The Enshittification of Running Tech (and What We Can Do)

June 11, 2025 | By DLake

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If Elon Musk can build Neuralink—a device that might let us upload our memories—why can’t Garmin figure out I’m just doing an easy run? Seriously.

In this episode, I’m breaking down two big ideas that could revolutionize running AI and how we, as runners, can stop waiting for tech companies to figure it out. Spoiler: it starts with taking control of our own data.

In the last post (part 1), we talked about why smartwatches and virtual coaches suck. Now, let’s dive into how we can actually fix this mess.

Imagine waking up to your watch telling you exactly what you should do today based on your sleep, recovery, and training goals. Instead, most of us get a vague “Unproductive” slapped across the screen. Thanks, Garmin.

Today, we’re diving into how running AI could be better and why it’s time we take the reins to make sense of our data. Let’s go.

Listen to audio podcast below on your next run or watch video the video above to learn more

The Problem in a Nutshell

I won’t spend too long here since we covered this in-depth before, but the issue is simple: AI in fitness apps is built for the masses. It focuses on raw data—heart rate, pace, distance—but skips over what actually matters: context and personalization.

We need tools that adapt to our unique goals, training cycles, and even our bad sleep days. So, how do we get there?

How AI Could Do Better

Imagine if these apps started every training block with a simple question: “What’s your goal?” Training for a marathon? Recovering from injury? Just staying fit? That one input could completely change how AI interprets your data.

Here’s an example: You didn’t sleep well last night. Your HRV (heart rate variability) is low. Instead of pushing you to hit those VO2 max intervals, the app adjusts the plan: fewer reps, slightly slower paces. That’s actionable. That’s helpful.

Right now, AI doesn’t connect the dots between your past performance, current recovery, and future goals. It’s like having all the ingredients for a Michelin-star meal but no recipe.

Taking Control of Our Data

If the apps won’t do it for us, it’s time we take charge.

Here’s how:

1. Export Your Data: Garmin, Strava, Apple… most of these platforms let you download .fit files. Take those numbers and start analyzing trends.
2. Build Your Own Dashboards: Use tools like Excel or apps like TrainingPeaks to track your progress over weeks and months. What’s your fitness trend? Are you improving where it matters? (Add a line about how this feels empowering, like being your own coach.)
3. Set Up Personal Goals: Create a system that works for you. Need to focus on speed? Endurance? Recovery? Align your data with your objectives.

Runner Wishlist for AI

Here’s what would make running AI actually useful:

1. Personalized Pacing Adjustments: Imagine an app that says, “Hey, it’s hot and hilly today. Adjust your pace by 10 seconds per mile.” Simple, effective.
2. Goal-Specific Plans: Whether you’re a sprinter or an ultra-marathoner, the AI adapts your training to fit.
3. A Training Accuracy Score: Instead of vague “fitness” metrics, give us a percentage showing how well we’re sticking to the plan.

So, we know the problem. We know what we want. But how do we actually make it happen?

Finish Line Thoughts

If the apps won’t fix these issues, we have to take control of our data ourselves. And here’s how:

1. Learn How to Talk to AI: Become a prompt wizard with tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude. These large language models can analyze your data if you know how to ask the right questions.
2. Use Premium Accounts and Feed Your Data In: Whether it’s images, .fit files, .csv tables, spreadsheets, or public links. It’s not as seamless as the perfect app scenario, but it’s a start.
3. Experiment: I have a runner I coach doing this right now, and it’s working amazingly well.

If you’re interested in a template I’m building that uses AI to analyze your data—from sleep and recovery to current training and life obligations—and provides you with actionable next steps, drop a comment below or email daren@1betterrun.com. I’ll email you privately and show you what I’m working on. It’s the most adaptable, specific, and individualized training plan ever—part human, part machine.

Let’s see what the future of training can really look like!