James Lawrence

“The Iron Cowboy”, Guinness World Record Holder, Author, Subject of 50.50.50 Documentary, Eco-Challenge Team Leader, Peak Performance Speaker

Topics: Elite Performance, Inspirational & Motivational, Sports, Mindfulness, Personal Development, Adventurers, Attitude, Resilience, Health & Well-Being, Productivity, Teamwork

Request Availability
Add My List

Contact us for James Lawrence speaking fees

Biography

James Lawrence is known as the “Iron Cowboy,” a nickname he received from the public after he started wearing a cowboy hat during the marathon portion of his Ironman races in order to be identified quickly by his children. With two Guinness World Records under his belt, James is a mental strength guru, renown endurance coach, in-demand speaker, and author of Iron Cowboy: Redefine Impossible.

James didn’t grow up an endurance athlete. In fact, he could barely finish his first 5k at the age of 28. But that failure fueled a competitive spirit, and a desire to achieve something his current body told him was impossible. “I was determined to NOT let my failure define me.” Years of focused training shaped James to become an elite short-distance triathlete. Along the way, he learned to push past his mental limits and find his true physical boundaries.

In 2010, James set out on a journey to find those physical limitations. He set his first World Record by completing 22 70.3 Ironman races in just 30 weeks, exceeding the previous record of 20. “There was a fire inside, and I had to let it burn.” But James did not find his limit – he knew he could reach higher. In 2012, he set his second World Record by completing 30 full-distance triathlons in less than 52 weeks, across 11 countries, crushing the previous world record of 22. It was then James realized his limitations weren’t physical, they were mental.

“I knew I could do more, reach higher.” Determined, James set out to find his mental limit and test his focus, determination, and will power. Two and half years of strict regimented training prepared James to attempt a feat that everyone had described as impossible – the 50.50.50. In 2015, James completed the greatest challenge of human endurance: 50 full distance triathlons, in 50 states, in 50 consecutive days.

In 2017, Sports Illustrated ranked James one the top 50 fittest freaks alongside Lebron James and Conor McGregor, two of his favorite athletes. RedBull declared that ‘when it comes to endurance, he is unstoppable’ and Success magazine named him ‘The Most Enduring Man In The World’. He has undoubtedly redefined the definition of impossible.

Every one of us has experienced a time in life when we reach our limit; physically, mentially, emotionally, spiritually. But each of us CAN achieve more, reach higher, raise the bar and silence the doubters. James’ story of reaching new limits is one to which every company, school, organization and individual can relate. He is an ordinary guy, whose extraordinary personal story will make you laugh, cry, reflect, and leave you inspired to reach higher.

Originally from Calgary, Canada, he now lives in Utah with his wife Sunny and their five children.

Videos

Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

Redefine Impossible

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.

Key take-ways from Redefine Impossible:

- Going all in
- Breaking through mental and physical barriers.
- Be uniquely you.
- Belief and conviction on your journey.
- Mind over matter.
- Teamwork > One man’s feat
- Get your priorities straight.
What’s your why? No goal too big – you just need the right steps.

Breaking Barriers - One Step at a Time

Today, we’re faced with mounting pressures, demands from every angle, being told we need to do more – except with less resources. In this talk, James Lawrence brings his combination of energy, humor, determination, and achievements to captivate the audience and create an inspirational and awakening phenomenon for all. James’ story of reaching new limits is one that all of us can relate to–in business, at home, in school. He is an ordinary guy, whose extraordinary personal story will make you laugh, cry, reflect, and leave you inspired to reach higher. James has spoken all over the world, on stages in more than 20 countries.

Testimonials

…when it comes to endurance, he is unstoppable.

– REDBULL

We enjoyed our time with James tremendously. His stories were able to inspire so many of us with his message about the resiliency of the human spirit, and the power our decisions can have over our circumstances. He will leave you feeling encouraged, motivated, and ready to do something impactful!

– DALE DUCOMMON - Bakery General Manager, Clif Bar Baking Co. of Twin Falls, ID

…the story that I heard James talk about not only made me tear up and cry about 3 or 4 times while he was speaking. That led into a drive home with sobbing and just being overwhelmingly happy with the knowledge that I had gained from listening and knowing that now I could do whatever I wanted to do…James “IRON COWBOY” Lawrence, Thank you, Sir!!!

– JEREMY MERCHANT - Clif Bar