There is a cowboy saying that goes "A cowboy is a man with guts and a horse." The cowboy in this story is James Lawrence who just so happens to have the nickname of "Iron Cowboy". His horse in this case happens to be a Specialized Shiv triathlon bike, which he will use along with his guts to tackle his 2012 quest for a new triathlon world record. You see, starting tomorrow in Naples, Florida James embarks on a 1-year, 10 country journey to do 30 Iron Distance triathlons for a new Triathlon related Guinness World Record.
James is no stranger when it comes to triathlon world records. The 36-year-old from Lindon, Utah already holds a Guinness World Record for completing 22 half-iron distance / Ironman 70.3 triathlon races in 30 weeks in 2009. Now the "Iron Cowboy" is stepping up his game for a new Guinness World Record in 2012 while at the same time trying to raise awareness and funds for charity.
On Sunday, James will start his grueling adventure when the starting gun goes off for the inaugural HITS Triathlon Naples iron distance event. All 30 events that James will participate in will consist of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run. For the attempt, James will have to participate in events from a variety of companies, including the WTC's Ironman Series, the HITS Triathlon Series, Revolution3 Triathlon as wells as a couple of independent full iron distance races. Besides triathlons in North America, he will visit the continents of Europe, Africa, South America and Oceania. TRImapper, one James' sponsors has a dedicated webpage showing all 30 of his races around the world for his world record attempt: www.trimapper.com/triandgiveadam
The father of 5 balances life and conquests as best he can, making sure to spend time with them as much as possible.
With his new world-record attempt, James hopes to raise funds for In Our Own Quiet Way, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing clean water to people in Kenya. Quiet Way is working with the Kenyan government and Kenyan engineers to build approximately 1,000 water retention systems throughout Northern Kenya to relieve drought conditions. Thus the name of his attempt TriAndGiveaDam.
We had the chance to ask James What's going through your head now that this monumental and grueling quest, 30 Iron Distances Triathlons in 1-Year, is about to being with your first race in Naples? I can honestly say I am not nervous. I would say anxious or excited. I've prepared well mentally and physically and knowing I have the support from home really helps too. It won't be a land speed record but if I'm going to do 30 or more of these then I better be ready for the first one!
Unbeknownst to him, a unique situation arose the other day when word came out about another triathlete from the states attempting a similar world record attempt (story link). Robert Verhelst a 33-year-old Madison, Wisconsin firefighter is out to raise awareness for firefighters battling cancer (Code 3 for a Cure) by attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the most Iron distance triathlons completed in a single year. Quite a unique situation that will now make both attempts even more interesting this year to say the least. James has 30 Iron Distance races on his schedule while Robert at this time has 27.
We asked James Are you aware of someone else, Robert Verhelst out to attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most Iron Distance triathlon in a single year? Really, no! Booyaa! Game On! It will just make this whole attempt even more interesting.
It's not all about the world record states James, the goal is to motivate and inspire people to action, each in his or her own way.
You too can support his effort and/or cause in various ways. You can send him an email or tweet to cheer him along, you can sponsor him or you can donate to his cause. Just visit: www.triandgiveadam.com
James states that this wouldn't be possible without the full support of his family and his sponsors.
- • BlueSeventy
- • First Endurance
- • Altra Shoes
- • Timpanogos Cyclery
- • TriMapper
- • Lizard Skins
- • Young Living
Website: www.triandgiveadam.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Ironcowboy
Twitter: @TriAndGiveaDam
Email: james@quietway.org
Stay tuned to TRIJUICE for updates during the year ont his wild and crazy attempt. Follow us on Twitter at @TRIJUICE or interact with us on our our Facebook fan page www.facebook.com/trijuice.
