David - Level 3 Coach

email: david at playtri dot com

Coaching Qualifications

  • USA Triathlon Certified Coach, Level 2
  • USA Cycling Coach, Level 3 *D
  • Playtri Certified Coach
  • M.S.Ed., Health & Human Performance
  • 4 years as Lecturer in the Applied Physiology & Wellness Dept at SMU
  • Cooper Institute Certified Personal Trainer
  • Guided 100's of beginners to their first triathlon

Racing Experience

  • Ironman Arizona Finisher
  • Ranked 12th in Age Group for SMW region
  • 8 years of multiple Overall and Age Group podium finishes
  • Finished and had FUN in more than 100 races!
  • More of David's racing experience

About David

After college, I found myself out-of-shape and 30+ lbs overweight. I missed the active lifestyle I once embodied as a high school basketball player. I wasn't sure what to do about it or what steps to take, but I knew I needed to do something. So that's exactly what I did, something! 

I started by running one mile a few times a week and thought I was going to die each time. But I didn't give up. I knew it wouldn't always feel like that. Those first few months- my feet hurt, I felt light-headed after each run, my muscles ached, and I dreaded almost every single workout. But, what kept me coming back was how GREAT I felt after I accomplished running that mile.

The next year I signed up for my first race, the Dallas Turkey Trot. After completing this event, I knew if I could run 8 miles, ANYONE could. Then came half marathons, marathons, sprint triathlons, Olympic triathlons, all the way up until I took on a full-distance triathlon, more commonly known as an "Ironman." I got real clear on this for myself and others : Whether you want to lose weight, improve your times, progress to longer distances, or even qualify for Hawaii, YOU CAN. 

The events are great; I love 'em. But the real victory is how the events have shaped my everyday living. Now, living an active lifestyle is something that comes naturally. A couple of hours of exercise a day is the norm. I have more energy and more fitness than I ever dreamed possible.

In coaching athletes, I believe in a straightforward and simple approach, grounded in science and research, to guide you to your goals. 

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After one year in Corporate America, David transitioned to teaching in the high school and college ranks for 7 years, before committing to triathlon coaching full-time. He coaches all levels of athletes and enjoys the rewarding journey of helping people reach their goals.

Contact David at david at playtri dot com to find out more about the coaching programs he offers.

Recent Publications

Client Testimonials

"In serving as my triathlon coach, David puts together a customized weekly workout schedule which utilizes periodization with the goal of preparing me for my "A" race of the year. My goal for 2009 is to finish Ironman Florida, my first Iron-distance race. Despite the obstacles I have faced and those challenges that are yet to come; with David as my coach, I am confident I will cross the finish line. While serving as my coach, David has consistently been available for my questions and always seeks to explain the "why" behind his answer. David's knowledge of the sport, emphasis on a healthy lifestyle, candid feedback, energy, and invaluable advice has made working with him one of my favorite parts of triathlon."
—Philip G

"I could not be more happy with the experience I've had with David Bertrand and Playtri…As a former college athlete, I have been around many great coaches my entire life and must say that David Bertrand is as good as any I have seen. David has a unique energy level and a commanding presence when speaking about this sport he obviously loves so much. Ultimately, David is a great motivator and any triathlete would benefit from the knowledge base he has accumulated over the years. I guess all that is a long way of saying that I highly recommend David!"
—Matthew L