Latoya Shauntay Snell, creator of the renowned blog “Running Fat Chef,™,” brings a unique viewpoint as a Black, queer, chronically ill, and plus-size long-distance runner. In this interview, we explore Snell’s exceptional journey, redefining athletic norms and embracing her diverse identity.
Can you tell us about your journey as an endurance athlete and how you’ve become a prominent figure in the fitness and wellness space, breaking down barriers of body stereotypes and inclusivity?
My introduction to the fitness and wellness space started in 2013. I entered it with the hopes of repairing my physical and mental health after issues started disrupting my personal and professional life in the culinary field. I was coping with the loss of my father, several medical diagnoses, being a new parent and wife. I started documenting my adventures on social media. In August 2016, my blog turned business Running Fat Chef®. Through my transparency birthed a conversation within the fitness space about body diversity, mindset and a huge push to talk about inclusion beyond this narrow lens on how mainstream media think bodies should look and perform.
Your blog, Running Fat Chef,™ provides a unique perspective as a Black, queer, chronically ill, and plus-size long-distance runner. Could you share more about the motivation behind starting the blog and its impact on changing narratives in the fitness industry?
Absolutely! Running Fat Chef ® started as my outlet – a blog where I laid bare my experiences as a Black, fat, queer and chronically ill athlete. Long-distance running’s hushed realities bothered me. I was the odd one out and an underestimated player. My goal: Candidly share my colorful, nerve-inducing perspectives with a touch of humor and vulnerability. I didn’t know this path would thrust me into leadership, making me an advocate for body positive, fat acceptance conversations and daring people to explore intersectionality from every angle.
You’ve been featured on major platforms like 3rd Hour Today, Good Morning America, and Huffington Post, discussing boundary setting in the fitness and wellness sphere. How do you approach these conversations and what changes have you witnessed as a result?
I’m all about these conversations – honest and unfiltered. I refuse to dilute my words to appease those uncomfortable with people like me excelling in fitness or anywhere else. Navigating boundaries in wellness is tricky. These talks are scarce in the media and when they emerge, they’re oftentimes cliche and sanitized. These conversations take steps forward and then retreats like a resistive dance towards progression. There’s a journey ahead, but we’re on our way.
Your writing has been featured in well-known publications like Runner’s World, The Root, and Gear Junkie. How do you feel your contributions to these platforms have influenced the conversations around body politics and diversity in the athletic world?
I’m honored for the chance to share on body politics and athletic diversity, but it’s not just about one talk or my view. Someone will read my article and feel seen. My stories kickstart vital dialogues, especially for Black women and non-binary folks. Through my struggles, highs and lows, more join the conversation, though tokenism persists. Just having one of me isn’t progress. One chat doesn’t cut it. I’m proud to lead, push beyond words and strive for real change. Comfort isn’t where change brews – we all need to endure for true inclusion.
With a background in culinary arts and experience in the human services field, how do you integrate your knowledge into discussions about food, mental health, and fitness in a way that resonates with your audience?
My culinary background and passion for creating and teaching food education highlighted gaps in the wellness scene – body image, mental health and food attitudes. Despite working in human services, I battled disordered eating – anorexia, to be specific – in 2015. Balancing my love for sports and resisting its pressures was tough. Talks are rudimentary, especially for women. We’re reduced to our appearances, voice and diet. I’m here for my audience, peddling joy, mental health and movement. Thriving demands nourishment and a sound mindset.
Could you share your thoughts on the importance of intersectionality in sports and how you work to promote inclusivity and representation in the athletic community?
Intersectionality in sports isn’t just jargon; it’s my reality in a marginalized body. Sports pretends diversity thrives with sprinkles of a handful of Black, Brown, Indigenous and Asian athletes. There’s an unspoken, unjust pressure to excel perfectly. I reject others’ dismissal due to differences. Be it race, gender or limitations – no one should be ignored. I use my social media platforms, freelance writing and community efforts to spread awareness – talking isn’t enough. We must listen, plan, educate, and unite against bias. Oppression holds all back, and it’s everyone’s concern.
As a HOKA Global Athlete Ambassador, you host the Running Fat Chef™ podcast, where you interview athletes from diverse backgrounds. What have been some of the most impactful conversations you’ve had on the podcast regarding identity and sport?
Nearly five years as a HOKA Global Athlete Ambassador enriched me in unforeseen ways. Their backing opened doors – meeting athletes and igniting personal ventures. In 20221, my Running Fat Chef ® podcast was born, aiming to unearth athletes’ depths beyond professional accolades and records. Conversations with people like Roc Rochon, Sika Henry, Martinus Evans, Carolyn Su and Rahaf Khatib etched stories of advocacy within fitness. These tales – unearthing truths mainstream queries sometimes miss – resonate with everyday people. I yearn to relaunch by late 2023 to early 2024, weaving more intimate narratives.
You co-host “The Long Run with Martinus and Latoya” podcast, which focuses on the experiences of plus-sized runners. How has this platform helped raise awareness about the unique challenges and triumphs faced by runners in the “back of the pack”?
Podcasting “The Long Run with Martinus and Latoya” feels like a breath of fresh air. No filters, just candid talks about the plus-sized and slower paced runners’ experience. We tackle hushed topics, answer unasked questions and redefine “real runners.” Martinus Evans and I faced public fitness scrutiny and challenges. Whether it’s a triumph or a failure, we analyze it all. Fear or failure – let’s talk about it. Lack of resources or gear will not hold us back; instead, we’re developing suggestions and solutions for it. Back of the pack runners fuel races; we’re significant. Ignoring us is impossible – we hold power. By raising awareness, our communities know this to be true, too.
Your involvement with various brands and short- to long-term projects showcases your versatility as a content creator. Could you elaborate on your approach to working with brands and how you ensure alignment with your values and mission?
I only collaborate if my values align. Flashy imagery, grand gestures or profit isn’t enough – ethics guide me. Trust and honesty bring mutual growth and my preferred marketing strategy. Respect for time, marginalized experiences and community support are vital. Regardless of how big or small a company may be, I check out their core values, mission statements and what they are doing with their platforms. My commitment, heart and advocacy shape each project. Lucrative deals come and go; how we reflect on our decisions lives in our minds longer than the paycheck.
Beyond your athletic pursuits and advocacy work, you’ve mentioned spending time with your family and indulging in various hobbies. How do these personal interests contribute to your overall well-being and help you maintain a balanced lifestyle?
Balance is key, but harmony is the real goal. Outside my fitness and advocacy, family life and old-fashioned me time brings me joy. Athlete life and being in the public eye strains, but I find respite in stepping back. Morgon Latimore, my coach, taught me that. It’s okay not to juggle everything.I embrace life’s rhythm, soak in its beauty and remind myself that I am more than just an athlete or the productivity that the world demands of me.
Your participation in over 200 running and obstacle course events within a five-year span is truly remarkable. Could you share some of the most memorable moments from these events that have contributed to your journey as an athlete and advocate?
My fitness journey is a tapestry of growth. I went from being a novice athlete to a full-time creator and athlete; transformative is the only word I can use. Amid struggles, my 2017 diagnosis of stage four endometriosis, fibroids, herniated disc, and a miscarriage shattered me. I opted to press forward with my athletic endeavors and shared my story on The Root, I didn’t know it would ignite my path. That hardship could’ve derailed me, but my audience poured into me to boldly push forward. A year later, I pursued and finished 100K in the desert two weeks after the Chicago Marathon and ran the NYC Marathon six days later. These achievements were once looked at as zany and impossible to those who knew. I embrace fear and strive to push others to bet on themselves – I’m a testament to self-belief.
As someone who has modeled for athleisure brands like HOKA, TREK Bikes, Eloquii, and Gymshark, how do you view your role in reshaping the perception of athletic bodies and diversity in the fashion and fitness industries?
Modeling for athleisure brands is a breath of fresh air. As a ‘85 kid, Black representation was scarce. Plus-size and marginalized voices were background noise compared to lean, White counterparts. Seeing myself then could’ve reshaped my journey. I wish that for everyone, regardless of age, race, gender identity or ability. Amid diverse athletes and fashion icons, I urge the industry to go beyond appearances. Diversify behind the scenes too. It’s frustrating when makeup or hair isn’t catered to Black needs. Let’s demand change for real inclusivity in front and behind the camera.
Your commitment to working with non-profits to change the language surrounding sports and inclusivity for future generations is commendable. Can you provide examples of initiatives you’ve been involved with and the impact they’ve had on promoting a more inclusive sporting culture?
Amid the 2020 pandemic, on the week of my 35th birthday, I rallied $20K in a week via social media for The Audre Lorde Project, Minnesota Freedom Fund and Black Women’s Blueprint. I chronicled a 13.1 mile run and two indoor cycling rides – 100K and 100 miles respectively – on my Saris trainer. This year, I’m journeying across states, races spanning the 5K distance to ultramarathon. Thus far this year, I raised $30K with a strong team for the PCOS Challenge. I linked fundraisers to my races to support organizations such as JDRF and The Fibroid Pandemic. HOKA, my longtime partner, donated to The Loveland Foundation for mental health awareness month on my behalf. As a marginalized athlete with chronic conditions, I push for diversity, accessibility in sports and to highlight unseen daily battles.
Your family seems to play a significant role in your life. How have your husband, son, and even your newly adopted cat influenced your journey as an athlete, advocate, and content creator?
Finisher medals and titles shine brighter within my tribe, who applaud me beyond the surface. They’re my squad, embracing my ups and downs with realness and playful moments of shadiness. With them, I’m just Latoya – mom, wife, and the quick-witted Snell household voice. Their warmth lets me be bold as an athlete and advocate, sans battling stereotypes. They offer me solace and permission to be softer. Amidst loved ones, I find strength to stand tall, fierce and true in all of my roles, especially as a content creator.
Your passion for documentaries, experimentation in cooking, and engagement with non-fiction books speaks to a diverse range of interests. How do these activities contribute to your personal growth and inspire the content you create for your audience?
I’m all about documentaries, cooking and nonfiction books. In the next five years, I aim to fuse these passions into projects. I thrive on authentic storytelling – unfiltered and refined. My artistic journey began before wellness through a mixture of roles. Food photography, culinary arts, performing on open mics, writing – they shape my content. Others’ journeys fuel mine. What engages me empowers me; it’s a two-way street. I’m here to spark and share and follow the footsteps of those who inspire and did it before me.
Be’n Original
