Meet DelMo Athlete Latoya Shauntay Snell

Noted by The Root 100 as one of the most influential African Americans ages 25 to 45, Latoya Shauntay Snell is a sponsored multi-sport endurance athlete, body politics activist, motivational speaker, content creator and founder of Running Fat Chef. Snell was one of four cover models for the November 2020 issue of Runner’s World, featured on numerous platforms including Good Morning America, Huffington Post and 3rd Hour Today. Snell is changing the narrative of ideal body types, mental health and fitness stereotypes in the fitness and wellness space. As a contributing writer for several platforms, Global Athlete Ambassador for HOKA and Trek Bikes Ambassador, she uses her voice to talk about intersectionality in sports to change the language for future generations in fitness and beyond.

1. What is your favorite DelMoSports event to race and why?
I am in love with the Women's Philadelphia Triathlon & Duathlon because of the diversity in athletic abilities and backgrounds. The community is super supportive and beginner friendly.

2. What is your favorite workout song?
This is not a great question for my ADHD, LOL. It is so hard to narrow down a favorite workout song so here’s my top five of the day:

• Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger by Daft Punk
• Chop Suey by System of a Down
• I Like It by Cardi B
• Tempo by Lizzo
• Lose Control by Missy Elliot

3. Favorite pre-race meal?
Anyone that knows me knows I am a sucker for salmon and I will work it into every meal. Whenever I can, I love having a seared salmon with cream cheese and half avocado on a bagel with a cup of herbal tea or coffee. This is only if I have at least 90 minutes before starting a race. If not, I’m happy with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon or maple sausage and cheddar cheese on toast with a half avocado. Regardless of what meal it may be, I always drink electrolytes 30 - 45 minutes before starting an event.

4. What is your race mantra?‍

• I am only in competition with myself.
• My main objectives are to have fun, respect my body and put in the best effort that I have for the day.

5. What is your favorite memory from a DelMoSports event?
My favorite memory from this past Philadelphia Women’s Duathlon was receiving all of the supportive messages on and off of the course. From the moment that I walked into the venue, everyone flooded each other with warm comments and support. I wish every event matched this same energy.

6. What does your training look like right now?
At the moment, I am training for two marathons and 20+ races before the end of the year. I am using shorter distances to hold myself accountable, meet new people on the course and to have fun while doing it. My goal is to work myself up to do more duathlons, triathlons, marathons, century rides and ultra running events.

7. What do you do with your free time when you are not training or racing?
I love watching documentaries and reading or listening to biographies. There’s something dynamic about learning what motivates people to do the things that they do. I’m fascinated by learning how things work, contrasting points or lifestyles opposite of my own and learning about global matters. When those topics are too heavy, I enjoy watching a good standup comedy. My love for storytelling and animated stories dates back to being a child growing up through some tough situations. Despite how grim things looked at times, my family and I were able to pull through with the power of comedy, literature and visuals that inspired us to think abstractly.

8. What is your goal for this upcoming season?
My goal for this upcoming season is to surprise myself on the comeback of my consistent fitness adventure and bringing others with me for the journey. I spent a great deal of 2019 traveling around the world and tackling different races. Although it was epic, I couldn’t help but acknowledge how much I longed for my family and friends to experience these adventures with me. I am exceptionally grateful to those that became an adopted family member while traveling to new places. I am humbled by every story that I’ve learned from strangers - some that may never be shared with others. Through those experiences, I hope that my passion for sports inspires others to see their own superpower in life. And I suppose if I have to choose an athletic goal, reminding myself that I’m capable of doing what I’ve been doing for years. Just because you do something often doesn’t promise it’ll get easier - I love that about sports.

9. Tell us three things we should know about you.

• Despite my love for cardiovascular sports, I am a huge powerlifting fan. My best deadlift to date is 425 pounds, bench press is 225 pounds and squat at 375 pounds. It is my goal to practice during my off season.
• I challenged my fear of flying, claustrophobia and heights by skydiving. I’m not sure if I recommend this extreme way of going about it but it’s definitely an epic story and memory.
• My best medal to date is having family and friends who love me. I’ve completed over 200 running, obstacle course racing and multisport events and nothing matches the energy that community provides for me. I owe almost every ounce of my success to them while reserving a space to thank myself for pushing through.

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We were so happy to have her participate in the Women's PHL Du in early July! Be sure to check her our on Social Media... she's a hoot! You will LOVE her.

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Social Media Links:

• Instagram: @iamlshauntay‍
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/runningfatchef
• Twitter: latoyashauntay
• Website: www.runningfatchef.com
• LinkedIn: Latoya Shauntay Snell
• TikTok: @iamlshauntay