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Trail Running Running Coaches

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172 coaches found

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Will Baldwin

Will Baldwin

Denver , Colorado, United States

Cross Training Mental Skills Exercise Science

5.0 (75) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. 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. +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

Leah Rosenfeld

Leah Rosenfeld

Los Angeles, California, United States

Cross Training Mental Skills Beginner

5.0 (21) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

Leah offers VDOT O2-certified, evidence-based coaching from Flagstaff experience, crafting joyful, individualized plans for 5K to marathon runners.

Starting at $39.00

Megan Cooke

Megan Cooke

Hillsborough, North Carolina, United States

Cross Training Mental Skills Beginner

4.9 (57) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

Megan builds tailored plans for beginners to BQ hopefuls, blending VDOT O2, 15 yrs D1 coaching, elite marathon/ultra experience, plus nutrition and mental skills.

Starting at $30.00

Danny Mercado

Danny Mercado

West Covina, California, United States

Mental Skills Beginner Competitive

5.0 (10)

Danny guides runners—from beginners to competitive athletes—leveraging NCAA titles, Olympic Trials marathon experience and Hall of Fame honors. Offers training plans and private coaching.

Starting at $99.00

Dylan Belles

Dylan Belles

Eureka, Missouri, United States

Beginner Competitive High School

5.0 (48) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

Dylan Belles—VDOT O2 coach, 2x Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier and former Brooks pro—offers remote private coaching for beginners to elites (1600m–marathon).

Starting at $150.00

Amy Sitar

Amy Sitar

NY, NY, United States

Cross Training Mental Skills Beginner

5.0 (37) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. 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. +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

Nicholas Hilton

Nicholas Hilton

Flagstaff, AZ, United States

Cross Training Beginner Competitive

5.0 (25) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. 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. +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

John Carstens

John Carstens

Kansas City, MO, United States

Cross Training Mental Skills Exercise Science

5.0 (19) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

John Carstens uses VDOT-based speed work and hands-on coaching to get runners PRs, prevent injury, and adapt plans. Offers training plans and private coaching.

Starting at $50.00

Michelle Baxter

Michelle Baxter

_, Minnesota, United States

Cross Training Beginner Competitive

5.0 (28) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. 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. +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

Jennifer Andrews

Jennifer Andrews

Interior, BC, Canada

Cross Training Mental Skills Beginner

5.0 (15) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

Jennifer coaches all levels with an effort-based approach that fits busy lives; offers VDOT O2-certified training plans and private coaching.

Starting at $45.00

Tiffany England

Tiffany England

Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, United Kingdom

Cross Training Mental Skills Beginner

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

John Reniewicki

John Reniewicki

Baltimore, Arizona, United States

Cross Training Mental Skills Beginner

5.0 (13) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

John, VDOT O2-certified pro at Under Armour HQ, helps beginners to Olympic hopefuls hit PRs from 800m to marathon. Offers consultations, training plans and private coaching.

Starting at $60.00

Steve Crnic

Steve Crnic

Denver, CO, USA

Cross Training Mental Skills Beginner

5.0 (11) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

Steve, Brooklyn-based VDOT O2 coach and gait analysis expert, uses a 2:40 marathon PR plus footwear and mechanics know-how to reduce injury risk and help runners progress.

Starting at $49.95

Caroline Högardh

Caroline Högardh

Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden

Cross Training Mental Skills Beginner

5.0 (11) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

Caroline Högardh offers remote coaching for middle to marathon runners. VDOT O2 certified, she emphasizes injury prevention, strength and flexible plans.

Starting at $120.00

Dr. Matt DeBole, DPT

Dr. Matt DeBole, DPT

Albany, New York , United States

Cross Training Mental Skills Beginner

4.9 (51) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

Matt blends elite racing (5x All‑American, 2008 Olympic Trials & Boston qualifier) with DPT and VDOT O2 coaching, biomechanical tech, training plans and private coaching.

Starting at $47.00

Will Small

Will Small

St. John's, NL, Canada

Beginner Competitive Boston Marathon

5.0 (9) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

Will Small offers 20+ years' experience and VDOT O2 training with periodized, time-based plans delivered via V.O2 app for beginner to competitive runners.

Starting at $45.00

Caitlin Rushlander

Caitlin Rushlander

Mars, Pennsylvania, United States

Cross Training Mental Skills Beginner

5.0 (8) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

Caitlin coaches remote/group runners (1600m–marathon) with VDOT O2-based plans, emphasizing 'Train, Don't Strain' and consistency; offers private coaching for tailored progress.

Starting at $120.00

Ann Alyanak

Ann Alyanak

Bellbrook, OH, United States

Cross Training Exercise Science Beginner

5.0 (7) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. 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. +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

Katie Fedoronko

Katie Fedoronko

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Cross Training Mental Skills Beginner

5.0 (7) Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching. Certified V.O2 Certified — built on Jack Daniels' VDOT training methodology for personalized, data-driven coaching.

Katie helps runners build consistent, injury-resistant fitness with VDOT O2 coaching, nutrition and strength guidance. Offers plans and private coaching.

Starting at $35.00

Backroads Endurance

Backroads Endurance

Noblesville, Indiana, United States

Cross Training Exercise Science Beginner

5.0 (7)

Blake helps runners recover and improve speed using DPT and CSCS expertise; from beginners to pros, he offers private coaching and consultations. Learn more.

Starting at $25.00

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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 Trail Running, Mental Skills, Exercise Scientist, 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.

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