Nicholas Hilton

Running Coach in Flagstaff, AZ, United States

"Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of being" John Wooden

5.0 25 reviews
VDOT Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.
USATF Level 1 USATF Certified — a nationally recognized program covering coaching ethics, athlete development, and sport science.

About Nicholas

I've been a distance runner for nearly 20 years. I've competed at nearly every level from the sport from my beginnings on my junior high school cross country team, through high school, college, and professionally. I've coached in some capacity since 2011, have been a VDOTO2 certified coach since 2017, and have worked with athletes of all abilities. I've been lucky enough to be coached by some of the best minds in our sport, and spent my competitive career as a sponge, trying to soak up as much information as possible to help my athletes become the best they can be. NASM Certified Nutrition Coach USATF Level 1 VDOT02 Certified 2 time Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier: 2016 & 2020 2 time Walt Disney World Marathon Winner: 2018 & 2020 Marathon PR: 2:16:18 1/2 Marathon PR: 1:03:23 4 time Division 2 All-American at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania My Story: https://www.letsrun.com/news/2018/10/still-chasing-dream-six-years-moving-flagstaff-unsponsored-marathoner-nick-hilton-still-trying-get/

Video Introduction

Coaching Products

Description

We'll take an in depth look at your past and current training in relation to your goals, and discuss ways to tweak and improve your current plan.

$20.00 - 30 minute call

Purchase

Description

Put in the work over the summer and have your best fall ever! This plan is tailored to high school athletes putting in summer training to get ready for cross country season. Build a strong foundation, become more efficient, and get your engine prepared to handle the rigors of cross-country season.

Minimum Requirements

Plan is designed for high school athletes only. No minimum mileage required, all abilities are welcome!

Communication

1 email per week, 3 text-messages per week

$200.00 - 12 week plan

Purchase

Description

Specialty plan designed to get you primed and ready to roll your next half marathon! Inspired by the coaching of the legendary Jack Daniels, I'll craft Workouts and long runs tailored to help propel you through those tough late miles, and provide you with confidence to nail your PR.

Minimum Requirements

Must be able to run at least 4 days per week.

Communication

1 email per month

$200.00 - 16 week plan

Purchase

Description

Ready to run your best 26.2? How about run your first Boston Qualifier? This plan is designed to execute your best Marathon, or help you run that elusive BQ. I provide my insight and experience as a 2:16 marathoner, and the coaching philosophy of the legendary Jack Daniels, to provide you with the perfect plan to help you nail your next 26.2

Minimum Requirements

Must be able to run at least 4 days per week.

Communication

1 email per month

$250.00 - 16 week plan

Purchase

Description

Hilton Performance Coaching- Level 2 I will craft a custom training plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. It includes day-by-day runs and custom workouts, as well the flexibility to work with your schedule and needs. Communication will include an initial phone consultation, communication within the VDOT O2 app, and weekly email reports and goal setting.

Minimum Requirements

Athletes must have some running experience.

Communication

2 emails per week

$125.00 / month

Purchase

Description

Hilton Performance Coaching: Level 3 Includes all the perks of the Level 1 package, but with the addition of more personal service. The Level 2 package includes a weekly phone call with me, to discuss the week of training and to talk about the week that is coming up. It also includes text messaging and email contact.

Minimum Requirements

Athletes must have some running experience.

Communication

3 emails per week, 1 call per week

$200.00 / month

Purchase

How it works

01.

Choose how you want to work together

Book a consultation, choose a training plan, or start private coaching.

02.

Connect with your coach

Share your goals, experience and upcoming races.

03.

Start training

Get your plan, stay connected and track your progress in VDOT.

Training with Nicholas

Athlete requirement

Athletes are required to have some running experience. Please feel free to reach out to me to discuss your current goals, and we can see if it's a good fit!

Distances coached

Mile/1500m, 2mi/3km, 5km, 10km, 15km, Half Marathon , Marathon, Ultra Marathon, 800m

Languages

English

Coaching options

In-person

Online/Remote coaching

Group coaching

Training camps

Consultations

Specialties

Competitive Runners, High School Runners, Nutrition Advice, Boston Marathon, Cross Training Advice, Beginner Runners , Recreational Runners, Masters Runners

Reviews

5.0
25 reviews
5 - Exellent
4 - Great
3 - Good
AH

Alex Hinsey

Jun 28, 2026

Nick has been such an amazing help already in a few short weeks. Super easy and great to work with!

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Andre M. SantAnna

Jul 15, 2025

Nick is a multitalented coach, combining the practical and theorical with a resounding success! After years working closely, some very special milestones realized and others to come, I assure his abil... Nick is a multitalented coach, combining the practical and theorical with a resounding success! After years working closely, some very special milestones realized and others to come, I assure his ability to interpret the different phases and convert it into a very smart and strong running process. Always grateful!

Avatar of Victor Plata

Victor Plata

Dec 1, 2024

I have been working with Coach Nicholas, and I am actually very happy with the results. Overall, since the first week, I have noticed the wealth of experience Nicholas brings, how he understands your ... I have been working with Coach Nicholas, and I am actually very happy with the results. Overall, since the first week, I have noticed the wealth of experience Nicholas brings, how he understands your needs and goals, and the extraordinary guidance I've received in my training. The training plan is very well-structured, and the Quality Sessions are excellent for me. I feel very supported by him, as he takes the time to analyze your performance, ensuring that you have the best possible experience during your training sessions. I highly recommend him! I feel very confident for my next HM goal.

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Freddy Oviedo

Oct 24, 2023

He’s been my coach for a little over a month. Great with communication, planning, and guidance since im new to marathon training. I highly recommend.

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ENRIQUE ROCHA

Jul 3, 2023

I've only been working for a month with Nick, but so far, he's been great. Overall weekly mileage very much in line with my current capability; the quality sessions have been outstanding: adequately c... I've only been working for a month with Nick, but so far, he's been great. Overall weekly mileage very much in line with my current capability; the quality sessions have been outstanding: adequately challenging (allowing me to improve noticeably), without ever pushing me into injury or extreme effort. Enrique

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Daniel Wong

May 31, 2023

As a beginner runner, I've had the pleasure of working with Coach Nick, who has been instrumental in tailoring a personalized running plan to help me achieve my goals. I've experienced remarkable pro... As a beginner runner, I've had the pleasure of working with Coach Nick, who has been instrumental in tailoring a personalized running plan to help me achieve my goals. I've experienced remarkable progress in my endurance since I started working with him, and I am filled with confidence that he will guide me to new personal records. Coach Nick goes above and beyond by promptly addressing all my inquiries and consistently checking in on my progress. I highly recommend his coaching services to anyone seeking to elevate their running journey.

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Rob Fowler

May 19, 2022

Was a blast working with Coach Nick! Very responsible and always available for questions! I will work with him again!

AH

Adam Harris

May 15, 2022

Nicholas has done a fantastic job training me so far. In just a couple of weeks, he improved my mile time for the season by 14 seconds. I have faced several challenges as a runner in my 30's including... Nicholas has done a fantastic job training me so far. In just a couple of weeks, he improved my mile time for the season by 14 seconds. I have faced several challenges as a runner in my 30's including planter fasciitis and Nicholas has done a great customizing a very effective training schedule unique to my needs and history as a runner. I look forward to continuing to improve as a runner with Nicholas's help and guidance.

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Robert Savoie

Feb 8, 2022

Coach Nick reached out to me quickly to understand my needs then prepared a game plan that increased my mileage and paces in a healthy and personalized way. Having a knowledgeable coach in my corner o... Coach Nick reached out to me quickly to understand my needs then prepared a game plan that increased my mileage and paces in a healthy and personalized way. Having a knowledgeable coach in my corner only increases my confidence in achieving my running goals. I highly recommend Nick.

Avatar of Jeremy Beenken

Jeremy Beenken

Jan 24, 2022

I've been using Nick Hilton for just under a year and have had a phenomenal experience. He's pushed my mileage and paces in a healthy and productive way. I was able to PR my last marathon which guaran... I've been using Nick Hilton for just under a year and have had a phenomenal experience. He's pushed my mileage and paces in a healthy and productive way. I was able to PR my last marathon which guaranteed me a spot in Chicago and qualified me for Boston. Look forward to our progress over the next couple of years.

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Paul Taylor

Dec 13, 2021

Coach Hilton has been great with which to work. He has provided thorough explanations to each of my workouts and adapts and adjusts to my life schedule as needed. I highly recommend him.

YR

Yz Rzi

Oct 12, 2021

Coach Hilton is terrific. He is very responsive and takes time to explain how to do things correctly. I have been working with him for more than four months already and it has been great. I recommend ... Coach Hilton is terrific. He is very responsive and takes time to explain how to do things correctly. I have been working with him for more than four months already and it has been great. I recommend him highly!

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Stephen F

Sep 19, 2021

Nick is a fantastic coach. He really cares about your success. He knows how to program in a way that meets your level and pushes you to improve but doesn't burn you out. I've made tremendous progress ... Nick is a fantastic coach. He really cares about your success. He knows how to program in a way that meets your level and pushes you to improve but doesn't burn you out. I've made tremendous progress since starting with Nick and highly recommend his coaching for anyone looking to improve. I'm very thankful to have him helping me.

Avatar of Alexis Marie Tollinchi

Alexis Marie Tollinchi

Aug 20, 2021

Nick was very consistent & helpful. He answered all my questions in a timely manner and was quick to check in when I didn't. Truly appreciated his help and guidance during my training.

SS

Steve Sando

Jul 23, 2021

It’s been awesome partnering with Nick to achieve my running goals! If you’re considering taking the next step to work with a coach, I would highly recommend Nick!

Avatar of Logan Burnett

Logan Burnett

Jul 8, 2021

Coach Nick has been great to work with! My son is new to long distance running and Nick is guiding him through the different workouts and phases of training great. Very responsive and attentive to my ... Coach Nick has been great to work with! My son is new to long distance running and Nick is guiding him through the different workouts and phases of training great. Very responsive and attentive to my son's questions and concerns. Very good experience so far! Highly recommend!

Avatar of Diane Bergin

Diane Bergin

Jun 20, 2021

Best coach I’ve had to date. Nick really listens to me and adjusts my schedule accordingly. I’m very happy so far and really recommend him to any runner out there looking for a running coach (currentl... Best coach I’ve had to date. Nick really listens to me and adjusts my schedule accordingly. I’m very happy so far and really recommend him to any runner out there looking for a running coach (currently trying to BQ).

TK

Thomas Kessler

Feb 23, 2021

Nick is a great coach with tons of experience necessary to get anyone to the next level. Professional caliber coaching for the everyday athlete. Very responsive and adaptable. Can tailor a training p... Nick is a great coach with tons of experience necessary to get anyone to the next level. Professional caliber coaching for the everyday athlete. Very responsive and adaptable. Can tailor a training plan for anyone at any distance.

KR

Karthick Ramachandran

Dec 30, 2020

Nick's coaching has helped me in enjoying the process of training. His weekly plans push me to the right amount every week. I have shaved off ~22 minutes (starting from 2:20) from my half marathon PR,... Nick's coaching has helped me in enjoying the process of training. His weekly plans push me to the right amount every week. I have shaved off ~22 minutes (starting from 2:20) from my half marathon PR, able to run 15+ mile long runs week after week (with ~40 miles weekly mileage), and can observe considerable improvements in my cardiovascular performance and recovery. Adherence to the plans is super important and Nick has been great in providing me with modified plans if I have a trip or a hike planned. Highly recommended!!!

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James Johnson

Sep 4, 2020

My experience has been awesome! Not one complaint at all!!

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KEITH KELLEHER

May 27, 2020

London Marathon was important to me to close out my 5 majors goal (pre Tokyo), so asked around and found Nick. I was happy with his recommendations and guidance. I've been running seriously for deca... London Marathon was important to me to close out my 5 majors goal (pre Tokyo), so asked around and found Nick. I was happy with his recommendations and guidance. I've been running seriously for decades and with his guidance I immediately better ways to train, namely: quality is more important than quantity. I found him accessible and easy to work with. Sadly, I got the flu 3 days before London....but did PR in a half a few weeks before the marathon, that VDOT suggested a 7 minute PR in London was possible. I wouldn't hesitate to ask Nick for coaching again.

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alejandro pasten

Feb 23, 2020

Nick’s program put me on another label and I’m 47 years old. I was able to put new PR in different distances. 15k @ 55:14 ( almost 3 minutes PR) 20k @ 1:13:18. If you’re discipline his program will w... Nick’s program put me on another label and I’m 47 years old. I was able to put new PR in different distances. 15k @ 55:14 ( almost 3 minutes PR) 20k @ 1:13:18. If you’re discipline his program will work.

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Luis Cuán

Jan 6, 2020

Thank you for your support in my two most recent marathons, which helped me to complete my 6 majors.

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Angie Hayes

Dec 20, 2019

Nick does a great job! He was so great in helping me work through injuries and running the NYC marathon.

LH

Logan Hicks

Dec 19, 2019

Awesome, fantastic coach! Highly recommended!!

AI Summary Based on information provided in Nicholas's profile.

Nicholas Hilton combines nearly 20 years of distance running and coaching since 2011 with VDOT O2, USATF Level 1 and NASM nutrition credentials. A two-time Olympic Trials qualifier and two-time Walt Disney World Marathon winner, he coaches beginners through competitive and masters runners in person or remotely, offering private coaching, training plans and consultations. Learn more on his profile.

Frequently asked questions

This coach supports runners focused on Mile/1500m, 2mi/3km, 5km, 10km, 15km, Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra Marathon, and 800m with coaching specialities that include Competitive Runners, High School Runners, Nutrition Advice, and Boston Marathon.

Yes. Nicholas Hilton is currently accepting new coaching clients, and you can reach out directly from this profile page.

Yes. Nicholas Hilton coaches Competitive Runners, High School Runners, Cross Training Advice, Beginner Runners, Recreational Runners, and Masters Runners specifically for Mile/1500m, 2mi/3km, 5km, 10km, 15km, Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra Marathon, and 800m, tailoring the plan to experience level and race distance together.

This coach currently offers Consultations, Training Plans, and Private Coaching. Product availability can change as the coach updates their marketplace offerings.

Athletes are required to have some running experience. Please feel free to reach out to me to discuss your current goals, and we can see if it's a good fit!

Coaching is available through In-person, Online/Remote coaching, Group coaching, Training camps, and Consultations. Review product details to choose the format that best matches your goals.