“Utilizing ChatGPT to Create a Marathon Playlist: From Taylor Swift to the Finish Line”
Running takes up a big chunk of my free time, as I’m currently training to run a marathon — something I’ve never done before. I got back to running with the help of ChatGPT, as I instructed the chatbot to give me a training plan based on my requirements so I could run half marathon races comfortably again. It worked, too; I relied mostly on ChatGPT’s program to get me there, so I have now progressed to the next stage: A full marathon.
As I explained before, the problem with long-distance running isn’t just about strengthening your heart and legs to withstand the effort. It’s also about training the mind. I don’t just mean getting in the mindset that you can do it, but having the patience to run for hours and hours.
I use podcasts and music to keep my mind occupied as my body runs the distance we agreed on beforehand. Taylor Swift is in the rotations of playlists I listen to, and Shake It Off is the song that gets me going. Even on easy runs, I invariably pick up the pace when Shake It Off plays, despite knowing that I have to stay within a certain heart rate range.
The song will be great on actual race day when I have to push harder than during training, especially on those last few miles. So, I had this idea while running and listening to the song a few days ago. Why don’t I use ChatGPT to generate a marathon playlist for Apple Music featuring different songs that have one thing in common with Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off: A similar beat to motivate me?
Why Taylor Swift might be good for your marathon
I’d have listened to Taylor Swift while training and running races, even without knowing how she trained for The Eras Tour. Swift told Time magazine she started working six months before the tour by running and singing her songs:
Every day, I would run on the treadmill, singing the entire set list out loud. Fast for fast songs, and a jog or a fast walk for slow songs.
Each concert is about 180 minutes long, and she sings some 40 songs from her entire career. All I can say is, “Challenge accepted.” I might actually incorporate that training into my marathon training routines.
The running part isn’t everything. Swift’s gym also came up with strength, conditioning, and weight training for the tour. And she took dance training on top of that. But I digress.
Shake It Off, ChatGPT!
After getting inspiration from Taylor Swift, I decided to use ChatGPT to create a marathon playlist filled with songs that have a similar beat to Shake It Off. Using both ChatGPT 4 and ChatGPT 3.5, I was able to generate a list of songs that I could use to keep me motivated during my runs.
ChatGPT 4 and ChatGPT 3.5 both provided me with lists of songs that could be used for my marathon playlist, and while there were some differences between the two lists, I was able to combine them to create a diverse and motivating playlist.
While there were some challenges along the way, such as difficulties with importing the playlist into Apple Music, I was ultimately able to achieve my goal thanks to the help of ChatGPT.
The dream
Imagine if in the future, technology could advance to a point where our devices could generate personalized playlists for us on the spot, based on our current mood and activity. This would truly revolutionize the way we experience music while engaging in physical activities like running.
Overall, my experience using ChatGPT to create a marathon playlist has been a success. It has not only helped me stay motivated during my training but has also introduced me to new music that I may not have discovered otherwise. I look forward to using this playlist during my upcoming marathon and seeing how it enhances my running experience.