Become a Coach

Beginner Runners Running Coaches

What type of runner are you?

Amy Sitar

Amy Sitar

NY, NY, United States

Beginner Competitive Nutrition

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

Beginner Competitive Nutrition

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

Tiffany England

Tiffany England

Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, United Kingdom

Beginner Competitive High School

5.0 (13) USATF Level 1 USATF Certified — a nationally recognized program covering coaching ethics, athlete development, and sport science. USATF Level 1 USATF Certified — a nationally recognized program covering coaching ethics, athlete development, and sport science. 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. +2

Tiffany offers private and remote coaching for beginners to competitive runners. USATF/VDOT O2/RRCA-certified, 6x Boston finisher; prioritizes communication.

Starting at $190.00

Ann Alyanak

Ann Alyanak

Bellbrook, OH, United States

Beginner Competitive High School

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

Ann crafts efficient remote 5K–marathon plans from pro racing and collegiate coaching experience. USATF L1, VDOT O2. Private coaching.

Starting at $139.00

Coach  Asia

Coach Asia

Detroit, Michigan, United States

Beginner Competitive Boston Marathon

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

Asia, USATF L1 & VDOT O2 coach, uses speed-focused workouts and Machine Athletics to guide beginners to Boston-aiming runners. Private coaching available.

Starting at $100.00

Amanda Hoang

Amanda Hoang

Houston, Texas, United States

Beginner Competitive Recreational

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

Sue McDonald

Sue McDonald

Santa Barbara, CA, United States

Beginner Competitive High School

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

Sue McDonald — Olympic‑Trials finalist, masters national titlist and Boston‑qualifier. VDOT O2 & USATF L1 coach offering private coaching and training plans.

Starting at $90.00

Bawcom Running

Bawcom Running

Flagstaff, Arizona, United States

Beginner Competitive High School

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

Janet & Jay mix VDOT O2 and USATF Level 1 coaching with nursing experience at Grand Canyon National Park, guiding runners from beginners to Boston Marathon athletes.

Starting at $60.00

Sara Plumstead

Sara Plumstead

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Beginner Competitive Boston Marathon

5.0 (2) 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

Sara coaches remotely with private plans for 5K to ultra and Boston Marathon hopefuls. VDOT O2 & RRCA Level 1 certified, a masters runner who cut her marathon to 3:00.

Starting at $100.00

Diane Neubauer

Diane Neubauer

Ambler, Pennsylvania, United States

Beginner Competitive High School

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

Sarah Kozul

Sarah Kozul

Lakeland , Florida, United States

Beginner Recreational Masters

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

Becky Croft

Becky Croft

Tulsa, OK, United States

Beginner Boston Marathon Cross Training

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

Bonnie Wilder

Bonnie Wilder

West Hartford, Connecticut, United States

Beginner Competitive High School

5.0 (1) USATF Level 1 USATF Certified — a nationally recognized program covering coaching ethics, athlete development, and sport science. USATF Level 1 USATF Certified — a nationally recognized program covering coaching ethics, athlete development, and sport science.

Bonnie, a DPT and USATF L1 coach with marathon experience, prioritizes injury prevention and evidence-based training. Provides in-person, remote and group coaching.

Starting at $49.00

Melanie Boyd

Melanie Boyd

Panama, Panama, Panama

Beginner Competitive 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

Melanie, Boston-qualified 12x marathoner and VDOT O2/RRCA/NASM-certified coach, guides beginners to competitive runners with in-person/remote coaching, camps, consultations and training plans.

Starting at $125.00

Shaina Cales

Shaina Cales

Boise, Idaho, United States

Beginner Boston Marathon 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. 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

Beginner Competitive 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

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

Beginner Competitive High School

USATF Level 1 USATF Certified — a nationally recognized program covering coaching ethics, athlete development, and sport science. USATF Level 1 USATF Certified — a nationally recognized program covering coaching ethics, athlete development, and sport science. 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. +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

Alissa Kolarik

Alissa Kolarik

Wadsworth, Ohio, United States

Beginner Competitive 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

Alissa helps beginners to BQ hopefuls with remote/group coaching, personalized plans and consultations. VDOT O2 & RRCA coach with a 2:56:24 marathon PR.

Starting at $50.00

Melissa Malani

Melissa Malani

Winter Park, FL, USA

Beginner Competitive 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. USATF Level 1 USATF Certified — a nationally recognized program covering coaching ethics, athlete development, and sport science. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. +2

Melissa offers remote private coaching (VDOT O2, RRCA L1, USATF L1), crafting custom 5K–marathon plans for beginners, recreational, masters and Boston Marathon hopefuls.

Starting at $99.00

Jillian Reyna

Jillian Reyna

Akron, Ohio, United States

Beginner Competitive 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

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

Running Coaches Who Specialize in Beginner Runners

Start Running the Right Way, With the Right Support

Starting a running habit is more likely to stick when the plan respects where you're actually starting from. Coaches who specialize in beginner runners on V.O2 build programs that prioritize injury prevention, gradual mileage progression, and sustainable habits over aggressive early gains. You still get the same individualized VDOT training paces used by experienced racers - developed from the research of Dr. Jack Daniels, a two-time Olympic medalist and exercise scientist named "The World's Best Running Coach" by Runner's World - just calibrated for a beginner's fitness base and adjusted as you build consistency.

Whether Your Goal Is a First 5K or a Lifelong Habit

Beginner-focused coaches understand that early goals range from finishing a first race to simply building a sustainable routine, and they tailor communication, pacing, and expectations accordingly.

Find a Coach to Start With

Read reviews from other new runners who've actually trained with each coach, then message a beginner specialist directly to start the right way from day one.

FAQ

No - beginner-specialist coaches start from wherever you are, including from zero. Plans are built around gradual progression and injury prevention, not someone else's mileage.

That's set with your coach based on your starting fitness and schedule - the point of coaching is a plan you can actually sustain. Most coaches adjust frequency and intensity as your consistency builds.

No. Many athletes on V.O2 hire coaches for structure, accountability, and safe progression rather than race results - and coaches who list beginner runners as a specialty are set up for exactly that.

Dr. Jack Daniels: a two-time Olympic medalist and exercise scientist named "The World's Best Running Coach" by Runner's World. The same research behind elite marathoners' paces is simply recalibrated for a beginner's starting fitness.

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! 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.

Online coaches on V.O2 provide personalized training plans, feedback via messaging, phone calls and/or in-app commenting, and progress tracking without requiring in-person meetings. Most adjust your plan based on your weekly feedback and performance.

Most coaches on the V.O2 Marketplace encourage you to message them with questions before purchasing. This helps you evaluate fit and ensures they're the right choice for your goals and timeline. Otherwise, please email us at info@vdoto2.com and we’ll help you match with the right coach.