← Endurance Eats

46: Hanna Cooley’s Triathlon Journey to Kona

Feb 11, 2026 · 34 min

About this episode

In this episode of the Endurance Eats Podcast, host Alex Larson interviews ALN dietician Hanna Cooley about her journey from a successful high school and collegiate runner to a prominent triathlete. They discuss her transition into triathlon, her experiences at Ironman Wisconsin and Kona, and the importance of nutrition in endurance sports. Hanna shares insights on her training, the challenges she faced, and how her experiences shape her approach as a dietician. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of racing and the future of her athletic career. 00:00 Introduction to Hanna's Athletic Journey 06:25 Transitioning to Triathlon: The Beginning 12:34 Nutrition and Training for Ironman Wisconsin 18:15 Preparing for Kona: The Road Ahead 19:55 Transformative Nutrition Insights 22:32 The Importance of Accountability in Nutrition 24:28 Race Day Preparation and Strategy 30:06 Mindset and Performance in Endurance Sports 34:56 Balancing Motherhood and Endurance Sports This episode of Endurance Eats is brought to you by Alex Larson’s 1:1 Nutrition Coaching. If you’ve ever wondered, Am I eating enough? Am I fueling this right? Why do I still feel tired? you’re not alone. Alex Larson Nutrition helps endurance athletes cut through the confusion and build a fueling plan that actually works for their training, lifestyle, and goals. You can learn more at alexlarsonnutrition.com. This episode is brought to you by Thorne. Shop Thorne Supplements and get 15% off  Resources Mentioned in This Episode:  Apply for 1:1 Coaching with an ALN Dietitian https://alexlarsonnutrition.com FREE Fueling Strategies for Long Course Triathlon  Connect with Me: Instagram: @alexlarsonnutrition Website: alexlarsonnutrition.com Don’t Forget to Subscribe! Click that follow button to stay updated on future episodes packed with actionable insights and expert advice for endurance athletes. Have Questions or Suggestions?Send me a message, and I might cover it in a future episode!