Why We Built a Custom AI, Not an LLM

Learn more about TrainerRoad AI: ⁠https://www.trainerroad.com/blog/introducing-trainerroad-ai/⁠Learn more about the updated AI FTP Detection: ⁠https://www.trainerroad.com/blog/why-is-ai-ftp-detecting-an-ftp-change/⁠// SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠// TOPICS COVERED(00:00:00) Welcome! TrainerRoad AI Q&A with Nate Pearson

(00:00:54) How is TrainerRoad actually using AI (and what it’s not doing)

(00:05:26) Why TrainerRoad uses custom AI instead of ChatGPT-style models

(00:10:11) How TrainerRoad AI really uses FTP (and why FTP is “functional”)

(00:13:08) The biggest misconceptions about FTP testing and accuracy

(00:22:31) Why TrainerRoad AI doesn’t rely on FTP or progression levels internally

(00:28:52) Why your FTP might go down with AI Detection (and why that’s OK)

(00:36:55) Why more training doesn’t always make you faster

(00:42:19) Why your predicted FTP can change suddenly after a workout

(00:50:47) How to use progression levels and workout levels with AI training

(00:56:24) Do post-workout surveys still matter with TrainerRoad AI?

(01:01:26) Can TrainerRoad tell if you barely survived a workout?

(01:03:28) Why your workouts keep changing on the calendar

(01:08:12) What AI Predicted Difficulty and failure percentage actually mean

(01:16:30) How long it takes TrainerRoad AI to feel dialed in

(01:18:43) What yellow and red days mean (and when to ignore them)

(01:20:50) How to use workout alternates with TrainerRoad AI

(01:21:10) What to do if you miss workouts or get sickCoach Jonathan sits down with CEO Nate Pearson to answer the biggest questions athletes have about TrainerRoad AI, pulling back the curtain on how it actually works and what it means for your training. They explain why TrainerRoad’s AI isn’t a chatbot or large language model, but a purpose-built system trained on tens of millions of workouts and rides to predict the right workout for the right day, with guardrails that avoid “AI slop.” The conversation dives deep into FTP—why the AI doesn’t truly use FTP the way athletes think, why FTP can go down without fitness going down, and how precision and consistency matter more than chasing a number. They also cover progression levels, post-workout surveys, predicted difficulty, yellow and red days, missed workouts, illness, and why plans change dynamically as you train. Throughout, the focus stays on what matters most: progressive overload, recovery, and building fitness you can actually use, with practical advice to help athletes trust the system, train smarter, and keep getting faster over time.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠- TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠- TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠- TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠- TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠- Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN