LINDON, Utah — Preparing to tackle the seemingly impossible, father of five, husband and two-time Guinness world record holder 39-year-old James Lawrence says there is no stopping what he’s about to do. “I don’t plan on failing, there isn’t an option B,” Lawrence said.
Given the nick name the “Iron Cowboy” after wearing vibrant colored cowboy hats during his triathlon competitions over the years, Lawrence said he’s already broken two world records, why not another.
“I dominated the 2012 world record, smashing it by 10 races, winning two titles and placing second in five others. My mind and body actually got stronger as I progressed through the 30 races through 11 countries. I know my limits were not reached in 2012 and want to test the true limits of my mind and body with this new 50-50-50 challenge. And I want the people of the United States and around the world to join me,” Lawrence said.
With support from local and national sponsors, Lawrence will attempt to run 50 full Ironman triathlons in 50 consecutive days in all 50 states — this is more than 7,000 miles of biking, running and swimming.
“We are being told it’s impossible, I was told by doctors and physicians I’m going to die,” Lawrence said.
Despite the strong warning from medical professionals, Lawrence said this is a feat that, in his mind, is necessary.
“The epidemic is so crazy that I had to do something that equaled its craziness in order for people to pay attention,” he said.
Lawrence will be joined by iron men and women across the country raising money and awareness for childhood obesity though a charity called the Quiet Way. The charity currently raises money to build dams for children in need of water in Africa. Lawrence told KSL they will be starting a new chapter of the charity to raise funds for adolescent and childhood obesity.
“All the funds that are raised from the registrations is all going to the cause,” Lawrence said.
His first race will be June 6 in Hawaii, the second in Alaska on June 7.
“We decided to get Hawaii and Alaska out of the way first because there are commercial flights involved,” Lawrence said.
Lawrence is hoping to cross his 50th finish line on July 25 in Provo, Utah.
