AI vs Real Coaches: Can Technology Really Replace Human Coaching?
- Kayleigh Webster
- Aug 25
- 3 min read
In the last few years, AI has been creeping into every part of our lives – from what we watch on Netflix to how we train for a 10K. Apps like Runna, Coopah, and even your Garmin watch promise “smart” training plans that adapt to your performance. It’s slick, it’s convenient… but is it enough?
As a coach, I hear runners talk about this all the time. “Do I really need a coach when there’s an app for that?” The truth is – it depends. Let’s look at when AI can be useful, the risks to watch out for, and why (spoiler) a real coach is still worth their weight in gold.
When AI Can Work for Runners
AI training plans can be great if you:
Are brand new to structured running and just need something to follow
Have a fairly predictable schedule with no big life or work curveballs
Don’t have recurring injuries or complex training history
Are happy to train without feedback, conversation, or emotional support
AI is brilliant at crunching numbers and spitting out a plan that looks neat on your phone. For building a habit, or ticking off sessions without overthinking, it can do the job.
The Risks of Going All-In on AI
Here’s where the wheels can come off:
Lack of context – AI doesn’t know you’ve been up half the night with a sick child, or that your ankle niggle is more than just “a bit sore.”
Overconfidence in the data – Watches and apps can misread your effort level or recovery status. AI then builds your next week on flawed numbers.
Zero emotional support – Hitting a plateau, bouncing back after injury, or coping with race-day nerves… your app can’t talk you through it.
Inflexibility in the real world – Miss a couple of sessions and many apps just shuffle your plan forward without thinking about the bigger picture.
Why Real Coaches Are Invaluable
A good coach doesn’t just write sessions – they listen, adapt, and understand you as a human being.
We see patterns AI misses. We spot the warning signs of overtraining before it becomes injury. We challenge you when you’re holding back and pull you back when you’re overdoing it. And maybe most importantly, we get that running isn’t just about splits and heart rate – it’s about joy, confidence, and making it fit alongside your life.
In a world where we’re spending more and more time staring at screens, there’s something powerful about having a real person in your corner – someone you can email after a rough run, someone who celebrates your wins like they’re their own.
The Sweet Spot: Tech + Human Connection
This isn’t about throwing AI out the window. In fact, I use data and tech every day with my athletes. The magic happens when we blend the efficiency of technology with the insight, empathy, and adaptability of a human coach.
Because running is personal. It’s messy. And no algorithm – no matter how advanced – can replace the connection between a runner and a coach who actually knows you.
If you’re ready to experience the difference, let’s chat. I offer a free coaching discovery call where we talk about your running, your goals, and how I can help you get there – in a way that works for you.
FAQs: AI vs Real Coaches for Runners
1. Can AI replace a running coach?
AI can create structured training plans and adapt based on your data, but it can’t fully replace the insight, flexibility, and emotional support of a real coach. Human coaches understand your life context, past injuries, and mindset in a way no algorithm can.
2. Is an AI running training plan worth it?
If you’re just starting out, have no injuries, and want a low-cost, easy-to-follow plan, AI can be useful. But for tailored progression, injury prevention, and guidance through challenges, a human coach will get you better results.
3. What are the benefits of a real running coach?
A real coach provides personalised training, real-time feedback, race preparation support, and the accountability you need to stay consistent. They also adjust plans based on your lifestyle, recovery, and mental state – something AI can’t replicate.
Comments