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Half Marathon Beginner Runners Coaches

What type of runner are you?

Amy Sitar

Amy Sitar

NY, NY, United States

Half Marathon Beginner Competitive

5.0 (37) RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. +1

Amy Sitar coaches runners of all levels—Head Coach of the NY Flyers marathon program offering private coaching and consultations to help athletes reach goals faster.

Starting at $75.00

Michelle Baxter

Michelle Baxter

_, Minnesota, United States

Half Marathon Beginner Competitive

5.0 (28) RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. +1

Michelle coaches beginners to Boston hopefuls, and pregnant/postpartum women. VDOT O2 & RRCA Level 1. Offers remote plans, consultations, private coaching.

Starting at $32.00

Amanda Hoang

Amanda Hoang

Houston, Texas, United States

Half Marathon Beginner Competitive

5.0 (4) RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. +1

Amanda guides remote runners—beginners to competitive—through 5K–marathon training with VDOT O2 and RRCA Level 1 credentials, race-proven pacing, and personalized plans.

Starting at $65.00

Diane Neubauer

Diane Neubauer

Ambler, Pennsylvania, United States

Half Marathon Beginner Competitive

5.0 (1) RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. +1

Diane coaches remotely for beginners to Boston qualifiers, offering VDOT O2 and RRCA Level 1 guidance with training plans and private coaching.

Starting at $75.00

Joe Shayne

Joe Shayne

New York, New York, United States

Half Marathon Beginner Competitive

5.0 (1) RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. 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. +2

Joe offers flexible, structured coaching for 5K–marathon runners. USATF/VDOT/RRCA-certified, he's guided 1,000+ runners including 20+ Boston qualifiers.

Starting at $25.00

Sarah Kozul

Sarah Kozul

Lakeland , Florida, United States

Half Marathon Beginner Recreational

5.0 (1) RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 2 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. +1

Sarah coaches beginners to competitive marathoners with RRCA Level 1 & 2 expertise, offering tailored TrainingPlan and PrivateCoaching using evidence-based methods.

Starting at $60.00

Dami Alao

Dami Alao

Alexandria, Virginia, United States

Half Marathon Beginner Competitive

5.0 (1) RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation.

Dami builds consistency through full diagnostics of mechanics, strength, breathwork and aerobic limits, then crafts individualized plans. RRCA Level 1; private in-person or remote coaching.

Starting at $400.00

Becky Croft

Becky Croft

Tulsa, OK, United States

Half Marathon Beginner Boston Marathon

5.0 (1) RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation.

Becky offers tailored, injury-aware VDOT02 plans for beginners to veterans, coaching 800m–ultra with RRCA, Chi Running and strength focus; remote, group or private.

Starting at $25.00

Shaina Cales

Shaina Cales

Boise, Idaho, United States

Half Marathon Beginner Boston Marathon

RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. +1

Shaina (Boise) — VDOT O2 & RRCA coach, ten-time marathoner (3:16). Offers individualized, periodized training plans (remote or in-person) for runners of all levels.

Starting at $25.00

Nialah Ferrer

Nialah Ferrer

Washington D.C and NYC, New York, United States

Half Marathon Beginner Competitive

RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. +1

Nialah guides beginners to competitive runners with practical, work-life-friendly marathon and half plans. VDOT O2 & RRCA-certified; offers private coaching.

Starting at $200.00

Nelle Fox

Nelle Fox

Bridgewater, Virginia, United States

Half Marathon Beginner Competitive

RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. 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. +2

Nelle—30+ marathon/ultra finisher with podiums—offers a health-first, holistic coaching style focusing on strength, mobility and nutrition. Consultations, training plans, private coaching.

Starting at $15.00

Cary Morgan

Cary Morgan

Vestavia, Alabama, United States

Half Marathon Beginner Competitive

RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. +1

Cary Morgan offers remote private coaching grounded in exercise science and PT expertise. VDOT O2, RRCA, UESCA-certified for all distances and levels.

Starting at $125.00

Jillian Reyna

Jillian Reyna

Akron, Ohio, United States

Half Marathon Beginner Competitive

RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. +1

Jillian Reyna, D1 alum and three-time Boston qualifier, offers remote consultations and private coaching for beginners to ultras, blending VDOT O2 & RRCA expertise with CrossFit strength.

Starting at $30.00

Karli Saur

Karli Saur

Bernardsville, New Jersey, United States

Half Marathon Beginner Competitive

RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 2 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. +2

Karli provides purposeful, challenging training—speed, hills, endurance, cross-training and nutrition—for beginners to competitive runners. VDOT O2 & RRCA-certified; in-person or remote. Learn more.

Starting at $55.00

Cathy Yancey

Cathy Yancey

Eagle River, Ak, United States

Half Marathon Beginner Recreational

RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. +1

Cathy helps beginners through masters build consistent, injury-aware fitness from 5K to marathon with evidence-based plans. VDOT O2 & RRCA certified.

Starting at $45.00

Derrick Isaac

Derrick Isaac

Smyrna, Delaware, United States

Half Marathon Beginner Recreational

RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. +1

Derrick brings 20+ years, a Division I background and military discipline to coach beginners through marathoners. Offers remote, group and private plans—explore his coaching.

Starting at $120.00

Tom Palamar and Jenny Crawshaw

Tom Palamar and Jenny Crawshaw

New Port Richey, Florida, United States

Half Marathon Beginner Nutrition

RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. +1

Tom & Jenny deliver science-based, personalized plans via the VDOT app for beginners to Boston qualifiers. Training plans and private coaching available.

Starting at $50.00

Fleet Feet  Nashville

Fleet Feet Nashville

Nashville, TN, United States

Half Marathon Beginner Recreational

RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 2 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. +1

Fleet Feet Nashville builds a like-minded community with in-person/remote training, groups, and consultations. RRCA Level 1 & 2 coaches offer training plans and private coaching for 5K–marathon goals.

Starting at $60.00

Lindsey Altermatt

Lindsey Altermatt

St. Francis, Minnesota, United States

Half Marathon Beginner Cross Training

RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation.

Lindsey builds practical, individualized plans from 26+ years and Twin Cities race experience. Offers consultations, custom plans, The Navigator, and 1:1 coaching.

Starting at $129.00

Maddie Barrett

Maddie Barrett

Minneapolis , Minnesota, United States

Half Marathon Beginner Competitive

RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. RRCA Level 1 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation.

Maddie, RRCA-certified coach with 10 marathons (PR 3:07) and four Bostons, offers remote coaching, consultations and plans for 5K–marathon runners seeking confidence and joy.

Starting at $40.00

Half Marathon Coaching That Closes the Gap Between 5K Speed and Marathon Endurance

The Distance Where Pacing Discipline Wins

The half marathon rewards runners who can hold a hard, sustainable effort for 13.1 miles, not just raw speed or raw endurance. Coaches on V.O2 use the VDOT methodology to calculate your threshold and tempo paces from real fitness data - the individualized training-pace system from two-time Olympic medalist and exercise scientist Dr. Jack Daniels - then build a plan that trains the specific energy systems the half marathon demands. Whether you're targeting a sub-90-minute breakthrough or your first half, a coach adjusts your workouts as your fitness changes, so your training stays accurate all the way to race week.

Training Plan or Private Coaching, Your Choice

Some runners want a structured plan they can follow independently; others want a coach reviewing every workout and adjusting as they go. Marketplace coaches offer both, so you can choose the level of support that matches your goals and budget.

Start Your Half Marathon Build

Compare coaches, read reviews from athletes who've actually trained with them, and message one directly to build a plan around your goal time.

FAQ

The half marathon sits between the two: it demands more sustained threshold and tempo work than a 10K, but without the marathon's long-run mileage. Coaches build your VDOT paces specifically around that mix, rather than scaling a marathon or 10K plan up or down.

Dr. Jack Daniels: a two-time Olympic medalist and exercise scientist named "The World's Best Running Coach" by Runner's World. His threshold and tempo pace research is exactly what half marathon training draws on.

V.O2 Certified coaches have passed an 80-question exam authored by Dr. Jack Daniels, scoring 80% or higher. It's optional and sits alongside USATF and RRCA as one of three credentials shown on profiles.

First, look for coaches with experience in your target distance, relevant specialities, and positive reviews. Or, search for coaches by location, product type, and price. Once you’ve narrowed your search, read the coaching bios to ensure the coach is the right fit for you. You can also message coaches directly to ask about their approach and whether they're a good fit for your goals.

Yes! All coaches on this page specialize in Half Marathon. You can further refine by speciality, product type, or language to find your ideal coach.

Yes! These coaches specialize in Beginner Runners and are experienced in helping runners with these specific needs. Check individual profiles for more details about their coaching philosophy and approach.

Yes! The coaches on this page combine expertise in Beginner Runners with Half Marathon training experience. This targeted approach helps you train smarter and reach your race goals.

Yes! The coaches on this page combine Half Marathon training expertise with experience coaching Beginner Runners.