By Olivia Clark
Pastor Jason Millsaps, worship pastor at Bell Shoals Church, is drawing attention beyond the altar this month after his debut memoir, From 37 Yards to Kona, climbed to No. 1 on Amazon in triathlon book categories.
The book was released on January 6 and reached No. 1 in both triathlon books and Kindle triathlon. Pastor Millsaps said it also ranked among the top new releases in multiple sports training categories and has earned dozens of five-star reviews. The memoir includes endorsements from Mike Reilly, known as the ‘Voice of IRONMAN’; James Lawrence, also known as the ‘Iron Cowboy’; and professional triathlete Meredith Kessler.
A Valrico resident since 2014, Pastor Millsaps said the book follows his journey from 2012, when he could not swim more than 37 yards without stopping, to competing at the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, in 2024 and Nice, France, in 2025. He pursued the goal while continuing his ministry work, supporting his family and recovering from two back surgeries.
Pastor Millsaps said the turning point came when he recognized how far his health had slipped and decided it was time to change.
“I feel like every one of us has our 37 yards in something, something that just seems impossible,” Pastor Millsaps said. “In ministry and life, God doesn’t always remove obstacles. He simply shows us what is possible when you refuse to quit.”
Pastor Millsaps said the process was built on consistent effort and showing up even on difficult days. After more than a year of training, he completed his first full-distance IRONMAN at IRONMAN Arizona in November 2013. Since then, he has finished 16 full-distance IRONMAN races.
Pastor Millsaps has also expanded into coaching. He is a certified USA Triathlon coach and launched 121 Tri Coaching, a name inspired by Hebrews 12:1 and its message to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Readers can search for From 37 Yards to Kona: How the Worst Swim of My Life Led to Triathlon’s Biggest Stage on Amazon.
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