Lara Santana Details Her Transition from Running to Triathlon
In a chat with Bruna Mahn, the amateur athlete discusses her routine, bike struggles, and Ironman 70.3 challenges.
Lara Santana joined the Stemma Performance podcast to discuss her transition from road running to triathlon. The episode explores training routines, adjusting to the bike, behind-the-scenes relay challenges, and the atmosphere at endurance events.
In episode #131 of Stemma Performance, Bruna Mahn hosted content creator and marathoner Lara Santana for a candid, lighthearted conversation about her athletic journey. Recorded straight from the sidelines of Nubank Ironman 70.3 São Paulo, the chat covered everything from her first casual steps in road running to preparing for long-distance triathlon events.
Getting Started in Running and Falling in Love with Training
Lara recalls getting into running in 2016 at the encouragement of her mother, who did not want to train alone. With no initial knowledge about running coaches or periodization, the duo received a training plan via email from a stranger on the boardwalk to help them run their first 5K without walking. Over time, that progression led Lara to the half marathon and ultimately to crossing the finish line at the Berlin Marathon. Preparing for the full 26.2 miles sparked her love for long workouts and high weekly volume—an essential foundation for transitioning to triathlon.
Discipline and Daily Training Routines
The conversation delves into the dedication required to tackle grueling training schedules, which can add up to over 20 hours of workouts in a single week. Lara highlights that discipline is non-negotiable in her daily life: if a session is on the calendar, she gets it done no matter what time of day. At the same time, she acknowledges the privilege of having the professional flexibility to delegate work tasks and make room for a triathlon routine—a sport demanding significant investments of time, money, and mental energy.
The Challenges of Transitioning to Triathlon and the Bike
When she decided to take up triathlon, Lara faced the sport's steep technical learning curve, starting with choosing her first bike and deciphering cycling jargon that felt like a foreign language. The process required painstaking bike fits, swapping out gear, adjusting to clipless pedals, and eventually stepping up to a time trial (TT) bike. Lara emphasizes the importance of Bruna Mahn's practical, hands-on mentorship in helping her overcome her initial fears and build confidence on two wheels.
Relay Showdowns and Upcoming Races
Bruna and Lara detail a fun relay challenge they set up at Ironman 70.3 São Paulo. The contest pitted a trio of amateur athletes—Lara on the bike, Maria in the swim, and Larissa on the run—against Bruna Mahn herself (bike and run) paired with Olympic medalist Polyanna Okimoto on the swim. Beyond the friendly rivalry, Lara's upcoming race calendar includes her individual debut at Ironman 70.3 Florianópolis and competing alongside the crew at Ironman 70.3 Panama.
The Role of Sports in Life and Friendships
Lara reflects on the importance of keeping things light and approaching amateur sports as an enjoyable hobby, free from excessive pressure for results. She notes that endurance training's biggest payoff is building discipline that carries over into all areas of personal and professional life. Day-to-day training has fostered strong friendships and a supportive network, rounded out by the enthusiastic presence of family cheering on race day.
The Ironman Event Experience and Organization
In closing, Lara shares her impressions of the Ironman event atmosphere. The amateur athlete praises the high organizational standards, detailed course signage, aid stations, and staff support, highlighting the welcoming vibe that surrounds competitors and spectators throughout race weekend.