In 2026, no one needs to hire a running coach to write a training plan.

So the deeper question is, how does the work of a human running coach go beyond what a large language model can iterate? What is the intrinsic human value of what I do to help runners around the world?

I’m going to be exploring that a lot in my work coming up and to help me out today, I’m talking to another running coach and voice you might recognize, Matt Chittim of the Rambling Runner Podcast.

And the conversation gets interesting.

Today, Matt and I go into a lot of running topics like:

How AI is changing the profession
How masters runners can change their relationship with running, and
What Matt is doing now with knee surgery coming up.

I was recently a guest on The Rambling Runner so if you haven’t checked out that conversation, please do that right after this one.

Welcome to the Planted Runner. I’m Coach Claire Bartholic and my mission is to help you improve your running, your mindset, and your life with science-backed training and plant-based nutrition.

If you need more help, you can order my book The Planted Runner: Running Your Best With Plant-Based Nutrition wherever you get books or request a copy from your local library.

Don’t forget to stay tuned all the way to the end of the episode for another Mental Strength Minute. Fortify your mind in 60 seconds or less.

LINKS:

If you’d like help directly from me, you can check out my freebies, personal coaching, and sign up for my PR Team at https://www.theplantedrunner.com/link.

For my recommendations of at-home equipment and other running products I recommend, check out my curated list on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/theplantedrunner

LIQUID IV:

Just one stick of LIquid IV + 16 oz. of water hydrates better than water alone. Get 20% off your first order of Liquid I.V. when you go to https://www.liquid-iv.com/ and use code PLANTED at checkout.

RECENT REVIEWS:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐More Masters Topics

Have only listened to one podcast, the recent one on Master Runners. It was excellent and I would strongly recommend many more episodes on just that subject. We runners from the Jimm Fixx era are still at it and are interested in topics that will help us run forever!

DeBK265

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Amazing Content!

Found running 5 years ago at age 64. Claire’s podcast is a big part of why I am still at it and improving. I particularly love the PR Training labs which help me build race plans. So many running podcasts are filled with non-pertinent chatter. Claire is succinct and provided tons of helpful content. When she interviews guests, she asks excellent questions and chisels home the “meat” (all while being plant-based!! 😜). Claire is a delight to listen to.

S. Feralio

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Coach Claire is very helpful!

I’ve listened to this podcast for a while now and really enjoy the content. Episodes are typically concise and on a specific topic that tends to be helpful for the average runner looking to improve. Give it a try!

Rollem123

Music Credits:

Music from Uppbeat