A few years ago (possibly around the same time as the author), I also took up running and was gifted a Garmin from a running friend of mine. He also recommended an app called TrainAsOne, a running scheduled that did/does an AI/ML and poops put a constantly adjusting scheduled for you.

The first three weeks were great, but boy howdy TAO was pushing me fairly hard. “That’s fine, I’m young (32), I can do it!” I could not. Fourth week I get hit with massive runners knee and I’m out for a few months.

The app couldn’t know this was going to happen, I’ve got pretty bad knees genetically, but my dedication to the EXACT specifications of each outing determined by the model was absolute, and to my detriment.

The same friend who gifted me the watch told me to go slow, short runs, build the endurance, but the app differed, so who did I trust more? I digress.

I’ve since cancelled the app, and I’m back running for a few years, all while managing the injury. Like the author, I’ll be tackling the Berlin Marathon in September. But my training is now done on my own terms. I’m guided by some external advice, but unwavering acceptance of an app to what I do with my body is not something I want to try again.

I still track all my runs, but all I do is start the watch, and go for a run. It doesn’t beep at me to go faster or slower, it just shuts its mouth while I move forward.

All that aside, I can’t help but do the maths on my monthly volume to ensure I’m hitting bigger and bigger milestones. Thank god the watch is counting it for me ;)