I asked one for a sub 16:00 5k training plan and it wanted me running 10 mile long runs at 5:20 pace, 8x800m in 2:10, a 20 minute tempo at 4:58 pace, ETC.
Trying to get training ideas from AI made me realize I can’t trust AI at all.
With Runna, ChatGPT and NSM, why would an amateur runner need a running coach?
Is the jig up for unqualified coaches charging $100 a month for a cookie cutter training plan and an annual zoom call?
ChatGPT does a very good job of creating training plans. They aren’t perfect but very good. Getting one from a coach also wouldn’t be perfect.
It really depends on why you need a coach. Does AI do accountability or motivation? When you need feedback about how you are feeling during training can it do that?
I asked one for a sub 16:00 5k training plan and it wanted me running 10 mile long runs at 5:20 pace, 8x800m in 2:10, a 20 minute tempo at 4:58 pace, ETC.
Trying to get training ideas from AI made me realize I can’t trust AI at all.
With Runna, ChatGPT and NSM, why would an amateur runner need a running coach?
Is the jig up for unqualified coaches charging $100 a month for a cookie cutter training plan and an annual zoom call?
ChatGPT does a very good job of creating training plans. They aren’t perfect but very good. Getting one from a coach also wouldn’t be perfect.
It really depends on why you need a coach. Does AI do accountability or motivation? When you need feedback about how you are feeling during training can it do that?
ChatGPT training plans are garbage without a good prompt.
Most runners will be unable to engineer a good prompt without a deep understanding of training.
Most running coaches are complete sh1t. Pick your poison.
I asked one for a sub 16:00 5k training plan and it wanted me running 10 mile long runs at 5:20 pace, 8x800m in 2:10, a 20 minute tempo at 4:58 pace, ETC.
Trying to get training ideas from AI made me realize I can’t trust AI at all.
Yep. Exactly this.
Cough cough Runna app....
Runna app doesn’t even use AI for training. Canned plan from a series of inputs.
Runna has removed any reference to AI on their website or social media because it was a complete lie. A stupid lie but still a lie.
With Runna, ChatGPT and NSM, why would an amateur runner need a running coach?
Is the jig up for unqualified coaches charging $100 a month for a cookie cutter training plan and an annual zoom call?
Same reason your average person might need a personal trainer. Someone has goals and there's something blocking them: motivation, knowledge, confidence, etc.
It's very easy for those of us who have been in this sport for years to implement NSM or taper AI-built plans to work for us. But most folk aren't us.
Personal trainers cost A LOT MORE than running coaches, typically. But there hasn't been a loss of need for them. Same for runners. Sure, it's easy to DIY and go with an app, but an app or AI or even a book won't teach someone how to scale properly, or tell them to dial things back. That goes for lifting and running. That's why personal trainers still have success. From people who tried it on their own and didn't see the progress they wanted.
A lot of us runners could use some perspective. We know a good deal about training and the history of it, especially if we're on letsrun. But it isn't so obvious to everyone else.