James Lawrence became a household name when “Iron Cowboy: The Story of the 50.50.50” hit streaming services.
The documentary follows Lawrence on what seems like an impossible challenge — completing 50 full distance triathlons in 50 days in each of the 50 states. He swam 2.4 miles, biked 112 miles, and ran 26.2 miles each day. But there was more than the physical demands of the 50-50-50. Lawrence encountered hurricanes, scrutiny, and more.
An experience like that might be a once in a lifetime. However, Lawrence felt like there was more he could accomplish. But he would have to change his approach to the event, from his training to recovery to the logistics.
A swim spa by Master Spas would become a key component of his training and race plan for the Conquer 100. Lawrence’s Conquer 100 endeavor will include completing a full-distance triathlon every day for 100 days.
“To be able to have a swim spa here at my house eases the complexity of training. It’s so time consuming to do everything that needs to be done for a challenge like this. It is more than a full-time job,” Lawrence says.
“If I can eliminate travel to the gym, travel back, all of those things that involve getting to a pool and swimming … it gets me closer and quicker to the recovery part of training, which is legit the most important part for me.”
The H2X Challenger 19D is a dual-zone swim spa that allows him to train at home, whether he wants to swim or aqua jog, and prioritize recovery. During the event, which will take place from his home in Utah, Lawrence can recover in the swim spa.
Conquer 100
Training for an event like the Conquer 100 requires hours and hours of training per week, from long bike rides on the trainer and intense efforts on the treadmill. There are strength sessions and sets in the pool.
“I’m fortunate to have a great gym setup. I can bike and run indoors. The one thing that I was missing was the ability to swim,” Lawrence says. “That’s what really intrigued me about Master Spas … I can maintain and thrive with my passion and have every base and sport covered.
The H2X Challenger 19D makes it possible to swim at home, where you can focus on technique and endurance.
“The weakest discipline for me is the swim. I didn’t love swimming. It has taken years to get to the point where I can be very comfortable in the water,” Lawrence says.
“I love my swim time because it’s my escape. It’s something that I enjoy doing.”
The Conquer 100 challenge will begin March 1. And on that day, he will take on his first of 100 full-distance triathlons — the 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike, and 26.2-mile run.
“These big challenges really hinge on how well I adapt to the stress,” Lawrence says.
Adapting to the stress is not just the hours Lawrence put in training but recovery before and during the event.
Lawrence says the spa side of his swim spa has been his favorite. He’s able to hop in immediately after a workout and start his recovery and stretching routine. As a dual-zone swim spa, the water temperature can be set up to 104 degrees. — “I hate being cold.”
Lawrence is hopeful that he’ll be able to continue incorporating the spa into his daily recovery during Conquer 100.
“I love pushing the limits. Triathlon is a forever sport, outlet for me.”
About the H2X Challenger 19D
“You never know how you are going to use an amazing tool like this,” Lawrence says. “It’s been kind of unexpected for me. I’ve been using it for longer recovery runs, to do drills. I thought it was going to be just a treadmill for swimming.”
The H2X Challenger Series from Master Spas bridges the gap between traditional jetted swim spas and propulsion systems. The unique airless jet system creates a water current that is more efficient, powerful, and smoother than the competition.
With the ability to control the resistance and temperature, novice swimmers to competitive triathletes can enjoy a continuous swimming experience that mimics open water.
The H2X Challenger 19D is the largest swim spa in the series, and it features a separate hot tub.
For Lawrence, it means that he can swim and aqua jog while his family relax in the hot tub side. Lawrence has five children with his wife Sunny.
“One of the surprises was how much my kids use it and enjoy it,” Lawrence says. “It’s running almost all day, whether I’m training or I’m playing. It’s an absolute added benefit that they get so much enjoyment out of it.”