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Injury Prevention Running Coaches

What type of runner are you?

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

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

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

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

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

Bonnie Wilder

Bonnie Wilder

West Hartford, Connecticut, United States

Physical Therapy Beginner Competitive

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

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

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

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

Katie Brady

Katie Brady

St. Louis, Missouri, United States

Beginner Recreational Triathlon

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.

Katie offers remote USATF Level 1 private coaching that fits training into busy lives—beginners to competitive runners and triathletes targeting 5K to marathon.

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

Angela Reckart

Angela Reckart

Cape May Court House, New Jersey, 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.

Angela Reckart, ex-NCAA D1 coach and USATF L1, 2:45 Boston marathoner, coaches 800m–marathon runners (competitive to masters). Offers training plans, consultations & private coaching.

Starting at $25.00

Derek Riedel

Derek Riedel

San Antonio, TX, 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. USATF Level 2 USATF Certified — a nationally recognized program covering coaching ethics, athlete development, and sport science. +1

Derek, USATF L1/L2 coach with 20+ years at UIW, tailors strength-based plans for 800m–marathon; offers remote, in-person, plans & private coaching.

Starting at $80.00

David Schwinger - ETA

David Schwinger - ETA

Rochester, New York, 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.

David uses an autonomy-supportive, behavior-science approach to help runners (800m–ultra) unlock physical and mental potential. Offers consultations & private coaching.

Starting at $50.00

Arash Taheri

Arash Taheri

Ridgeland, Mississippi, 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. USATF Level 2 USATF Certified — a nationally recognized program covering coaching ethics, athlete development, and sport science. +1

Arash Taheri, USATF L1 & L2 and USTFCCCA endurance coach for 800m–marathon athletes; offers plans, private coaching & consultations.

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 Injury Prevention and 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.