Explorer Chick Adventure Travel (& Bonus Gear Giveaway)

Last Updated on November 1, 2019 by Heather Hart, ACSM EP, CSCS

I love the internet.  I do.  I love the opportunities social media has given me, but even more so, the ability to connect and stay in touch with people I’ve met all over the world (and really, for giving me the opportunity to meet these people in the first place!).  And I’ve not only met some amazing people, but I’ve met some amazing people who are doing awesome things. A few weeks ago I posted about how my friend Seth started a new venture to help connect those in the Adventure and Outdoor Education field.  Today I want to tell you about my friend Nicki.

I met Nicki last year on my very first trip to Ohio, for the inaugural Mud, Guts, & Glory race.   She was not only one of the super friendly local obstacle racers, but a stellar athlete, and she snagged one of the top three female podium spots.   Nicki recently started a new company called “Explorer Chick“, and I’m beyond thrilled to be able to share this new venture of hers with you guys.   Explorer Chick is an adventure traveling company for women, that offers packages including yoga and adventure retreats, to obstacle course racing experiences.  I typically don’t like to cut and post entire “about me” sections lifted straight from websites or emails, but Nicki did such a great job expressing why she started this company in the following few paragraphs, that I’m going to let her take it away:

In April of this past year, my husband and I split which sent me down a path of serious introspection. I was forced to reflect on my life, my decisions, my direction, my career. After much contemplation, I chose to seek a whole new path. At my core I am an entrepreneur, a leader, and an explorer. Actually one night, I opened a book entitled, “Wise Women”. I had had the book for about a year, but chose that night to open it for the first time. Fate or whatever you may call it, had me turn to pages 24-25. Evelyn Lauder’s message on page 25 resonated with me. And I quote, “I’ve always believed that whatever you are when you are young, as you age, you become more so.” I found the closest pen, and I wrote, “I am an explorer.”

With that knowledge coupled with the conundrum of not having someone to vacation with post-divorce, I was led down the path of creating my own business, Explorer Chick Adventure Company. A travel company that designs adventure travel solely for women. When spinning the idea to my mom, she asked, “How are you going to do those races that you do?” My entire family knows my slight (used loosely) obsession with OCR. Thanks to my mom, I decided to incorporate OCR races into some of the trips. I am currently working with BattleFrog. I chose them because of their positive reputation, their challenging courses, and their option to run a 5k or a 15k. I am of course open to working with other OCR companies as well.

I believe the most exciting part of this venture will be the friendships and bonds that will develop on the trips. There is something to sharing an out of the ordinary experience with another person that creates an instant bond. We’ve both seen it in OCR. I met one of my best friends, Ulrike, in a mud pit in 2013. We were both stuck in this pit, trying to find a way to climb out. We were probably in there a good 5-7 minutes laughing and cussing up a storm before we discovered a good foothold. That challenge instantly bonded us. I ended up finishing before her, but I waited at the finish line to meet this perfect stranger. Instantly, we became friends laughing about our sorry asses stuck in the pit which led to talking all afternoon about everything from race port-a-potties to hot firemen.  Explorer Chick creates these opportunities for women to have similar bonds with the racing and the adventures. In return it gives me the opportunity to empower women, to create potentially lifetime friendships between perfect strangers, and to be inspired by amazing women. To me, this is a perfect path to take in life. To help and to be inspired.

Explorer Chicks adventure trips fall into two major categories, Race & Adventure and Yoga & Adventure. All  adventure trips are designed so that you only have to show up; they take care of the rest including most meals. Each trip varies, but most include at least 2 meals a day, giving you the flexibility to explore the local cuisine enticing your taste buds. Itineraries are also designed with enough free time so you can customize your vacation. Explorer Chick will have some alternative excursions or you can use this time to set out on your own. This is your vacation so even the included activities are optional, although encouraged.

Currently on Explorer Chicks agenda:

• Miami Race and Kayak Adventure: BattleFrog obstacle racing on Saturday (www.battlefrogseries.com/); Yoga and Surf or SUP on Sunday, Kayaking in the Everglades on Monday, Tuesday = Free day
•  Carolina Raft and Race Adventure: White water rafting down the Chattoochie River, Ziplining, loding in Yurts. Then to Columbia for racing on Saturday and Yoga on Sunday.

•  Cincinnati Rock Climbing and Race Adventure: A couple of days in Red River gorge for Rock climbing, hiking and swimming. Racing a BF at the home of the 2015 OCRWC

•  Las Terranas (Dominican Republic): We’re spending a week in villas on a mountain overlooking the ocean. The mountain has a cave in the side of it, which the owners built out into a beautiful, open-aired yoga studio. Trip includes 4 yoga practices. We will travel to Samana bay to spend a morning watching Humpback whales. They migrate yearly to the bay to mate and calve. Also, we will be cascading down waterfalls (ie. Jumping off a series of 12 falls). Plus, ziplining on another day. There is plenty of free time to explore the beaches or just chill by the infinity pool.

  

• Trips toAustin, TX,  Belize and Nicaragua are also in the works.

Want to book a trip now?  Can’t say that I blame you.  The promo code: RELENTLESS10 is good for 10% off all trips through December 24th.

In addition to the stellar discount, Nicki was kind enough to offer a giveaway to one lucky reader for some Explorer Chick gear! One lucky reader will win an Explorer Chick T-Shirt, Sweatshirt, and a pair of Yoga pants

(winner can pick color of t shirt & sweatshirt!)

To enter, please use the rafflecopter below.  Winner will be chosen 12/18 and notified by email. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:  this is in no way a sponsored post. I just enjoy helping spread the word about friends who are following their dreams!  GOOD LUCK NICKI,  I am so excited for you!

Heather Hart, ACSM EP, CSCS

Website |  + postsBio

Heather Hart is an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), UESCA certified Ultrarunning Coach, RRCA certified Running Coach, co-founder of Hart Strength and Endurance Coaching, and creator of this site, Relentless Forward Commotion.   She is a mom of two teen boys, and has been running and racing distances of 5K to 100+ miles for over a decade.  Heather has been writing and encouraging others to find a love for fitness and movement since 2009.

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