Wingmen

Watching someone in the midst of a journey that by any known standard defies logic is an incredible experience to go through. James Lawrence, the “Iron Cowboy” is doing what some would call impossible. On March 1^st, 2021, he started the Conquer 100: 100 Triathlons in 100 consecutive days. The affirmations Other Side of Limits and Redefine Impossible come to mind, describing a way of life that is being lived with such vibrance it is palpable.

The largest takeaway from five days of close proximity to watching James pull off one full distance triathlon (Iron Cowboy distance triathlon) after another wasn’t so much his resilience, fortitude, and consistency, which is highly notable even in the culture of ultra-endurance athletes. What caught my attention and thoughts on the long drive home was his wingmen.

James has two friends, Aaron and Casey, who are by his side day in and day out, every day through this journey. They will sacrifice almost everything to help see him to his goal. It’s not just Casey and Aaron but his family, local community, and a global community that is sending aid, notes, encouragement, advice, traveling to Odem, Utah to swim laps, ride the bike course, walk next to him and dozens of other small gestures to be a small part of this experience that he and his family so graciously give us a front seat to join in.

James, because of his authentic heart and passion, has pulled out the best in those around him. I can’t say enough praise for his family and how they complement him during this experience. Sunny embodies that Psalm 31 wife, supporting him in all things and offering that familiar loving embrace that at moments seems to be the only ray of hope that can break through to James during his darkest moments. The two daughters I met, Lucy who is getting a crash course in social media under the most consistent and high-pressure situation imaginable is thriving in that environment while still staying levelheaded and delivering updates with grace and effectiveness. Lily, one of James’ other daughters who I had the privilege of transporting me to my car after driving the support Subaru for the bike portion of day 25, had that same care, competence, and willingness to be of service as the rest of the Iron Cowboy team.

The concept of a wingman has been resounding in my mind since my time in Utah. Who are the wingmen in my life that are able to join alongside and multiply the effectiveness of what I am able to accomplish in my daily life? I think of my training partners, my business partners, my family, my co-instructors, my clients, my Rotary family, and my church family just to name a few. This overwhelming feeling of support and encouragement washes over me as I realize the incredible communities that I’m a part of and am able to contribute to, as well as be encouraged and supported through my own journeys.

I’m committing to take some time to reflect on who the people I keep closest to me are. Who are my wingmen and are there gaps where I need to seek quality people out that challenge me, encourage me, and push me beyond my current limits? In addition, who can I join in with and become one of their wingmen through their journey and take on a small role to guide them to an otherwise seemingly insurmountable task?

I am so grateful for people like James Lawrence and the community he has created. They shine a light and show the rest of the world watching that impossible is unacceptable. Through community, perseverance and the grace of God, we can conquer the desires of our hearts. It gives the rest of us permission to go bigger than we imagined possible and to always remember the importance of our wingmen in the process. If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together.