While the Tour de France has passed the midpoint of the race, there is another athlete that is looking to complete something that might be even more demanding that the French stage race.
James Lawrence, a.k.a. the “Iron Cowboy” is setting out to complete 50 full-distance triathlons, in 50 states, in 50 consecutive days. He started the 50-50-50 challenge in Hawaii on June 6th and is scheduled to finish in his home state of Utah on July 25th. In case you were wondering, a full-distance triathlon is a swim of 2.4 miles (3.9 km), a bike ride of 112 miles (180 km), and a marathon run of 26.219 miles (42.195 km). That’s an incredible 120 miles of swimming, 5,600 miles of riding, and just under 1311 miles of running in 50 days, along with the travel involved to get from state to state.
Lawrence isn’t just swimming, riding, and running, because he is a glutton for punishment. Beyond being an inspiration to others to get out and be active, the Iron Cowboy is also supporting the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation to fight obesity.
One of his sponsors, Rudy Project, sat down with Lawrence to talk about his experience so far.
Rudy Project – Are you bored at all?
James Lawrence – “Not at all. It’s minute to minute, and the coolest part is all the amazing people we are meeting.”
Rudy Project – Sick of any food yet, or of food in general?
Lawrence – “Totally, I just want a simple green salad with a fork.”
Rudy Project – What is the single best thing you’ve experienced so far that you didn’t expect going into this?
Lawrence – “The support for my family. They are my biggest concern, and they’ve been supported by a nation.”
Rudy Project – Single worst?
Lawrence – “Lack of sleep and travel. I made a lot of logistical errors.”
Rudy Project – Who’s the most inspirational person you’ve met on this journey?
Lawrence – “My wife continues to inspire me daily.”
Rudy Project – When you complete this, who’s the first person that you’ll say “Told you so!” to?
Lawrence – “Myself!”
Rudy Project – What else can you possibly challenge yourself to do once this is over?
Lawrence – “Raising a million dollars…I won’t stop till I hit that goal.”
Rudy Project – How is the Rudy Project equipment helping you?
Lawrence – “I crashed in Tennessee and my Rudy Project helmet saved me. Now, the gloves protect my hand that has road rash, and I just love all my glasses.”
To learn more about Lawrence’s challenge, and see what he has left, visit his website: http://www.ironcowboy.co
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year