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
Artificial Intelligence is making waves in every industry, and endurance sport is no exception. As coaches and athletes, we’re now faced with a new question: what’s the real difference between a training plan built by AI and one delivered by a coach who uses AI as a tool? With so many platforms offering AI-generated plans, and some athletes even turning to tools like ChatGPT for their schedules, it’s important to understand how these options stack up against the support and expertise a human coach brings.
Many triathletes and endurance athletes find themselves in a frustrating cycle: they train consistently, yet performance stalls. The key disconnect is between the athlete’s narrow perception of progress and the broader view necessary for long-term gains. True consistency and progression in endurance sports depend on more than just showing up for every session. This article was created from the Podcast Episode with coaches Diogo and Philip.
Adult swimmers often overcomplicate swimming. There are too many gurus online offering quick fixes and ideas that ultimately lead to further complications. In this article, Coach Philip explores freestyle breathing and how to correct common mistakes.
Mantras – what do they really mean and how can they help?
Many people have mantras, either for how they live their lives, or relating to how they turn up and train. In this small series, Coach Denise looks at the mantras which have meaning to her personally, and shares how they help her with both life and training.
Many people have mantras, either for how they live their lives, or relating to how they turn up and train. In this small series, Coach Denise looks at the mantras which have meaning to her personally, and shares how they help her with both life and training.
Mantras – what do they really mean and how can they help?
Many people have mantras, either for how they live their lives, or relating to how they
turn up and train. In this small series, Coach Denise looks at the mantras which have
meaning to her personally, and shares how they help her with both life and training.
Many people have mantras, either for how they live their lives, or relating to how they turn up and train. In this small series, Coach Denise looks at the mantras which have meaning to her personally, and shares how they help her with both life and training.
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.