When I was asked to write my “why” behind this Biking for Babies fundraiser campaign, I felt overwhelmed. I didn’t know which part of my life story to tell, so I called the person who has taught me the most in this world—my mom.

I gave her a quick synopsis: I don’t love the idea of being vulnerable online with a bunch of strangers, but I also deeply want to raise a lot of money to “save the babies.” I’m so passionate about this that it brings me to tears. I truly believe it’s an issue in the United States—we treat human life like it’s disposable. How did it come to this, y’all??

I recently became a mom myself, and talking to my mom helped because we’re so much alike. So much of who she is lives in me. She encouraged me to share my journey into motherhood and the positive impact having a baby has had on my life.

BC (before Christ) Vivian, lived for herself. She pursued whatever felt fun in the moment—people, and/or experiences. She’s always had a rebellious streak, pushing back against authority and resisting being “controlled.” Some might call it being a free spirit, being blown wherever the wind took her.

But when I came to Christ, everything began to shift. I felt called to a different kind of life; one rooted in commitment, purpose, and structure. Rooted living. That same year, my heart began to change in another unexpected way: I started to reconsider motherhood.

I had never wanted kids. My plan was to become Dr. Larson, an orthopedic surgeon, and live life with a bunch of dogs. But during a summer internship selling children’s books door-to-door, I met so many different kinds of families. The moms I was most drawn to were the married ones with four or five kids. They had a calm, grounded energy about them. (Duh) Something about their lives resonated deeply with me.

Not long after, I married the love of my life, Trevor. He anchors me. He’s steady, wise, and full of grace. During that same summer internship (in Vivian, Louisiana no less), he had also been inspired by families he met: dads working and moms at home raising kids. It felt like God was aligning our paths in an undeniable way.

Four years later, Gentry Grace entered our lives. She was a surprise. Even though we were married, I had wanted to wait to have kids. I had plans, like going to Oktoberfest in Germany and checking off a few bucket list items before “settling down.” But God’s timing is perfect. Instead of Oktoberfest, Gentry was born a week before it began. Funny.

Becoming a new mom is a whirlwind. Your body changes, your identity shifts, and life is no longer just about you. But even before getting pregnant, I had made the decision to take ownership of my health. I had always wanted to complete an Ironman, and I decided I would do it after having my first child.

So, at the beginning of my third trimester in June 2025, I started training. I swam with my local masters team, which was amazing during pregnancy, by the way; you feel absolutely weightless in the water. After giving birth, I took three months off, then slowly returned to weight training, biking, and running. I’ve done most of my workouts with Gentry by my side. She motivates me, and it means so much to set a positive example for her.

Since having Gentry, my life has changed for the better. I feel like I’m living out my calling. I have a sense of purpose that I struggled to find before marriage and motherhood. Having a baby has grounded me and helped me focus on what truly matters: my faith, my family, and my fitness.

For the first time, I can honestly say I feel fulfilled. I feel rooted.

I know so many other mothers who would say the same—that they found a deeper sense of purpose after having their first child. And I believe every woman deserves the opportunity to experience that.

That’s why I’m dedicating my Ironman 70.3 and 140.6 to all the potential moms and babies out there through Biking for Babies. In part, Biking for Babies helps fund pro-life pregnancy centers. But its main focus is to help everyone, especially young adults, recover their sense of the sacredness and dignity of human life, so that through personal transformation and conversation, the culture itself will be transformed into a culture of life. I want my testimony to help other women who have a similar story to mine. Society tells women to focus on themselves. Trust me, I know, I’ve been there. But in reality, God calls most women to nurture the next generation within the bounds of marriage. He tells us to “be fruitful and multiply.” There is currently a war being waged against God’s perfect design—the nuclear family. Now is the time—take a stand with me in defending God’s design.

“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.” —Psalm 127:3

Will you join me by supporting Biking for Babies' mission to transform young adults into missionaries who seek the heart of Christ, raise support for women in need and strive for the renewal of the culture of life?

Other Donation Options:

You can mail check donations to: Biking for Babies, PO Box 644, Saint Charles, MO 63302
- Please put "Vivian" on the memo line.
You can make a stock donation by clicking here.

Vivian's Triathlon for Life Biking for Babies Fundraiser