It was Tim Minchin who once said: “We tend to generate false dichotomies, then try to argue one point using two entirely different sets of assumptions, like two tennis players trying to win a match by hitting beautifully executed shots from either end of separate tennis courts.” In other words, nuance is important and, while there may be tension between AI-run coaching apps and traditional coaches, my experience tells me that there’s an important distinction to make and that is – AI running plans and run coaching are two inherently different services. The potential of AI to be a force for good in the running world is there for all to see – but how does it shape up against the human touch of pro run coaching?

The Rise of AI Running Apps

Writing this piece has been eye opening at times. It’s been a balancing act between not being viewed as a pariah of the AI world but remaining on task and critically examining the rise of AI running apps. It was only 18 months ago on Clapham Common in London that I bumped into Ben Parker (co-founder of Runna) and was told the staggering number of monthly subscribers they had. With other apps powered by AI available on the market such as TrainAsOne and NXT Run, it seems that AI running apps have the majority share of revenue, and perhaps demand, over traditional run coaches. For those of you who aren’t familiar with them, they are all AI-powered training platforms that deliver data-driven running plans tailored to an athlete’s goals, experience, and performance metrics. NXT Run appear to go one step further and can adjust sessions for any missed or off-plan workouts – something that is paramount for the everyday athlete using these services.

These companies have found a way to deliver running plans en masse, but does this mean they provide the same, if not better, service? As a coach that has experienced over 50% of my clients come to me after using AI running training plans over the past few years, I’m hesitant to say yes and would raise some concern about the prevalence of injuries sustained while using these AI services. Take Carolina for example, a client who had used Runna but came to me eight weeks out from running the Athens Marathon with injuries that were stopping her from running (not ideal during a marathon build!). The volume she had been programmed seemed way too high and it’s not surprising that this led to an injury. We spent two and a half weeks in the gym strengthening and getting Carolina’s cardio in via the elliptical and bike. Fortunately, she ran the marathon pain-free in the end, however, it concerns me that this isn’t an unfamiliar pattern with the current use of AI in running.

Throughout the process of writing this blog, I reached out to an expert in the field of AI and biomechanics, asked my own running clients for their thoughts, and, for the first time, asked AI to create a running plan so I could review what came back.

AI Running Apps - What Do the Experts Think?

To hear from a professional in the industry, I reached out to Dr Natasha Allott – a specialist sports physiotherapist and founder of StrideX. She highlighted the flaws in the use of AI running coach apps and is working on bringing to market a more comprehensive app that takes into account an individual’s previous medical and fitness history. “Without using the data from wearable technologies, looking at factors such as bone health and asking the right questions, the current use of AI is a stab in the dark. Not because the AI is bad, but because the model is only as good as the information that’s been put into it,” Dr Allott explained during a recent phone call.

The consensus I took away from our conversation is that current, generalised AI running plans are increasing training loads too quickly for many people. Furthermore, most running injuries are completely avoidable – unlike other sports, they are rarely the result of a fast mechanism. Instead, they stem from poor load management and improper biomechanics. It’s concerning that the current use of AI isn’t factoring in all the elements critical in determining someone’s injury risk. However, at our core, we are consumers. AI running apps offer a more cost-effective service compared to a running coach, and with their trendy branding and influencer marketing campaigns, I can understand their appeal.

What Do My Clients Think About AI Training Plans?

Asking my own running clients for their thoughts on AI-generated training plans compared to traditional coaching was a valuable exercise. They’ve had experience on both sides, so it seemed only right to hear what they had to say. Three common themes emerged in their responses:

• People trust human nature and experience over AI
• Clear feedback loops and being able to bounce ideas off a coach is paramount
• AI can’t accurately deal with lifestyle changes or manage injuries

While these themes lean in favour of run coaching, they don’t paint the full picture. Not every runner is looking for a coach to help with their performance or requires that form of accountability. In fact, most runners will never use a coach in their lifetime. Therefore, AI running apps have been clever in targeting the ‘everyday runner.’

One benefit of AI-generated running plans is that anyone, with just a few clicks, can receive a beautifully laid-out plan with a detailed breakdown of sessions and other pointers, such as fuelling and cross-training. Perhaps it doesn’t even matter if the plan is only as effective as the millions of free running plans that have been available to download on the internet for the past two decades; there’s just something enticing about knowing it was powered by AI.

However, I’m not convinced that most think this way, as I learned from one of my clients, Summer, who explained: “AI running apps may promote themselves as having expert coaches, but from my experience, it’s just ‘here’s your plan, and off you go.’ Any deviation from the plan means you’re always playing catch-up. I love that a coach is there for you, and everything is taken into consideration.”

AI VS Pro Run Coach - Who's Leading the Race?

When weighing up the pros and cons of AI running apps versus a professional coach, it’s important to consider what you want from the process. If you're looking for running sessions that gradually build your fitness towards an event, AI apps are an excellent and affordable option. However, be aware that the sessions may not be as personalised as advertised, so don’t hesitate to adjust the volume if needed. If you have the budget to hire a running coach, I still believe it's the safest, most accountable, and engaging way to improve.

As for the future, I’m excited to see what’s in store for AI in running. Who knows, maybe one day, elite runners will choose AI-generated plans over working with a pro running coach. Until then, I believe that run coaches and AI should coexist, each respecting the fact that they are two distinct products and services entirely.

All images featured are taken from @runwithfin Instagram