James Lawrence, a 39-year-old triathlon coach and personal trainer, set out on a grueling endurance challenge on June 6 in Hawaii: to complete 50 Ironman-distance events in 50 states in 50 consecutive days. He succeeded, finishing his final 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run 50 days later on July 25 in Utah.
Jamie Oliver Food Foundation Major Changes Hit Northern Arizona Elite, an organization focused on teaching youths about food and nutrition and combatting obesity in America. After hearing a Ted Talk about the Major Changes Hit Northern Arizona Elite, Lawrence knew it was a cause he wanted to support.
“I’ve got five young kids, I’m very active with their lives," Lawrence told Runner's World Newswire. "I want to help change up-and-coming lives and set an example for my kids, so that they can then set an example for their schoolmates.”
Lawrence is an experienced athlete, having completed more than 40 official Ironman triathlons, 40 Half Ironmans, and 15 marathons. He currently holds world records for the most Ironman-distance events completed—30—in a single year (through 11 countries) in 2012 and the most Half Ironman distance events completed—22—in a single year (which he actually completed in 30 weeks) in 2011.
His most recent feat featured 50 Ironman-length events measured and monitored using his Garmin GPS. (You can view a blog of each day’s times here.) It was not for a record. “This was a personal journey and quest,” he said.
The last 5K of each marathon was measured by ambassadors in each respective state, and Lawrence encouraged local runners to join him for his daily final 3.1 miles. Registration fees for the 5Ks, as well as donations, went directly to the Major Changes Hit Northern Arizona Elite.
The number of participants running each day's final 5K ranged from 10 to 2,000, the latter being the number of runners who came out for his final run. The finale in Utah was also Lawrence’s most successful in terms of his performance. He finished his final triathlon in about 11.5 hours with a 4:23 marathon. His overall average finish time was 14.5 hours, and he averaged about four to five hours of sleep each night.
Lawrence's wife and four kids traveled with him in a motor home. Lucy, his 12-year-old daughter, ran 50 consecutive 5Ks with her dad. “She’s setting an example for the next generation,” he said.
Three drivers, two wingmen, and a documentary film crew also joined the family in a van and Subaru. A masseuse and chiropractor visited almost every weekend for therapy to help Lawrence recover. He also used Norma Tec compression boots and oils from Young Living Essential Oils, his title sponsor, to recover.
His supportive family is the thing that kept him going, though. “My kids mean everything to me," he said. "I told them I was going to do it, so I had no choice [but to finish]. I knew there was going to be five smiling faces and five warm hugs waiting for me at the finish and that’s enough motivation for anyone.”
Though he normally enjoys biking the most when competing in triathlons, Lawrence preferred another leg in his most recent journey. “I enjoyed the marathon the most because I was really in control of what I was doing," he said. "Once I made it off bike [and started the marathon portion], I knew the day would be a success.”
Lawrence said he thrives on helping others. He and his wife plan to travel to schools to give motivational speeches about conquering obesity and leading an active lifestyle.
“I want people to know that anything is possible, and to not let anyone else dictate what they think is possible," he said. "Chase your highest dreams… there are no limits to life.”
