CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- It was an app made for social distancing.
Charge Running was introduced last autumn, months before large gathering spaces were closed to slow the spread of COVID-19. The app allows runners to join a virtual running group that will motivate you on your daily jog. They can chat and keep tabs on each other, then individually go about their run.
It would appear to be a perfect match for this moment in history.
"All you need is a good pair of headphones, your phone, okay, and probably a pair of running shoes..." the app says in an advertisement.
With Made in Chicago, WBBM Newsradio's Rob Hart takes a look at Charge Running with Founder and CEO Matthew Knippen.
"It's not just an automated system, you don't have to watch a video while you're running, you're actively engaged by having a coach talk to you in your ear. And they're specifically calling out your name while you're in the run," Knippen said.
The marketing materials were posted online last fall, when no one uttered the words social distancing. Now, with the stay-at-home order gyms are closed and treadmills are idle. People have to keep up with their workouts at home.
"This is such a tough time for our country and the world. For Charge, it's been a crazy moment of growth and we're just hanging on as best as we can," Knippen said.
Knippen said you don't have to be an experienced runner to join, and he said your virtual running buddies are most likely in the same boat.
"We have such a good community of runners, of all different levels. Over half of our runners have never run a 5K or just done a 5K," Knippen said.
He called it a good way to stay connected.
"During the run, if we have walk it out sessions, they're chatting on how that just went. And after they're hanging out 5-10 minutes after the run and posting sweaty selfies," Knippen said.
