3 ways to prep for your next big race with Search

Google published guidance on using Search's artificial intelligence features to prepare for a race, describing three specific tools. The post is attributed to contributor Peter Schottenfels.

The first is AI Mode in Search, which can produce a personalized training schedule. Users select the Canvas tool from the plus (+) menu and describe their goals and circumstances. The example given is a request for a sub 4.5-hour training plan for the Texas Marathon with routes around Montrose, based on running four times a week with a longest run of 7-9 miles. The post says the tool can recommend cross-training and strength-building strategies and surface perspectives from sites and creators.

The second involves YouTube Music. If a user connects their YouTube Music account with Search, they can ask AI Mode to create a custom playlist for a run. Google frames this around mental endurance, saying that coping with boredom and staying energized matters on longer distances.

The third concerns gear. Search can filter products by constraints such as road shoes for wide feet, lightweight hydration vests under $80, or anti-chafing apparel. This draws on Google's Shopping Graph, which the post says contains over 60 billion product listings, and can return tailored recommendations, side-by-side comparisons of in-stock options, and local availability.

Google also reports that running-related searches are spiking. Queries including "run club," "how to choose running shoes," and "how to train for a marathon" have reached all-time highs this year, which the post attributes to people looking to unplug and spend time outdoors.

Why it matters: Developers and product teams building on or alongside Search now have concrete examples of how AI Mode, Canvas, the YouTube Music connection, and the Shopping Graph are positioned for consumer planning tasks, and the stated 60 billion product listings sets a scale reference for shopping-related integrations.