"AI vs Human" Training Plans & Run Coaching

I want to be clear before I start: I am not anti-AI. I think that there can be positive applications for it in our world. Heck, the image header to this article was made using AI. But on the other hand, I think that there are harmful and inappropriate uses of AI that are already being injected into our world today.

Think back on your life, from now to your childhood. Who are five people that most positively influenced your life? If I could take a guess, a past or current coach is probably a strong candidate on that list of people. There is no question that the athlete to coach relationship is something truly unique and valuable. It creates a force that pushes an individual past their perceived limits; a force like no other.

Now imagine replacing that coach with a computer. One that spits out feedback from your given input. It doesn’t read body language or tone. It hasn’t learned what kinds of things light your fire. It doesn’t know about your home life. It can’t comprehend the things that you’re stressed about, that keep you up at night. It doesn’t understand what emotional or physical exhaustion feels like and how to empathize with that. Sure, it can read and analyze training metrics at top-speed and low dollar, but what does that matter if it can’t consider the many other facets of being a human?

I mentioned that AI coaching is cheaper, which is undoubtedly a benefit that I think is the main reason I see people using it today. Apps like Runna and Garmin AI are being advertised left and right as a cheap & individualized option for training plans of all running distances. What people don’t understand is how “un-individualized” these plans really are. Realistically, they know very little about you: a few questions about your time goals and some questionably accurate watch data. That is a small fraction of important information that would be either asked or learned by a human coach. 

Coaching is an art. It’s a relationship and learning experience that ages well over time. To push people past their perceived limits and instill rightful confidence upon someone else is no simple task. It takes empathy, intellect, compassion, and patience. It takes a human touch; not an algorithm. I strongly encourage anyone who’s considering coaching options, please opt for a human coach for your own sake. In the long run, the relationship you build will be priceless.