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?

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
The Perfect Running Playlist
178 to 182 bpm - preview tracks in the player or select individual tracks from the Track List below
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.
1
The Old School Off the Bright
179 bpm - The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - A Jackknif more...0 points
iTunes?
Do you use an iPod or keep all your music in iTunes? No problem!

Now you've got your tracks in iTunes!
Want to make a bpm playlist in iTunes?
It's easy!
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
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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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If you liked any of these tracks, please let someone else know!
Top 10 Alternative Songs
from iTunes
While you're here, check out these top alternative songs from iTunes!
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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!
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!
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Reply
- efarmiga efarmiga Oct 16, 2009 @ 8:04 am | in reply to MikeJonesey
- Thanks for the suggestion! I added 101 Running Songs to the list below in case anyone wants to check it out.
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Reply
- MikeJonesey MikeJonesey Oct 16, 2009 @ 4:24 am
- I just bought a CD called 101 running songs from amazon - some great tracks on there that match my pace perfectly
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Reply
- efarmiga efarmiga Sep 11, 2009 @ 2:11 pm | in reply to Diana
- I'm working on playlists for other bpm ranges based on the poll results above. If you haven't voted in the poll, make sure you do so! The other lists will be linked from here when they're ready.
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Reply
- Diana Diana Sep 11, 2009 @ 1:33 pm
- This is wonderful! I'm currently running much slower, but the 180 BPM is something to work up to, and I can use your playlist to do so. Thanks again!
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Reply
- efarmiga efarmiga Aug 28, 2009 @ 2:41 pm | in reply to Redbird23
- Thanks! I'm glad you liked the lens.
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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.
Thanks for checking out my lens!
If you liked this lens, here's a list of some of my other lenses. If you know of a good running-related lens to add, let me know in the comments!-
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