Gabrielle Baumeyer, you are an Ironman!
My name is Gabrielle Baumeyer, and I am proud to say that giving children opportunities they deserve is my Reason2Race! Since the age of 15, I dreamed of doing something significant in the sporting arena; however, I wasn’t the athletic type and had challenges staying motivated to exercise. I watched classmates participate in all kinds of sporting endeavors, and I never thought I could play at their level. The years following, I dabbled in running but continued to seek that “carrot” that would really get me in action.
A friend invited me to choose a Reason2Race. She said by including others in my journey – my friends, family and the kids – I would stay motivated to reach my goal.
She told me I could race for children like Kennedy from Kenya who was orphaned at the age of 10 and had suffered many years from malnutrition, parasites and fungus infections. Kennedy is now living at a Cherish Our Children International (COCI) supported Children First home in Africa and is a healthy active young boy who loves to read and dreams of someday becoming a doctor. My friend was right when she said these children would keep me motivated. In 2007 I did my first sprint triathlon and raised over $2,400 for COCI. Knowing I was helping children, some of whom I have personally met, helped me keep training and do what I needed to cross that finish line. Since then, I have picked one event each year to be for the children COCI supports.
In November 2010, I completed the Arizona Ironman, raised $26,000 for the COCI kids, and my dream of doing something significant in the sporting arena came true. The best part is that I was able to include others in my journey and make a difference for children in Houston and around the globe as well. Here’s to having a Reason2Race! — Gabrielle
