#2: What ChatGPT Thinks I Need to Trail Run

AI gets it right...pretty much

It’s April 2023 and you might have heard about something called ChatGPT. As a generative AI language model being developed by various companies like OpenAI (also in BING!), Google, Meta, and many others, these models are poised to change how people like you and me search (and use) content on the internet. Since these models are conversational, it’s less about search terms and lists of websites to browse and more about these models providing answers to questions without all the additional clicking through pages to find what you need. They predict the next word in a sequence after your prompt is submitted into the chat box (which is, I know, a HUGE oversimplification).  As a writing professor at a community college, I’m already seeing ChatGPT surface in writing assignments in profound and challenging ways. I’m also seeing that it sometimes gets really important information wrong. Like wildly wrong, and this is usually based on vague input provided by the human user.

AI generated runner in St. George, Utah.

But this isn’t a post about teaching; it is me asking ChatGPT important questions about things like trail running to see what it gets right and maybe gets wrong. What you see by number is what ChatGPT returned for the prompt “Top 5 Gear for Trail Running.” My response directly follows.

1. Trail Running Shoes: A good pair of trail running shoes is the most important gear for trail running. They offer better traction, support, and stability on uneven and rocky terrain. Look for shoes with a durable sole, a protective toe cap, and breathable materials.

Response: RIGHT. Shoes. Not wrong here, and this is a matter of preference. I’ve run my fair share of miles in the Salomon Sense Ride 3 and 4, the Hoka Speedgoat 4 and 5, and I’m currently looking for something new. And thanks for the top cap mention, ChatGPT. This is an area that is lacking in my Speedgoat 4s. Durable and breathable…also key. Good call, ChatGPT.

2. Hydration System: Trail running can be intense, and you'll need to stay hydrated throughout your run. A hydration system like a hydration pack, water bottles or a hydration belt will keep you hydrated on the go.

Response: another solid answer here from ChatGPT. Having the ability to carry water is key, but I would also add that having the ability to carry other things to fuel your run is equally important. I carry water and power bars in a Nathan running vest (purchased at my local discount Sierra Clothing store). What you decide to carry in terms of water will vary from runner to runner and time of year. Right now for my short afternoon trail runs in the spring after work, I carry one small soft bottle up front, phone, lip balm, and light jacket and gloves if the weather looks iffy. The ability to carry a flexible load out is key, and a decent running vest can provides this. So I think of this as total system.

3. Trail Running Hat or Visor: A hat or visor will protect you from the sun, and help to keep sweat and rain out of your face. Look for hats or visors with moisture-wicking fabrics, and ventilation to keep you cool.

Response: Okay this should be number one on the list for me. As a middle aged dude with a chrome-dome, a good hat is VITAL. I favor old mesh trucker hats (for breathability), and ones with soft fronts are better than hard fronts for sure. If it’s a sunny day and I’m running in open environments, I’ll add some sunscreen up top, but for the most part in the forests of Maryland, I can go without. I think of my trail running hats as partners really…as they go pretty much everywhere with me. I could get a “technical” hat, but then I wouldn’t need to visit random truck stops or Goodwills looking for my next one. I’d miss this.

The author running in his cheap-o gear (2022)

4. Technical Clothing: Technical clothing made of moisture-wicking and breathable materials are essential for trail running. These clothes will keep you dry, comfortable, and prevent chafing. Consider investing in a lightweight jacket or vest in case the weather changes.

Response: I have mixed feelings about this one, excluding the advice about the jacket. Definitely invest in this. The word “technical” usually means expensive, and this runs against my frugal nature. I FIRMLY know we can engage in our sports of choice and not break the bank. One recent year, I bought a swimsuit at Walmart, cut out the mesh, and ran the whole summer in them. They were lightweight, dried quickly, cheap ($5), and were the perfect length (mid thigh for this tall dude). On top, I favor soccer shirts or other light polyester fare that wick decently. I would say this about technical clothing: I’ve invested in merino wool socks. I have MANY, so many that I’ve been accused of having an obsession. But that’s okay. They just work. I have other merino tops and tights I use for winter, and they have proved useful as a way to keep going when the weather turns chilly. So I say invest in gear that makes the most sense, and it does not ALWAYS need to be “technical.”

5. GPS Watch: A GPS watch is useful for tracking your pace, distance, elevation, and mapping out your routes. It's an essential tool for trail runners who like to track their progress and analyze their performance.

Response: More mixed feelings, here. Most trail runners I know have invested in this area, and some of the watches by Garmin and Apple are not cheap. I’ve run with cheapo Garmin watches for years and can track essential data like pace, distance, elevation, but mapping routes is another matter, usually only found on the more expensive watches. I recently purchased a used Apple Watch 6 and I like what it does in terms of tracking, but my analysis of the data is limited at best, as I’m only looking at a few metrics (and expanded smart watch functions). It’s the same in the Garmin interface. I say start with the watch you can afford and upgrade over time. I mean, my watch needs are modest, but if I were younger and running in Ultras, perhaps those extra functions would be useful. 

Overall, I’d say ChatGPT provided a decent starter list for trail running gear, with a few caveats, perhaps one that will help get new runners out enjoying the trails. If I had to grade its responses out of scale of 0-100, I’d score this an 85%. Not bad. What did ChatGPT miss? Let me know in the comments.