Watch Iron Cowboy | The Story of the 50.50.50 Triathlon

Iron Cowboy is a documentary film that tells the story of James Lawrence, a husband, a father, a Mormon, and an ultra-endurance athlete who undertook an epic challenge in the summer of 2015. The challenge was to complete 50 Ironman-distance triathlons in 50 consecutive days in 50 different states, an unprecedented feat that no one had ever attempted before.

The film follows Lawrence and his support team as they embark on this grueling journey from Hawaii to New York, from Alaska to Florida, each day starting with a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile bike ride, and concluding with a marathon of 26.2 miles. The film captures the physical, mental, and emotional struggles they encountered, the highs and lows of the challenge, the intense pain and exhaustion, the moments of doubt and despair, and the triumphs and victories that they achieved.

The documentary also explores the personal story of Lawrence and his family, the sacrifices they made, the setbacks and challenges they faced, and the strength and determination they displayed. It shows how Lawrence's passion for endurance sports began in his childhood, how he overcame a serious injury that almost ended his career, how he met his wife Sunny, how they started a family, and how they supported each other through thick and thin.

The film also features interviews with other triathletes and experts in the field of sports science and nutrition, who provide insights into the physical and mental demands of the sport, the strategies and tactics for optimizing performance, and the risks and rewards of extreme endurance events.

One of the most touching moments in the film is when Lawrence visits a children's hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and meets a young patient who is fighting cancer. Lawrence gives him a wristband that says "Believe," which becomes a symbol of hope and inspiration for both of them. This encounter reminds Lawrence of the true purpose of his challenge, which is not just a personal test of his limits but also a way to raise awareness and funds for childhood obesity and other health-related causes.

The film also highlights the role of social media and technology in Lawrence's challenge, as he interacts with his fans and followers online, updates his progress on his website and Facebook page, and uses GPS devices and other gadgets to track his performance and recovery. It shows how Lawrence's challenge created a global community of supporters who cheered him on, sent him messages of encouragement, and joined him in the last leg of his journey.

Overall, Iron Cowboy is an inspiring and uplifting film that celebrates the human spirit of resilience, determination, and generosity. It shows that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, if you embrace the pain and discomfort, if you surround yourself with a supportive team, and if you never give up on your dreams. It's a must-see for anyone interested in sports, endurance, wellness, and human potential.

Iron Cowboy | The Story of the 50.50.50 Triathlon is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.