Author: Gerardo Barrios

Coach Gerardo is a USA Triathlon Certified Coach, an USA Cycling Certified Coach, a Stryd Running Certified Coach and an ASCA Swimming Certified Coach. With over 15 years of coaching experience and another 15 years as an educator, he stays relevant by regularly attending conferences such as the Endurance Exchange and the Endurance Coaching Summit by Training Peaks, as well as educating himself with the latest research and studies in triathlon, cycling, swimming, running, and trail running. Coach Gerardo's expertise and dedication to coaching have led more than 200 athletes to cross the finish line of Ironman races. He believes in a personalized approach to coaching and takes pride in getting to know each of his athletes personally to create customized training plans that meet their unique needs. In addition to his coaching certifications, Coach Gerardo has completed over 90 triathlons, including multiple full and half Ironman races, such as IM Western Australia, IM Brazil, IM Mt. Tremblant, IM Lake Tahoe, IM Boulder, and IM Santa Rosa. He is also a 4-time Ironman 70.3 World Championship qualifier and a 6-time Boston Marathon qualifier. Coach Gerardo's team practices swim 2-3 times a week at Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Aquatic Center for sessions up to 90 minutes. This allows him to provide instant feedback about his athletes' swimming technique and also to have an ongoing dialogue about their training, fueling, and recovery needs. In addition, the team does group rides and runs on the weekend and in the summer evening weekday bike/run brick workouts. In 2007, Coach Gerardo founded Fortius Coaching and the Fortius Racing Team with a vision to build a community of athletes committed to becoming stronger and healthier individuals. He believes in fostering teamwork and healthy competition to create an environment that makes endurance sports a way of life. With his passion, expertise, and personalized approach, Coach Gerardo continues to inspire and motivate people to lead active and fulfilling lives through endurance sports.