Perfect Pace Running Playlist

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Run to the beat of this music playlist to set the perfect pace for your runs!

Check out this playlist for the perfect running music to keep you on pace! Running with music is great, but running to the beat of the music is even better. This running playlist was specially selected to target the optimal running turnover of 180 bpm (beats per minute). Run to the beat and have a great workout!

Don't run at 180 bpm? No problem! Check out my other bpm paced playlists:
170 to 180 bpm running playlist
160 to 170 bpm running playlist








photo by Ed Yourdon

Perfect Pace = 180 bpm (beats per minute) 

Why is this the perfect pace?

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Turnover, as measured in beats per minute, is simply the number of times that your feet strike the ground in one minute. 180 bpm means that you take 180 steps in a minute, or that each foot hits the ground 90 times in a minute.

Many experts have studied running biomechanics, and 180 bpm seems to be the consensus for what optimal turnover should be. Many (perhaps most) runners actually have a slower turnover and make it up by taking longer strides. But longer strides put more strain on your joints and muscles and are less efficient for long distance running.

Check out this article from Runner's World for more information.

Running to the beat of a measured playlist will keep your turnover at the optimal rate, and help you to find your best running form!

If you're not at 180 bpm, don't worry! Run at the pace that's right for you. I'm creating more playlists for other turnover rates and will list them here when they are complete.
170 to 180 bpm running music playlist
160 to 170 bpm running music playlist

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The Perfect Running Playlist 

178 to 182 bpm - preview tracks in the player or select individual tracks from the Track List below

These energetic songs were hand picked to power up your run targeting 180bpm. These are some of my favorites that I use when I run.

Genres include Ska/Punk, Alternative, and Indie. The playlist contains 14 songs for a 45 minute workout.

Remember, adjust your stride to match the pace of the music. Shorter steps are healthier, give you better running form, and help you keep up with the rhythm.

Track List 

Vote for your favorites! Click arrows to vote, or click the title to go to Amazon.com

I'll add new tracks as I discover them. To stay up to date, click Grab This List below and subscribe to the RSS feed so you can find out about new tracks as I post them.

The Old School Off the Bright

The Old School Off the Bright

179 bpm - The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - A Jackknif more...1 point

So Sad To Say

So Sad To Say

182 bpm - The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - Pay Attent more...1 point

Going Blonde

Going Blonde

182 bpm - Juliana Hatfield - Made In China1 point

Let Me Be

Let Me Be

180 bpm + (variable) - The Mighty Mighty Bosstones more...1 point

Tessellate

Tessellate

180 bpm - Tokyo Police Club - Elephant Eggshell1 point

Infinity Milk

Infinity Milk

182 bpm - Danananakroyd - Hey Everyone1 point

Cosmopolitan

Cosmopolitan

178 bpm - Nine Black Alps - Everything Is1 point

What a Life

What a Life

178 bpm - Juliana Hatfield - Only Everything0 points

I Want My City Back

I Want My City Back

178 bpm - The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - A Jackknif more...0 points

10

A Jackknife To A Swan

A Jackknife To A Swan

180 bpm - The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - A Jackknif more...0 points

11

Detroit Has A Skyline

Detroit Has A Skyline

178 bpm - Superchunk - Here's Where the Strings Co more...0 points

12

Allow Them

Allow Them

182 bpm - The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - Pay Attent more...0 points

13

I Know More

I Know More

182 bpm - The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - Pay Attent more...0 points

14

Down To The Wire

Down To The Wire

182 bpm - Son Vold - American Central Dust0 points

iTunes? 

Do you use an iPod or keep all your music in iTunes? No problem!

Amazon mp3's are DRM free - so you can easily import them into iTunes. Just download the tracks you want and remember what folder you put them in. Then from iTunes, simply go to File and select Add file to library. Navigate to the folder where your tracks are, select them all, and click Open.

Now you've got your tracks in iTunes!

Want to make a bpm playlist in iTunes? 

It's easy!

Simply go to File and select New Smart Playlist. Match the rule BPM is in the range 178 to 182. (Or pick whatever range you prefer for your runs)

Check Live Updating and then as you add tracks to iTunes, just make sure to enter the bpm in the track info, and your playlist will automatically update!

Over 2 Million Songs to Preview, Buy and Download at iTunes

Please check out my family running blog 

runninginthefamily.com

Running in the Family helps families enjoy running together. Check out our latest posts here, or visit runninginthefamily.com and subscribe to our RSS feed or sign up for our email list!

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Spread the love! 

If you liked any of these tracks, please let someone else know!

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Top 10 Alternative Songs 

from iTunes

While you're here, check out these top alternative songs from iTunes!

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Love running? Tell the world! 

Check out these cool ways to express your passion for running.

What's your perfect pace? 

Let me know what your preferred running tempo is.

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Most people don't run at the optimal turnover rate. If you know what your normal turnover rate is, let me know! I'll be developing more playlists and will target the pace based on poll results. Also, please drop a comment below to let me know what music suggestions you have!


UPDATE
Looks like 170 to 180 bpm is the most popular pace range. Get your 170 to 180 bpm running music playlist here! More coming soon!

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I want your playlist suggestions! 

Let me know what music you want to hear!

I'm working on more running playlists targeting different bpm ranges, and covering a wider variety of music. Give me your suggestions here and I'll try to incorporate them!

submit

Add your favorite songs below! 

Please try to keep them in the 178-182 bpm range

Add your favorite running songs below, or vote for which ones you like best out of this playlist! I'll incorporate popular songs into future playlists.

To add your songs click the Add to list button, then click on Help me find links. Enter the band and song title in the search box of the popup window.

I Want My City Back

178 bpm - The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - A Jackknif more...1 point

Going Blonde

182 bpm - Juliana Hatfield - Made In China1 point

Allow Them

182 bpm - The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - Pay Attent more...1 point

Tessellate

180 bpm - Tokyo Police Club - Elephant Eggshell1 point

101 Running Songs

2009 five CD set. This collection of tracks, the l more...1 point

The Old School Off the Bright

178 bpm - The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - A Jackknif more...0 points

A Jackknife To A Swan

180 bpm - The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - A Jackknif more...0 points

What a Life

178 bpm - Juliana Hatfield - Only Everything0 points

Detroit Has A Skyline

178 bpm - Superchunk - Here's Where the Strings Co more...0 points

So Sad To Say

182 bpm - The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - Pay Attent more...0 points

Down To The Wire

182 bpm - Son Volt - Amecian Central Dust0 points

I Know More

182 bpm - The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - Pay Attent more...0 points

Infinity Milk

182 bpm - Danananakroyd - Hey Everyone0 points

Let Me Be

180 bpm - The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - Pay Attent more...0 points

Cosmopolitan

178 bpm - Nine Black Alps - Everything Is0 points

Running books and gear 

Vote for your favorites!

Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running: The Best Advice to Get Started, Stay Motivated, Lose Weight, Run Injury-Free, Be Safe, and Train for Any Distance (Runner's World Complete Books) by Dagny Scott Barrios

Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running: The Best Advice to Get Started, Stay Motivated, Lose Weight, Run Injury-Free, Be Safe, and Train for Any Distance (Runner's World Complete Books) by Dagny Scott Barrios

Now with a fresh design and thoroughly updated inf more...0 points

Thorlo Unisex Thick Cushion Running Crew Sock, White/Navy, Large

Thorlo Unisex Thick Cushion Running Crew Sock, White/Navy, Large

Patented and engineered with heavyweight pads to h more...0 points

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall

Full of incredible characters, amazing athletic ac more...0 points

ChiRunning: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running by Danny Dreyer, Katherine Dreyer

ChiRunning: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running by Danny Dreyer, Katherine Dreyer

Join the hundreds of thousands of people who are n more...0 points

Evolution Running DVD Run Faster with Fewer Injuries

Evolution Running DVD Run Faster with Fewer Injuries

Athletes in every sport except running devote enor more...0 points

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by efarmiga

I'm a serious-casual runner, and have run four marathons. I love running to music, and hope to share my passion and playlists with you! (more)

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