Ultra Coach Max

Ultra Coach Max Uesca certified ultra coach

I investigated: Can AI replace your ultra running coach? Rather than just asking AI what it could do, I decided to actua...
22/08/2026

I investigated: Can AI replace your ultra running coach?

Rather than just asking AI what it could do, I decided to actually use it on my own training.

I gave it information about my training, asked it questions, got it to analyse things, suggest sessions and challenge some of my decisions.

Basically, I wanted to find out:

If I didn't have a coach, could AI do the job?

And honestly… AI is good for so much and it is worth embracing........

But after using it myself, I found some pretty big limitations:

• It doesn't really know you
It knows what you tell it, but it doesn't truly know the person behind the data.

• It can make mistakes — and confidently present them as fact
It can misunderstand something, give you the wrong answer or pull together information that isn't quite right.

• It doesn't see the whole picture
Sleep, stress, work, family, motivation and niggles can completely change what the right training decision is.

• It can lose context
Even after giving it loads of information, things can be missed, forgotten or misunderstood.

• It takes your time
You have to keep feeding it new information — what you've done, how you're feeling, how you've slept, what's changed — and then check whether its recommendations actually make sense.

• Coaching is about judgement
Knowing what session you should do is one thing. Knowing when to push, when to adapt and when to say don't run today is another.

But here's the thing…

I'm not anti-AI.

Far from it.

After using it myself, I think it's an incredible for certain tasks......

But would I replace a good coach with it?

No.

Because a training plan is only part of coaching.

Understanding the person following it is the other part.

I've done the investigation.

Now you decide.

Could AI replace your ultra running coach?

👇 What do you think?

23/03/2026

Training for an ultra isn’t just about stacking miles. It’s about balancing real life — work, family, fatigue, stress, recovery — while still moving toward something big.

That’s where good coaching makes the difference.

I’m Max, an ultra running coach and podcaster based in the UK. After 20+ years coaching and training clients — and now specialising in ultra running — I help runners build sustainable, injury‑resistant training that fits their world, not the other way around.

I’ve got a degree in Sport, Fitness and Coaching, and I’m a UESCA‑certified ultrarunning coach. That foundation lets me blend movement quality, strength, fuelling, race strategy and real‑world logistics into a coaching approach that actually works for busy athletes.

I work with runners from their first ultra all the way to events like UTMB, the Spine, the Arc of Attrition and the South Downs Way, as well as athletes internationally.

My coaching is calm, evidence‑based and holistic — built to help you run further, feel stronger and stay consistent without burning out.

If you’re curious about coaching or want me to take a look at your current training, drop me a message or head to the link in my bio. Always happy to chat through your goals.

podium as it stands 🏆What a race it’s been so far, with some huge names leading the way:Women’s Standings🥇 🇳🇴🥈 🇺🇸🥉 🇺...
21/03/2026

podium as it stands 🏆
What a race it’s been so far, with some huge names leading the way:

Women’s Standings
🥇 🇳🇴
🥈 🇺🇸
🥉 🇺🇸
Men’s Standings
🥇 🇫🇷
🥈 🇮🇹
🥉 🇫🇷

Big performances going down in Chianti 🍇🔥
Love seeing how UTMB Chianti is unfolding.

🚨 Big news in the UK ultra world today: Ourea Events has ceased trading.This affects some of the most iconic mountain ra...
12/03/2026

🚨 Big news in the UK ultra world today: Ourea Events has ceased trading.

This affects some of the most iconic mountain races in the country — including the Dragon’s Back Race, Northern Traverse, Lakes Traverse, and more.

In their statement, they explain that a mix of COVID debt, rising costs, reduced international participation, and lower‑than‑expected 2026 entries made the business unsustainable.

For the community, this is a huge moment.

For everyone who was due to run the Northern Traverse this month — my heart goes out to you.
I know how much training, planning, and emotional energy goes into preparing for a race like that. Having it pulled away at the last minute is incredibly tough.

And for anyone who had Dragon’s Back on their long‑term horizon, the uncertainty will feel just as heavy.

But here’s the truth:

Your training isn’t wasted. Your fitness is real. Your effort still counts. And there will be another challenge worthy of the work you’ve put in.

The UK ultra community is resilient. Events come and go, but the spirit of adventure doesn’t disappear.

If you’re feeling lost, unsure what to aim for next, need help choosing a new target — or just want a chat because this news has hit you hard — I’m here.

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