Ray Barrios

Being both a coach and an athlete has advantages because you have a better appreciation or understanding for the theory and body biomechanics of running, swimming and cycling.  The interaction that I have with Gerardo, as my endurance coach, is more akin to an accountability partner. While he is primarily responsible for coaching me, he also mentors and/or coaches me to become a better coach myself.

When Gerardo started working with me several years ago, I had already completed several marathons, including a 50-mile ultra marathon; I trained for on my own and before becoming a certified running and triathlon coach.

While I had mild cases of the classical overuse injuries, having Gerardo as my endurance coach for Ironman and other ultra running events made me a stronger, more focused and well -rounded athlete.  I am still amazed that in 2009, when I was training and raced my first 100-mile endurance run, I remained relatively injury free even after running 2,000 miles in a year period.  This is one of the many goals that athletes and coaches strive for and is essential for a long and thriving endurance athlete lifestyle.