I love cooking, traveling, and most of all staying active. It hasn’t always been that way. Even though I dabbled in a few sports growing up – mostly ballet, tap and jazz as a pre-teen – I was not a very athletic kid. I was definitely more into the school choir and writing for the newspaper in high school. Writing and fine arts – definitely up my alley. Working out, not so much.
When I graduated high school in 2002, I decided to go to college out of state – at Hampton University in Virginia, thousands of miles away from my home in Plano, Texas. They had a great journalism school there so that is where I decided to begin my study in television. I definitely spent my fair share of time partying, which included late night food binges on pizza and all kinds of junk. Eventually my weight reached an all time high of 200 pounds. I was obviously not happy with it.
Finally after that reality check and stepping on the scale being heavier than my normal weight I decided it was time to make a change. My mom, even though she didn’t have much weight to lose, said she would join Weight Watchers with me. I took the plunge and joined. Thus began my weight loss journey. About a year or so went by and the weight started coming off. It was all about moderation and portion control – and really just changing your overall lifestyle. I stuck with the plan and started working out…I even started working at a women’s fitness facility in Virginia called Curves for Women while I was in college. I lost a majority of my weight in college and graduated a happier, more fit person.
Class of ’06!
I moved home when I graduated, and almost immediately landed a job working at the local CBS station. It was truly my dream to work in television after graduating with a Broadcast Journalism degree. I started working behind the news desk, finding breaking news stories and working with the reporters. A lot of the hours I worked were early morning hours and overnights. I sat at a desk, day in and day out, often for 12 hours at a time. Working overnight was pretty brutal and got to wear on me…I soon became burned out by chasing all of the doom and gloom that the local news showcases. It started to not become fun anymore. On top of that I put on weight from sitting at the desk.
In 2009, after working for CBS for 3 long years, I got hit with a layoff. They had been laying off thousands in the company across the US so it really was only a matter of time. It was truly a blessing in disguise. When I got laid off, I just tried to keep busy having so much down time by working out. I would go to 24 Hour Fitness and take Danceaton classes, as many as I could possibly take. Danceaton was definitely a stress reliever for me, and a way to hang out with all of my gym buddies.
I also took up running. One day I when I was doing a local social run at Luke’s Locker, someone brought up the idea of training for a half marathon. I became intrigued with the thought and started training. Almost immediately after I landed a job working for Christian television working as a producer, which was what I had always wanted to do. God was truly opening up so many amazing doors for me.
Trained & completed my first half marathon – with some amazing people!
Today, I have run over 30 half marathons and 20+ 26.2s – and counting! I am still working as a producer in television and now teaching spin classes on the side at 24 Hour Fitness. I also taught dance for over a year and I loved it. It has been an amazing journey and I can’t wait to see where God takes me next.
Thanks for checking out my blog – yours looks awesome. I look forward to reading more about your running experiences. Chicago and Rome are next on my marathon wish list!
So great to hear from you Chelsea! To lose weight not once, but twice is something to be excited about. It is an ongoing decision. Thanks for stopping by my blog and subscribing. I’m doing likewise to yours 🙂 Maybe we can inspire each other.
I really like your story, I feel like so many people are in a similar spot and need motivation for change. I look forward to reading your future entries as additional motivation for my up coming race!!
Cool story, Chelsea! I love seeing how God has directed your life thus far, and I’m looking forward to following your blog to see where He takes you next!
Wow I don’t know how I missed your about page but you have such a cool story! That’s amazing that you put your mind to getting fit and did it the healthy way and in time. You are seriously an inspiration!
Chelsea,
Reading your story brought a smile to my face. You are an inspiring and strong woman to make the most out of the changes you’ve been through. I look forward to reading your posts! Keep doing what you do!
Kelsie
Hi Chelsea! I just found your blog, and I have to admit, it’s a pretty awesome one. Seeing your progress is amazing; I’m hoping I can one day run as much as you! I also really like your spin playlists; thank you for those. You’re an inspiration; thanks for sharing your experiences!
I hope I can be a resource for you.
Your blog is awesome! I too have had battles with my weight and fitness, and reading your blog was like reading about my life, lol! It’s always refreshing to find a blog that is real and enjoyable to read. Keep up the good work, and I can’t wait to read more.
I don’t know how I missed this blog but I’m so glad I found it! I love to dance too, which I don’t see much with other runners. Keep dancin’ girl! It’s my happy place 🙂
HELP! I need suggestions! Every Friday for my spin class, we do a “Flashback Friday” or a “themed” ride. I’ve done 80’s, 80’s Hairbands, 90’s, Name that Movie. A member suggested a “bootcamp/military” playlist. I need suggestions and ideas for that as well as other themed rides. In relation to the bootcamp/military one, it would be songs from Top Gun, Battleship, etc.
Super fun! I would probably look up 80s/90s songs or even pull it up on Pandora and see what pops up. I don’t do a ton of oldies but when I do I like Janet Jackson (or Michael of course), Montell Jordan (This is how we do it!! haha) or songs like that. I’m not a fan of 80s but…maybe some songs from Grease? The internet has lots of ideas!
I have nominated you for a Liebster Award for your blog.
It’s an award for bloggers from bloggers as a way of connecting and appreciating each other’s work.
I absolutely love your bio. It’s so inspiring. I’ve never been very athletic in my younger years either except for a couple of years of being a not-so-great soccer player in high school. It’s a dream of mine to run in a half-marathon and a marathon one day! I look forward to more of your encouraging posts!
Hey thanks for stopping by my site! I’m very glad your page got my attention. I got into running through a similar path (and trying to keep it up through all the stress and sitting that is law school!) – always happy to find like-minded people. Looking forward to seeing more of your stuff! 🙂
thanks for reading and liking my blog post. Congrats on your impressive list of running accomplishments. I am starting to set some longer running goals and starting to put the work into making it happen.
Your blog is so fun! Looking forward to following your journey, lady! I love that you picked up running after years of dance. I started running after 10 years of competitive gymnastics and I haven’t stopped since! 🙂 Keep up the good work! xoxo https://runningvibesblog.wordpress.com/
Wow, wow, wow! You are a kick-ass girl! You are an inspiration and a light that shines the way!
Keep doing this, lovely lady. And, I do love Les Mills spin classes at 24 here in Redmond, WA! I bet you are an awesome instructor as well. Keep up the good work. I will be following your blog
I love that you post your spin profiles, I work full time in an office but teach cycle and corebar several nights a week and sometimes I just need some new tunes/ideas!!!
Love it Fellow Hamptonian!
Super Exited to read more! I am trying to stay dedicated to training for a marathon so I can’t wait to learn about your journey.
thedancingrunner 
Found your blog thru a ‘running’ tag….very fun! Looking forward to reading more:-)
Found your blog from The Runner’s Plate! I’m dancer that is starting to love running too! Look forward to following!
Thanks for checking out my blog – yours looks awesome. I look forward to reading more about your running experiences. Chicago and Rome are next on my marathon wish list!
I REALLY ENJOYED YOUR BLOG POST ESPECIALLY THE THANKSGIVING DINNER IT MADE ME HUNGRY ALL OVER AGAIN.
I love that you’re a producer and still have time for teaching dance. That’s amazing! That’s some real work life balance.
Thanks for the comment on my blog – coz it lead me to yours! You just prove that having a busy job is not an excuse to get out an run 🙂
Exactly!
I love to see other ladies with busy lives who are running and still looking like ladies. 🙂
What a testimony! Love your bio!
Such a small world! We are neighbors! Love the blog – it’s everything I love – yoga, running, Luke’s social runs, 24 hour……
Very very inspiring! I just began running 3 months ago & glad to have found your blog 🙂 Thanks for following mine!
Stay with it Chelsea. I ran my first marathon before you were born, and running hasn’t let me down since. You have a wonderful attitude.
Thanks for clicking over to my blog! I read through yours today and can’t wait to read more! Love your positivity!
Great story and blog. Appreciate you stopping by my site as well! Always nice to meet other runners.
So great to hear from you Chelsea! To lose weight not once, but twice is something to be excited about. It is an ongoing decision. Thanks for stopping by my blog and subscribing. I’m doing likewise to yours 🙂 Maybe we can inspire each other.
I cannot not begin to thank you enough for stopping over and following my humble blog-o-thing! I wish you the very best, be inspired and take care!
Absolutely! Back atcha!!
I really like your story, I feel like so many people are in a similar spot and need motivation for change. I look forward to reading your future entries as additional motivation for my up coming race!!
Cool story, Chelsea! I love seeing how God has directed your life thus far, and I’m looking forward to following your blog to see where He takes you next!
Wow I don’t know how I missed your about page but you have such a cool story! That’s amazing that you put your mind to getting fit and did it the healthy way and in time. You are seriously an inspiration!
Chelsea,
Reading your story brought a smile to my face. You are an inspiring and strong woman to make the most out of the changes you’ve been through. I look forward to reading your posts! Keep doing what you do!
Kelsie
Thank you so much Kelsie!
Hi Chelsea! I just found your blog, and I have to admit, it’s a pretty awesome one. Seeing your progress is amazing; I’m hoping I can one day run as much as you! I also really like your spin playlists; thank you for those. You’re an inspiration; thanks for sharing your experiences!
I hope I can be a resource for you.
Best regards,
Ryan Archdeacon
Founder, OneAura
http://oneaura.com
Your blog is awesome! I too have had battles with my weight and fitness, and reading your blog was like reading about my life, lol! It’s always refreshing to find a blog that is real and enjoyable to read. Keep up the good work, and I can’t wait to read more.
Hi Chelsea. Just wanted to say thanks for the pin. Great bio, by the way. It really teaches one about work/life balance and faith in God.
lovin’ your blog, neighbor! i’m in Houston. will definitely be keeping up with you.
le
I don’t know how I missed this blog but I’m so glad I found it! I love to dance too, which I don’t see much with other runners. Keep dancin’ girl! It’s my happy place 🙂
Hey there! I am nominating you for The Wonderful Team Member Readership Award.
In accepting this award, you are required to do the following:
1.Display the award.
2.Thank the person who nominated me on their blog.
3.Nominate 14 blogs who are readers of my blog.
4.Let the nominees know.
Check out my blog post http://thehonestdoctor.com/2014/04/18/my-first-blog-awards/#more-2847 for more details.
Congrats and thanks for inspiring me! 🙂
You are so sweet! Thank you for the nomination!!
I nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award, chica!
Thank you for the nomination, love!!
Many times your world needs to be shaken to put you on the right path. I love your spirit. Good luck, you will succeed.
jim
HELP! I need suggestions! Every Friday for my spin class, we do a “Flashback Friday” or a “themed” ride. I’ve done 80’s, 80’s Hairbands, 90’s, Name that Movie. A member suggested a “bootcamp/military” playlist. I need suggestions and ideas for that as well as other themed rides. In relation to the bootcamp/military one, it would be songs from Top Gun, Battleship, etc.
Super fun! I would probably look up 80s/90s songs or even pull it up on Pandora and see what pops up. I don’t do a ton of oldies but when I do I like Janet Jackson (or Michael of course), Montell Jordan (This is how we do it!! haha) or songs like that. I’m not a fan of 80s but…maybe some songs from Grease? The internet has lots of ideas!
Thank you for visiting Seasons of Heart.. I have to stop with the excuses…lol!
Hi Chelsea, thanks for checking out my blog!
I have nominated you for a Liebster Award for your blog.
It’s an award for bloggers from bloggers as a way of connecting and appreciating each other’s work.
Check out:
http://earthzenmama.com/2014/11/28/the-liebster-award/
It will tell you about how the award works and posting it on your site 🙂
Keep up the excellent work 🙂
Great blog! Nice to see another dancer turned runner out there 🙂
Nice story! I also did ballet and run! I hope to to this year my first marathon!!
I absolutely love your bio. It’s so inspiring. I’ve never been very athletic in my younger years either except for a couple of years of being a not-so-great soccer player in high school. It’s a dream of mine to run in a half-marathon and a marathon one day! I look forward to more of your encouraging posts!
Hello,
I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. I love your blog
Here is the info:
http://wp.me/2lwSu
Thank you for the nomination!
You popped up on my feed today, very happy you did! Looking forward to reading more from you. 🙂
Hi, I’ve nominated you for the Liebster Award. Take a look:
http://yogaanddoughnuts.com/2015/02/02/leibster-award-discover-new-blogs/
Hey thanks for stopping by my site! I’m very glad your page got my attention. I got into running through a similar path (and trying to keep it up through all the stress and sitting that is law school!) – always happy to find like-minded people. Looking forward to seeing more of your stuff! 🙂
Great bio, and inspiring accomplishments Chelsea! 🙂
Hey Chelsea! Love your blog and all of your posts! I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award 🙂 Here’s my post about it: https://kingdomofsequins.wordpress.com/2015/10/23/versatile-blogger-award/
Stay fun and fabulous!
Brittany 🙂
thanks for reading and liking my blog post. Congrats on your impressive list of running accomplishments. I am starting to set some longer running goals and starting to put the work into making it happen.
Your blog is so fun! Looking forward to following your journey, lady! I love that you picked up running after years of dance. I started running after 10 years of competitive gymnastics and I haven’t stopped since! 🙂 Keep up the good work! xoxo
https://runningvibesblog.wordpress.com/
Awesome! Thanks for following!
Wow, wow, wow! You are a kick-ass girl! You are an inspiration and a light that shines the way!
Keep doing this, lovely lady. And, I do love Les Mills spin classes at 24 here in Redmond, WA! I bet you are an awesome instructor as well. Keep up the good work. I will be following your blog
Hey there, thanks so much!!
Thank you for checking out my blog…..still need to the blog world and it is so nice to see your blog and get inspiration from it! Cheers!
Wow! Your journey and your story is so inspiring! I am looking forward to following you and reading more!
❤ Alana
What a great story! If your running ever brings you to Columbus, Ohio – I’ve got a high five waiting for you! 🙂
Very sweet! Thanks lady!!
I love that you post your spin profiles, I work full time in an office but teach cycle and corebar several nights a week and sometimes I just need some new tunes/ideas!!!
Excellent!! I am always happy to provide ideas 🙂 happy spin cycling!!
Found your post off a link, looking forward to reading more and hearing more about your ultrarunning journey.
Thanks so much for visiting!
Love it Fellow Hamptonian!
Super Exited to read more! I am trying to stay dedicated to training for a marathon so I can’t wait to learn about your journey.
Hey there!! Following your blog now as well! Super cool that you have a podcast will check it out! Thanks for visiting!
My first Follower! Thanks so much! Still so much to learn, thanks for supporting.