Episode 7: Joella Baker – Getting Fit Is Just Outside Your Front Door

About this Episode

Joella Baker is the founder of Get Fit Families, a nonprofit organization based in Harmony, Pennsylvania, that provides scholarships for low-income youth to participate in training camps and local races. In addition to serving low-income youth, Get Fit Families also offers a youth elite and junior elite triathlon team, a youth cross country and track program, an adult running club and an open water swim series.

Joella is the owner and creator of the Mighty Moraine Man Triathlon Series, the largest triathlon series in Western Pennsylvania. She has directed several other highly regarded running and multisport events in her community, including USA Triathlon State, Regional and High School Championships.

Joella is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Race Director, USA Triathlon Level II and Youth Certified Coach, USA Swimming Coach, USA Track & Field Coach, USA Cycling Coach, Assistant Swim Coach for North Catholic High School (Pittsburgh, Pa.), certified lifeguard, waterfront safety lifeguard, YMCA instructor and yoga instructor. 

In 2001, she was diagnosed with Lupus, an autoimmune disease that can cause symptoms including joint pain, fatigue, organ damage and blood disorders. A competitive athlete in college and a marathoner at the time of her diagnosis, Baker was determined not to let her illness end her athletic lifestyle. She signed up for the Pittsburgh Marathon in 2002, finishing in 4 hours, 34 minutes. It was far from her best time — but she was back. She went on to complete 15 additional marathons, five ultra-marathons, 18 IRONMANs and one IRONMAN 70.3. She has represented USA Triathlon’s age-group Team USA at six ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championships.

Credit: USA Triathlon