Meet Chelsi Molina | Hollywood Run Club Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsi Molina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chelsi, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
My name is Chelsi Molina, and I’m a third culture kid – meaning my parents are of different cultures and I grew up in a third culture different of my parents. For example, my mom is American of Eastern European descent and my dad is from Spain, born and raised, and I grew up in Germany. When I moved to Florida for college in 20023, when people asked where I was from and I answered, “Germany,” the response was nearly always, “Wow! You speak such great English!”

So what impact has growing up as a TCK had on me? I feel most comfortable, uncomfortable. I love meeting new people, learning about other cultures, and I’ve had the opportunity to travel around the world. I ended up studying International Studies in college because of my fascination around history, culture and the impacts we see on it today when cultures collide. I once had someone describe my energy and volume level as ” a party of 50,” and they probably aren’t wrong. When I found myself living in South Florida in 2019, my heart nearly exploded because plethora of people from all over the world.

In Jan 2023, I found myself at a very low point in my life, and I decided to take a step out of my comfort zone and try my local run club, Hollywood Run Club. As a former soccer player, running has always been something I enjoyed and a place of peace for me, but I never ran track or cross country. However, soccer and running go hand-in-hand, so running has always been my go-to for outdoor fitness. My first day at the club, I met people from all over the globe but with one common interest, running. I went from feeling as Katy Perry put it, “a plastic bag blowing in the wind,” to finding a purpose and community. I also didn’t have “run club leader” on my 2024 bingo card…but here I am and loving every second of it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My day job, (because leading a run club is like a second job) is in Talent Acquisition. I am what we call a sourcer, which, though it sounds like some kind of wizard, it is just a fancy way of saying I specialize in finding talent. I work for a biomedical company creating heart devices. I am always looking for the best of the best candidates, because everything we do is for our clients, which are patients. I’m so proud of the work my company does to help people that unfortunately might suffer from a heart condition. As a runner, I think about them everyday when I’m starting my Strava and I’m grateful I have the ability to run.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Hollywood, Florida has my heart. I remember when I first took the drive to check out the beach, I literally gasped at the sight of Hollywood Beach and the broadwalk. So naturally, the beach is the first place I like to take my family and friends when they visit. Mojitos are my jam, and my favorite mojito is from the “Mojito King” aka Marco’s Deli on the broadwalk, and conveniently, my favorite Peruvian food spot is right next door, called “7 Tables on the Beach.” Their “arroz con mariscos” is my favorite dish. Another run culture fav is a good post-run breakfast spot, so I love stopping by In Coffee We Trust. The three women running that shop have become family to HRC, and they are often part of any special run events we host. My other go-to spot is Mystic Cafe. I work from home, so I love to get out of my house and grab lunch there. Now, there is a joke in my family that everyone that visits me has to do “The Hollywood Pilgrimage” to The Tipsy Boar. It’s my favorite food spot in downtown Hollywood to get together post-run for some bites and brews.
Now, taking us out of Hollywood, my boyfriend, Tony (whom I met at a running event…yes the “run clubs are a great place to date” rumors are true) lives near Wynwood and Mid-town in Miami, so that would be my next stop. It’s the place to go if you love art, food, vibes, and people watching. Shout out to Coyo Taco, my favorite taco spot. I may or may not have bought a tank from them that is one of my most prized articles of clothing. 😉 Also, I mentioned I was a soccer player, so where better to stop than to see the GOAT himself in a mural. I also recommend checking out an Inter Miami game if it’s in season. The Vice City crew with their music and excitement make every game feel like a World Cup final. I’m looking forward to the new season and to seeing what Mascherano as the new coach will do with the team. DALE! Lastly, I would recommend you check out our run club, because “in the clerb, we all fam.” We have all paces, meaning anyone from beginners to advanced runners can join. Our route is one of the most scenic routes you can find in the area, and who knows you might just make a new friend or two!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This shoutout is for the Hollywood Run Club. A group of people that love people and love to run. I was at such a low point in my life in 2023, and with the help of this club, I was able to find myself again and find my light and laughter. HRC is filled with amazing runners, but more importantly it is filled with people who have had such a major impact on my life, both in running and as friends. I may not be the fastest runner, but I feel like to be a great leader, it’s not about being the best. A great leader knows how to motivate others to find their own personal best. Even as a leader, this group helps me do that. I recently found out I made it into the Berlin 2025 Marathon lottery, so this will be my first ever marathon. I have been inspired by this club to achieve a goal I never thought I would do. Infact, they are all out there, early morning, rain or shine, hot or cold to help me train. I’m eternally grateful to the club, and Kevin, the founder of Hollywood Run Club who passed the club leadership torch to me in Dec 2023 when he moved further north.

Instagram: @thehollywoodrunclub

Image Credits
Luis Cordova