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Beginner Runners Running Coaches – Page 2

What type of runner are you?

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 Exercise Science 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

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

Bridget Oldenburg

Bridget Oldenburg

Spring, TX, USA

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. 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

Run With ur Heart Coaching

Starting at $80.00

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

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

Heather Caplan RDN

Heather Caplan RDN

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Beginner Nutrition 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.

Heather Caplan RDN, RRCA L1 helps busy runners avoid bonking and build strength. RED-S and eating-disorder recovery specialist. Remote/group coaching.

Starting at $179.00

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

Toni Kengor

Toni Kengor

Pittsburgh, PA, 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.

Toni offers remote RRCA Level 1 coaching for beginners to competitive and masters runners (1600m–Ultra). 3:35 marathon PB; offers cross-training and VirtualRace.

Starting at $5.00

Melissa Labrie

Melissa Labrie

Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, United States

Beginner Recreational 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.

Melissa, former Ironman with 15+ years' endurance experience and RRCA + GGS credentials, offers structured, sustainable coaching and plans for beginners to competitive runners. 20% off (RUNJULY)

Starting at $45.00

Elizabeth Miller

Elizabeth Miller

San Antonio, Texas, 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.

Elizabeth is an RRCA Level II coach and 2023 Boston finisher who blends faith with tailored remote, group and private training for beginners to BQ hopefuls.

Starting at $75.00

Eric Thomas

Eric Thomas

Birmingham, Alabama, 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.

Eric, RRCA Level 1 coach since 2015, has completed 15 marathons (Boston qualifier) and trained hundreds from 5K to 100K. Offers in-person and remote coaching and plans.

Starting at $55.00

Tammy Whyte

Tammy Whyte

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Beginner Masters 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.

Tammy helps middle-of-pack and beginner runners reach half and full marathon goals with RRCA, NASM and CFSC-backed training plans and remote/group consultations.

Starting at $60.00

Karen Dunn

Karen Dunn

Collegeville, Pennsylvania, United States

Beginner Competitive High School

4.2 (5) 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

Karen Dunn helps runners train smarter, stronger and faster. VDOT O2- & RRCA-certified, builds strength, lowers injury risk and offers private coaching.

Starting at $180.00

Martinus Evans

Martinus Evans

Atlanta, New York, United States

Beginner Exercise Science Masters

3.7 (3) 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.

Martinus helps beginners and larger-bodied runners take first steps to marathons with inclusive training plans, remote coaching, groups, camps, consultations.

Starting at $40.00

Paul Taylor

Paul Taylor

Surrey, BC, Canada

Beginner Competitive Boston Marathon

5.0 (8) 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

Paul coaches remotely with a "make your miles count" philosophy—VDOT O2 & RRCA-certified, 2:58 marathoner. Offers private coaching and training plans.

Starting at $50.00

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.