I asked OpenAI to write me an XCO MTB Training Plan

Artificial Intelligence is incredible. As a MTB tech creator, rider and coach, I've been watching this space closely. Since the inception of ChatGPT (openai.com), I've been using the new AI most days to help me brainstorm and troubleshoot.

Recently, I asked ChatGPT to explain the benefits of BrakeAce for mountain bikers. It did an incredible job! Check that whole conversation here (including mistakes). It was super surprising how well the AI did, especially considering that we are still running a waitlist for future BrakeAce orders.

This stuff is all still very new, but the idea of computer-generated training plans is not new. In fact, we talked about this on the Performance Advantage Podcast before ChatGPT became available. We got quite a bit of criticism, but I do believe that AI can help us with training.

So this got me thinking...

What I did today was ask ChatGPT to write me a MTB XC training plan. The conversation is copied below, and I've included my thoughts on the following prompts in bold and italics.

Keep in mind this is totally free! Below is what I typed in the AI prompt, and the training plan it gave me. Note how week 4 is a rest week - it's totally periodized!!

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Matt: write me a mtb xco training plan

ChatGPT: Here is a sample training plan for a Mountain Bike Cross-Country (XCO) race:

Week 1:

Monday: 1 hour easy ride on flat terrain

Tuesday: Rest

Wednesday: 1 hour easy ride on flat terrain

Thursday: Rest

Friday: 1 hour easy ride on flat terrain

Saturday: Rest

Sunday: 1.5 hour easy ride on flat terrain

Week 2:

Monday: 1 hour easy ride on flat terrain

Tuesday: Rest

Wednesday: 1 hour easy ride on hilly terrain

Thursday: Rest

Friday: 1 hour easy ride on flat terrain

Saturday: Rest

Sunday: 2 hour easy ride on hilly terrain

Week 3:

Monday: 1 hour easy ride on flat terrain

Tuesday: Rest

Wednesday: 1 hour easy ride on hilly terrain

Thursday: Rest

Friday: 1 hour easy ride on flat terrain

Saturday: Rest

Sunday: 2 hour easy ride on hilly terrain

Week 4:

Monday: 1 hour easy ride on flat terrain

Tuesday: Rest

Wednesday: 1 hour easy ride on hilly terrain

Thursday: Rest

Friday: 1 hour easy ride on flat terrain

Saturday: Rest

Sunday: 2 hour easy ride on hilly terrain

Week 5:

Monday: 1 hour easy ride on flat terrain

Tuesday: Rest

Wednesday: 1 hour steady ride on hilly terrain

Thursday: Rest

Friday: 1 hour easy ride on flat terrain