After a cryptic social media post from the Bachelorette alum's husband Ryan Sutter sparked rumors of a split earlier this year, it turned out Trista was merely away competing on the third season of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, which was teased in a trailer released in November.

"I was like, 'Oh my gosh, it's finally here!'" she told People in an interview published Dec. 16. "I think there was a lot of speculation at that point in time when [Ryan] posted and then it died down, which it always does."

Above all, Trista -- who married Ryan in 2003 after appearing on the dating show's first season -- was relieved to finally add context to the online chatter.

"It was still really amazing to finally share -- this is why he shouted that from the rooftops," the 52-year-old continued. "And if you read it again, the post, knowing that that's where I was, it totally makes sense."