Ride Fast, Live Long: Ditching the Carbs with Ultra-Endurance Pioneer Sean Sako

September 19, 2025

Ride Fast, Live Long: Ditching the Carbs with Ultra-Endurance Pioneer Sean Sako

In the world of endurance sports, a simple truth seems to dominate: carbohydrates are king. The industry tells us to constantly refuel to avoid the dreaded “bonk.” But what if there’s another way? A path that not only fuels incredible athletic feats but also prioritizes long-term health and longevity, allowing you to Ride Faster, Be Stronger, and Live Longer?

In a recent Rollfast Coaching call, we sat down with ultra-endurance athlete and coach Sean “Sako” Sakinofsky, a man who has systematically challenged—and conquered—the conventional wisdom of sports nutrition. His journey is a powerful testament to the idea that true health is wealth and that peak performance can be achieved by working with your body.

A Transformation Forged by Tragedy

Sean’s path wasn’t born from a simple desire for athletic glory; it was forged in a crucible of personal loss. In 2013, his father passed away from esophageal cancer, a tragedy that served as a powerful catalyst for change. Surrounded by a family history plagued by lifestyle diseases, Sean began to connect the dots between the traditional high-carb, low-fat diet and chronic illness.

This realization was so profound that it led him to make a radical professional pivot. Sean had founded a supplement company that, in line with the industry norms, advocated for carbohydrate use. But as his personal convictions shifted, he made the courageous decision to walk away from the very business he built, refusing to promote a philosophy he no longer believed in.

His own health was a driving factor as well. After being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia, Sean’s shift to a high-fat, low-carb lifestyle was initially a quest for personal well-being, not just performance. He attributes the successful management of his conditions to these dietary changes, a claim backed by his staggering ability to ride over 20,000 kilometers in a single year.

The Proof: Performance Without the Gels

Sean’s body has become his laboratory, providing tangible proof that you don’t need a constant stream of sugar to perform at the highest level. He uses his athletic feats to “expose the myth that you require carbs to fuel your rides.”

Consider these staggering achievements:

The Jordanian Desert Race: Sean finished 5th overall in a 198-kilometer race across the desert, fueling with only water and salt.
The 10-Hour Indoor Ride: He completed a grueling 10-hour indoor trainer session, burning an estimated 6,000 calories, on nothing but water.
Astounding Annual Mileage: He logged over 20,500 km in 2020 and 20,200 km in 2021, with many rides of 150-200 km completed without refueling.

By training his body to use fat as its primary fuel source, Sean liberated himself from the constant need for gels and sugary drinks. His diet, rich in protein from sources like ground beef, eggs, and cheese, shows that his Strength is built on a solid foundation.

It’s Not Just Sean: Principles for Your Own Journey

Sean’s story is remarkable, but the principles behind it are accessible to every athlete. Our coach, Matt Breeden, shared his own powerful transformation. After seven years on a vegan diet where he struggled to get enough protein, he shifted to a high-protein diet, consuming 225-250 grams daily. The results? Significant improvements in muscle mass, strength, recovery, and on-bike performance, all while reducing his reliance on carbohydrates during rides.

Here are the key takeaways for your own training and nutrition:

Challenge Conventional Wisdom: Don’t be afraid to question the status quo. What works for the pro peloton might not be the best long-term strategy for you.
Prioritize Protein: A high-protein diet is crucial for muscle recovery, growth, and strength. This allows you to train harder and recover faster.
Experiment and Listen to Your Body: There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Experiment with reducing carbohydrate intake and pay close attention to how your body responds.
Focus on Longevity: The choices you make today directly impact your ability to Ride Strong for decades to come. Frame your nutrition not just for the next race, but for your lifelong health.

Your Path to Peak Performance

Sean and Matt’s journeys underscore a core philosophy at Rollfast Coaching: we empower our athletes to find their unique path to health and performance. The goal isn’t just about being fast today; it’s about building a resilient, healthy body that will carry you through countless miles for years to come.

Are you ready to explore how a personalized approach to nutrition and training can unlock your potential? Join us at Rollfast Coaching and discover how you can Ride Fast and Live Long, no matter your age.