Charge Running: Live Coaching Reviews

by Bella081785

If you care about equity and justice, look elsewhere as they are “too small” to make a one sentence long simple statement (Black Lives Matter) but instead would rather cater to their conservative, white fan base. Don’t feel like you’ll be able to make inroads on this matter because they delete any comments that could be viewed as negative or “political” (to be clear, demanding the right of BIPOC to be able live safe and secure lives is not political, it is a moral imperative).

If you care about women feeling safe in virtual spaces, look elsewhere as they have repeatedly let into their online community multiple times an individual who friended and cold messaged every woman. Despite many coming forward with their concern and discomfort, this person apparently “didn’t violate any rules”. But at least he wasn’t political and didn’t mention racism-that would truly be terrible 🙄

If you care about the right of the differently abled to be treated with dignity, look elsewhere as they partnered with guest DJs on a run who openly mocked disabled and slow runners.

Not to mention their tracking is utterly unreliable, ChargeRunning kicks you out on a regular basis, and there are other apps doing similar and better work.

Given the way our society operates, even if you like ChargeRunning , you shouldn’t give this company your money. Period.

by Erek Stormraven

Charge Running.. How to begin? When I started running with them, I thought it was an incredible idea. Running with a coach who can track and motivate you, keep you entertained while you while away the miles during training. Great!

Then I noticed the flaws. GPS tracking is iffy at best. You have to listen to the music the coach chooses, no option to listen to your own. Not bad, but certainly not amazing.

Then, 2020 hit and many companies were forced to choose a side on many issues of social justice. Charge chose to stand on the wrong side of things, despite all of their competitors making statements and taking action. To this date, they still refuse to stand up and make a forceful statement.

Most recently, they attempted to raise their prices on ChargeRunning - quite literally doubling them - and attempted to make existing annual subscribers pony up the extra money. They backtracked on that last, after quite a community uproar, but the price increase remains.

For an app that offers live running and nothing else - no cross training, nothing - $30 / month is ridiculous. There's at least 3 competitors who do running and more for half that price.

Run, run far away from Charge Running.

by MsChyD

I just downloaded ChargeRunning and signed up today...was excited to try it out so I did the walk-through and signed up for my first live run at 6:00 AM with Julie. Rushed to the gym trying to make it in time for the live class hopped on the treadmill at 5:55 AM and signed in....hit the " join now" button and nothing ....just
a message to come back at 6 and an option to challenge friends . I wrote a message on the message board for the class thinking maybe it meant 6 in another time zone..and some one responded that it should have started and Julie probably forgot.( She also mentioned that Sarah usually starts early to get you in the mood before the class) I kept trying until 6:15 before I did my zombie run app. Checked back in at about 6:46..still nothing..why have people pay if the instructor isn't going to show up for live class. 6 is the only time I had avaliable...I will give it another shot before I delete ChargeRunning for good!!

by JPlummer9

I used to run with a running group and it kept me motivated, but then I moved, and had an injury, and haven’t been able to motivate myself to get back into running for years. Today I started training for a half marathon and tried ChargeRunning and it was wonderful! It was like running with my running group with the addition of music, and coaching! I ran longer and faster than I planned and enjoyed it more than I have in a long time. I’ll definitely be using ChargeRunning throughout my training! The only reason I’m giving it a 4 and not a five is that navigating within ChargeRunning to find explanations of what each thing (like virtual races) entails is a bit confusing. Overall, I love it!

by Daniellelevee

I tried ChargeRunning because it was the way to run live with a virtual run I had joined. First off, it kicked me out multiple times so I lost the mileage I had completed. Then when I tried to use it on my watch, it canceled out RunKeeper on my Apple Watch so I lost the mileage I’d had on that. I’ve never once had a problem with RunKeeper before and I’ve been using it for years so it was definitely ChargeRunning. Also, if you want any of the talking and updates, you have to also have their music. There’s no option to just have the updates over your own music. All in all I’m deleting it and won’t be trying it again. You can’t use it alone on the watch, either.
When I emailed support they were very nice and explained that they have a small team and are doing their best.

by Sonya44

I can’t say enough good things about ChargeRunning. It’s like having a personal trainer in your pocket. When you enter a virtual running “class” you get *personalized* and real-time motivation and encouragement about your particular performance. The trainers can see your speed and distance so know right when I slow down or speed up and offer expert coaching. I like that the other runners can’t see my speed as I’m not using ChargeRunning to compete and more so to make running more enjoyable, and dare I say fun. I used to dread running and now I look forward to it. Using this has replaced my having to go to HIIT classes (Orange Theory, Barry’s Bootcamp, etc) and I get to avoid schlepping to a studio. I’ve also gotten faster and am nearly at my high school varsity field hockey pace which feels great. My only complaint is that I wish they had more runs each day and some longer ones. Overall it’s fantastic and can’t recommend it enough.

by Str8up50

I got back into running about 2 months ago using Nike Run App Coach Program. Made some steady progress but I lacked the motivation in pushing myself. I've ran farther and faster since using ChargeRunning. I may not be the fastest but when I see someone ahead of me on mileage I tend to push myself further in order to catch up whereas before I wasn't really competing. Yeah it is a bit pricey, but it's a solid investment in one's health

by Rawrry21

I have a really hard time running by myself. I've tried all the other running apps, but I eventually just get bored halfway through my run and quit early. I've been using ChargeRunning since before it launched, and it truely changes the way I think about running. Not only can I race against my friends and family on a live leaderboard from wherever I am, I get a live trainer that gives me that motivation and encouragement I need to get through the run. Really is an amazing experience

by Pcparents

How many ways can you say the word awesomeness?? From the concept dreamed up by two siblings to the approach, coaches, types of runs, frequency of classes, and the amazing music playlists - everything is awesome! And that’s before I even mention how great it is to be part of a real and live community of Chargers all running together around the world. I am a COVID Runner which means I couldn’t run a mile before COVID hit. Thanks to several of the coaches, I have now completed my first half marathon, and have a second coming up soon. The coaches teach, cheer, and encourage. The other runners create a leaderboard of mild competition that encourages you to push yourself just a little more than you might otherwise. My sister even runs with me every week even though we’re 80 miles apart. Whether you can simply walk a quarter-mile, or know how to run a six minute pace, ChargeRunning is for you and your friends and family.

by Dianasaurrus

So I have a love/hate relationship with running. Most days I don’t want to do it. Charge uses my sense of competition and fear of shame to motivate me to run fast/long. So I always end up running faster and further than I always intend. I love the motivation I get from the coaches and their updates on my pace are great. It’s at your own pace but I always end up pushing myself harder when on a live charge run. The times are a bit early for a west coast runner and runs can be kind of boring being the only runner signed up.

by KCT3251

ChargeRunning is awesome! After all this coronavirus stuff started happening, I kept seeing ads for “virtual runs.” They all expect you to pay to register for a run and then run by yourself! How stupid is that?

ChargeRunning is more of what I was hoping for in a virtual run. I don’t have any friends that are active so I have to run alone, but thanks to ChargeRunning I can run knowing there are others all over the country running with me! I will recommend it to anyone who enjoys running, beginner or expert!

by Bev Z

I started running last year during the pandemic and tried different apps but wasn’t motivated. I tried one charge run during a free trial and was hooked! The coach and other runners were so welcoming in the chat and I immediately felt like this was my sign to stick with it. Fast forward to this year, I’m running faster and longer then I ever imagined and consider charge my running family. I absolutely love running the live runs, especially their events and races. I’ll be a lifetime member for sure.

by WeAreTheChampas

I am an avid runner. My runs consist of treadmills and outside running. Sometimes I need a bit of motivation since mornings are my only time to get a run in. My routine is to listen to music while actively being engaged with my environment. At times, it gets boring and I lack the motivation and encouragement. ChargeRunning has you running “virtually” with others that share your same skill and pace level while a coach guides you and keeps you going. I am really enjoying this new way to run. Perfect for my needs.

by Tina Ko

I can’t say enough about ChargeRunning. I love it. It was a game changer for my running. Since I started using ChargeRunning last November of 2020, I’ve logged over 500 miles. The live runs motivate me and the coaches provide great tips. In 2019, prior the the Covid lockdown, I ran a 10k at 1:11. Recently I ran a 10k at 1:05. I can’t remember the exact times to the second.) I shaved at least 6 minutes. ChargeRunning also features virtual races on the weekends. It also has another feature where you can play your own music while you listen to the coach.

by Catherine1986

As someone who is in a permanent love/hate relationship with running, I don’t know where I’d be without Charge Running (read: not running).

I have been running with the trainers at Charge for months now. Even though I’ve never met them in person, they all know me by name, they take the time to understand my goals, and they are there for me, cheering me on whether it’s an 8:30 minute/mile day or an 11 minute day.

I am so grateful for the Charge running trainers expertise; their humor (dad jokes anyone?) and their constant support. I recommend ChargeRunning to anyone, whether you are a beginning runner or a marathoner. It truly is something special!!

by DavesGirl317

Download ChargeRunning . Sign in. Pick whether you are going to run outside , on a treadmill, or just spectate (listen in). You can carry your phone with you on person or let your stats pick up from your Apple Watch. The coaches guide you on speed, tempo, breathing, etc. Meanwhile you are running with people from literally all over the world! There is a chat feature where we motivate each other and we are never alone!
I absolutely love ChargeRunning and I have been running for over 30 years. It’s all about wellness. Nothing is ever a competition. That’s why I keep coming back. I love Charge Running 🧡.

by Tnd Runner

Having ChargeRunning has really improved my running and the love for it! So much better than “running alone”! The only problem I have is my Apple Watch. It doesn’t always connect with a run causing me to have to close out of ChargeRunning on my phone and force close ChargeRunning on my watch and then I’m “running behind” everyone else. Or there are times when I start a run fine and then my watch and phone stop connecting with each other. Having those issues before or during a run causes frustration when running is supposed to allow you to escape frustration for a bit.

So yes, love ChargeRunning when it works but frustrated when it doesn’t

by Ajazeslj

I love to run! I did a virtual race with “Gone for a Run” via Charge and it was so fun. I didn’t think I’d like to always run with someone else’s music, etc but I used charge for the free week I got from the race and I am absolutely hooked! I haven’t run without Charge since I officially got ChargeRunning . I’ve met “friends” from all over the country (and world). I feel like I know the coaches and (those I “run with” often, know me). I really can’t say enough about ChargeRunning (just ask my friends- some who now have the same addiction). You don’t have to be fast or slow, young or old. ChargeRunning is for everyone so try it out! You won’t be disappointed! 🧡 Get it now!! You won’t regret it.

by Eric Vicens

ChargeRunning is great. Fun concept and it’s nice to be followed by a trainer. Whether you are in a small group and have more personal attention or feeling part of a community in a large group, it’s never a disappointment. I love the live runs though sometimes I wish they were longer. Also the directions the trainer gives you are great. I’m still adapting to how to communicate with runners/trainers while running. Texting is hard but potentially exploring controlled/voluntary mic use could be fun. This might be a better idea for longer runs.

I’m not sure I’d want to pay the $10 at this point in time. Maybe if Charge offered incentives for increased app usage, activity, friend invites, etc. Incentives could discounted months or free months.

by NPKNOPP

As a avid runner and ocr competitor who has used every app to try something different (Nike run,map my run etc). ChargeRunning is by far hands down the best thing thats ever happened for runners. I am a solo runner who gets burnt out from time to time. Well not anymore. I have had ChargeRunning now for a month with almost 70 miles logged. The coach’s are awesome. They push you to a level that you can not match running by yourself. The weekend races are terrific. They let you know how you place against runners from around the world. I have had questions and emailed the coaches. They respond back in less then 24 hours. If anyone is looking to get into running or is a seasoned runner you cannot go wrong with ChargeRunning. Give it a try you won’t be disappointed.