#journeytoironman

[iamlshauntay]

Accurate description of self: A confident pint sized girl, dope fat woman energy with tall ass dreams. Don't stop me from flying. Respect my arm pit stains. I'll never apologize for showcasing my hard work. #runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #sponsoredbysuperfithero #plussizeathlete #hokaoneone #timetofly #loveyourskin #lovealways #blinkfitness #everybodyhappy #journeytoironman #triathleteintraining #ultrarunner #marathoner (at Blink Fitness) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7_2L9mnpX5/?igshid=rjxql1ej297h

[iamlshauntay]

Possibly my last swim for a bit. Unlike other times that I started and stopped this journey, I don't feel discouraged. Thankful for the progress I made in three months. I can glide, improving my form in freestyle and was in the process of learning how to backfloat. Surely, some things have to take a backseat. No pool access for a bit is going to suck and ther closings of gym facilities will be blah but I'll have so much more to be thankful for when I'm able to return to these places. Focusing on my running, cycling and calisthenics in the meantime. Might even tap into my yoga routine again -- there's @mynameisjessamyn and @theunderbellyyoga if you need online guidance and loads of local yogis who are practicing online. When things are safer, I'll make my return back to these places that I consider a second home. If there's anything that I'll miss more than the activities, it'll be the staff and regulars that saw at each other these places. Air jugs and Wakanda greetings from afar for now. Stay elevated. #runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #journeytoironman #triathleteintraining #ultrarunner (at Weeksville, Brooklyn) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9zm3PgHm43/?igshid=1rfbtudc5byhp

[iamlshauntay]

Another race cancelled but my grind dont stop. It's a little devastating but when I think about the gift of mobility, I cannot imagine being overwhelmed by the loss of an event. Still figuring out my groove with this whole swimming thing but damn does it feel great to actually make strides. Yesterday I tackled just under 1000 yards, PRed my 100 + 400 according to my @Garmin and I feel progress in my endurance. My body feels immaculate and haven't encountered an endometriosis flare all week. I'll be honest -- I'm a little nervous about losing some of the muscle mass, watching certain things get leaner despite knowing that my body type will change because of the sport. I am reminding myself to focus on how I'm feeling versus being scared of the way that my body looks. The entire world can tell you that you look and are amazing but those are things that you have to see in yourself. Despite shaky moments, I am confident in the skin that I'm in. If things start to level out with that bad C word that's been plaguing all of these places, I will feel comfortable investing my money into my first tri. For the moment, I'm enjoying the ride of getting better with my craft. Today's Workout: Cycling: 6 miles, 24 minutes Swimming: 684 yards, 1 hour, 15 mins instruction -- Freestyle + learning how to back float/ breathing while in freestyle (thanks Miss @officialsharong --I love this woman) Run: 1 mile, 13:58/mi #runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero ##journeytoironman #triathleteintraining (at Brooklyn, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9m6saDnK0W/?igshid=1o75evhizkw83

[iamlshauntay]

Dear Latoya, Your progress may be slow moving but it's definitely forward motion. A year ago, I would've never thought I'd be brave to try this without someone talking me off of an anxiety attack. It took some time and my form is exceptionally questionable but I'm moving. For this, I say congratulations. Be kind to yourself in this learning process. For those who are watching, unless you're one of my personal mentors/ coaches, no feedback. #runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero #plussizeathlete #journeytoironman #triathleteintraining #blackgirlsswim (at Fairbanks, Alaska) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9BXoLgH0wX/?igshid=pzkd4jjkmmm6

[iamlshauntay]

When I came in from Philly, I ran seven slow miles after packing another suitcase. The night air and bright NYC lights kept me company for a bit over a hour and a half. Probably running on two hours of sleep but my flight is pretty long. Missing my family already but pretty excited about going to Fairbanks, Alaska! Excited to do a few days of talks about subjects that I'm passionate about: Body Diversity in Sports and a special conversation about Eating Disorders. #runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero #journeytoironman #marathontraining (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/B86HRpZHPB3/?igshid=13lcfytc7sc5s

[iamlshauntay]

There's days where everything fall into place and then there's today. Finding that balance between home, work and personal life can be rough, especially when you have to travel. I'm being kind to myself after tonight's 5K run. I'm allowing the water from the shower to cleanse off all of the negativity to make space for my Wednesday workout. In the morning, I'll be packing for Philly simply to have a chill moment with my family for a few days then off to Fairbanks, Alaska. Still contemplating on Texas -- let's see what my finances say. Nevertheless, glad that I was able to get my body warmed up at the gym and able to do a run outside. Even when the plans laugh in your face, find a way to be thankful for whatever you are able to preserve. #runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero #plussizeathlete #athlete #marathontraining #journeytoironman (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8vMaPGH28s/?igshid=rkj0xm9ojznn

[iamlshauntay]

You cannot take away anything that is meant for me -- whether it's pride or prize. I work hard for everything that comes my way. Regardless of how generous people can be, I am skeptic of handouts; they tend to come with clauses or burdens. I'm open to being honored but never comfortable enough to feel entitled to anything presented to me because of a status. I used to spend time waiting for others to approve this fraudulent version of me. What I learned and practiced for the last 7 years is to know your value before you allow anyone to try to define your worth. The hardest competition or critic that I ever met is the one who faces me in the mirror. If I can battle her everyday, everything else presented to me is a cake walk. People like these analogies about half filled glasses or obsessed about metaphorical tables and seats. I'm a builder, provider, tester, a demolition crew of one and an army -- I dare anyone to try to move or break me. My reflection tried countless times and she hasn't won yet; I welcome her challenge tomorrow. Today's Workout: Hill Repeats, 4 Miles, 13:53/mi pace Swim drills, 437 yds (Show progress) #runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero #womenwhofly #ultrarunner #marathoner #journeytoironman (at Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8cVcT3HOWC/?igshid=e286ht1ykmyc

[iamlshauntay]

NYRR Manhattan Seven Mile race is in the books. I felt lighter on my feet than expected and walked in the last two miles with another runner on the course who did a crap load of Ironman races. It's almost like the universe is telling me that I'm on the right path. I'm still bummed about not being able to do the Tokyo Marathon due to travel constraints but wondering if there's one that I can put in it's place for that weekend. Heard about the Cowtown Marathon and thinking about visiting hitting Texas. Anyone know anything about this race? Hit me in the comment section. Nevertheless, it was great sharing the pavement with so many energetic people on a cold Sunday. What's on your agenda for today and the rest of the week? #runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #journeytoironman (at Central Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8WlerHglbD/?igshid=15n26wifxqkau

[iamlshauntay]

I'm excited by what most people consider their worst nightmares. Most things are scary because our imaginations painted them out worse than actually are. I'm not comforted by that feeling but I made peace with it. Everyday I wake up, it's my life's goal to make a punk out the boogeyman -- even if it's my own imagination or personal reflection. Failure and growth never tasted so good. Today's Training: 14 miles cycling, 56 minutes 100 meters swimming + 25 minutes of water aerobics/ warming up to the water. #runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero #plussizeathlete #athlete #fuckthescale #journeytoironman (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8HoM1tnRW0/?igshid=l6bxsui475jn

[iamlshauntay]

Countless times, people judge harshly on what they see and speculate on what isn't shown. I want to be a triathlete more than people know. My reasons are simple and complex: I'm tired of being held prisoner of my fear of swimming. I'm over the stereotype that black people - particularly women - don't swim. I want a different type of medal in my arsenal. I want to generate stories that will outlive my own existence. I want future generations to do better and be better than us. Learning how to unfuck myself and the fears that held me captive for 34 years isn't easy but I'm so thankful for people like Miss Sharon who devoted countless hours to get me to THIS POINT. It may not look like much to some but as a person who wouldn't even step into 3 feet without going into an anxiety attack, she's my real hero. Heroes don't need capes; sometimes they teach others how to tap into their own superpowers. I don't plan on being that open about my swimming progression on here at the moment but just because you don't see it, doesn't mean something isn't happening. I am ready to start training again. #runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #blackgirlswim #plussizeathlete #wearegreaterani #forwardmotion #fears #swimming #journeytoironman (at Duluth, Minnesota) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzIyIitHZbs/?igshid=hip6ysurydli

[iamlshauntay]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Latoya Shauntay Snell (@iamlshauntay)

Time to End Doubt I wore my heart and nerves on my sleeves in 2019. Despite being comfortable talking to large groups, I'm still at a place where I am striving to fully comprehend the last few years. When you spent over two decades self sabotaging yourself because you've grown accustomed to people defining your worth, it takes a long time to reverse those bad habits. And before all of the press, sponsors and career changes, I felt like I could backtrack at any moment without anyone noticing. Being this transparent forced me to give myself a chance on things that I told my inside voice that I WISH I was brave enough to do -- and so, the universe listened. Too many of us speak of these scenarios of what we would or would not do if an opportunity presents itself; it is crazy to watch how we can either wow or contradict ourselves when it knocks on your front door -- I want to impress myself for a change. I am screaming outloud that this is not only the year of the redemption but the year of the triathlon. I've put in the work in so many places already. I know what crazy distances feel like on my feet when I'm beyond exhausted. Before running was thing, I participated in a century bike ride with Transportation Alternatives the day after I completed an eighteen mile run for the first time. Despite doing it afraid, I am actively learning how to swim and it's not as scary as my imagination painted out to be. January was a terrible month for a lot of us; that doesn't have to reflect an entire year. It's not only time to change the status quo but long overdue to end the doubt that exists in our own brain, whether borrowed, inherited or self created. Thank you @hokaoneone for including me in this powerful video and kudos to all of my fellow athletes doing their thing every single day, especially when it sucks. #runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #blackhistorymonth #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #triathleteintraining #journeytoironman https://www.instagram.com/p/B8RiDvEn1zS/?igshid=1p2l84cvu7q6i