Running Into The Future: A Runner’s Guide to AI

Artificial Intelligence has come into the vernacular in 2023, and quite frankly, has been in the zeitgeist for some time. Much of the information out there portrays AI as something that will take over and subjugate humankind. In her first article on the subject for RunBlogRun, Fiona Norton gives us some basics, which one might call, AI 101, on Artificial Intelligence 101. In a conversation with this editor, Fiona Norton noted that AI can be and should be a great piece of equipment for coaches, trainers, and footwear designers, as long as the process includes consistent, curated human involvement. 

Running Into The Future: A Runner’s Guide to AI, by Fiona Norton

Artificial Intelligence is a term that encompasses many forms of technology that are made to mimic human intelligence. While AI is fairly new to the world of track and field, it is going to drastically change its future. Many people are aware that AI exists and may have examples of how it is used in their everyday lives. However, this technology is rapidly growing and expanding, and as it does, it is important to understand what its capabilities and limitations are. 

The basis of artificial intelligence is a concept called machine learning. Machine learning is the process in which a computer is able to learn new information independently – that is, without being explicitly programmed or given that information. It uses something called a neural network, an artificial replica of the mechanisms in which a human brain learns, to analyze large amounts of data and derive a summary of the information based on patterns it has detected.

There are a number of ways that computers can use machine learning, but the most popular are natural language processing, image recognition, and predictive analysis. Natural language processing is a type of AI that is capable of producing text, based on its programming, plus information it finds on the internet, and from human input. It uses machine learning to learn how humans communicate and will adapt its responses to give answers that meet specific criteria. Computers can identify and analyze visual information using image recognition.

Predictive analysis is another application of machine learning, in which a computer uses machine learning and statistical inference to predict future outcomes. 

The most popular AI technology right now is created by a company called OpenAI, and it has…