Deseret News writer Amy Donaldson says it might be the most grueling sports experience ever. James Lawrence, a Utah man known as the Iron Cowboy, reportedly just completed 50 triathlons in 50 days in 50 states.
The James Lawrence 50-50-50. A feat so astounding, yes, we must wonder whether he really did it.
To properly respect the achievement, consider a triathlon consists of a 112-mile bike ride, a more than 2-mile swim, and -- to boot -- a marathon, which is 26.2 miles. Now, Lawrence isn't reaping much attention -- so far -- which seems strange, considering how unbelievable this all is.
And, just as what he did is not getting the attention it deserves, so it is with the cause. He ran to raise awareness of and funds to fight child obesity. Too much sugar is the big reason for child obesity (and adult obesity), of course, and the dangers of sugar are as not as known as they should be. Sugar has been linked to heart disease, and with cardiovascular disease being the number-one cause of death, that is significant. It may take more study to determine how strong the link is, but we should perhaps be concerned about this just as we are concerned about cigarettes and cancer. Oh, sugar has also been linked to cancer . . . and to liver problems, and to cognitive disabilities and to the shortening of life, itself.
I stayed up late last night, reading about the dangers of sugar. Then, this morning, I awoke to learn about Lawrence's phenomenal 50-50-50.
It isn't catching the attention it deserves, not nearly. And, even so, the cause for which he ran is not drawing the headlines it should.
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