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Quick takeaways
- James Lawrence's completion of 101 iron-distance triathlons in 100 days showcases the power of perseverance and mental fortitude.
- The Iron Cowboy's journey inspired a community of supporters and participants, proving that human potential is limitless when passion and determination come together.
- Facing physical and mental challenges, James Lawrence's ability to push through barriers demonstrates the importance of mental fortitude and the power of the human mind.
- Despite controversies, the overwhelming support and impact of the Iron Cowboy's journey overshadowed negativity, emphasizing his remarkable physical and mental feat.
- Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry finds strength in consistency, persistence, and drawing parallels between running and leading a city.
- Mayor Fry recognizes the challenges Minneapolis faces, acknowledges its history, and remains committed to creating positive change.
Deep dives
The Iron Cowboy's Mind-Bending Feat
The Iron Cowboy, James Lawrence, completed a mind-bending feat of completing 101 consecutive iron distance triathlons, swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles, and running 26.2 miles each day. He accomplished this remarkable feat by walking out his front door in Utah and completing the distance in his neighborhood. Along the way, Lawrence inspired a community of supporters and participants who also set personal goals and accomplished incredible physical challenges. He faced physical and mental struggles throughout the journey, but his determination and mental fortitude carried him through. The Iron Cowboy's story showcases the power of perseverance and serves as an inspiration to others.
The Impact on the Community
The Iron Cowboy's incredible feat of completing 101 consecutive iron distance triathlons had a profound impact on the community. People from various backgrounds, with different fitness levels, and from all over the world were inspired by his journey. Many individuals who had never considered doing a full distance ironman were motivated to challenge themselves and reach new personal goals. The community of supporters who rallied around James Lawrence created a sense of comradery and inclusivity, proving that human potential is limitless when passion and determination come together.
The Challenging Journey and Mental Strength
The Iron Cowboy's journey was filled with physical and mental challenges. He faced pain, injuries, extreme weather conditions, and moments of doubt. Throughout it all, his mental strength and unwavering determination kept him going. Lawrence's ability to push through physical and mental barriers demonstrated the power of the human mind and showcased the importance of mental fortitude in achieving extraordinary goals. His story serves as a reminder that with the right mindset and perseverance, one can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Controversy and Media Attention
Despite his incredible achievement, some media coverage and controversy surrounded the Iron Cowboy's journey. There were discussions about the validity of his record and criticisms about his chosen charity and methods. However, the overwhelming support from his community and the impact he had on individuals overshadowed these controversies. The focus shifted to the remarkable physical and mental feat he accomplished and the inspirational effect he had on people worldwide.
The Weight of Responsibility and Maintaining Equanimity
Mayor Jacob Fry shoulders the weight of the city's challenges and maintains his equanimity by reminding himself to find a way, being honest in his actions, doing what's right, and putting one foot in front of the other. He also finds solace in running, a sport that taught him the direct correlation between hard work and success. Despite the challenges he faces as a mayor, he draws strength from his background as an endurance athlete, understanding the importance of consistency, persistence, and showing up every day.
From Professional Runner to Mayor: Finding Parallels
As a former professional runner, Mayor Fry recognizes the parallels between running and leading a city. Both require consistency, persistence, and a strong work ethic. Just as in running, where hard work is rewarded with success, Mayor Fry believes that his consistent efforts as a mayor will lead to positive outcomes for the city. He acknowledges the external factors that can impact running and politics alike, emphasizing the need to adapt and overcome challenges.
Acknowledging the Deep-Rooted Issues and Working Toward Solutions
Mayor Fry acknowledges that the challenges Minneapolis faces, including racial injustice, are rooted in a long history of intentional mistreatment. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging this history and working toward precision solutions that address the harm inflicted. Despite pushback and controversial conversations, Mayor Fry remains committed to creating positive change and ensuring that the city sets an example for the rest of the country.
Moving Forward and Emphasizing Nuance in the Narrative
Mayor Fry believes that Minneapolis is more than the challenges it faces. While acknowledging the wounds and ongoing healing process, he also emphasizes that the city is resilient and has a lot to offer. He hopes that beyond the media's narrow portrayal, people will see the depth and complexity of Minneapolis and recognize its potential for positive transformation.
The importance of nuance in understanding George Floyd Square
George Floyd Square in Minneapolis is both a symbol of racial justice and a place that has experienced safety concerns. It is crucial to acknowledge both realities and strive for deep structural changes in policing.
The complexity of police reform
The conversation around police reform is often oversimplified, portraying it as an either-or choice between defunding the police or endorsing militarization. In reality, there is consensus that deep reform is necessary, although the specifics may vary.
The challenges and rewards of being a mayor
Being a mayor involves making difficult decisions, dealing with constant pressures, and being accountable to various stakeholders. It requires balancing the needs of the community, collaborating with other officials, and facing both praise and criticism.
33.
The Ocean Shiros Are Cruising. They're in the Water. And They're Going to Break a Record.
2min
44.
The City of Minneapolis Is in a Phase of Adversity, and It's a Good Thing, Right?
3min
Success in all forms demands mental fortitude—a capacity honed through consistently placing yourself beyond comfortable confines. When practiced with daily rigor, an increasingly sturdy mindset becomes a superpower—and the foundation for the purpose-driven life you aspire to inhabit.
Welcome to another edition of ‘Roll On’, wherein myself and master of pen, keyboard and dictaphone Adam Skolnick explore the concept of mental fortitude in contexts athletic and political through the lives of two individuals, James Lawrence (aka the ‘Iron Cowboy’) and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
Beyond RRP hype-man duties, Adam Skolnick is an activist and journalist best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me, co-author. He writes about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently awash in his umpteenth draft of an untitled novel—slowly losing his mind in the process.
This episode unfurls in a fashion unique.
The balance of today’s discussion focuses on James Lawrence—the undisputed king of mental fortitude wrought in physical form—and his mind-bending completion of 101 iron-distance triathlons in 100 days.
In addition, we cover a few notable stories, including The Woman Who Fell 2 Miles To Earth, The Great Lakes Jumper and The Great Pacific Race. We also discuss the recent Supreme Court decision backing payments to NCAA student-athletes, wherein I go on a tear against the college-industrial complex.
It is here that we depart from standard Roll On protocol and instead segue into my conversation with a man notable for a very different kind of mental fortitude, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. The most accomplished runner currently holding elected office (he’s a 2:16 marathoner!), it’s an exploration of the demands, discipline and disposition required to lead a fractured city through the treacherous terrain of social upheaval in the wake of George Floyd’s murder.
FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll610
YouTube: bit.ly/rollon610
Final Thought: this episode marks the one-year anniversary of ‘Roll On’ (and on-air bromance with Adam Skolnick). What started as an experimental but intentional response to the many historic moments that greeted us in 2020 has turned into an important RRP mainstay—and a success due in no small part to the incredible work that Adam has and continues to bring to the series. So thank you Adam. Show him some love on Instagram @adamskolnick.
Enjoy the show!
Peace + Plants,
Rich
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