Ángel Ramirez – Flagstaff Running Coach
From: $50.00 / month
Running Coach Description
Elite 2:25 marathoner and P.E. teacher specializing in customized run + strength plans built for busy, real world schedules. From your first finish line to a Boston Qualifier, we’ll build consistency without burnout.
Specialties
With over 20 years of competitive running experience and 15 years of coaching, I help athletes bridge the gap between big endurance goals and busy everyday lives. Based in Flagstaff, AZ, I offer fully integrated run and strength programming, injury prevention, and smart pacing strategies. Whether you are building up to your very first marathon, trying to smash a 5K PR, or balancing run training with a multi-sport schedule, I design your plan around your life and not the other way around.
My core focus areas include:
- 5K to Marathon Training: Specialized pacing, track workouts, and race-day fueling strategy.
- Hybrid Run + Strength Integration: Tailored lifting plans designed to build power and bulletproof your joints.
- Busy Professional & Family Scheduling: Flexible programming that adapts when travel, work, or family life gets hectic.
- Injury Comebacks & Longevity: Structured, gradual mileage progression rooted in the science-backed Jack Daniels VDOT methodology.
Philosophy
Training should challenge you, but it should never break you. True progress happens through consistency, and consistency only happens when a plan is sustainable. My coaching centers on open communication, gradual progression, and mandatory strength work to keep your body durable. You bring the willingness to show up, and I’ll handle the logistics to ensure you arrive at the starting line healthy, confident, and ready to fly.
Coaching Experience
Over the past 15 years, I have coached runners across every development stage from youth athletes discovering the sport to adults smashing lifetime PRs. My coaching journey has given me a deep understanding of how to progress volume and intensity safely for different age groups, fitness levels, and lifestyles.
Individual Online Coaching (2020–Present): Helping adult athletes nationwide conquer everything from local 5Ks to elite marathon builds, with an emphasis on tailored run + strength integration.
Flagstaff High School Cross Country Coach (2017–2019): Developed training progressions for competitive high school athletes in one of the premier high-altitude running communities in the country.
Youth Track & Field Coach, South Texas (2010–2016): Built foundational speed, mechanics, and a love for the sport in junior athletes.
About Me
I’m a lifelong runner, NCAA Division I alumnus, and a competitive athlete. My running journey has taken me from earning All-State honors in South Texas to the high-altitude training grounds of Flagstaff, Arizona, where I’ve spent years testing my limits on the track and roads.
But my perspective completely shifted in late 2022 when I underwent major hip surgery. Fighting my way back through a length rehab process to clock a 2:32 marathon comeback taught me something invaluable: coaching isn’t just about writing workouts when everything is going perfectly. It’s about knowing exactly how to adapt when life, injuries, or fatigue throw a wrench in the plans.
Outside of coaching, I work full-time as a K–5 Physical Education teacher. Balancing a demanding career with high-level training means I understand the exact time-management struggles you face. I don’t use cookie-cutter templates; I bring structure, data-backed science, and genuine empathy to your training log every single week.
Big Influences
My coaching framework is heavily anchored in the science-backed principles of legendary coach Dr. Jack Daniels and his VDOT methodology. I don’t believe in guessing paces or training by arbitrary numbers. By using accurate fitness formulas, I ensure that every single workout you run has a specific purpose whether it’s building aerobic efficiency, raising your lactate threshold, or sharpening your top-end speed. This structured, data-driven approach removes the guesswork, maximizes your hard work, and keeps you from falling into the trap of overtraining.
Beyond the science, I am deeply inspired by Steve Prefontaine’s famous philosophy:
“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”
To me, respecting “the gift” means showing up for yourself, but it also means respecting the full process. True effort isn’t just about hammering a hard workout; it’s having the discipline to execute smart progression, prioritize proper recovery, and build the mental toughness required to handle the ups and downs of a long training cycle. I help you find that perfect balance so you can push your limits safely.
Race History
Chasing elite goals on the track and the roads has shaped who I am as a coach. After moving to Flagstaff in 2017 to train at altitude, I hit personal bests across every distance from the 10K to the marathon. In 2020, I made my debut at the Chevron Houston Marathon, clocking a 2:25:39. After overcoming a torn hip labrum and surgery in late 2022, I made a major competitive comeback at the California International Marathon (CIM) in 2:32, and later lowered my marathon PR to a blazing 2:25:11 at the Detroit Free Press Marathon.
I know what it feels like to give your all, face physical setbacks, and have to fight your way back to peak fitness. I bring that exact resilience and strategic troubleshooting to every athlete I coach—whether you are aiming for a personal best, a Boston qualifier, or stepping up to a new distance for the first time.
Recent Highlights:
- 1st Place Overall – Pat’s Run (2025)
- 1st Place Overall – McAllen Marathon (2025)
- 5th Place Overall – Detroit Free Press Marathon (2024)
Certifications
- USATF Level 1 certification
Awards & Accolades
- 1st overall, 21st Annual Pat’s Run
- 5th place, Detroit Free Press Marathon, 2024
- 1st place, McAllen Marathon, 2025
Personal Records
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
Contact M Angel
12 reviews for Ángel Ramirez – Flagstaff Running Coach
Blanca Segura –
I’ve had a great experience working with Angel. He is incredibly responsive, attentive, and flexible, always willing to adjust training when needed while keeping my goals in mind. His knowledge and expertise are evident in every aspect of the program, and he does an excellent job of easing me into training in a way that feels challenging but sustainable. I never feel overwhelmed, yet I continue to see steady progress and gains in confidence. I appreciate how personalized his coaching is and how invested he is in my success as a runner. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a coach who is supportive, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about helping athletes reach their potential.
Cody Hassler –
Angel is my first experience working with a running coach. Prior to this, I was using AI training apps. It’s been great to have a real person to ask questions and share concerns with as I navigate life, injuries, and the frustrations that come with training. You’re still able to work around your schedule with a busy family/work life. He will help you plan around your schedule which is so important.
He’s always just a text away if I run into any issues. His programming is easy to follow, manageable, and has me feeling strong as I move deeper into this marathon training block.
If you’re looking for a coach, give Angel a try. I don’t think you’ll regret it.
Devin –
Great coach! He helped coach me to run my 2nd marathon! Very flexible with my work, travel days, and leg issues I was having. Having a plan and someone to ask questions to is nice. He had a strength training plan for me as well. I highly recommend Angel if you are looking for a coach!
Erica R –
I’ve had a great experience working with Angel as my running coach. He listens carefully, takes the time to understand my approach and goals, and builds training that truly fits my needs. He’s very knowledgeable, responsive, and easy to communicate with, which makes the whole process feel supportive and collaborative.
Angel is also excellent at working around real-life constraints and adapting plans when needed, without losing sight of long-term progress. He’s currently coaching me toward a spring 2026 half marathon with the goal of setting a PR, and I feel confident in the direction of the training. He’s personable, flexible, and genuinely invested in helping his athletes succeed. I’d highly recommend him to anyone looking for a thoughtful, individualized, and reliable running coach.
Stopira Ricambi –
Angel Ramirez is a really good and responsive running coach. I’ve had a lot of great experiences working with him.
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!