50 Ironmans. 50 Days. 50 States: The Iron Cowboy’s Assault on Impossible — Musings on Limits, Conviction, Family & Service

The Rich Roll Podcast

\UPDATE: July 26, 2015. He did it. Yesterday I had the great honor and privilege of running the final marathon with James, and watching him cross the finish line on his 50th ironman in 50 states in 50 days to the deafening cheers of over 1,000 fans in attendance. What James has accomplished isn't just stunning — it's truly one of the greatest achievements in the history of (voluntary) human endurance. We made plans to do a follow up podcast today, but alas he lost his voice taking the time to talk to all his fans late into the evening last night. However, I promise we will reconvene very soon so I can bring you the full story, pillar to post. Until then, please enjoy this prefatory conversation.

People roll their eyes in incredulity when I tell them about my experience completing 5 ironman-distance triathlons on five Hawaiian Islands in under a week. If you are one of those people, brace yourself. This week's guest will blow the lid off everything you thought you knew about human potential. The capacity to suffer. And the will to endure.

James Lawrence — aka the Iron Cowboy — is a husband. A proud father of five kids. And an athlete with two Guinness World Records in triathlon: most 70.3 races in a calendar year (22 in 30 weeks) and most Ironman triathlons in a calendar year (30).

Nonetheless, James is restless. He knows he is capable of so much more.

So just two weeks from today, on June 6, 2015 the Iron Cowboy will strive for the seemingly impossible when he attempts a challenge so mind numbing I get delirious just thinking about it:

50 Ironman courses, 50 consecutive days, through all 50 States.

You read it correctly. James' impending adventure is literally 10x the magnitude and degree of difficulty of anything I have personally experienced — a challenge that will test James' mind, body and soul beyond anything I can personally fathom.

The best part? He is inviting everyone to join with him.

This week I sit down with James to sort it all out:

* what inspired his lunatic fringe;

* how he is preparing physically, mentally, emotionally;

* the “whys” behind the hows and whats;

* how he balances his training and racing with professional & family life

I found James to be surprisingly grounded; extremely gracious; and quite large at heart. But if I am being completely honest, I have serious doubts about the plausibility of him succeeding in his 50/50/50 quest. I have no doubt James can do 50 Ironman-distance triathlons in 50 states. It's the 50 days part that gets me. Because it leaves absolutely zero room for error. None. And if there is one thing I know about adventures of this ilk, error is an indispensable part if the equation. It's not if something will go wrong. The question is when.

Please don't misunderstand. I'm a fan. James is one of the good guys. Someone easy to pull for. I want to see him succeed and you will too. So let's get behind James and his extraordinary goal.