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Recreational Runners Running Coaches

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Amy Sitar

Amy Sitar

NY, NY, United States

Recreational Masters Competitive

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

Kristyn R Smith

Kristyn R Smith

New York, New York, United States

Recreational Masters Competitive

5.0 (30) 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

Kristyn pairs eight years coaching, 26 marathons (8 Boston) and VDOT/RRCA/ACE credentials to create training plans and private coaching. Book a free intro.

Starting at $45.00

Michelle Baxter

Michelle Baxter

_, Minnesota, United States

Recreational Masters Competitive

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

Recreational Masters Competitive

5.0 (13) 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

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

Amanda Hoang

Amanda Hoang

Houston, Texas, United States

Recreational Competitive Beginner

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

Sara Plumstead

Sara Plumstead

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Recreational Masters Competitive

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

Recreational Masters Competitive

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

Recreational Masters Competitive

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

Recreational Masters Competitive

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

Recreational Masters Beginner

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

Recreational 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

Recreational Masters 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.

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

Juan Carlos Arcos Lira

Juan Carlos Arcos Lira

Acolman, CDMX, Mexico

Recreational Masters Competitive

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

Juan Carlos guides beginners to 5K–marathon athletes with science-based, structured plans. VDOT O2 & RRCA L2 certified; offers private coaching, plans and consultations.

Starting at $30.00

Melanie Boyd

Melanie Boyd

Panama, Panama, Panama

Recreational Masters 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

Melanie, Boston-qualified 12x marathoner and VDOT O2/RRCA/NASM-certified coach, guides beginners to competitive runners with in-person/remote coaching, camps, consultations and training plans.

Starting at $125.00

Shaina Cales

Shaina Cales

Boise, Idaho, United States

Recreational Masters 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

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

Recreational Masters 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

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

Recreational Masters 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. 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

Alissa Kolarik

Alissa Kolarik

Wadsworth, Ohio, United States

Recreational Masters 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

Alissa helps beginners to BQ hopefuls with remote/group coaching, personalized plans and consultations. VDOT O2 & RRCA coach with a 2:56:24 marathon PR.

Starting at $50.00

Bruce MCINTOSH

Bruce MCINTOSH

BOARDMAN, Ohio, United States

Recreational Masters 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

Bruce guides 5K–marathon runners with nearly 20 years' experience and 300+ races (14 marathons). RRCA & VDOT O2 certified; offers private in-person and remote coaching.

Starting at $120.00

Melissa Malani

Melissa Malani

Winter Park, FL, USA

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

Melissa offers remote private coaching (VDOT O2, RRCA L1, USATF L1), crafting custom 5K–marathon plans for beginners, recreational, masters and Boston Marathon hopefuls.

Starting at $99.00

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 Recreational Runners, Masters 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.