In this candid conversation, Dakotah Popehn shares her journey from hockey goalie to Olympic Trials marathoner, but the heart of this episode goes deeper than training.

She opens up about how disordered eating can spread through women’s teams “like cancer,” quietly shaping what athletes believe is normal. While that culture swirled around her, Dakotah kept her head down and stayed hungry to compete, not to shrink.

She discusses fueling for performance, adapting to different race climates, preparing for the Olympic Trials, and why her future plans and goals as a 2024 Olympian.

00:00 Introduction and Minnesota Pride

02:52 Training Preferences and Cold Weather Gear

05:46 Transition from Hockey to Running

08:37 Long-Term Growth and Injury Prevention

11:24 The Olympic Dream and Career Aspirations

14:25 Nutrition and Fueling Mistakes

16:52 Fasted Running and Its Implications

20:35 Navigating Life as an Athlete and Professional

21:52 Heat Acclimatization for Olympic Trials

23:57 Nutrition Strategies for Endurance Racing

26:12 Carb Loading: Myths and Realities

28:35 The Emotional Journey of Competing

29:52 Training Adjustments for Paris Marathon

30:20 Pre-Race Rituals and Fueling

32:27 Taylor Swift: The Soundtrack of Training

35:30 Future Goals and Aspirations

37:56 Empowering Women in Endurance Sports

Connect with Dakotah:

Dakotah’s Instagram

Dakotah’s Strava

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 Athlete Fueling Guide

• Tailwind Nutrition Dakotah Talks about

  
  

Connect with Me:

• Instagram: @alexlarsonnutrition

• Website: alexlarsonnutrition.com

  
  

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