The sound of an alarm causes her to jolt up out of a deep sleep. At first she's frightened and confused at the annoying sound bothering her this early on a Saturday.
Seconds later, realization sinks in, and she has climbed out of the hotel bedroom, and sprinted towards the bathroom.
Staring back at her reflection, Gabby Kozlowski feels the excitement coursing through her body, as she bows her head and begins her morning prayer before an eventful day.
The Lost and Found
How many of your friends can say that they participate in triathlons during their free time?
Gabby didn't have any. But it's her freshman year of college, and she's feeling lost. Throughout high school, she was an athlete. She decided not to play any sports in college because she though that would be best, but early on, she realized she made a huge mistake.
"My mom began participating in triathlons when I was a sophomore in high school, and she always talked about how it was an amazing experience she thought we should do at least once," Gabby said.
That following spring, she found what she was desperately looking for.
"It's just been such an eye opening experience for me," she shares. "It was weird not having a physical team to depend on, or have them depend on me. But it just taught me how to be independent, and it's such life lesson for me."
F is For Family
While Gabby might not have an official team, she has the most important group of people in her corner. "When Gabby came to me, and told me that she signed up for a triathlon, I was in complete disbelief," Annette Kozlowski said. "I really wanted my girls to be a part of this experience; it really was life changing for me, and I hope it that's what it's been for Gabby."
Gabby did a little more than just sign up for a triathlon. She became devoted.
This mutli-sport is not an easy one to maintain. The life style is unique, and not just anyone can physically dedicate themselves to this sport.
Training is crucial. But a special someone makes Gabby's sessions a lot more meaningful.
"It's just really cool that I get to train with my mom, whose my best friend," Gabby said." She used to be my basketball coach in high school, but it's obviously a lot different now. Here, we actually work together in a way that we wouldn't be able to in any other sport."
This past October, Gabby and her mom competed in a half ironman together. Her mom beat her in the bike ride and swim, but Gabby came back in the run to beat her mom in the race.
She is currently training to compete in her first Full Ironman in 2020, and there's no denying the support system that she is going to have in her corner.
"It makes me a proud father to watch my daughter do anything she puts her mind to," said Mark Kozlowski. "Gabby full devotes herself into this sport because it's something that she loves. Watching the passion come to life when she's competing is a memorable moment."
Take Me to Church
Some are driven by role models. Some are driven by family. Gabby is driven by God.Throughout her experience, faith has played a major role in this new transition. She believes that God put her on this earth to spread his love, and to be a triathlete. This was the talent that she was gifted in, so she tries to embrace it as best as she can.
Gabby will spend her mornings before the race praying. During that hour with God, she thanks her savior for giving her the ability and opportunity to do what she loves.
This experience has changed Gabby's life in the best way possible.
Not only has it made her feel confident, and like she can do anything, but it's given her discipline. She has been able to apply this to school, and other areas of her life. Including her faith.
"There are mornings that I go on long runs before class. I just take the time to really get lost in my mind, and also devote myself to Christ," Gabby shares. "I know all triathletes aren't Christian, but sharing his love with some of the best people I've met, is just so surreal."
Gabby loves sharing this part of her life with others on social media.
Her mom sharing what the experience was like for her, was all it took for her to try something new that would change her life forever.
So now all Gabby wants to do it pay it forward.
