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Beginner Runners Running Coaches

What type of runner are you?

31 coaches found

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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

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

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

Joe Shayne

Joe Shayne

New York, New York, 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. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Karli Saur

Karli Saur

Bernardsville, New Jersey, 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. 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

Beginner Recreational Masters

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

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

Tom Palamar and Jenny Crawshaw

Tom Palamar and Jenny Crawshaw

New Port Richey, Florida, United States

Beginner Nutrition 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

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

Beginner Recreational Masters

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

Beginner Cross Training Mental Skills

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

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.

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

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.