Why would anyone want to do a triathalon everyday, for 50 days, in every state in the U.S.? "Iron Cowboy" James Lawrence does it to inspire, educate and hopefully change peoples' perception of health in our country. But he didn't always have such lofty goals.

Back in 2005, this Utah father of five elementary-school-aged kids, decided to run a 5K and was huffing and puffing as people with strollers passed him by. He decided then and there that he could do better, set an example for his own children and inspire people along the way! He started running races every weekend and then moved on to Ironmans.

Iron Cowboy James Lawrence bike ride
Screengrab courtesy James Lawrence via YouTube
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In 2010, James broke the Guinness Book of World Records for the most half-Ironman distance races in a single year (22 in 30 weeks) then went bigger by racing the most Ironman-distance triathlons in a year (30 in 2012) in 11 different countries. Apparently he was just warming up for his current 50-50-50!

Just what is the "50-50-50"? It is 50 full Ironman distances, in 50 days, in all 50 states. James wants to raise awareness about childhood obesity in our country and 100% of all funds raised by this event goes toward that effort. He also wants to inspire people to change, he says he "isn't a person that would tell you what to do, rather he wants to show people what is possible."

Iron Cowboy James Lawrence swim
Screengrab courtesy James Lawrence via YouTube
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James will be here in Sioux Falls on Monday, July 20, 2015 and you are invited to cheer him on at each event and even run with him in the evening 5K. Entries are free, but you are encouraged to donate and all donations are given to the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing food education to schools and children, to encourage healthy eating.

Everything gets underway at 6 A.M. at  Lake Alvin with the 2.4 mile swim portion of the Ironman, then the 112-mile bike ride and finally the 26.2 mile run! You can check out the maps and follow the "Iron Cowboy" on his South Dakota portion of this incredible journey and also on Facebook!

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