Random Thoughts Thursday.

–Happy December!! It’s a lovely Thursday in the neighborhood and we’ve got some randomness today. Hopefully your holiday hustle and bustle is off to a good start and maybe you’ve started your holiday shopping? Or maybe not. Hey, no judgement over here. I am without a doubt one of those last minute Christmas shoppers.

–Recovery after my last trail race is going awesome!! Thankfully being seasoned in the trail running department I was not super sore after the 25k. It’s also kind of nice to not feel like an 18 wheeler ran over me which is how I usually feel after running some of the longer trail races.

–I found a GREAT place to get my recovery on too! Chill Joy. They have a chill lounge with snacks and beverages then you go into a meditation room or dark and cozy room with the massage chair. So glad there are places like this that really focus on one’s physical (and mental) health. It’s amazing too how you can mentally just feel so much BETTER doing something as simple as massage therapy. It’s kind of like pressing the refresh button on your computer.

–I already have my tree up and all of the holiday hoopla. And Christmas music is on 24/7. I’m pretty old school and love all of the old school Christmas music. Like Brenda Lee old school.

–My 2 holiday traditions that never get old – making Christmas cookies and signing up for a Christmas race. Which I still have YET to find! I’m kind of tired of running the Jingle Bell Run in Dallas every dang year. Bring back the Jog’r Egg Nog’r. My DFW OG runners know what I am talking about.

Throwing it back.

–Excited that I’ve signed up for the Cowtown 50k which will be my first race of 2024! Some races you just never get tired of, what can I say.

Do you have any holiday traditions around Christmas time? Runners what is one race you could run every year and not get tired of?!?

Tuesday Randomness – Running Bumper Sticker Funnies.

Well it is a random Tuesday so to go along with the randomness I have a fun post. Any bumper sticker lovers out there!? I know a lot of my fellow Jeep drivers enjoy adorning their rides with some sticker swag. My Tweety bird Jeep has even started a collection.

How about after a marathon or race – do you put a 26.2 sticker on your car to remember the moment?!? Bragging rights, perhaps? Let’s get straight to the fun. There’s nothing more entertaining than laughing at funny/sassy bumper stickers in traffic. Party in the back for sure.

I like to call this one below “the marathoner classic”. I know some people run the full marathon, for the simple fact of wanting to put this bad boy on their car to show it off for all to see. Hey, nothing wrong with flaunting all that hard work and training.

RUNNING LATE to work is my cardio…actually it’s more like my cool down if I got my morning run in.

For my fellow ultra run peeps!! Now this one I definitely wish I would have found when I ran my first 50 miler. Just some of the responses alone warrant their own snarky stickers.

For those of us just a tad bit directionally challenged…it’s all good.

For my taco Tuesday lovers. With beans and rice on the side.

Those of us that like to complain on those hill training days.

*This is not a running sticker* but it is kind of funny. Looks like they’ve got a SALE going.

Feel free to share! What are some funny (runner) bumper stickers you have seen??!

Turkey Day (Eve) Funny and a Chelsea Trot Playlist.

Happy Thanksgiving eve!! It has been quite some time since we’ve done a spin cycle playlist but that is making a return soon and very soon with the opening at the new gym! Simply cannot wait. Until then I’ve got a TURKEY TROT playlist you will love.

Those who have been following along for a while know that this time of year I like to do what I call the Chelsea Trot. Lots of fun, lots of me myself and I frolicking in the leaves and getting my miles in before turkey and apple pie sangria. If you need a recipe for that I’ve got you covered here.

Without further ado let’s get to the jams! Enjoy your 5k/10k or. 26.2? (low key curious if a Turkey Trot MARATHON exists out there somewhere – let me know if so) while grooving to these tunes.

Plus just a quick Turkey Day (eve) funny to make you chuckle. You are welcome.

Anyone cooking up something unique for Turkey Day? Who’s running a Turkey Day FULL MARATHON?!
I’m giving you full rights to brag about yourself on my blog. This is a safe space. Speak up and motivate us all. Ha.

Dinosaur Valley Endurance Run – Trail Race Recap.

The weekend has come and gone and I’m here to share a race recap! And a NEW (to me) race at that!! The Dinosaur Valley Endurance Run held in Glen Rose, Texas!! This is a very unique trail and fun for seasoned trail runners, or even those who are just embarking on the dirt path! It’s also really cool because they showcase old fossils and footprints of dinosaurs who once inhabited the trail forever ago. Upon entering Glen Rose, you see the dino replicas all over the freaking place.

I arrived to town on Friday evening and immediately pulled up my Yelp to see where all the hot spots were at for dinner. I landed on Whisky Woods.

The place was a hoot and super gorgeous inside / very southern in décor with cowboy things on the wall. It is just something about being in the country that makes my soul happy. Since I was there solo I chopped it up at the bar with the marvelous server and staff. The bartender dude was inspired by hearing about my upcoming trail race, so we chatted while I enjoyed the grilled bread and bites.

Saturday morning I was up bright and early to head to the park. My race started at 8 AM. I ended up deciding on the 25k. I have another race scheduled soon so this one was a great benchmark for the next! The cool thing about this race also, was that with the varying distances you could decide what day you wanted to run, either Saturday or Sunday. I just wanted to knock this one out plus it was just great weather and great energy first thing on Saturday morning. We had some drizzles come through (Sunday was heavier rains, HA glad I did not race in a storm) but overall the trails were in decent shape. Some slick spots especially on rocks, so a lot of just watching the ground so I didn’t slip. This particular trail is pretty technical in parts and a lot of loose rocks! Kind of rough and tough but truthfully that is what I like the most. Never a dull moment – keeping you on your toes.

We got started and the trail started out with some rocky climbs. I was SOOOO proud of myself for not falling the entire 25k distance and I also did this run ‘naked’ (no data for over 15 miles). I enjoyed meeting new folks and high fiving some of my old trail cronies along the way. The aid stations were also fully stocked so I grabbed cold mountain dew and grilled quesadillas with avocado in them. Those were actually amazing and I think I’ve discovered my new favorite trail racing fuel.

LOVED this course overall especially the scenic overlooks. And this slippery bridge! We had some fun peeps out there hooping and hollering and bringing the good energy the entire time.

I was very happy I ended up choosing this distance for Dino Valley and without a doubt would run it again! It was great being back out in the trail community too with folks. I’ve always felt a warmth in this community that I frankly have not found on the roads. I am still a hybrid (roadie and trail) girl though. My next ultra I am looking at will be paved. The trails are great for agility and to get stronger on the road, so this will be my happy little strategy building back up to ultras. But trails will always have my HEART and soul and I enjoy the challenge. It’s something you can’t quite put into words when trails just…speak to you. I always leave a trail feeling a peace and hearing the sounds of nature. Pure bliss.

That is all this week – stay tuned because I’m ramping up along with getting excited about teaching cycle at a brand NEW gym! Til next time. Hope you dear readers have a lovely Thanksgiving. Try to get out, away from yo crazy FAM A LAM – take breaks and get your sweat on in between grubbin’.

How was your weekend?! Anyone else really resonating with hitting the trails lately?!

*Comeback* Trail Race Essentials.

Hope you all had a LOVELY weekend filled with some outdoor fun! I was able to get out and get moving. This is without a doubt my favorite time of year to run!! Throw in colorful fall foilage, a cool morning breeze and a dirt path and you have what I like to call the cherry on top for a long run. When it comes to racing on trails, there are a few things that one may need to tackle the path less traveled! So, let’s discuss!! Keep reading if you are in need of a trail race refresher and/or if you are new to running on trails and need to know what one needs to have a successful race.

–Adequate food/drink/trail runner fuel! One of my favorite electrolyte supplement is hands down tailwind. I’ve been using this one for years and years so it has stood the test of time. Lots of sweat depleting from your body equals the need to replenish those electrolytes. Some prefer salt tabs for this but I love something I can throw in my water and keep it pushing.

–This is a part of the first one…but I love me some oranges/watermelon/cold fruit on a trail. Preferably watermelon if it is still blazing HOT out…which as we know the weather in Texas can be quite unpredictable. As we all know MOST trail races do a phenomenal job at staying stocked with goodies.

–But just in case you are running a NEW to you trail race make sure that you are aware at what they keep stocked. If you are running an ultra race longer than 50 miles there is a good chance you will run into the night…a lot of races do hot food like soups and grilled meat for protein. Always a bonus.

–Get you a cooler and stash it with your faves. Often you will be able to stash things on the course at an aid station so if this is an option get your drinks/food and stuff your needs in the cooler. You will be THANKFUL for this later in your race.

–Pain relief/biofreeze/Vaseline or trail toes. TRAIL TOES will be your bestie on the course especially if you chafe which I seem to do more often than not when I run trails. It’s good for exactly what it indicates…in between your toes if dirt/sweat/issues arise.

–Extra pair of socks/shoes/gaiters. Lots of dirt and leaves and sticks (perhaps creek crossings) equals a possible need to change footwear. Having moisture wicking socks helps too. Stash an extra pair in your hydration device so you have them on you when the time comes.

Trail runners!! Share what other essentials you like to have with you during your run/race!!

Random Thoughts Thursday.

–Happy Friday eve to you and yours! We are downhill coasting on into the weekend so I thought I’d provide you with some *Chelsea cheer* to round out the week. Hooray and you’re welcome.

–It is somewhat of a gloomy day down in Texas but I am still here for some randomness! I got my day started with an early workout and got some running in. Good vibes and cloudy skies.

–How are we doing with the daylight savings time change? Honestly I did not even feel much of a shift this week. Maybe a little more sleepy at night for my commute home from work. This time of year I will say I am a HAPPY CAMPER because I am super motivated to get up early AM and knock out workouts. Honestly I do not know how people enjoy life without balancing it out with lotsa sweat. I appreciate my ability to be a ‘morning person’ & just get it done as I get older. I do still prefer yoga at night, just to mentally and physically wind down from a hectic work schedule. NAMASTE all day and into the night.

–Running and solo training is going well though. Feeling good and strong for some upcoming trail run fun. So stay tuned for that. Trails have really been my jam lately.

–Something about this time of year just really gets me fired up for power packed workouts! I’ve had to keep my endurance up on my own while we wait for my new fitness instructor gig to open. But it is going to be freaking gorgeous when it is all said and done. Love being granted the opportunity to teach in a brand new space. Shiny new bikes in a shiny new gym equals a happy Chelsea. I will post the schedule when we are live.

–How sweet is my Peruvian coworker giving me these yummy chocolates for helping out with our international promos? Dark chocolate is good for the heart so I indulge in the guilty pleasure at my desk with coffee.

–This weekend will be all about resting the legs for my upcoming trail race…eating more chocolate….and getting my (HOT) yoga on.

–Also catching up on my caprese salad eating. Favorite pre race meal hands down.

Feel free to share some randomness with me today! What is your favorite kind of chocolate?! Run any trails or trail races lately??

Random Thoughts Thursday.

–Happy November! And happy random thoughts Thursday to ya. I have been up north enjoying the beauty of New England in the fall!! Talk about a runner’s paradise. Let’s recap and also chat about some randomness. Just cuz it is fun to do so.

–I super enjoyed my trip up to BOSTON!! I have a friend who works up there so I got to visit him and see his new digs. Homies 4 life.

–Can we also discuss how beautiful the freaking fall foliage is up there. It really did put me in the mood of the *late autumn* season being up there, if that makes sense. I know my Texas folks understand. My friend is in the ‘BURBS of Boston so I really loved how “east coast quaint” the entire area is. We passed out candy on Halloween too and all the kiddos were the cutest.

–I had my fair share of CHOWDA up there too. Kelly’s roast beef probably had the freshest one and the clams were on point. Freaking yummy.

–Check out this spread my friend and his boo made to welcome me to town. YES my true friends are the real MVPs. Hands down.

–Confession I did not do a lot of “vacation running” (unless you count running to the subway on my last day there/the airport gate HA) but I did see the running store that was all the rage. I almost bought some trail shoes then decided not to. The ones I have currently I need to wear out completely first during my 50k in a few short weeks.

–I truly have not had a ton of time to really sit still and watch TV but I’m living for RHOSLC. So much entertainment and my favorites on that show are still on point.

Feel free to share some randomness with me today!!! Anyone running a marathon or ultramarathon or trail race soon?!?
*Raises both hands*.

Random Thoughts Thursday.

–Can we just say it has been A WEEK?!? Between work and play and then crazy current events in our chaotic world we all need a bit of solace and PEACE. Thankfully I have been able to get in some yoga and running and strength training and all the happy Chelsea things. Staying injury free all race SZN is the name of the game, baby.

–Is everyone up to date on the awesomeness that is the Panera Bread sip club??? Well if not then you are truly missing out. Fast wifi, iced coffees and teas in unlimited form and just somewhere where I can things done without randomness and distractions. Wam bam thank you ma’am.

–I have a extra long weekend ahead and that makes this busy worker bee very happy. I am sure there will still be work to do but mentally I will be blissful and on fall vacation. So cheers to that.

–Fall foliage just is not giving fall foliage like it is up north so I am excited to be going to see a dear buddy of mine, running in a new to me location and such. I know I have some nosey folks that still read here (HA) I mean I am fun and interesting when I wanna be. I will do a big reveal and recap next week when I come back so not to worry.

–I wish I could find that meme about adults with no kids who just up and go travel wherever they want at the drop of a hat. It holds true here for this busy bachelorette. Thankful for this chapter of life.

–Freedom is a beautiful thing.

That is all for this week! Thank you for reading and continuing to support me. Catch you on the flip side.

How is your week so far? Are you looking forward to anything this weekend?!
Letting my hair down, running, brunching, working out, not being in Texas for a few days.

Randomness and TGIFriday Faves.

–I know you guys, I have been M.I.A. but your girl is low key still around! I have had so many thoughts in my head and just not enough time to jot it all down. It be like that sometimes.

You know, adulting and all. I’ve been balancing the crazy with lots of working out and self care time, so all is well.

Maintaining the sanity as much as possible. What can I say. Living the dream?

Let’s get to my faves this week!

–October sunrises. Early morning skies are just my jam right now. But I guess when have they NOT been?! HA. Morning miles and smiles makes for a happy Chelsea.

–Still on a caprese salad kick even though the weather is (slightly) cooler. Thankfully my ‘cheers bar’ makes a good one. Truly my go to meal…when I stop in for vino.

–Are we living under a rock or are we all up to date on the Jada and Will scenario? Fiasco is likely a better word. I frankly am over it but everywhere I turn there’s commentary on this. Shoving it down our throats. LOL.

I will say I was entertained very much by Shallon’s take from YouTube.

–Can we talk about how awesome this apple pie sangria looks?! Fun fact I used to make something similar, as a family treat during the holidays. I may have to bring this one back in rotation.

–Tired ultrarunner/fitness instructor joints equals lots of time with this stuff this week. Yes, I realize this makes me sound old that I use this stuff for my neck and my back at night. However embracing all that it is to be a pushing 40 39 year old bachelorette who loves life.

–A pop of hair color for fall.

–That’s all for this week! Hope you guys are rocking it and doing fun things.

Any bloggers still out in the blogosphere?! I feel like all of my favorites are retired. Have we just run out of races to run? Things to say?! Not me girl. lol. I am doing a trail race in November so we will get back to the recaps soon and very soon.

Gone are the days when people just enjoyed reading streams of consciousness. Let’s give it up for the OG’s that are still around.

Random Thoughts Thursday.

Hey there, dear reader!! It has been quite some TIME since I’ve posted on this here blog! But hey, I am back in business. LOTS and LOTS of life changes have been taking place but you know. That’s life am I right?! Well let’s get straight to the randomness.

Running and workouts are still going, and still getting up early to embrace those Texas sunrise skies…I have been mixing up my routes a lot too which definitely keeps things spicy. I have also been training at a NEW cycling gym, and recently got hired to teach late fall/winter at a brand new athletic facility that opens soon and very soon!

Very excited for this change, which means I am able to use my creativity once again with my classes. Something that, frankly, I was not able to do at Life Time. Very welcomed and happy changes ahead. I’ll be letting you in on more of the details on that in the next few months.

I recently came back from a FUN trip up in the Ozark Mountains!! Visiting family and friends, and got a chance to play in nature a bit. Seriously gorgeous up there and the leaves are actually starting to change. I can appreciate some solid fall foliage. That is something we do not even see in Texas until late November.

Speaking of November I am still stoked about running the Dinosaur Valley 50k!! Absolutely will be a FUN TRAIL RUN. Traversing over rocks, roots and high fiving runner fam from all of my years of running trails and ultras. I love doing me lately and just running and racing when the mood hits. It is mentally and physcially a great place to be.

That’s all this week! Any updates you guys have for me out there?! Feel free to share!