THIS GUY knocks my socks off! 30 x 140.6 in ONE year = WOW, REALLY?

James Lawrence (aka the ironcowboy at Tri And Give A Dam... aka the guy who set the world record in 70.3s in a year by completing 22 this year and is now looking to do 30 full (140.6) tris in 2012.) doesn't seem to believe in the word 'off season'... not this year anyway. Hmm.. maybe he'll take a bit of time off!

He is raising funds for Quiet Way (Ensuring sustainable access to clean water for children and families in Kenya.) while he trains his butt off ... I mean seriously... who does 30 triathlons in a year, period. Let alone 30 at 140.6 miles a pop! Did I mention dude has 5 kids. YEP! FIVE! I think I need to get Mr. Man on the horn for an interview as to how in the world you get all that done. Oh... he's got a day job too. Really? Raise your hand if you feel like a slacker! :)

Jenn Small of Miles Muscles and Mommyhood did a great interview with James already. And while you are over there you should check out HER story because she's pretty damn awesome too! :) All these awesome people in the world. Aren't we so lucky to have the internet and blogs so we can 'meet' all these cool interesting motivating people we might not otherwise have been able to 'know'.

Go LIKE him on Facebook!!! He's aiming for 15,000 likes and is just shy of 1,500 right now! Help a brotha out!

Here are the many ways you can track down Mr. Ironcowboy. Follow his progress, make a donation, give him some encouragement and SERIOUS props. I mean REALLY!? :D

http://www.facebook.com/#!/Ironcowboy
http://www.triandgiveadam.com/
http://twitter.com/#!/TriAndGiveADam

Inspiration!

Here is another post to provide you with some triathlon inspiration.

Kathleen Calkins ran her first race (an ironman) as a pro at Rev3 Cedar Point at the age of 35. YES 35! How awesome is that!? AND she took 3rd!

I'm still struggling a bit w/ this whole getting older thing. Ever since spending time at the care center (aka old folks home) with my grandmother I feel hyper aware of my age and the future. It's so great to see an athlete taking it to the next level at a stage of life that many feel their best years are behind them. Clearly not for Kathleen!!! :)

Read her race report HERE. And you can check out video coverage of her during the race below.

Kathleen Calkins Highlights - REV3:Cedar Point 2010 from REVOLUTION3 Triathlon on Vimeo.

It just so happens that she is a member of Team Trakkers. I really didn't know that when I first discovered her.

Kathleen started her triathlon career way back in 2001 at a local sprint race. She had gone down to watch her husband participate in the swim portion of a relay and they both went out the next day to purchase bikes and never looked back. How many of us have gotten into the sport in much the same way?

She rocked that tri of course and continued to compete in both sprint and olympic before moving up to the 70.3 a few years later and then Ironman. Would you believe she went to Kona and had a rough time only to find out FIVE DAYS later she was pregnant. So baby went to Kona with Mama.. thus starting a long partnership. He continued to accompany her on runs after he was born. Apparently anything UNDER 18 miles. I have pushed my fair share of joggers in my life, but I think I maxed out at 6 miles. (well I did and so did the kids) That's amazing to push a stroller that long. She says it made her stronger.. no doubt!

Age grouper Kathleen Calkins broke the overall female age group record in Kona, Hawaii with her 9:46:27 finish at the 2009 Ford Ironman World Championships. With that great time she also managed to be the 12th overall female.

In 2009 Kathleen broke the overall female age group record at the Ford Ironman World Championships in Kona with a time of 9:46:27!!! AND finished 12th overall female.

So 2010 was her first year as a pro and she is rockin and rollin! I love this sport! I love the inspiration you get from this sport. I love how REAL the people are in this sport!

Who's your favorite triathlete? Keep an eye on this lady!

GoSonja!

I have posted links to Sonja's blog before and wanted to share this great post she wrote about Risk and Failure. It has given me much to think about and I thought you guys might enjoy it too! She is a rock star w/ great perspective and a humble attitude!

Need some training inspiration?

I've been searching around triathlon blogs and fell upon Sonja Wieck's blog. My first thought was.. wow I want to be her when I grow up. As I blog stalk and read it all she is an animal. She works hard and is truly inspirational. I just wanted to give her a shout out and share the enthusiasm.

Check her out HERE!