We Hired an AI Coach So You Don't Have To! with Matti Rowe

02/26/25 • 44 min

Training Babble: Off-Road Insights for Mountain Bike and Gravel Cycling

Summary
In this episode of the Training Babble Podcast, Coach Dave Schell and guest Matty Rowe of Gravel God Cycling dig into the implications of AI in coaching. They discuss the rise of AI tools like CoachCat, the challenges of relying on flawed metrics, and the importance of human expertise in interpreting data. The conversation highlights the complexities of training plans and the need for personalized coaching, emphasizing that while AI can assist, it cannot replace the nuanced understanding that comes from experience and direct athlete-coach interaction. In this conversation, Matti and Dave explore the complexities of coaching, particularly in the context of AI's role in athlete performance. They discuss the importance of context and nuance in coaching, the limitations of AI in understanding human experiences, and the distinction between information and knowledge. The conversation also touches on the barriers athletes face in achieving success and the potential future of AI in coaching, emphasizing the need for human connection and understanding.

Takeaways

AI is a significant trend in coaching, but it has limitations.
The rise of AI tools has led to a gold rush mentality.
AI can generate plausible-sounding information that may be incorrect.
Coaches must be wary of relying solely on AI-generated data.
Metrics like TSS and HRV can be flawed and misleading.
Personalized coaching is essential for effective training.
Athletes often seek simple solutions to complex training issues.
The body responds unpredictably to training inputs.
AI cannot address underlying issues like athlete priorities.
Training effectiveness is not solely determined by data metrics. Context is crucial in coaching; without it, advice can be meaningless.
AI lacks the nuance needed for effective coaching.
Coaches must understand the barriers athletes face beyond just data.
There's a significant difference between information and knowledge.
AI can assist coaches but cannot replace the human element.
Education and self-awareness are vital for athletes and coaches alike.
The future of coaching may involve AI, but human connection remains essential.
Athletes often overlook lifestyle factors that hinder performance.
AI can help manage tedious tasks, allowing coaches to focus on athletes.
Authenticity in coaching will be valued over AI-generated insights.

Matti's Article on AI

Dave's Article on AI

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Takeaways

AI is a significant trend in coaching, but it has limitations.
The rise of AI tools has led to a gold rush mentality.
AI can generate plausible-sounding information that may be incorrect.
Coaches must be wary of relying solely on AI-generated data.
Metrics like TSS and HRV can be flawed and misleading.
Personalized coaching is essential for effective training.
Athletes often seek simple solutions to complex training issues.
The body responds unpredictably to training inputs.
AI cannot address underlying issues like athlete priorities.
Training effectiveness is not solely determined by data metrics. Context is crucial in coaching; without it, advice can be meaningless.
AI lacks the nuance needed for effective coaching.
Coaches must understand the barriers athletes face beyond just data.
There's a significant difference between information and knowledge.
AI can assist coaches but cannot replace the human element.
Education and self-awareness are vital for athletes and coaches alike.
The future of coaching may involve AI, but human connection remains essential.
Athletes often overlook lifestyle factors that hinder performance.
AI can help manage tedious tasks, allowing coaches to focus on athletes.
Authenticity in coaching will be valued over AI-generated insights.

Matti's Article on AI

Dave's Article on AI

Previous Episode

Athlete Spotlight with Megan Onweller: More Moms on Bikes!!!

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Send me a message, I'd love to hear from you!

Summary
In this episode of the Training Babble podcast, Coach Dave Schell interviews athlete Megan Onweller, who shares her journey from a competitive high school athlete to a busy mom rediscovering her passion for cycling. Megan discusses the challenges she faced, including injuries, body image issues, and the importance of nutrition and coaching. She emphasizes the significance of finding balance between family life and personal goals, and how cycling has positively impacted her mental health and overall well-being. In this conversation, Megan Onweller shares her journey of balancing motherhood, work, and her passion for cycling. She discusses the importance of prioritizing personal health and fitness, the challenges of training while being a parent, and the joy of involving children in sports. Megan emphasizes the role of coaching in achieving personal goals and the impact of endurance sports on family dynamics. She concludes with advice for those looking to start their own fitness journey, highlighting the importance of fun and self-investment.

Takeaways

Megan rediscovered her athletic identity during the pandemic.
She faced challenges transitioning from high school sports to adult life.
Nutrition and rest are crucial for athletic performance.
Body image issues can affect female athletes significantly.
Community support in cycling is invaluable.
Setting personal goals can lead to significant growth.
Megan learned the importance of honest communication with her coach.
Cycling has helped Megan manage stress and improve her mental health.
Balancing motherhood and personal fitness requires compromise.
Megan encourages other moms to prioritize their well-being. I was kind of a yelly mom.
You do have to prioritize it.
Just start.
You got to get creative.
If you can only do one day a week, don't sign up for a 250 mile ride.
You have to know what you sign up for.
Your actions have a much bigger impact on your kids.
There's nothing more rewarding than your kid watching you do hard things.
Coaching is like having a secondary conscience.
Never say never.

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Check out her FTGU Episode

Next Episode

FTP is everything, FTP is nothing

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In this episode of the Training Babble podcast, hosts Dave Schell and Matti Rowe dive into the complexities of training metrics, particularly focusing on Functional Threshold Power (FTP) and its relevance in endurance sports. They discuss the evolving definitions of endurance, durability, and the importance of volume in training. The conversation highlights the sacrifices athletes must make to achieve high performance and the often unspoken realities behind setting and pursuing goals in the competitive sports landscape. In this conversation, Dave Schell and Matti discuss the intricacies of race dynamics, the importance of nutrition, and the mental strategies needed for successful cycling. They emphasize the need for a balanced approach to training and racing, considering both performance goals and personal relationships. The discussion also touches on the psychological aspects of competition and the significance of consistency in achieving long-term success.

Takeaways

FTP is not the only metric that matters in training.
Durability is a crucial aspect of endurance sports.
Training volume often has a greater impact on performance than FTP alone.
Athletes need to balance their training with recovery for optimal results.
The importance of understanding personal goals and sacrifices in training.
Metrics can be useful but should not be the sole focus of training.
High performance requires significant lifestyle sacrifices.
Athletes often have secret goals that they may not express openly.
The relationship between training intensity and overall performance is complex.
Success in endurance sports often comes from a combination of factors, not just one metric. The numbers you want to see in training are not what you want in racing.
Start races conservatively to avoid burnout later.
Choosing the right race distance can enhance enjoyment and performance.
It's important to balance training with personal relationships.
Many athletes downplay their competitive goals due to fear of failure.
Risk-taking is essential in sports; you must be willing to fail.
Consistency over time is more important than short-term gains.
Training should be viewed as an investment with ups and downs.
Athletes often struggle with the pressure of performance expectations.
The journey of improvement is often not linear, but requires patience.