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Beginner Runners Running Coaches

What type of runner are you?

Will Baldwin

Will Baldwin

Denver , Colorado, United States

Beginner Exercise Science Competitive

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

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

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

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 Exercise Science Competitive

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

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

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

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

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) 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

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

Bonnie Wilder

Bonnie Wilder

West Hartford, Connecticut, United States

Beginner Exercise Science 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

Running Coaches With Exercise Scientist Expertise

Why Specialty Matters When Choosing a Coach

Not every running coach brings the same background. Coaches on this page list Exercise Scientist among their specialties, which means their plan design, workouts, and communication reflect hands-on experience in that exact area - whether it's an athlete population, a race, or a discipline alongside running. Specialty guidance is layered on top of data-driven training, not substituted for it: coaching on V.O2 runs on the VDOT methodology, with individualized training paces from the research of Dr. Jack Daniels.

What You Can Check Before You Commit

Every profile shows credentials and certifications - USATF, RRCA, and V.O2 Certified among them - alongside coaching philosophy, pricing, and reviews written exclusively by athletes who purchased coaching from that coach. Each profile was also reviewed before it went live on the marketplace. If you have a specific situation in mind, message the coach directly - most encourage questions before you buy.

Connect With the Right Specialist

Compare a few profiles, narrow by distance or price if you need to, and choose the coach whose Exercise Scientist background lines up with what you actually need.

The Research Behind Every Specialist's Training

VDOT comes from Dr. Jack Daniels - a two-time Olympic medalist and exercise scientist Runner's World called "the Albert Einstein of the sport" and named "The World's Best Running Coach." His book Daniels' Running Formula is the same material coaches study for the V.O2 Certification exam. Every Exercise Scientist specialist on the marketplace still builds training from that research, not a generic pace chart pulled off the shelf.

FAQ

It means their coaching background includes hands-on experience in that area, and they've chosen to focus on it. Specialties appear on each profile alongside certifications, pricing, and reviews from athletes who purchased coaching.

Yes - specialty expertise comes on top of standard coaching, not instead of it. Training still runs on individualized VDOT paces from the research of Dr. Jack Daniels, with the specialist lens shaping workouts, communication, and advice.

Check the profile: credentials and certifications are listed, reviews can only be written by real clients, and you can message the coach directly with questions about their background before you buy.

Dr. Jack Daniels: a two-time Olympic medalist and exercise scientist named "The World's Best Running Coach" by Runner's World. His research still sets the individualized paces Exercise Scientist specialists build on.

V.O2 Certified coaches have passed an 80-question exam authored by Dr. Jack Daniels, scoring 80% or higher. It's one of three credentials shown on coach profiles alongside USATF and RRCA, and it's optional - not every Exercise Scientist specialist holds it.

USATF (USA Track & Field) and RRCA (Road Runners Club of America) both run tiered coaching-education programs covering training science and coaching practice - separate from V.O2 Certified, which is V.O2's own credential built on Dr. Jack Daniels' methodology. Coaches can hold any combination of the three, and all are optional.

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 Exercise Scientist and are experienced in helping runners with these specific needs. Check individual profiles for more details about their coaching philosophy and approach.