testimonials

Three years ago, I decided to join Strendure in pursuit of improvement in mountain running ⛰️. I quickly realised that it was not just a team or a simple relationship between coach and athlete. João made a point of showing that we are a family, where every achievement, whatever it may be, is celebrated. Today, I am proud to say that my progress is thanks to João, who, above being a great coach, is an excellent person. I am proud to say that I am a wolf!

Ricardo Botelho

In 2020, after almost a year dealing with recurring injuries, I found Strendure and João Mota. Since then, I have never had another injury. I discovered a passion for trail running and endurance thanks to dedicated and personalised support tailored to my needs and goals.

Romeu Martins

I identify completely with Strendure. The team's experience aligns seamlessly with my life goals. It's not just about sport, it's about a fulfilling way of life — and I've found the essential support I need to improve every day at Strendure. 💪

Fábio Campos

The Trail Camp in the Alps (TMB) was the most incredible adventure I have ever had! Thank you, João Mota. ❤️

Luís Carraquico

Pedro Luís

When I think about the journey we have taken together, João, this is all I can think of: "Having arrived where I never thought I would arrive, overcoming barriers that I always considered impossible."

Dear Mister, since January 2016, when we first spoke, I realised that you would be the right person to help me achieve my goals. Always straightforward and honest, we quickly built a friendship. Through my ups and downs, you are always ready to help — with a word, encouragement, or a gesture. I am grateful that you entered my journey and my personal life, providing enormous help from the start to overcome challenges and achieve goals. I believe you do the same for so many other people. And if that is not one of our legacies... what is? Thank you very much!

João Rosa

Hello João. Although I am no longer running — without losing hope of doing at least one more race — I want to thank you for all your commitment and dedication to me as a coach and friend. The Piódão race will be the most epic I have ever had and will remain in my memory forever. I wish you continued success. Best regards.

Ana Paula Azevedo

When I started training with João Mota, Strendure didn't exist yet... Time speaks louder than words. Thank you for all your tireless work.

Bruno Quitério

I have been with João Mota for over three years. Recommended by one of his athletes, I found the ideal way to train for my goals. He is a strict but flexible coach, and always has the athlete's well-being in mind. With essential tips on nutrition, hydration, muscle recovery, and race strategies, I always enjoy hearing his opinion. Without a doubt, I am a much better athlete today.

Flávio Guerreiro

I started receiving guidance from João Mota and Strendure in October 2017. Since then, I have learned and evolved a lot. There is still a lot of work to be done — and that is what we will continue to do.

Simão Pedro

I have been training with this group of friends for two years now. The personalised training plans, knowledge sharing, help in setting goals and João's availability have contributed to consistent progress without injuries. Thank you, João! Let's keep going together!

Tiago Perdigão

As a pioneering athlete at Strendure, I have seen first-hand how personalised dedication and continuous support build not only performance, but a true community of achievement and friendship.

I never thought running would help me so much. It started as a simple physical challenge, but quickly turned out to be much more than that. Running helped me reduce anxiety, deal with stress and finally feel good about my body. It is a real balm for the body and mind, which helped me regain my self-esteem and self-love. With Strendure's support, I discovered a new way of being: calmer, lighter, more whole. The pains and complaints I carried every day gave way to good feelings, renewed energy, and a desire to live more intensely. Today I know: running can change lives. It changed mine.

Filipa do Amparo

What began as a trail training programme has become a true lifestyle, where authenticity, resilience and companionship have become essential pillars of growth and development. Keep it up! Thank you, João Mota.

Sébastien Deleu

Jorge Lemos

Running with Strendure is much more than following a 4-week training plan. Trail camps give us the opportunity to train in a different way, in unique locations, always in an atmosphere of mutual support and camaraderie. It was thanks to Strendure that I got to know and run in idyllic settings such as Andorra, Madeira and Mont Blanc in the Alps. João Mota, with his vast experience as an athlete, understands every question, every difficulty and every uncertainty we may have. He is always ready to teach, guide and lead us on the right path. More than a coach, he is a friend — always with the right words at the right time. Achievement and overcoming challenges: these are the two words that best define these seven years of partnership with Strendure.

Bruno Pires

I have been running for about 10 years, but it was only in the last two, since I started training with coach João Mota, that I really began to see results. The personalised support, demanding training sessions and constant motivation make all the difference. With coach Mota, I have learned to train with purpose, to respect my body and to evolve consistently. More than just a coach, he is a true guide on this journey of self-improvement.

Mário Madeira

In the midst of the pandemic, I decided it was time to take a step forward. After so many years running on my own, I felt I needed someone to guide me, to help me evolve. As we were all isolated, I went looking online... and that's how I met João. With João, I gained much more than a coach. I gained a friend, a mentor. He doesn't always say what we want to hear, but he always says what we need to hear at the right time. He has this gift of lifting us up, even when we're down. And since good people attract other good people, through him I got to know many of those who also train with him. Over time, I made friends, shared challenges, stories, achievements... and lots of laughter. Today, we are a true ‘team’, connected by something that goes far beyond running: a love of trail running, overcoming challenges and good company.

Sara Nogueira

I am Guilherme, son of coach João Mota, and I would like to share a little about my progress in running.

For a long time, I tried to run, but I never succeeded, even though I had a huge role model always by my side, encouraging me and showing me the way. At the age of 16, I ran my first trail race in Andorra. I followed the plan, did everything right — and I succeeded. All thanks to the incredible coach who accompanied me... but before being a coach, he is my father. And he was the one who always helped me grow, learn about life and about running.

Nowadays, after so many years of starting and giving up, I have finally managed to start training consistently. A few months ago, I went with the team to Madeira and realised that I couldn't just stick to the gym. I felt I had to start running seriously. And it was on that day — 18 January — that everything changed.

From then on, I started running little by little and made a lot of progress, thanks to my effort... and even more so thanks to my father, who has always been my greatest inspiration.

Right now, I run four times a week and feel a huge difference in my daily life. I have more energy, more focus and more strength, even in the gym — all because of running.

Thank you, Dad, for all your teachings. And congratulations on everything you are as a coach and the way you inspire so many people to start training and adopt a better lifestyle.

Guilherme Mota

I first met João Mota in October 2016. He had been running for almost two years, with enthusiasm and a certain stubbornness. But after participating in my first trail races, I quickly realized I needed serious guidance. I didn't want to continue training blindly, risking injury or making mistakes due to lack of knowledge. I wanted to evolve with criteria.

They told me about João. The recommendation came from an athlete with health problems, but who continued to run with balance, thanks to his advice. Perfect, I thought.

My goal was never to be an Olympic champion. I wanted to grow as an athlete with consistency, maturity, and, above all, without getting injured. I wasn't just looking for a monthly training plan. I needed someone who would accompany me closely and advise me on everything related to trail running.

I needed someone with knowledge, but also with real trail experience. Someone who knew the taste of mud, who felt the weight of seemingly endless climbs in their legs, and who remembered the pain in their chest that can't be treated with ice — because it doesn't come from the muscles, it comes from the head.

Choosing João was more than just choosing the right coach. It was finding an ally along the way.

Over time, the coach gave way to the friend. It didn't happen overnight. It happened with the calm of someone who listens before speaking, of someone who observes before correcting. João realized early on that we are not all the same. He knew that each body has its own time, each mind its own phase, and each life its own demands. He always knew how to adjust the plan to the moment, without judgment, but with firmness.

There were weeks when the fatigue of life spoke louder than training. And in those moments, João never pushed. On the contrary, he supported. He was never just a coach concerned with rhythm and volume. He was always someone who saw deeper, who noticed the pauses, the doubts, and the difficult phases. Who cared first for the person, and only then for the athlete.

I have to tell this story. One day, I went on vacation without having anticipated it. I called João about my concern—that I couldn't stick to the plan in those days and that I feared the impact on an upcoming test. The response was instantaneous and has stayed with me to this day:
"Go. Enjoy these days. Live what you have to live. What seems like a break to you now will be fuel tomorrow. When you return, you'll be lighter inside and more eager to do what you have to do."

Today I know—and João already knew—that emotional balance is the foundation. It's essential for training well, maintaining consistency, and evolving.

Interestingly (or perhaps not), after almost 9 years, competitive results began to appear. Without this being my main focus, I grew with consistency and serenity. This season (2025), in the ATRP (Ultra Trail) national ranking, I'm in 3rd place in my category. And the chances of reaching the podium at the end of the circuit are very high. None of this was forced. It was a reflection of well-directed, respectful, and patient work.

Through the mud, the pain, the enthusiasm, and the pauses, João was always there. And that, today, is precious. Perhaps that's why this connection goes far beyond training. It's respect and admiration. It's a friendship born of sweat, but that has lived in the heart.

Sérgio Soares

In my case, I'm recovering from an injury that occurred on February 2nd: a tear in my left calf. That same month, I suffered two more tears. After three months off, I started again for fear of getting injured again.

In a conversation with a friend—also a Strendure athlete — João Mota's name came up. That same day, I contacted him.

Now, after a week of testing, I'm hopeful about what might emerge from this 55-year-old "quota." The journey is just beginning — and with the right support.

João Viegas

I'm probably one of those who stands out the least in terms of results, distances, or even training consistency. But when it comes to João Mota, what I value most is the way he welcomed me and listened to me from the very beginning.

Despite my constant restlessness and desire to always explore new challenges, João's ability to adapt my training to my true needs and explain in detail the reasons for each step makes this coaching truly enriching.

Every phone call is a lesson. A source of knowledge that always adds something new to me — something I didn't know before — and that makes me more confident in the incredible world of running.

Paula Santos

It all started with an invitation from a friend to participate in a Trail Camp in Madeira. It was there that I met an absolutely fantastic team and group — people who are now lifelong friends. And it was also at that moment that I met João Mota in person.

On May 30, 2021, at 4:13 PM, I received a message from him:
"Hey man, have you ever thought about starting to train with a plan to achieve much more efficient progress?"

I was intrigued. And in September 2022, I decided to accept the challenge.

I've been training with João for three years now, and the progress has been very positive—and without a single injury!
More than just a coach, João is an extraordinary person with a huge heart.

Thank you, coach, and thank you to the entire great team at Strendure Running Team.

Jorge Rodrigues

✨ I met João in 2015, at one of the first editions of the Azores Trail Run, in Faial. Since then, a friendship blossomed easily. João has that energy that captivates: genuine, simple, and deeply inspiring.

We've kept in touch over the years, crossing paths here and there, always connected by what we're both passionate about: trail running.

In 2022, after several DNFs and with low self-esteem, I met João in Val d'Aran. I, in a defeatist outburst. He, as always, direct, motivating, without drama.

From that conversation a simple but powerful commitment was born:
Him: "I can help."
Me: "I want to be helped."

Since then, we've continued this journey together. With the goal of finishing races, yes—but, above all, of enjoying ourselves again. Of running with joy. Of finding happiness along the way. And it's been so good. 💛

I've gained motivation, I've gained confidence… and I've also gained a group of friends who, little by little, are becoming family.

Thank you, João, for always being there. As a coach, yes. But more than that, as a friend.

Carla Sá Pinto

With a busy life between caring for family, home, and a demanding job, fitting in training becomes a major challenge.

If this is possible, it's largely due to João Mota's planning—the rigor, commitment, dedication, and motivation he conveys in each mesocycle.

The words of recognition and encouragement he wisely gives each athlete are also crucial.

Thank you, João!

Benilde

I decided to start training with João based on a friend's recommendation—and I don't regret it.
With him, I've always found someone willing to listen, help me set realistic goals, (re)plan workouts, answer questions, and offer suggestions and feedback.
All of this is essential for gaining confidence in my abilities and continuing to improve consistently.

Hugo Sousa

When I started training with João, I was looking for progress—but I found much more than that.
He believed in me even on the days I couldn't. With patience, determination, and dedication, he helped me grow as an athlete and as a person.
João doesn't just train bodies… he works minds, builds confidence, and transforms each athlete into their best version.
Today, I look forward with motivation and big goals, knowing that I have by my side not only a running coach, but also someone I can trust.

Ricardo Pombeiro

João loves nothing more than the sound of a cowbell during a nighttime training session.

I met João Mota over seven years ago when I was just starting out on the trail. From the beginning, João has been transparent and understands the athlete's motivations. Based on our feedback, he applies his knowledge and makes recommendations. Like a captain navigating the seas, he not only guides us physically, but also prepares us mentally.

With João, I was able to enjoy trail running and strive to go further. With patience and dedication, he always helped me and challenged me to new challenges I thought I couldn't handle.

Besides being a coach, he was also a mentor with whom I shared trails in Madeira, Andorra, and other fabulous places.

I'm proud to belong to this wolf pack.

Paulo Pereira

It all began with DISAPPOINTMENT, a resounding failure. More than a race, it's an obsession. It continued with UNDERSTANDING, after a conversation. Then came EXCITEMENT, a new beginning.

Then came DOUBT: Would I be able to accept a new training method after so many years of self-anarchy? Also CERTAINTY: I trust this system. HUMILITY, from meeting new athletes, with their own challenges, many already achieved, others yet to be met. STRESS, from not knowing how to balance many weeks of training with daily obligations.

PEACE OF MIND, from knowing there are people as "obsessed" as I am with everything related to mountain running. And, finally, CONFIDENCE. Today, these are the people I want to share this journey with. Tomorrow... who knows?

Fernando Barrero

There are people who love what they do, and there are people who do what they love. Coach João Mota is clearly someone who does what he loves — and this is evident in every detail of his work.

Even though we don't have frequent personal contact throughout the year, it's remarkable how João manages to convey dedication, joy, and knowledge. He shares everything with his athletes: from theory to practice, from mistakes to achievements, always with a unique sense of humor. I remember a message from him in June 2022, right after my first trail run:

"Friend, it's like an Indian soap opera. Everything happened to you. I'll call today to talk."

João has an enormous ability to adapt to the realities and routines of his athletes. He's a master at aligning behavior and attitude with the goals set. More than three years after we began this journey, I still feel the progress — physical, mental, and personal.
I hope the João Mota brand — made of professionalism, quality, and connection — continues to inspire many more athletes.

Pedro Neves

I met João Mota in 2011, on the trails of Serra da Arrábida—a place he considers his spiritual home and where he passionately shares every corner, climb, and challenge. From the beginning, it was clear that his connection with the mountains went beyond sports practice: it was a true love.

Over the years, João invested in knowledge and experience, both practical and theoretical, consolidating a solid and inspiring methodology.
Training with him is much more than following a plan: it's learning to respect nature, evolving consciously, and falling in love with every step you take on the mountain.
I am a witness to your commitment, your responsibility, and your ability to transform each workout into a process of growth.

Thank you, João, for guiding us with such dedication.

Edmundo André