Can I Beat My 10k Personal Best Using A.I. Coaching?
Sports
Introduction
As winter approached, I found myself staring out at the snow, filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation. It was time to get serious about my running. Specifically, I had a personal goal: to improve my 10K personal best (PB), which I had set four years prior. As I realized that with age my speed would inevitably decline, I felt an urgency to chase that elusive PB again.
The Journey Begins
I kicked off my training with a clear objective in mind. However, self-discipline has never been my strongest suit. Hence, I enlisted the help of an AI coaching app called Hugo from Humango. I’ve also been working with my personal coach, Tom, for a few months. My strategy was to combine both resources—human and artificial—to optimize my training and keep me accountable. Tom understands my training needs, while Hugo can monitor my sessions closely and keep nudging me away from laziness or overexertion.
My self-discipline may waver, but having both Tom and Hugo guiding me, along with the motivation from you—my audience—gave me a sense of urgency to succeed.
Progress and Challenges
Fast forward several weeks. I completed a 47-minute easy morning run, marking the first of many training sessions. Yet, as weekends rolled around, I found myself racing in multiple events, including a 10K and a 30K swim-run event. Unfortunately, my performance in the 10K lagged by two minutes off my PB—certainly attributed to lack of preparation.
At the three-week mark until my race, I faced exhaustion from back-to-back events but felt somewhat satisfied. Despite my shortcomings, I had fun racing, which is crucial for my motivation. However, I had to confess to both my coaches that I skipped a rest day. Moving forward, I reset my schedule on Hugo to find the best way to balance recovery with building mileage.
Tough Workouts Ahead
With the tapering phase approaching, my training became more structured. This included tempo workouts—15 minutes at a fast pace with a recovery period—and focusing on key sessions that Tom emphasized. Balancing these sessions with Hugo’s recommendations made the training feel less daunting and helped ensure that I wouldn’t push beyond my limits.
Meanwhile, I embarked on a trip to Tenerife for filming but remained committed to my training plan. Despite the busy filming schedule, I completed three key workouts there. Yet, I left feeling exhausted and drained.
Back home, I decided to participate in a local park run two weeks before my race. While running, I realized I needed to significantly improve my speed to match my PB. However, my body started feeling good again after returning from the warm weather.
Taper Time and Race Day
As my 10K race day approached, nerves consumed me. I had a candid discussion with Tom about race tactics and was reminded that my main goal was to trust my training. I set off for the race, ready to tackle one of the fastest 10Ks in the country.
Despite challenging weather conditions, I stuck to my race plan. My strategy was to go out hard, especially since the first couple of kilometers were downhill. Feeling anxious but committed, I intended to push myself in ways I hadn’t before.
The race unfolded with thrilling intensity. I initially struggled by pacing too quickly, and for a moment, I doubted my ability to finish strong. Yet, I persevered and crossed the finish line with a stunning personal best of 37:15— a gain of 12 seconds over my previous record.
Conclusion
The entire journey encapsulated the essence of self-belief and determination. With the blend of human coaching and AI assistance, I silenced my self-doubt as I battled against my own fears, leading to that exhilarating PB moment. I now look forward to setting new goals—perhaps, knocking down my time even further.
Keywords
10K, personal best, AI coaching, Humango, running coach, training, self-discipline, race day, tempo workouts, performance, mental toughness
FAQ
Q: Can AI coaching really help improve running times?
A: Yes, AI coaching can provide personalized training plans and monitor progress, ensuring runners stay on track and motivated.
Q: How do you maintain motivation while training?
A: Having a clear goal, working with coaches, and sharing progress with a supportive community help maintain motivation during training.
Q: What should you focus on when tapering before a race?
A: Focus on quality runs with ample recovery, maintaining fitness while allowing the body to rest before a race.
Q: Is it okay to race frequently while training for a specific event?
A: It can be beneficial for enjoyment and experience, but it's important to balance it with adequate recovery to avoid burnout.
Q: What should you do if training doesn't go as planned?
A: Trust the process, stay committed, and communicate with coaches for adjustments to the plan when necessary.
