Opening Keynote Address
Redefine Impossible
Speaker:
James Lawrence
The Iron Cowboy, Author, Subject of 50.50.50 Documentary, Eco-Challenge Team Leader
When James Lawrence (aka the Iron Cowboy) announced his plan to complete 50 Ironmans in 50 consecutive days in all 50 states, the only person who believed that he could pull it off was James himself (and his wife, Sunny). An Ironman consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. In Lawrence’s case, he would have to complete those distances and then make it to the next state in time to do it all over again the next day. Even Lawrence’s coach didn’t think he could complete the challenge; enough that he penciled in another event the day Lawrence was supposed to complete the 50. But with the support of Sunny, their five children in tow, and with grassroots support always conjured at the last minute via Facebook, he accomplished what he set out to do.
Iron Cowboy is the story of Lawrence’s herculean 50-day journey and all the extraordinary, miserable, and life-threatening events that happened along the way, as well as a glance at his life leading up to the mission and winning two prior world records.