Your Ultimate Training and Coaching Platform for Endurance Sports
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Let’s start with a confession. Not too long ago, coaching plans for endurance athletes were about as bespoke as a pre-packaged sandwich. Functional, yes. Exciting? Not so much. You’d pick one off the shelf — a "12-week marathon plan" here, a "triathlon-ready in 3 months" there — and hope it worked.
Fast forward to today and things have changed. Big time. We’re now in an era where algorithms, data and a touch of AI wizardry have taken coaching from basic and generic to precise and personalised. This evolution hasn’t just been about tech — it’s been about recognising what athletes truly need to thrive, adapt and perform at their best.
Let’s take a closer look at the journey, from those humble sandwich-style templates to the Michelin-starred personalised coaching we see today.
Ah, the glory days of template coaching. It was the go-to method for anyone with a stopwatch, a dream and no idea where to start. These pre-set training plans were simple, accessible, and, dare I say it, comforting. You didn’t have to think too hard — just tick the boxes and hope for the best.
But here’s the problem: life isn’t a template. Athletes aren’t cookie dough.
Key Disadvantages
1. Generic by Nature: These plans were designed for an imaginary average athlete. Trouble is, none of us are average. We have different goals, strengths, weaknesses and — let’s face it — vastly different appetites for suffering.
2. Rigid Schedules: Had a bad day at work? Kid got sick? Too bad. Template plans didn’t adjust for life’s little curveballs. It was like being handed a map with no detour options.
While these plans introduced structure to the masses, they had all the nuance of a flat tyre. Great if you wanted to follow a plan; not so great if you wanted to thrive.
Then came AI-Adaptive Coaching and suddenly the game changed. Algorithms entered the fray and with them, a new level of dynamism. Training plans started to feel a little smarter — like they were paying attention to your progress and making adjustments accordingly.
Think of it as moving from a paper map to a GPS. The journey wasn’t perfect, but at least it reacted when you missed a turn.
What It Got Right
The Shortcomings
1. Still Too Generalised: While smarter than templates, these systems still relied on broad training principles. They adapted, yes, but didn’t fully personalise. It was like getting a tailored suit but skipping the final fitting.
2. Blind Spots: AI-Adaptive Coaching often focused solely on performance metrics. Important stuff, sure, but what about recovery? Mental health? Nutrition? Athletes aren’t just power numbers; they’re humans.
It was progress, no doubt. But AI-Adaptive Coaching still felt like it was missing that human touch — the thing that makes training plans feel truly yours.
Talking of the importance of recovery, have a read of our blog on the role of AI in preventing injuries here.
Now, let’s talk about the big leagues. AI-Powered Personalised Coaching isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a revolution. We’re talking about training plans that don’t just adapt but truly understand you.
How? By analysing everything from training logs and recovery patterns to sleep data, nutrition and even your stress levels. It’s the difference between a coach saying, “Do this because it worked for someone else” and saying, “Do this because it works for you.”
What Sets It Apart
1. True Personalisation: Every interval, every rest day, every tweak is tailored to your physiology, goals and progress. It’s not just a training plan — it’s your training plan.
2. Data-Driven Precision: With millions of data points at its disposal, AI can make adjustments in real-time, ensuring you’re always on track for peak performance.
3. Continuous Evolution: As you change, so does the plan. Got stronger? The workouts ramp up. Feeling fatigued? The system dials things back. It’s like having a coach who never sleeps (but isn’t annoyingly perky about it).
The Catch
This is the future of coaching. And the future, as it turns out, is pretty spectacular.
Why This Evolution Matters
The evolution of coaching isn’t just about better tech — it’s about better outcomes. It’s about recognising that athletes deserve more than cookie-cutter plans or generic advice. They deserve solutions that take their individual needs, goals and quirks into account.
The Old Way
Traditionally, coaching followed a two-step process:
1. Researchers studied large groups of athletes and drew general conclusions.
2. Coaches applied those conclusions in the field, tailoring them (to varying degrees) for individual athletes.
It worked, but it wasn’t exactly efficient. Generalised findings took time to filter down and the results were often hit-or-miss.
The New Way
AI changes the game by eliminating the need for generalisations. Instead of starting with broad conclusions, it starts with you. Every data point feeds into a cycle of learning and adaptation, creating plans that evolve in real-time.
It’s like having a lab in your back pocket — minus the awkward test tubes.
The Road Ahead
So, where do we go from here? AI-Powered Personalised Coaching is just the beginning. As technology advances, we’ll see even more integration between science, data and human performance.
At Vekta, we’re proud to be leading this charge. Our mission is to empower coaches and athletes with tools that don’t just keep up with the times — they set the pace.
Whether you’re an athlete chasing your next PB or a coach juggling the needs of a dozen clients, AI-Powered Personalised Coaching is here to make your life easier, smarter and a whole lot more effective.
So, are you ready to leave the one-size fits all plans behind and embrace a new era of coaching?
Discover more about Vekta here.
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