From Ballet to Ultra Running: An Athlete’s Journey to the Cocodona 250

In episode 116 of The Eat for Endurance Podcast, ultra runner Kabuki Snyder shares her powerful story, from struggling with disordered eating as a young ballerina to training for one of the toughest races out there: the Cocodona 250.

We dive into how she approaches ultra running nutrition, training, and balancing life and work with her endurance goals. 

Kabuki and I discuss:

• Growing up in Ghana and how early memories shaped her relationship with food
• Transitioning from ballet and body image struggles to finding joy in ultra running
• Fueling strategies for single day trail races, stage races like Lapland and Atacama, and other long races like the Cocodona 250 
• What real-life training and fueling looks like with a 4am wakeup call and a global work schedule
• How she has prepared for 250 miles with spreadsheets, snacks, and strong community support

Key Takeaways:

• You don’t need to “look like a runner” to be one
• Ultra running nutrition must be flexible, practiced, and personalized
• “Real food” can be part of your race plan
• Fueling enough everyday and surrounding exercise is non-negotiable
• You can balance ultra running goals with a full-time job (yes, really!)

🎧 Tune in to learn more! Also, a huge congrats to Kabuki on finishing the Cocodona 250 in 109:26:29, despite extremely challenging conditions!

Links & Resources:

• Follow Kabuki on Instagram
• Check out the Her Ultra Documentary on Roku
• Join my membership, Fuel for Life Crew, for $30/month (cancel anytime)
• Grab my free fueling downloads
• Interested in 1:1 coaching? Fill out a new client inquiry form
• Use code EATFORENDURANCE20 for 20% off at Skratch Labs
• Support the podcast on Patreon

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Disclaimer: All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendations.

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