5 decades ago, James Lawrence did the extremely hard. More than the study course of 50 days, the endurance athlete concluded 50 consecutive Ironmans. If you are not common with triathlons, that’s a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike journey, topped off with a full 26.2-mile marathon. The hard work landed him in the Guinness Entire world Information with several achievements that have not been touched considering that. That is till now: Lawrence is making an attempt the extremely hard again, although this time he’s doubling it. Which is appropriate, he’s aiming to full 100 consecutive Ironmans this time. “I didn’t assume seventy five appeared hard plenty of,” Lawrence tells Men’s Journal, when questioned how he finally arrived to the number. The phrase is reported with the no-nonsense attitude and steely emphasis that’s acquired him the moniker the Iron Cowboy. “And since why not?”
Lawrence is at present in the midst of the Hurculean hard work in his home state of Utah, surrounded by his team—wife, Sunny, and five little ones. We spoke with the Iron Cowboy about how he’s coaching, recovering, and keeping mentally healthy to full the Conquer 100 obstacle.
How ‘Iron Cowboy’ James Lawrence Prepped to Tackle 100 Consecutive Ironmans
Men’s Journal: How did the plan of the Conquer 100 commence?
James Lawrence: I’d say I first viewed as it two decades ago. My system was acquiring to a place where by it was fully recovered from the 50 endeavor. I was starting up to crave something new—something bigger. Now that I’d achieved the 50, executing extra became probable. On reflection we commenced to see some of the logistical and coaching issues we manufactured. There were being crystal clear points we could employ to push the boundaries additional.
What variety of a physical toll did 50 Ironmans take on your system?
There was a tear in my shoulder I had to offer with only five days in. I formulated critical tendinitis in my legs, as perfectly as foot blistering and toenail reduction. I consider I lost 6 of my ten toenails above the study course of it. I was dealing with system deterioration all over, but you just had to study to offer with it. You study how to take care of pain. The most significant fallout I dealt with was absolutely numb fingers and toes following ending. It almost certainly took me 6 months, if not a 12 months, for me to get that emotion back. And now that I have it back, I’m capable to get back out there and endeavor something insane again.