Tune in here to this episode of Grits, Guts, and Determination, The Leadville Race Series Podcast, a leading authority for all things Leadville! Host Cole Chlouber, son of race founder Ken Chlouber, takes us on a story-telling journey of the 38-year rich history of this race. We learn all the tips, tricks, and stories from the Leadville community members! Joining us today is someone who knows all about digging deep, James Lawerence, better known as Iron Cowboy. James has done 50 IronMan Triathlons in 50 days in 50 states, the Conquer 100 and has been a part of the Leadville family out on the mountain bike course.

To kick off the conversation, Cole asks James to share how Leadville found him. He was found completely unexpected and unprepared in 2016 coming out of other competitions. The beautiful thing about the Leadville family, James believes, is that they how and why looks different for everybody’s hearts. James has a love of finding human potential and views the competition as a way to improve either areas of his life, too. In 2012, James made it into the Guiness Book of World Records for the most half Ironmans done in a single calendar year. Then, James speaks of his family's campaign which raised over $80,000 to fight the childhood obesity epidemic.

James created the new challenge of the Conquer 100 in 2021. To learn more about the challenges Jame has taken on, James urges listeners to check out his website. James’s hardest feat, the 50.50.50, presented many challenges including the unpredictability of weather and bodily reactions. There were of course highs and lows in each and James is no stranger to feeling like quitting, but rejecting these urges created a high level of confidence for him.

James reveals the news that he will be retiring from the long distance racing and triathlon world and trading it for full time road, dirt and mountain biking. He shares his excitement for every aspect of biking and the ease it has on his body. He predicts how his life will unfold in light of this change and his plan to tackle Cape Epic in 2023 among many other races. Finally, James discusses his strategies for such strenuous feats. Don’t miss what he will be keeping on his bike during his races this year! Signing off, James urges the Leadville family to take their training one day at a time.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe, and we hope to see you on the line in August!