https://vimeo.com/132245718
When James was 28 years old, his wife, Sunny, challenged him to run a four-mile “fun” run. He struggled to even finish. Confident that her husband could do better, Sunny then signed James up for a full marathon. This time he was determined to make a better showing, and his career as an endurance athlete was born.
Nicknamed the Iron Cowboy for the cowboy hats his kids pick out for him each race, James’ accomplishments are impressive: world record holder for most half Ironman-distance races in one year with 22; world recorder holder for most Ironman-distance races in one year with 30; avid fundraiser and spokesperson for Quiet Way, a charitable foundation; Young Living brand ambassador; and loving husband and father of five.
But James is not stopping there. This summer the Iron Cowboy plans to saddle up for his latest seemingly impossible goal: 50 Ironman courses, in 50 states, in 50 days. What lifts him to such great heights? If you listen to James long enough, you’ll hear him use the word “conviction” a lot.
“I try to teach my kids that no goal is too big and that with enough conviction, even the impossible can become possible,” he says. “Somebody recently asked me if there is a plan B for 50-50-50. I was shocked! My mind just doesn’t work that way. The goal is 50-50-50. There is no plan B. You just have to have so much conviction that nothing will distract you from your goals. If your conviction is real, nothing can get in your way.”
James also knows that all the conviction in the world can’t help you if you don’t treat your body right, so he’s been using Young Living products since 1994. On a daily basis, James uses a variety of products such as NingXia Red®, Inner Defense™, and Ortho Sport®. During long training sessions or races, James supplements his nutrition with products such as Balance Complete™, Pure Protein Complete™, NingXia Nitro™, and Slique™ Bars.
“Young Living products are a permanent part of my training, competing, and my family life,” says James.