Welcome to the team, Chelsea Sodaro!

Chelsea is a lifelong runner turned triathlete. She ran professionally for four years before deciding to pursue triathlon after the 2016 Olympic Track Trials.

“I struggled with a lot of injuries and wanted a fresh challenge,” Chelsea explains. She did her first triathlon in March of 2017 and got her professional license in that race. If you’re in the tri world you know this is an incredible feat, but not surprising once you meet Chelsea. She’s talented, confident, determined, and so much more.

“I feel like I was made to be a long-distance triathlete, and I've loved this opportunity to have a second chance at pro sports. My goal is to contend at the Hawaii Ironman World Champs. I have a lot of training ahead of me, and a lot to learn, but I have so much passion for my sport and the best team around me to guide this pursuit.”

Erin and Chelsea starting working together last spring — it’s been inspiring getting to know this incredible athlete and to see her using yoga and feeling the difference.

Get to know our newest Athletes for Yoga Pro, Chelsea Sodaro!

Where are you living and training?

Mill Valley, CA

What does your training look like now that the competition season is off due to COVID?

I'm still training about 20–25 hours a week. I've been putting a big focus on the bike and developing resilience and power. I also have a history of running injuries, so I have been really committed to doing all of the little things that keep me in one piece. I haven't been doing huge run volume, but I've surprised myself with some of the run sessions that I've been able to do. Pools are closed here in California, so I do band work and I also swim open water a couple of times a week. I have friends that live on a beautiful lagoon so that has been incredible and really fun.

The bones of my training are very similar to pre-COVID training. I have a couple of really hard sessions a week where I have to "bring it" and be super focused. I am working on bringing a lot more joy and freedom to my other sessions. This time has been a reminder that having fun, even with no imminent races on the calendar, can lead to great fitness after all!

How did you start using A4Y?

I have been following A4Y for awhile now! I was at Cal with Alysia Montano so I always try and keep track of what she's up to. And then I reached out to Erin once she moved to Marin County last year. We went back and forth for a couple of months about the best ways for me to incorporate yoga into my training. I have been so impressed with Erin's professionalism, and also with the way that she is invested in my goals and desire to improve. I am so so excited to be on board!

What's your favorite way to use A4Y right now?

I am digging the Hip Resets after big bike rides. My low back and hips are often pretty tight after a 5 or 6 hour ride, so going straight into a short Reset post-bike has been huge for recovery and mobility.

What are your goals this year? Next? 

I have big racing ambitions — I want to contend at the very pointiest end in every race that I enter. I have a lot of self-belief and confidence in myself as an athlete and I can't wait to see what I'm capable of doing once I can get back to a startline. In the meantime, I'm working on my process goals: becoming a master on the bike, staying really healthy and strong on the run, and improving my open water swimming skills. The great thing about triathlon is that there is ALWAYS an area for development. In fact, I've got a lot of areas for development. Ha! I'm never bored. 

Join us in cheering for for Chelsea, she’s @chelseasodaro on Instagram and @chelseasodaro on Twitter. And be sure to check out the Yoga for Triathletes on Athletes for Yoga Video!