About me

Washington, DC running coach Brian Voorhees brings both experience and passion to coaching, working with beginner and intermediate runners from the 5k to the marathon, incorporating nutrition advice, injury prevention strategies, strength training routines, and mental techniques to keep you focused and resilient. Training for the upcoming DC Rock n Roll half marathon or 5K? Coach Brian is also an ambassador for the race and can help you train. Reach out below to get started!

LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate
TYPES: Road, Track
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon
TRAINING PLATFORM: Final Surge
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited phone, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Washington, DC
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only

SPECIALTIES

As your dedicated running coach, I offer personalized, science-backed programs tailored to your unique goals and lifestyle. Whether you’re preparing for your first 5K or aiming for a marathon PR, my coaching is designed to maximize performance and prevent injury.

• Personalized Training Plans: Customized schedules based on your running history, fitness level, and race goals. Whether you’re targeting a sub-10-minute pace or building endurance for a half marathon, I create plans that fit your needs.

• Race-Specific Coaching: Training plans designed for races like the DC Rock n Roll Half Marathon, 5Ks, and full marathons, with strategies for pacing, fueling, and recovery.

• Strength and Conditioning: Incorporates targeted strength routines to improve running form, core stability, and overall resilience against common running injuries.

• Injury Prevention and Recovery: Preventative measures and recovery guidance to keep you strong and injury-free, so you can maintain consistency in training.

• Mental Conditioning: Build confidence and mental toughness with proven strategies to overcome race-day nerves and stay motivated through long runs and challenging workouts.

• Pacing Mastery: Learn effective pacing strategies for every distance, ensuring you avoid burnout and crush your finish time goals.

• Beginner-Friendly Programs: Safe and progressive training plans for new runners looking to build endurance and confidence from the ground up.

• Advanced Performance Training: Speedwork, intervals, and negative split strategies to help experienced runners shave minutes off their race times and reach new PRs.

PHILOSOPHY

My coaching philosophy is simple: every runner deserves a personalized approach that goes beyond just logging miles.

I believe that effective training means addressing the whole athlete—mind, body, and goals. My plans focus on building a strong foundation through custom workouts, strength routines, and mental conditioning, helping you stay resilient and injury-free. Whether you’re a beginner training for your first 5K or a seasoned marathoner chasing a PR, my goal is to help you run smarter, stronger, and with more confidence.

As a Navy veteran and ISSA-certified run coach, I bring structure, discipline, and a results-driven approach to every program while keeping the process fun and motivational. I understand the setbacks that can come from injury and life challenges, and I’m passionate about helping runners overcome obstacles and enjoy long-term success.

At the heart of it all, I believe that running is a journey—not just to the finish line, but toward becoming the best version of yourself. I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

COACHING EXPERIENCE

I’ve coached runners across all levels, from high school cross-country athletes to charity marathoners taking on their first 26.2 miles. My experience spans individualized coaching for athletes seeking PRs in the 5K, 10K, and half marathon, as well as mentoring charity group runners with a focus on consistency, injury prevention, and building confidence.

At the high school level, I focused on identifying each athlete’s unique strengths and weaknesses to create targeted training plans that improved both performance and race-day confidence. For charity marathoners, I designed group programs that emphasized smart pacing, mental resilience, and camaraderie to help them cross the finish line while supporting their cause.

In addition to running-focused coaching, my background in the Navy instilled in me the value of discipline, structured training, and adaptability—skills I apply to every athlete’s personalized plan. Whether you’re tackling your first race or working toward an ambitious time goal, my goal is to provide comprehensive support that helps you break through plateaus and enjoy every step of your running journey.

ABOUT ME

Hi, I’m Coach Brian, an ISSA-certified running coach based in Washington, DC—the actual city, not the suburbs! I’ve been passionate about running since my high school cross-country days and continued that passion while serving in the Navy, competing in 5Ks, 10Ks, and marathons across the U.S. and internationally. After recovering from an ankle injury and a brief hiatus during 2020, I returned to running stronger than ever, which fuels my approach to coaching today.

I know firsthand what it’s like to face setbacks and rebuild. That’s why I focus on personalized, holistic coaching that goes beyond running mileage. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced racer, I’m committed to helping you build strength, confidence, and consistency—while keeping the process fun.

When I’m not running, you can find me embracing my “nerdy side,” enjoying tech projects, and working in IT at the National Archives. I’m also an ambassador for the DC Rock n Roll Half Marathon and love helping local runners prep for one of the city’s most iconic races.

If you’re ready to crush your next running goal—whether it’s finishing your first half marathon or hitting a PR—let’s connect and get started on your journey!

BIG INFLUENCES

My coaching journey has been shaped by incredible mentors and running legends who have influenced my approach to training and resilience.

Hal Higdon: Growing up in Northwest Indiana, I admired Hal Higdon, a fellow local and one of the most respected names in running. His marathon training plans showed me the importance of progressive mileage, smart rest days, and adaptable workouts for long-distance success.
Jim Felty: My first coach after high school, Jim Felty, was the one who convinced me to tackle the marathon distance. His belief in me taught me the value of personalized guidance and the mental toughness needed to achieve big goals.

These mentors not only inspired me to push my own limits but also instilled in me a coaching philosophy centered on trust, progression, and personalized support. Just as they helped me grow as a runner, I’m dedicated to passing that guidance along to the athletes I coach.

RACING HISTORY

My running journey began with high school cross-country, where I developed a passion for racing 5Ks and 10Ks. After joining the Navy, I continued running competitively and was honored to represent the Navy in races both across the U.S. and internationally. While I initially focused on shorter distances, my first coach after high school, Jim Felty, encouraged me to tackle the marathon—and I’ve been hooked ever since.

I’ve competed in numerous marathons, including international events, achieving a personal best (PR) of 2:47 in the marathon and 1:19 in the half marathon. My racing experiences have taught me the importance of pacing strategies, mental resilience, and adapting training based on terrain and conditions. I understand firsthand how to train for comeback races, having successfully returned to long-distance running after recovering from an ankle injury and rebuilding my endurance from scratch.

Now, I aim to use my racing experience to help athletes not only reach their goals but enjoy the process—whether it’s crushing a PR, completing a first race, or returning stronger after a setback.

PRs

• 5K: 15:37

• 10K: 36:54

• Half Marathon: 1:19

• Marathon: 2:47

CERTIFICATIONS

• ISSA Certified Running Coach: Recognized for expertise in creating personalized, science-backed training plans that improve endurance, speed, and overall performance.

• Final Surge Training Platform Expert: Proficient in using Final Surge to deliver customized training schedules, track progress, and provide data-driven feedback to athletes.

• CPR/AED Certified : Ensuring athlete safety during all phases of training.

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

• Navy Marathon Team Member: Represented the U.S. Navy in national and international marathon competitions.

• Rock n Roll DC Half Marathon Ambassador: Promoted and supported one of Washington, DC’s largest and most popular races.

• Top Finisher in Local and Regional Races: Consistently placed in the top ranks of competitive 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons in the DC area and beyond.

• Marathon PR of 2:47: Achieved a sub-3-hour marathon, demonstrating expertise in long-distance race strategy and performance.

CONTACT BRIAN

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.

https://teamrunrun.com/coach/brian-voorhees-washington-dc-running-coach