals
  • Real talk about mental toughness, doubt, pain, and what it actually takes to achieve a seemingly unreachable dream

ENDORSEMENTS SECTION

Jason's challenging journey from 37 yards to Kona exemplifies everything IRONMAN® stands for: the refusal to quit, the courage to start when success seems impossible, and the transformation that happens when ordinary people attempt extraordinary things. This is a story that needed to be told.” 
—Mike Reilly, Voice of IRONMAN®
Jason doesn't give you a cute comeback story, he gives you the truth, pain, setbacks, surgeries, doubt, and the grit to keep showing up anyway. From 37 Yards to Kona is proof that ordinary people can do outrageous things when they stop whining and start working.”
--James Lawrence, "The Iron Cowboy," 2x Guinness World Record Holder
This book is a blueprint for anyone who has ever questioned their own potential, and his story invites each of us to consider what transformation might look like in our own lives.” 
--Meredith Kessler, 11x IRONMAN® Champion, Professional Triathlete
Jason's journey reminded me that when your foundation is faith (in God and yourself) nothing is impossible. His testimony resonates because it speaks to the resilience required when the body screams to stop but the spirit urges continuation. From 37 Yards to Kona challenges us to shed fear, embrace growth's pain, and harness community strength.”
—Coach Elizabeth Inpyn,
Founder of INPYN, Former NCAA Division 1 Athlete

This book reminds us that endurance sports can be a sacred classroom, shaping our faith as much as our fitness. Athletes and ministry leaders will find strong encouragement here—especially those who see sport not just as competition, but as transformation, personal growth, and a platform to point others to Christ.”
--Mark Long, FCA Endurance Director



AUTHOR SECTION

About Jason Millsaps
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Jason Millsaps is the Lead Worship Pastor at Bell Shoals Church in Brandon, Florida, and founder of 121 Tri Coaching, LLC. A certified triathlon coach (USAT Level 1 & TrainingPeaks Level 2), Jason has completed 16 IRONMAN races, including World Championships at Kona 2024 and Nice 2025.

His transformation from being unable to swim 37 yards to competing on the world's biggest endurance stage has inspired athletes across the country. Jason brings the same passion for transformation to his coaching practice, where he helps athletes of all levels achieve goals they once thought impossible.

He lives in Tampa, Florida, with his wife Andrea and their two sons, Jonathan and Jaden.

Book Jason to Speak at Your Event

START YOUR TRANSFORMATION TODAY!

Your 37-yard moment doesn't have to define you. Let this story inspire your next chapter.
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Available in Paperback and Kindle
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