Ana Santos
Triathlon and multisport Endurance Coach based in Rio Maior, Portugal.

As a Coach
Ana started coaching a youth developing triathlon team in 2016 after finishing her University graduation in High Yield Sports in Triathlon. She was then head coach of the same team in 2017. After that, she moved into online coaching and has been helping Long-distance age-group triathletes, age-group Duathletes and some Cycling athletes pursue their goals and make extraordinary personal achievements.
As an Athlete
Ana is a Portuguese Triathlete and Cyclist, multiple times (4) National and (3) Iberian Triathlon Champion, representing Portugal in the National Team from 2014 to 2021 and ranking the 6th fastest Elite Duathlete in the World 2019, Ranking the 15th fastest Elite Long-Distance Triathlete in the World 2019.
See Ana’s most recent athlete feedback
Q&A with Ana
When did you get into triathlon? I got into triathlon in September 2008
How did you first get involved in triathlon? I was working as a civil engineer and one of my work colleagues was an age group triathlete. He invited me to join in some swimming training, and before I noticed it I got a loan bike and started biking and running. It all happened so quickly, and in some vacations I did my first ever race, which I won.
What is your favourite discipline? My favourite discipline is the bike.
Why did you choose to take up coaching? I love to teach and share my passion about the sport, inspiring others to pursuit their best version along the way: Impossible= I’m Possible
What is your greatest athletic achievement? My greatest athletic achievement is 6th Place Elite in World Duathlon Championships 2019
What is your greatest coaching achievement? World Biathlon Champion 2017, Runner up European Age Group Duathlon Champion 2024, 14th place European Youth Triathlon Championship 2017
What one piece of advice would you give someone new to triathlon? "Start slow to finish faster."
Favourite quote: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning how to dance in the rain"
Read Ana’s latest blogs
With the increased participation of women in triathlons, there has been a corresponding rise in the number of female athletes training across the three disciplines. For training to be practical, it needs to be consistent, which means showing up regularly. This can be difficult in terms of finding the time, but lack of confidence is also holding women back from participating as fully as they could. In this blog, Coach Denise examines strategies to build confidence and continue training.
With the growing number of women participating in triathlon events, there has been a corresponding rise in female athletes seeking effective training methods. Squad training, either through traditional triathlon club memberships or virtual squads, is a widely recognised approach. Coach Denise explores the advantages of squad membership, particularly for female triathletes.
It's common for athletes to feel pressure to perform well for others, but genuine pride from loved ones comes from an athlete's attitude, daily habits, and dedication to training, rather than a single race result. This article explores how a continued application of good habits is more impactful on others than a single race result.
Endurance athletes are often caught up in their next dream. Whether trying to win an age group, qualify for a championship, or simply complete their first race, these goals ignite their passion and drive. At the beginning, when their motivation is high, training seems effortless – of course, the athlete wants to complete their goal, and they tell everyone what they want to achieve. However, there is a subtle yet significant difference between wanting to achieve these goals and being willing to do what it takes to get there.
This article explores the concept of coachability and how mindset, vulnerability, and self-talk play vital roles in an athlete's development. It discusses the differences between fixed and growth mindsets and explains why openness to feedback and embracing vulnerability are crucial for success.
Every woman knows that their period has an inconvenient habit of showing up when it is least wanted. Training can be adapted to suit the menstrual cycle but race day can’t be changed. In this blog Coach Denise looks at how athletes can manage to race around their periods.
Recently, indoor training technology has transformed how endurance athletes approach their cycling training. Meanwhile, traditional outdoor riding offers unique physiological and psychological benefits that no virtual platform can fully replicate.
Triathletes often start coaching with us encountering the same common hurdle: they struggle to run efficiently off the bike. Many athletes approach coaching services with the singular aim of improving their running speed. However, as coaches, we recognise that the nuances of transitioning from cycling to running extend far beyond simply running faster. It’s essential to address the finer details that affect performance in the latter stages of a triathlon. Coach Philip explores how to improve your run off the bike.
In December 2026, I’ll set off from the Canary Islands with my teammates Martin Mead and Scott Dingle, both fellow airline captains, as part of our team, Coastal Commanders. Together, we’ll row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic in the World’s Toughest Row—a challenge that demands far more than just physical endurance.
This is no ordinary race. It takes three years of solid planning and preparation just to get to the start line. We’ll face sleep deprivation, relentless waves, blistering heat, and total isolation, rowing in shifts, non-stop, with no support and no safety net. Our goal? To complete this challenge in under 40 days.
If you are excited and intrigued by the idea of doing a triathlon, but think it is just for the super fit, think again. In this blog Coach Denise takes a look at the whole sport of triathlon and may just change your mind.