AI vs. Real Person Triathlon Coaching: Why Human Connection Still Matters

AI vs. Real Person Triathlon Coaching: Why Human Connection Still Matters

Over the past year, I’ve paid close attention to the rise of artificial intelligence in the endurance sports world—particularly in triathlon coaching. I’ve watched athletes turn to apps and AI-based systems that promise “custom plans” and “data-driven results.” And to be fair, there’s a place for that.

If all you’re looking for is a list of workouts to follow with zero interaction or feedback, AI can get the job done. It can

spit out training blocks, adjust a schedule based on your pace or power numbers, and even send you motivational messages when you hit a milestone.

But when you’re training for an Iron-distance event—70.3 or 140.6—the stakes are higher. You’re investing six months (or more) of your life, your time, your money, and your energy. You’re pushing your limits physically and emotionally. At that level, athletes need more than just a spreadsheet of workouts. They need a coach who understands them as a person.

AI doesn’t know you had to skip your long ride because your child was up all night with a fever. It doesn’t know you're recovering from a head cold, dealing with work stress, or just filed for divorce. It doesn’t ask, “How are you feeling today?” It can’t see the fatigue in your eyes on a Zoom call or sense your frustration when your swim pace plateaus despite your best effort.

But I can.

Real person triathlon coaching brings something AI simply can’t replicate: human empathy, experience, and adaptability. I’ve been in this sport long enough to know that life doesn’t fit into a neat training calendar. That sometimes, we need to throw the schedule out the window and shift gears. That sometimes, what an athlete needs most isn’t another interval session—but someone to say, “Let’s talk about what’s going on.” I’ve had ironman athletes tell me they are feeling overwhelmed, anxious and exhausted between training, family commitments,  and working full time. This is where I step in and say “Ditch the Garmin for a week and revisit why you love to swim, bike and run.” Often this permission to enjoy the sport without any data is a welcome relief to an athlete who is feeling burned out.

As a coach, I’ve helped athletes train through grief, military deployments, job loss, injuries, surgery, and every obstacle life can throw at you. I’ve adjusted workouts based on mood, stress level, and sleep. I’ve cheered athletes on when they felt like giving up and reminded them of their why when the training got tough.

AI can tell you your Training Stress Score or whether your FTP improved this week. But it won’t check in when you’ve gone quiet. It won’t notice your heart rate variability has been off for days and ask, “Are you okay?” It won’t give you a gut check when your goals are no longer aligned with your lifestyle.

And it certainly won’t be standing at the finish line, tears in its eyes, knowing just how much you overcame to get there.

Ironman isn’t just about fitness. It’s about fortitude.

It’s about navigating the chaos of life while still showing up for yourself. And that requires real support from a real human being who knows what it takes to cross that finish line—mentally, physically, and emotionally.

If you're serious about racing Ironman, you don’t just need data.

You need a coach who listens.Who adapts.Who gets you.

And that’s something no AI will ever replace.

Mary Timoney

Ironman Certified Coach

USA Triathlon Coach

ACSM Trainer