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Beginner Runners Running Coaches

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27 coaches found

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Will Baldwin

Will Baldwin

Denver , Colorado, United States

Beginner Competitive High School

5.0 (75) 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

Will Baldwin builds personalized plans and ongoing coaching for beginners to competitive runners, focusing on faster, healthier, and more enjoyable training.

Starting at $29.99

Nicholas Hilton

Nicholas Hilton

Flagstaff, AZ, United States

Beginner Competitive High School

5.0 (25) 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

Nicholas Hilton, VDOT O2 & USATF L1 certified, brings nearly 20 years' experience and a 2:16 marathon PR to coach beginners through competitive and masters runners; offers private coaching and plans.

Starting at $20.00

Matt McClintock - McKirdy Trained

Matt McClintock - McKirdy Trained

Flagstaff, Arizona, United States

Beginner Competitive High School

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

Matt coaches beginners to elites with evidence‑based plans (USATF L1, VDOT O2). His athletes include Olympic/World qualifiers, a 7th at Paris 2024 and a 2025 World Champs marathon bronze.

Starting at $100.00

Ben Lauder Dykes

Ben Lauder Dykes

New York, New York, United Kingdom

Beginner Competitive Nutrition

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

Ben helps runners improve beyond pace with form, mobility, strength and cross-training. VDOT O2 & RRCA certified; offers private coaching, plans and consultations.

Starting at $25.00

Joe Shayne

Joe Shayne

New York, New York, United States

Beginner Competitive Boston Marathon

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. 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

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

Natural Athlete Training System

Natural Athlete Training System

Arlington, Virginia, 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. USATF Level 2 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

Amy & Ryan pair elite marathon experience with VDOT O2 and USATF L1/L2 certifications to offer remote consultations, training plans and private coaching for all runners.

Starting at $59.00

Dami Alao

Dami Alao

Alexandria, Virginia, United States

Beginner Competitive 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.

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

Juan Carlos Arcos Lira

Juan Carlos Arcos Lira

Acolman, CDMX, Mexico

Beginner Competitive Boston Marathon

RRCA Level 2 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. +1

Juan Carlos guides beginners to 5K–marathon athletes with science-based, structured plans. VDOT O2 & RRCA L2 certified; offers private coaching, plans and consultations.

Starting at $30.00

Matt Hotaling

Matt Hotaling

Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States

Beginner High School Boston Marathon

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

Matt guides runners to balanced, consistent progress—VDOT O2 & USATF L1 coach with 15+ years’ experience. Ashley is a 5x Boston qualifier. Offers plans, private coaching, consultations.

Starting at $60.00

Bryan Kelpe

Bryan Kelpe

Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 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. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. +1

Bryan uses Jack Daniels–inspired training to build fitness and confidence for 800m to ultras. Offers in-person, remote & group coaching plus training plans.

Starting at $40.00

Rob King

Rob King

Wake Forest, North Carolina, United States

Beginner Competitive High School

USATF Level 2 USATF Certified — a nationally recognized program covering coaching ethics, athlete development, and sport science. USATF Level 2 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

Rob King offers remote and limited in-person private coaching to middle-, high-school, collegiate and recreational runners in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill Triangle.

Starting at $150.00

Matt LoPiccolo

Matt LoPiccolo

Apex, North Carolina, United States

Beginner Competitive Boston Marathon

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

Matt guides beginners to competitive runners - sprints to marathons - using USATF L1 & VDOT O2 expertise, collegiate results, remote or in-person coaching.

Starting at $100.00

Bruce MCINTOSH

Bruce MCINTOSH

BOARDMAN, Ohio, United States

Beginner Competitive 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

Bruce guides 5K–marathon runners with nearly 20 years' experience and 300+ races (14 marathons). RRCA & VDOT O2 certified; offers private in-person and remote coaching.

Starting at $120.00

Brendan McGoldrick

Brendan McGoldrick

Matawan, NJ, 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. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. +1

Brendan builds tailored training and nutrition plans for runners of all levels—from beginners to state champions—and offers remote, group, and private coaching.

Starting at $80.00

Cary Morgan

Cary Morgan

Vestavia, Alabama, United States

Beginner Competitive High School

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

Derrick Isaac

Derrick Isaac

Smyrna, Delaware, United States

Beginner Recreational 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

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

Andrew Samuels

Andrew Samuels

New York, NY, United States

Beginner Competitive High School

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

Andrew tailors in-person and remote plans for busy runners (5K–marathon), pairing VDOT O2 & RRCA coaching with NASM strength work to prevent injury and boost speed.

Starting at $150.00

Riley Coulter

Riley Coulter

Platteville, Wi, United States

Beginner Competitive Cross Training

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.

Riley founded Driftless Distance Project to deliver science-based 5K-marathon coaching. USATF L1, guided Boston qualifiers. View his plans and services.

Starting at $15.00

Joseph Gendy

Joseph Gendy

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Beginner Competitive Boston Marathon

RRCA Level 2 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.

Joseph builds VDOT plans for beginners through masters and Boston hopefuls. RRCA L2 coach who led three athletes to marathon PRs; offers remote training and private coaching.

Starting at $80.00

John Hoffman

John Hoffman

Wesley Chapel, Florida, 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.

John, D1 runner and USATF L1 coach, coaching since 2006 to help runners reach PRs and Boston qualifying. Offers private, in-person, remote and group coaching.

Starting at $80.00

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.