Ángel Ramirez – Flagstaff Running Coach
From: $75.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
Description
Flagstaff running coach Ángel Ramirez specializes in everything on the track and the roads, from the 1500 all the way up to the marathon, and he is able to incorporate strength training as well. Interested in in-person sessions? Reach out to Ángel below for more information and to get started.
*** 50% off First Month for month-to-month Coaching – Coupon Code: 50%ramirezrun (Run Only) or 50%ramirezstrength (Run+Strength) ***
LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
TYPES: Road, Track
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon
TRAINING PLATFORM: VDOT
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited phone, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 48 hours
LOCATION: Flagstaff, AZ
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: Yes, sessions are purchased separately from online run coaching. Reach out to Angel for more information.
SPECIALTIES
With over 20 years of running experience and 15 years of coaching, I specialize in guiding runners from their first race to achieving Boston Qualifier times. Based in Flagstaff, AZ—a renowned hub for elite distance runners—I offer personalized coaching that integrates strength training, injury prevention, and altitude-specific strategies.
5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, Track (1500m–10,000m)
PHILOSOPHY
I believe every runner has the potential to achieve their goals. By tailoring training plans to individual needs and maintaining a positive mindset, I help athletes overcome barriers and enjoy the journey.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
Coaching youth track in South Texas (2010–2016), Flagstaff High School cross country (2017–2019), and individual athletes over the past 6 years
ABOUT ME
I’m a lifelong runner with over 20 years of experience competing and coaching, originally from McAllen, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley. My passion for running started in high school, where I earned All-State honors in Cross Country and Track at McAllen High. I went on to compete at the NCAA Division I level with the University of Texas–Pan American and later at UT–San Antonio.
In 2017, I moved to Flagstaff, AZ—one of the top training grounds in the country—to pursue Olympic Trials qualifiers in the marathon and on the track. That journey hit a temporary pause after hip surgery in late 2022, but I’ve since made a full recovery and returned to competition as a proud rabbitELITE athlete.
Beyond running, I work full-time as a K–5 P.E. teacher. Balancing a demanding job with high-level training has given me a deep understanding of what it takes to pursue big goals while managing real-life responsibilities. That’s something I bring into my coaching: structure, strategy, and empathy.
Whether you’re chasing a Boston Qualifier, building toward your first race, or trying to stay consistent through a busy season of life, I’ll help you train smarter, stay injury-free, and get results—without burning out.
BIG INFLUENCES
My training philosophy is heavily influenced by legendary coach Jack Daniels (the coach—not the whiskey). His science-based, structured approach guides how I design training plans—focused, individualized, and tailored to your current fitness, goals, and lifestyle.
One of the quotes that’s always resonated with me comes from Steve Prefontaine:
“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”
I take that to heart—not just in terms of effort, but in respecting the full process of becoming your best. That includes smart progression, proper recovery, and building mental strength along the way.
I believe that training should be challenging, but sustainable. I help athletes strike the right balance between pushing limits and staying healthy—because consistency, not burnout, is what gets results.
RACING HISTORY
Chasing an Olympic Trials Qualifier in the 10,000m and the marathon has been at the heart of my running journey. When I moved to Flagstaff, AZ in 2017, that dream started to feel within reach. Training at altitude, surrounded by some of the best runners in the country, pushed me to new levels.
Between 2018 and 2020, I hit personal bests in every distance from 10K to the marathon. In January 2020, I lined up at the Chevron Houston Marathon—my debut marathon—with one goal: qualify for the Olympic Trials. I gave it everything I had and finished in 2:25:39, just shy of the standard. It was both humbling and motivating.
For years, I battled persistent hip pain but kept training and racing at a high level. In 2022, I was finally diagnosed with a torn hip labrum and underwent surgery in December. Just 11 months later, I made my comeback at the California International Marathon (CIM), finishing in 2:32. That race wasn’t just a finish line—it was a turning point.
I know what it feels like to give your all, fall short, and get back up again. I understand setbacks, comebacks, and what it means to train through real life. That’s the perspective I bring to my coaching—whether you’re aiming for a personal best, a Boston qualifier, or your very first race.
Recent Race Highlights:
1st – Pat’s Run, 2025
1st Place – McAllen Marathon, 2025
5th Place – Detroit Free Press Marathon, 2024
CERTIFICATIONS
- USATF Level 1 certification
PRs
Track PRs
- 1500 m – 4:01; 2016; Houston Texas
- 3000 indoor – 8:49; 2009, College
- 5000 – 14:45; 2009, College
- 10000 m – 32:49; June 7, 2019; Portland Track Festival, Post – Collegiate
Road PRs
- 10k – 30:51; (11/2019); Mission RGV Turkey Trot
- 15k – 52:46; (03/2019); Gate River Run
- Half – 1:08:39; (12/08/2019); San Antonio RNR Half Marathon
- Marathon – 2:25:11; (10/20/2024); Detroit Free Press Marathon
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
- 1st overall, 21st Annual Pat’s Run
- 5th place, Detroit Free Press Marathon, 2024
- 1st place, McAllen Marathon, 2025
CONTACT ÁNGEL
Finding a coach who is a great fit for you is really important. We encourage you to email your coach prior to signing up so you can connect, communicate, and ensure a good athlete/coach fit.
SOCIAL
Ezra Guilfoyle –
Great coach! Told him what I wanted in the beginning and helped me get there in only 2 months by easing me into more miles every week. Creates hard workouts that I didn’t think I could do but I still was able to hit the mark, then he congratulated me when he saw I did good. Great coach, and a great guy.
Michael Koohang –
Angel is a wonderful coach! He helped me prepare for my first ever marathon (SF 2024). Throughout the process, he was very attentive to my personal goals and what I wanted to get out of the experience. After discussing them, Angel tailored my training plan to fit my needs. It felt great to have a coach who could be flexible and adaptable, especially since I have a full time job and needed to find the time to train. On days where my body wasn’t cooperating or I picked up injuries, Angel was able to quickly adapt my program to help me recover and get back to where I needed to be to continue training. I also asked many questions during my training to learn more about running and Angel was very informative and helpful in answering them. I’d recommend Angel to anyone who’s trying to run their first marathon!
Edward James Varley –
Angel has been an amazing coach for my son. We initially engaged his help to work on some technique stuff as my son is new to the sport. He did not disappoint and has provided lots of time and attention through a combination of virtual and in person coaching. My son has been steadily increasing his speed and endurance while avoiding overuse injury. I could not recommend a running coach more highly and it continues to be a ln amazing experience.
Mario Aviles –
We been working together since December 2023. Within that time I’ve drastically improved my health and my running. In only a few weeks I PR’d my first 5k by nearly 2 min while working together. He’s very knowledgeable and responds to you at any time. I went with his running and strength program which has helped me stay strong for all my runs. Coach Angel will continue to be my coach for a very long time as I continue my journey.
Heather Dowdall –
Coach Ramirez is a very knowledgable person and coach. The quality of coaching that he brings is incredible. He really takes the time to meet you where you’re at and tailor your training so you can get the very best from it. We started working together back in October 2023 and in just a short few months helped me PR my half marathon at the Arizona RNR. What I love most is that since I work a full time job, Angel was able to help me get my training in and keep me accountable around my work hours. He was always so prompt with his reponses to all my questions and made sure I showed up to the starting line healthy and ready to run.
I enjoyed how he always encouraged me to do my best, not give up, and believed in my abilities to achieve my goals.
I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to work with him and would recommend anyone to work with Angel.
I highly recommend Angel to be your coach for any goals you have set infront of you!
Andrew Joy –
Angel is a fantastic coach! He really listens to your feedback and does a great job checking in with you about how your training is going. Being a triathlete and cyclist, my training schedule does a lot more than just running and Angel does an amazing job taking into consideration the other stuff that’s going on in my life. He is definitely the coach you want to look out for to help you improve your overall fitness and running regardless of the level that you’re coming in at!
Katherine Harris –
Great amazing coach! Takes time to inform you on everything you can do to improve your run and reduce injuries while you run. He is very considerate and checks in to make sure you are doing well and the training is working for your specific goals. I have improved drastically since I’ve had him as my coach. I definitely recommend having him as a coach!