Iron Cowboy Conquer 100 Gear Review

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Garmin Fenix 5 Plus
Test Winner: Garmin Fenix 5 Plus
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If you've been around the Tri circuit, chances are you've heard of the Iron Cowboy. If not, he's worth reading about. Jame Lawrence is nearing the final stretch of his Conquer 100 challenge, which is literally 100 triathlons in 100 days. If you were going to attempt 100 long-distance triathlons in 100 consecutive days, you had better be sure the gear you pick is going to make it.

For fun, we put together a small list of some stuff that James and his team bring along throughout his challenge. The stuff on our list is quite literally going through a torture test as we put this guide together, so if it all survives this, you can trust it will work for you too.

Standout Picks

If a responsive and supportive shoe is what you're looking for to get those long distances, Altra's Paradigm 5 is a great shoe to end your search at. If you're not sure about the thicker-soled running shoes, put some some miles under them and see how you feel then.
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Developed by some of the world's top racers, the Pearl Izumi PRO Air features their FootShape toe box, similar to the design of the Altra Paradigm, which allows your toes to move freely while keeping your feet protected and supported. The durable microfiber upper is light, stretchy, and carries just enough stretch to mold perfectly to your foot. This shoe also includes their ErgoLogic 3D fit system for a secure fit.
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If your muscles are tight and tired after your workouts, the Theragun Prime is one of the best percussion massage guns on the market right now. The improvement in recovery and the reduction of recovery time that this helps with is absolutely a game-changer for situations like the Conquer 100. It may cost more than other similar devices, but it is totally worth it.
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Welcome to your new training partner. The Fenix 5 Plus multisport watch is packed with everything you need to run, cycle, hike, swim, and more. A high-resolution color display, wrist-based heart rate monitor, swim-proof design, and unbeatable navigation make up one of the best activity trackers out there right now.
Amazon Link
These are killer cycling glasses. Koo's Spectro sunglasses are funky if you had to put one word on them. These are available in a few different lens/frame combinations, including Zeiss coated lenses. They offer good coverage for windy rides and are built to last.
Amazon Link
Grit Army is a family-run brand. And that family, a guy, his wife, and their three sons, are all really into OCR racing. There is a great crossover in the gear that works well for obstacle course racing and Triathlons, as some of the protective properties are needed in both. They started the brand to offer gear that they were missing on the trail.
Amazon Link
Why would you not bring music along for everyone? The JBL Clip is perfect for attaching to your gear and jam while you ride. Since this is BluTooth compatible, the question is, who gets to control the soundtrack?
Amazon Link
Yep, you're reading this right. Our team recently got screen to screen in some candid interviews with the team surrounds the Iron Cowboy, and there was one thing we heard about several times, and that was Uncrustables. If you think about it, it makes sense. Well, there isn't too much to say about them, other than you don't have to be a kid with a packed lunch to love some uncrustables.
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8 Things That Go Along With The Iron Cowboy

1. Altra Paradigm

Zero drop cushiony goodness for long distance runs

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Altra Paradigm 5
Altra Paradigm 5
Amazon Link
Features

FootShape design allows toes to properly splay, offering better support, function, and comfort.

The responsive cushioned sole is perfect for long distances.

The zero-drop is great for reducing knee strain and allowing your feet to function properly in absorbing the impact in a forefoot strike.

If a responsive and supportive shoe is what you're looking for to get those long distances, Altra's Paradigm 5 is a great shoe to end your search at. If you're not sure about the thicker-soled running shoes, put some some miles under them and see how you feel then.

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Besides the obvious attributes of the Paradigm, such as the cushioned sole and lightweight breathable upper, the part that really makes a ton of difference after a bunch of miles is right up in the front. The forefoot is designed to allow your toes to do their thing, and support your stride.

The more naturally your toes are able to splay, the more stability you'll have. Also, the fact that there is the appropriate amount of room for your feet to function also helps cut down on strain and fatigue.

Some are resistant to zero drop and the duck foot look of the Altra lineup, but those are the two main design features that we love the most.

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2. Pearl Izumi Pro Air

Killer Cycling Shoes

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Pearl Izumi Pro Air
Pearl Izumi Pro Air
Amazon Link

Developed by some of the world's top racers, the Pearl Izumi PRO Air features their FootShape toe box, similar to the design of the Altra Paradigm, which allows your toes to move freely while keeping your feet protected and supported. The durable microfiber upper is light, stretchy, and carries just enough stretch to mold perfectly to your foot. This shoe also includes their ErgoLogic 3D fit system for a secure fit.

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This lightweight, performance road shoe is made for heavy use. It’s flexible and offers a barefoot-like experience. This is a low-profile shoe if ever there was one. As far as overall fit goes, we mentioned the ErgoLogic 3D fit system above. this basically keeps your heels locked in place for a secure fit no matter who's foot is in the shoe.

The best part about this shoe is really what it doesn't have. Weight. It's a super lightweight cycling shoe with a well-thought-out and developed upper. The materials in the shoe's upper are breathable, stretchable (just the right amount), and durable.

You can see there are some overlays on various parts of the upper to increase overall durability. So if you aren't going to miss the strap closure, this is really a solid shoe. The price tag is a little steep, but worth it if your life revolves around cycling.

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3. Theragun Percussion Massager

To amp up recovery for the next day

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Theragun Prime
Amazon Link

If your muscles are tight and tired after your workouts, the Theragun Prime is one of the best percussion massage guns on the market right now. The improvement in recovery and the reduction of recovery time that this helps with is absolutely a game-changer for situations like the Conquer 100. It may cost more than other similar devices, but it is totally worth it.

Read more

There have been quite a few updates to the 4th generation of Theragun Prime. The most notable upgrade is the inclusion of Bluetooth technology that pairs your device with your phone. This compatible app lets you plug in your previous workout, and it offers suggestions of muscle groups to work, as well as the duration spent on each muscle. It even adjusts the speed of the ball so you get the perfect amount of relief.

As this device has evolved over the previous generations, so has the quality of the motor. The 4th generation has developed a motor that is much quieter than previous versions without sacrificing power or effectiveness. One of the biggest functional improvements to the 4th iteration is the duration of the battery life. One battery lasts up to 150 minutes, which is almost double that of the 3rd generation.

Overall, The Theragun is worth every penny. I most likely wouldn’t have come to the same conclusion if this were a review of the first, second, or third generation of this device. The addition of the compatible app is a real game-changer. If you have no experience in muscle therapy, the compatible app does all of the research for you! All you need to do is plug in your workout, and the app not only tells you the muscle groups to target, but it also adjusts the speed of the ball to really work out the kinks.

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4. Garmin Fenix 5 Plus

All of your data right on your wrist

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Garmin Fenix 5 Plus
Garmin Fenix 5 Plus
Amazon Link

Welcome to your new training partner. The Fenix 5 Plus multisport watch is packed with everything you need to run, cycle, hike, swim, and more. A high-resolution color display, wrist-based heart rate monitor, swim-proof design, and unbeatable navigation make up one of the best activity trackers out there right now.

Read more

This is more of a training tool rather than simply a GPS watch. Each time Garmin releases a new version on the Fenix, they seem to amaze even more. In addition to the regular running, cycling, and swimming metrics, the Fenix 5 Plus can also track Ski activities.

Now with improved battery life, the watch can run in active GPS mode for at least 50 hours, and even 100 hours, if you have the UltraTra battery saver mode, switched on. This one keeps getting better and better. This is probably one of the best options available right now, for the price, to track triathlon performance. While it might not track every little bit of data that you want, it's great as a stand-alone device.

While this is one of the priciest, it's also one of the best Garmin running watches and you will find it is a great investment. So if you are looking for something you can use in the long run, whether it's to increase your PR's or just to keep you motivated, then this may be great for you - if you don't mind paying a little more.

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5. Koo Spectro Sunglasses

Available with Zeiss Lenes

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Koo Spectro Sunglasses
Amazon Link

These are killer cycling glasses. Koo's Spectro sunglasses are funky if you had to put one word on them. These are available in a few different lens/frame combinations, including Zeiss coated lenses. They offer good coverage for windy rides and are built to last.

Read more

in collaboration with some of the best professional riders in the world, with ultimate performance for cyclists in mind, Koo designed the Spectro glasses with a range of high-quality lens colors and materials. This includes photochromatic lenses which adapt to changing light conditions, without the need to change glasses.

These were designed for optimal protection and comfort, but the biggest points go to the clear vision in various lighting situations.

Amazon Link

6. Grit Army Socks

Compression socks for better recovery time

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Grit Army Socks
Amazon Link

Grit Army is a family-run brand. And that family, a guy, his wife, and their three sons, are all really into OCR racing. There is a great crossover in the gear that works well for obstacle course racing and Triathlons, as some of the protective properties are needed in both. They started the brand to offer gear that they were missing on the trail.

Read more

While triathlons and obstacle course racing are worlds apart, there are some gear needs that crossover perfectly. Highly durable compression socks are one such item. Grit Army's socks not only offer graduated compression where it's needed but also stand up to rugged and repeated wear.

Compression socks can be an overlooked must-have for distance running. The graduated compression is proven to help reduce muscle fatigue over long distances, which Jame and his team are certainly covering during the Conquer 100.

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7. JBL Clip

Because it's always better with music

Where to buy
Amazon Link
JBL Clip portable Bluetooth speaker
Amazon Link

Why would you not bring music along for everyone? The JBL Clip is perfect for attaching to your gear and jam while you ride. Since this is BluTooth compatible, the question is, who gets to control the soundtrack?

Read more

We were told by the team that the JBL Clip is among the various gear that The Iron Cowboy and his team bring along. When James runs and bikes, every day people come out to tag along, which is one of the coolest parts about this whole thing. The only thing that could make it better is some music. We should have asked what's on the daily playlist.

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8. Uncrustables

Because They're Awesome

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Uncrustables
Amazon Link

Yep, you're reading this right. Our team recently got screen to screen in some candid interviews with the team surrounds the Iron Cowboy, and there was one thing we heard about several times, and that was Uncrustables. If you think about it, it makes sense.

Well, there isn't too much to say about them, other than you don't have to be a kid with a packed lunch to love some uncrustables.

Amazon Link

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