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Certified Strength and Conditioning Running Coaches

What type of runner are you?

47 coaches found

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Danny Mercado

Danny Mercado

West Covina, California, United States

Strength & Conditioning Competitive High School

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

Kristyn R Smith

Kristyn R Smith

New York, New York, United States

Strength & Conditioning Competitive Boston Marathon

5.0 (30) 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

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

John Carstens

John Carstens

Kansas City, MO, United States

Strength & Conditioning Competitive High School

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

Jennifer Andrews

Jennifer Andrews

Interior, BC, Canada

Physical Therapy Competitive High School

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

Dr. Matt DeBole, DPT

Dr. Matt DeBole, DPT

Albany, New York , United States

Physical Therapy Nutrition Boston Marathon

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

Caitlin Rushlander

Caitlin Rushlander

Mars, Pennsylvania, United States

Strength & Conditioning Competitive High School

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

Backroads Endurance

Backroads Endurance

Noblesville, Indiana, United States

Strength & Conditioning Physical Therapy Competitive

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

Sue McDonald

Sue McDonald

Santa Barbara, CA, United States

Strength & Conditioning Competitive High School

5.0 (3) 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

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

Andy McGhee

Andy McGhee

Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom

Strength & Conditioning Competitive Nutrition

5.0 (2) 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.

Andy guides beginners to elite runners (5K–marathon) with VDOT O2-backed training, nutrition and strength work. Offers bespoke training plans and private coaching.

Starting at $79.95

Ben Lauder Dykes

Ben Lauder Dykes

New York, New York, United Kingdom

Strength & Conditioning Competitive Nutrition

5.0 (1) 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

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

Jordan Colby

Jordan Colby

Chico, CA, USA

Physical Therapy Competitive High School

5.0 (1) 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.

Jordan Colby pairs DPT/OCS clinical expertise and VDOT O2 coaching with distance-racing experience (2:44 marathon) to offer private coaching, plans and consultations.

Starting at $99.99

Ariane Hendrix Roach

Ariane Hendrix Roach

Portland, OR, United States

Strength & Conditioning Competitive High School

5.0 (1) 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.

Ariane, a V.O2 Certified coach and 2:42:51 marathoner training for the 2024 Olympic Trials, offers private in-person and remote coaching with nutrition and S&C.

Starting at $80.00

Tom Myers

Tom Myers

New York, NY, USA

Strength & Conditioning Competitive Cross Training

5.0 (1) 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.

Tom offers diligent, supportive coaching for 800m–marathon runners. VDOT O2-certified with NASM corrective training, he builds individualized plans and rehabs injuries.

Starting at $50.00

Pete Simon

Pete Simon

Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom

Strength & Conditioning Nutrition Cross Training

5.0 (1) 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.

Pete, VDOT O2 coach with 17+ years as a British Army PT instructor, offers in-person and remote VDOT plans, runTRAIN cross-training, private coaching and consultations.

Starting at $45.00

Becky Croft

Becky Croft

Tulsa, OK, United States

Strength & Conditioning 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

Strength & Conditioning Physical Therapy 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

David Abbott

David Abbott

Sacramento, California, United States

Strength & Conditioning Cross Training Beginner

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.

David helps runners 40+ get stronger, stay healthy and improve with strength, injury-prevention, and high-low training. Offers consultations.

Starting at $50.00

Richard Airey

Richard Airey

Seneca , South Carolina, United States

Strength & Conditioning Competitive High School

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.

Rich blends 30 years of racing/coaching, Leadville top-20 finishes and a strength-first RunningWOD approach to boost longevity. Consultations available.

Starting at $75.00

Juan Carlos Arcos Lira

Juan Carlos Arcos Lira

Acolman, CDMX, Mexico

Strength & Conditioning Competitive Boston Marathon

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 2 RRCA Certified — trains coaches in safe running instruction, injury prevention, and race preparation. +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

Conner Benson

Conner Benson

Georgetown, Texas, United States

Strength & Conditioning Competitive High School

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.

Conner blends VO2 testing, exercise physiology and strength/biomechanics expertise to coach competitive, high school and masters runners remotely.

Starting at $90.00

Running Coaches With a Physical Therapy Background

Training That Accounts for Injury History

Coaches who list Physical Therapist among their specialties bring rehab and movement expertise into standard training, not instead of it. That background shapes how they build mileage progression, address recurring niggles, and balance load - useful whether you're returning from an injury or trying to avoid your next one. Training still runs on the VDOT methodology - individualized paces developed from the research of Dr. Jack Daniels, a two-time Olympic medalist and exercise scientist - so the coaching stays structured and data-driven, with the physical-therapy lens layered on top.

What This Specialty Doesn't Replace

A coach with a physical therapy background isn't a substitute for in-person medical care - for an acute injury or diagnosis, see a licensed provider directly. What this specialty adds is a coach who designs your running training with that context already in mind, from someone with professional grounding in movement and rehab.

Find a Coach Who Understands Your History

Read reviews from athletes who've actually trained with each coach, compare backgrounds and credentials, then message a specialist directly to talk through your injury history before you commit.

FAQ

No - it's running coaching from someone with a physical therapy background, not a substitute for licensed medical treatment. For an acute injury or diagnosis, see a licensed provider directly; the coach's specialty shapes how they structure your training around that context.

Many coaches with this specialty focus on exactly that: gradual mileage progression, load management, and adjusting VDOT paces as you rebuild - message a coach with your specific situation 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. Coaches with a physical therapy background apply his individualized pacing research on top of their injury-aware approach.

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 Certified Strength and Conditioning and Injury Prevention 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.