I’m officially hooked on workout music. I can always use a little extra motivation to keep going at the gym and I love it when a strong “power song” comes on when I need it. So here’s another workout music playlist (first playlist) below that takes some of the best, strong-beat running songs from other playlists along with some new music not on any other playlists. For me, the 120 – 130 bpm songs are good for stretching and warming up, the 140 – 150 bpm songs are for lifting, and I switch to the 160 – 180 bpm when on the treadmill. Hopefully you find ways to use these songs to keep you motivated as well and keep those New Year’s resolutions going strong!

I have chosen a few of the best, up-beat songs from our previous seven running playlists and added new songs from several “Best of 2011″ lists. I’ve even added a couple Free Downloads* of songs. All songs below meet our standard of being either about fitness/running, inspirational, or at least fun with a great beat (we don’t add songs with potentially uninspiring lyrics…ie. “19th Nervous Breakdown”, “Loser”, “Blister in the Sun” — all great songs, but not exactly motivational for running or fitness). For over 50+ hrs more of running and workout music, go to home page at Bold Pace Music.

As mentioned before…

Running or working out with music that has too slow of a beat can cause a problem with your pace. You may unconsciously slow to the pace of the song. “Eye of the Tiger” is a great motivational song, but at 109 BPM it is way too slow for either running or working out. Getting the “right” BPM for your pace may take some trial and error as each person has a different stride length (which also may vary based on pace). Therefore, these songs were carefully selected for working out with bpm in the 140 – 160 range. The pace (BPM) starts off slower in first few songs, then builds up to a faster cadence. For a well done chart showing BPM by mile pace for walking, running, and cycling… see Exercise Pacing & Use of Music.

If you’re wondering if music can really help when running or exercising…see what Physician.com has to say. There have been many scientific studies done that prove that music can increase performance, here’s a recent one w/ a video from the BBC.

Got an iphone or use an ipod? Check out this app and software that analyzes your itunes for BPMs and then lets you choose songs at that BPM from your iphone or ipod…see Cadence (need Mac w/ OS 10.4 or higher for ipod; PC w/ XP, Vista, Win7 or .net framework 4.0 and above)

There are 53 workout songs below with a total playtime of 3.5 hours. Enjoy…

Best Workout Music: 53 Song Workout Playlist w/ 120 – 180 bpm songs

Click here to download songs from itunes

Click below to play samples and/or download songs from amazon:

To get this music, just click on either itunes or amazon playlist above and download either entire the playlist or individual songs. Or see our Amazon store for the very best full albums by artists on the playlists.

1. We Used To Wait – Arcade Fire (121):
   The song is stellar and the multimedia “event” (aka -the video for the song) is truly groundbreaking and lives up to the hype. The Chris Milk designed site uses HTML5 technology and shows a hooded runner running through a neighborhood…not just any neighborhood, it’s yours. You are asked for an address at the beginning, and Google Maps and Street View do the rest. Once you’ve seen the video, you realize again it’s an excellent song and you can’t help but stay motivated while recalling your childhood images. See the video and learn more.
2. Came Out Of A Lady – Rubblebucket (121): One of Maimed & Tamed’s Best Tracks of 2011. Just try to keep your feet from moving while listening to this Brooklyn band’s infectious power-pop. Those horns, the whistling, the distinctive vocals… Now that your feet are moving, be careful not to sing “She Came Out of a Lady!!” too loudly at the gym.
3. One – Yeasayer (123): I love the eclectic, genre-bending sound that Yeasayer puts forth with shades of rock, pop, world music, folk and more showing up in “One”. The dance beat should help to get into the right workout mindset…
4. Push It – Garbage (123): A good workout mantra: “My head explodes and my body aches. Push it, make the beats go harder”
5. Let’s Go – Cars (130): This song (from their second album “Candy-O”) was perhaps not as strong as the songs from their debut album “Cars” (with favs like Just What I Needed or My Best Friend’s Girl), but it’s still a great song and one of the few Cars songs with faster bpm (the other is Shake It Up at 147 bpm). It’s also a great pump yourself up song with the simple “Let’s Go”!
6. Clint Eastwood – Gorillaz (130): A classic, stylish, fun song from Gorillaz with “I got sunshine in a bag”…but I particularly like this lyric for workout motivation…“Look, I’ll make it all manageable, pick and choose, sit and loose”
7. Bohemian Like You – The Dandy Warhols (131): If you’re checking out the opposite sex while at the gym, this song helps to think “we’re looking pretty cool” and imagine making a move with “what do you do? Oh yeah, I wait tables too…”.
8. The Perfect Kiss – New Order (131): Not so much about the lyrics with this one, just enjoy the intense, driving beat of this classic.
9. All The Pretty Girls – fun. (132): Such an appropriate name for this band as you just can’t help but smile when you listen to this (even if you are on the second set of arm curls).
10. My Body – Young The Giant (132): My daughter found this song before it seemed to explode with airplay…it seems a little overexposed now, but it still has an infectious beat and a great mantra for a workout song… ”My body tells me no!…but I won’t quit, I want more, I want more”
11. Marseilles – Angel City (135): Seems to me that “thinking ’bout the south of France” is not a bad visual diversion. Keep on pumping iron and thinking about “drinking champagne, playing it cool…”
12. Mixed Bizness – Beck (136): Another pleasant diversion because Beck makes such damn interesting and clever songs…and this is one of his best! Listen for “I’m mixing fitness with leather” and then of course “Alright now, turn it up now!”
13. October – Broken Bells (137): A terrific collaboration band featuring Brian Burton (better known as Danger Mouse) and James Mercer (of the Shins). They deliver a nice line to think about during a workout: “There’s no shortcut to a dream, it’s all blood and sweat and life is what you manage in between”
14. Hate To Say I Told You So – The Hives (137): This band is a favorite for running and workout music and they do it again here w/ a strong beat and an attitude that “I’m gonna” do whatever, because “I wanna”…
15. Viva La Vida – Coldplay (139): This song used to feel overexposed, but now it feels like an old friend. Enjoy and imagine you “rule the world”.
16. What Are You Waiting For? – The Rushes (143): In the vein of Franz Ferdinand, The Killers, and the Bravery, the Rushes are a UK band from London that released this song in 2006. The lyrics are perfect with “everything that you do, you are…what you waiting for” Could only find the video on itunes: the song is on the “Corners EP” on Amazon: What Are You Waiting For?
17. Dimension – Wolfmother (143): Sometimes you just need a good rocker when you are lifting, and Wolfmother delivers with a nod toward taking you to a new dimension…
18. Places That Are Gone – Tommy Keene (144): It’s all about moving forward in the new year…let power-pop maestro Tommy Keene (think the DB’s, the Records, R.E.M., Matthew Sweet, the Shoes) remind you that “These are places that are gone, now you can move on and on, back before you knew me well, I was trapped inside a shell”
19. So Alive – Better Than Ezra (145): I’m not usually a fan of covers, but Better Than Ezra takes this Love & Rockets song and not only speeds up the bpm, but makes it better… “I’m alive, so alive” and “your legs are strong”
20. Clampdown – The Clash (146): Just another magnificent song by the masterful Clash! This is one of my Clash favorites (from London Calling–#8 on Rolling Stone’s “Greatest Albums of All Time”)…enjoy “You don’t owe nothing, so boy (or substitute “girl”) get runnin’, it’s the best years of your life they want to steal”.
21. You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb – Spoon (146): Just love this song. Focus on “I can push for good. You got that Cherry Bomb”.
22. Left & Right In The Dark – Julian Casablancas (147): The front man for the Strokes doing just fine on his own…listen for: “Running in the parking lot, I’m four years old” and “I’m on my way on somewhere”
23. Rill Rill – Sleigh Bells (147): Joined with driving guitars, Alexis Krauss is very convincing when telling you: “So this is it then…you’re here to win, friend”—motivated yet? Here’s a great video of this song from Pretty Much Amazing.
24. Hey Now Now – The Cloud Room (150): Another great song w/ fun chorus and beat and it was named a “top ten single of the year” by Rolling Stone in 2006. If David Bowie, The Arcade Fire, and Spoon have all been to see The Cloud Room in concert, they must be doing something right.
25. Use Me – Bill Withers (150): Better known for the classics Lean on Me and Ain’t No Sunshine, here’s another great tune from this R&B legend…
26. Me and Mia – Ted Leo and the Pharmacists (151): Keep fighting… “Fighting for the smallest goal: to get a little self-control…I see it in your eyes, I see it in your spine” and “But do you believe in something beautiful? Then get up and be it”
27. I Want The World To Stop – Belle & Sebastian (151): One of Rawkblog’s Best Songs of 2010 and one of my favorite running and workout music bands. Refined, cool, and smooth…this song should keep you moving on the treadmill as you visualize… “I run alongside rush hour traffic…a prayer for every car”
28. Nine In The Afternoon – Panic At The Disco (152): Gotta just love the name of this band. The first line sums it up well for the treadmill… “Back to the streets where we began, feeling as good as lovers can you know, yeah we’re felling so good”.
29. Wonder Why – Vetiver (152): One of Rollo & Grady’s Top Songs of 2011. The gym is always a good place to reflect and think about your future goals. Vetiver serves up some themes many can relate to in this song, but in a finely crafted, up-beat, jaunty way and ends with… “Up ahead i know, there’s a rocky road. No complaint could ease the way it rides. Yet how far we are from where we once stood high. Wonder if. Wonder how. I wonder why.”
30. It’s Real – Real Estate (153): On many “Songs of the Year” list for 2011 (here’s Consequence of Sound’s). It’s just a simple song about guy & girl, but “It’s Real” good!
31. Balance – Future Islands (154): Another Best Song of 2011 according to Noise Toyz. Another great workout song: “But if you want something to change, you gotta change your life, and take your time, it just takes time…hard work and your time” …so true.
32. Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots – The Flaming Lips (156): [Actual bpm is 78, but if you double and go off the half-beats, it works at 156.] From the album “Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots”–#27 in Rolling Stone’s Best Albums of the ’00s) I must have played this song a thousand times when I first heard it. My kids now know it by heart and love it too. I feel like this should be playing during an episode of the Big Bang Theory while Sheldon discusses Asimov. It should bring a smile to your face at the gym as well…enjoy the story. “she’s gotta be strong to fight them…so she’s taking lots of vitamins”
33. Stand Tall – Dirty Heads (158): A great song to keep you pumped up during a workout.. “So I stand tall, it’s gets a little better, I can see the wall that we can break down together (we can break it down, yes we can make it)”
34. Come Out And Play – The Offspring (158): Another rocker…sure the song is about violence, but focus on the attitude here. Are you lifting to beat someone in a sport? Focus on that person and… “Hey, man you disrespecting me? Take him out…you gotta keep ‘em separated”
35. Reptila – The Strokes (159): A fiery, aggressive song from the Strokes as you keep it moving with the heart of the workout: “I said please don’t slow me down if I’m going too fast”
36. Are We Lovers or Are We Friends?- Acid House Kings (161): A Best of 2011 song according to b sides narrative. A wonderfully exuberant, up-tempo song for a workout playlist that will have you humming later in the day… “Baby are you mine?”. Free download here from Pitchfork or get here:
37. Hang On – Dr. Dog (164): If you’re like me, sometimes just hearing great lyrics in a song is motivating in itself…I love this: “Why you think we need amazing grace, just to tell it like it is. Well, I don’t need no doctor to tear me all apart, I just need you to mend my heart”. Here’s a good review and MP3 stream of the song from Qro Magazine
38. The Spirit of Jazz – The Gaslight Anthem (164): You may be getting tired, but here comes another rousing rocker that tells you: “When you can’t go on, when you know, hold on” and let’s you visualize being on “these New York streets, where you and I would meet”…
39. Brainstorm – Arctic Monkeys (165): A rambunctious rocker that will keep you confidently moving forward… “I doubt it’s your style, not to get what you set out to acquire, the eyes are on fire, you are the un-forcasted storm”
40. Sydney (I’ll Come Running) – Brett Dennen (165): If you take a look at Brett Dennen’s website, he looks like he’s in high school. He actually put out his first EP in 2004, and this song “Sydney” is off his 6th release called “Loverboy”. He’s definitely a talent to watch. This song is perfect for running on the treadmill…enjoy the lyrics: “if you ever need me, call me…I’ll come runnin’ straight to you” “straight from the airport (I’ll come runnin’)…cut thru the customs line (I’ll come runnin’)…” I travel a lot, so I just love this chorus. You can listen to the song courtesy of KCRW Music Blog
41. Tightrope (Feat. Big Boi) – Janelle Monae (168): One of Rolling Stone’s 50 best songs of 2010, here’s a very talented woman who breaks down categorizations and crosses over between Rock, R&B, Hip-hop, you name it. Watch the video for this song if you want to see Janelle’s impressive dancing skills. Janelle says: “You either follow or you lead…yeah I’m talkin’ bout you”
42. Bronx Sniper – Mister Heavenly (170): A bit of testosterone in this song, but those driving guitars will keep you going “They tried to cut him down from there…65, 68, 93, 96 but he don’t care”. Here’s a free download from The Key or get here:
43. Remember The Name – Fort Minor (172): [Actual bpm is 86, but if you double and go off the half-beats, it works at 172.] This has power, pump-up, and workout playlist motivation written all over it… “This is ten percent luck, twenty percent skill, fifteen percent concentrated power of will, five percent pleasure, fifty percent pain, and a hundred percent reason to remember the name!”
44. Ten-Twenty-Ten – Generationals (172): One of the Best Songs of 2011 according to The Wounded Jukebox and influenced by such favs as the Jam, the Kinks, and the Shins, this band knows how to craft a catchy, up-beat tune. The infectious beat on this one will keep you pushing…
45. Diamonds and Guns – Transplants *Explicit Lyrics* (172): Too bad this was a short-lived experiment when punk rock veterans Tim Armstrong (Rancid), Travis Barker (Blink-182), and Rob Aston put together this band in 2002. This song showcases their talent and gritty style with lyrics like “bombs going off in Sierra Leone, taking more shots than Karl Malone”.
46. Superman’s Dead – Our Lady of Peace (173): Be you’re own Superman… “ordinary is just not good enough today”
47. Mambo No. 5 – Lou Bega (174): Here’s a classic one-hit wonder that is full of energy…listen for “Jump up and down and move it all around, shake your head to the sound put your hands an the ground, take one step left and one step right, one to the front and one to the side”. I happen to be partial to “A little bit of Monica in my life” :)
48. Barton Hollow – The Civil Wars (180): From the album of the same name (one of Time’s “Top 10 Albums” of 2011). I get tired of music when it all sounds the same, and this song mixes it up with a little twang (it’s not country, just a rockin’ twang)… “Keep walking and running and running for miles…Ain’t going back to Barton Hollow”
49. Four Letter Word – Gossip (180): By this time of the workout, you just need the beat to keep going strong…and perhaps a Four Letter Word
50. Under Cover of Darkness – The Strokes (182): This is from the Strokes album “Angles” that received mixed reviews, but this song is definitely a winner for any workout playlist (one of the Best songs of 2011 from Indie Rock Cafe) with it’s unusual, jaunty riffs… “We got the right to live, fight to use it, got everything but you can just choose it”
51. Eternal Life – Jeff Buckley (183): If you haven’t heard Jeff Buckley, you should check out his only studio album Grace. Here’s what Pitchfork had to say “Grace remains one of the most engaging, inspired records ever made”. Working out might not let you achieve “eternal life”, but it will certainly help you make the best of the time you have… “When will I find the strength to bring me release?”
52. A Darkness Rises Up – Broken Records (184): Close to the finish with another “Best of 2011″ song (according to Indie Rock Cafe) with a driving beat and you may feel like “I’m on fire”
53. Faith – George Michael (186): End it strong with a little “Faith”

There are a number of ways to get BPM for your music collection. See this comprehensive post from mmartins.com on BPM detection software.

Want more workout music? See all of our playlists and more songs listed by bpm…Bold Pace Music

Have any suggestions for our next workout or running playlist? Please comment and share…

Want to get updates of new songs before next full playlist is posted? Follow me @boldpacemusic on Twitter

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* Free Downloads are simply links to the songs hosted on other sites. A bold pace cannot make any claims to the reliability, functionality, or legality of these downloads.

Here’s our year-end round-up of our “Running Videos of the Month” for 2011*. There’s something for everybody with alternative/indie songs, rock, R&B, and even rap/hip-hop and “world music”. Every song fulfills our mission of delivering running music with a faster bpm that is either inspirational, about running, or just fun with a great beat. Enjoy and happy holidays…

(*most of the songs below were released in 2011, but not all…we just featured them on Bold Pace Music this year)

10) I Hope This Gets to You (Viral Love Letter) – The Daylights (BPM=150) released as single: I Hope This Gets To You – Single (itunes)

This video was made by Walter C. May and his band, The Daylights, with the hope that it would reach May’s girlfriend virally thru various social networks. She got it (he’s setting the bar pretty high for us guys with this one).

9) Crossed Wires – Superchunk – (BPM=155) Album: Majesty Shredding (itunes)

The dogs usually seem to get all the video love, here’s one for the cats. A “cat cam”…what a concept. Bad Kitty!

8) Bottled in Cork – Ted Leo & The Pharmacists (BPM=145) Album: The Brutalist Bricks (itunes)

Ted Leo on Broadway? The world needed “a half-assed musical that cheapens what they do and embarrasses everyone involved,” especially when those involved include Paul F. Tompkins, Julie Klausner and John Hodgman.

7) Tightrope (feat. Big Boi) – Janelle Monae (BPM=169) Album: The ArchAndroid (itunes)

Janelle Monáe can dance a little, and that’s never been more evident than this wonderfully choreographed video.

6) Mind Shift – Genki Sudo (BPM=130) Album: World Order (itunes)

This is more like a brain explosion! While on the slower side for running music, it has a good beat and would work well as a warm up for a workout. The video is the true mind shift. Enjoy the incredible moves by this former professional full-contact boxer who wrote, sang, and did the choreography for this song and video. As you might guess, he was a pretty entertaining fighter as well. If interested in his fighting skills, here’s a You Tube video of the “Best of Genki Sudo”

5) Not Enough – J Mascis (BPM=161) Album: Several Shades of Why (itunes)

J Mascis is better known as the frontman for Dinosaur Jr. And while Dinosaur Jr. have always been critically acclaimed and pioneers in progressive/alternative rock, they are better known for their distorted guitars and brain-crushing volume. This new solo effort is more acoustic, restrained, yet still thoughtful. I love the video for this song as it takes basic artwork I could see my kids drawing (J Mascis had a son in 2007) and turns it into a creative musical exploration. Want to foster your child’s creativity? Have them watch this…then download to your ipod and enjoy it on your next run :)

4) Lonely Boy – The Black Keys (BPM=165) Album: El Camino (itunes)

The Black Keys used to be only known to college radio DJs and record store clerks, but after their previous release “Brothers” and now this one, they are entering the mainstream. Combining their well-crafted music with a simple, amusing, and an instantly classic video like this one must be working. If you are looking for a last minute x-mas present for a runner who is into music, you can’t go wrong with this one. The music is not so “alternative” that it will turn off anyone that enjoys pop music. And I would bet an album like this would turn an open-minded listener into someone who looks beyond pop for good music…now that’s a true gift. In addition to Lonely Boy, enjoy running songs like Dead & Gone (bpm = 143), Run Right Back (bpm=160), and Hell of a Season (bpm=153). With four great running songs in one album (and the rest of the songs are not filler), this might keep you running even on a cold winter day…

3) We Used to Wait “The Wilderness Downtown” – Arcade Fire (BPM=122) Album: The Suburbs (itunes)

The song is stellar, but it’s the multimedia “event” that is truly groundbreaking and lives up to the hype. The Chris Milk designed site uses HTML5 technology and shows a hooded runner running through a neighborhood…not just any neighborhood, it’s yours. You are asked for an address at the beginning, and Google Maps and Street View do the rest.

Here’s what you need to do to see the magic:

1) Download Google’s Chrome browser. (It’s worth it…Chrome works well and if you have a website, it’s nice to check how it displays in another browser)

2) Go to The Wilderness Downtown to view.

3) It’s interactive, but don’t click or touch until it asks you…just enjoy.

The YouTube video below really doesn’t do it justice, but if you’re crunched for time, you’ll get the idea…

Added bonus: Indie Music Filter has Arcade Fire’s “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)” — it’s a clever, interactive video where you use your webcam to become a part of the fun (unfortunately, at 101 bpm it can’t really be “running music”)

2) Make Some Noise – Beastie Boys (BPM=180) Album: Hot Sauce Committee Part Two (itunes)

I’m not a big rap/hip-hop fan, but I do have a soft spot for the Beastie Boys. Perhaps it’s because they do things like this video. It’s worth a watch only to see Elijah Wood rapping while walking with his face in the camera. Add in Danny McBride and Seth Rogan along with cameos from Rashida Jones, Will Arnett, Ted Danson, Steve Buscemi, Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Kirsten Dunst (and tons more)…and it’s a must see! It’s a nostalgic sequel to “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)” and there’s even a 15-minute dance battle in the extended version between the actual Beastie Boys and their film star impersonators.

1) Djanfa – Amadou & Mariam (BPM=158) Album: Dimanche à Bamako (itunes)

Amadou & Mariam are a blind couple from Mali that deliver a combination of soulful, playful, and bluesy “world music”. Here’s a review from Midomi (which btw is a GREAT site for finding names of songs…without a iphone app): “Even if you don’t understand the words, the entire disc is an aural joy, poppy enough to be exquisitely memorable, yet with layers of resonance underneath.” However, it’s the video that is the true stand-out with an ode to Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” (which is also great running music at 167 bpm), but with “Last Minute Marathon Tips”. You can find most of these tips (well, perhaps not the Naomi Campbell one) along with a check list on our previous post “Top 40 Tips for Women Over 40 runners” (most tips are actually for runners of any age or sex).

Honorable Mention: Here it Goes Again – OK Go (BPM=144) Album: Oh No (itunes)

This one is more for the video than the song…but that’s what OK Go seems to do best. A perfect way to motivate yourself during the winter when the treadmill becomes your best friend.

Here are two new running playlists that have faster bpm and focus on a 5K race or a 10K race. I went thru a lot of new songs from 2010 and 2011 and mixed in a few older favorites. I had to cut out a lot of music to fit into shorter playlists, so there are some amazing songs below. If you have a 5K or 10K race coming up, I’d suggest just downloading either whole playlist…you won’t be disappointed. As usual, I’ve started w/ some slightly slower bpm and finished with faster ones to focus on negative or reverse splits (read good Runner’s World article on subject).

All songs meet our standard of being either about running, inspirational, or at least fun w/ a great beat. For over 45+ hrs more of music for running and fitness music, go to home page at Bold Pace Music.

As mentioned before…

Running with music that has too slow of a beat can cause a problem with your pace. You may unconsciously slow to the pace of the song. “Eye of the Tiger” is a great motivational song, but at 109 BPM (Beats Per Minute) it is way too slow for most runners. Getting the “right” BPM for your pace may take some trial and error as each runner has a different stride length (which also may vary based on pace). Therefore, these songs were carefully selected for running (but will work well for just running training or exercising) with bpm in the 150 – 180 range. The pace (BPM) starts off slower in first few songs, then builds up to a faster cadence. For a well done chart showing BPM by mile pace for walking, running, and cycling… see Exercise Pacing & Use of Music.

If you’re wondering if music can really help when running or exercising…see what Physician.com has to say. There have been many scientific studies done that prove that music can increase performance, here’s a recent one w/ a video from the BBC.

Got an iphone or use an ipod? Check out this app and software that analyzes your itunes for BPMs and then lets you choose the best running music songs at that BPM from your iphone or ipod…see Cadence

There are 14 songs below with a total playtime of 52 minutes. Enjoy…

5K Running Music Playlist: Indie and Alternative music for running at 160 – 180 BPM (for runners w/ mile pace of 7.5 – 9.0 minutes)

Click here to download songs from itunes

Click below to play samples and/or download songs from amazon:

To get this music, just click on either itunes or amazon playlist above and download either entire the playlist or individual songs. Or see our Amazon store for the very best full albums by artists on the playlists.

1. Stand Tall – Dirty Heads (158): A great song to get you pumped up before a race or as you are starting out… “So I stand tall, it’s gets a little better, I can see the wall that we can break down together (we can break it down, yes we can make it)”
2. Lewis Takes Off His Shirt – Owen Pallett (163): This singer/violinist from Toronto has a unique sound on this song that makes it feel like getting lost in a rainstorm and having your “senses bedazzled by the parallax of the road”. Listen for: “I am muscle, I am bone”
3. Sydney (I’ll Come Running) – Brett Dennen (165): If you take a look at Brett Dennen’s website, he looks like he’s in high school. He actually put out his first EP in 2004, and this song “Sydney” is off his 6th release called “Loverboy”. He’s definitely a talent to watch. This song is perfect for running…enjoy the lyrics: “if you ever need me, call me…I’ll come runnin’ straight to you” “straight from the airport (I’ll come runnin’)…cut thru the customs line (I’ll come runnin’)…” I travel a lot, so I just love this chorus.
4. Month of May – Arcade Fire (168): If you haven’t yet listened to all of “the Suburbs”, you are really missing out on what I think is one of the best albums of the last 10 years. Here’s another great song from that album that will keep you moving “gonna make a record in the month of May”… a PR perhaps?
5. Tightrope – Janelle Monae (168): One of Rolling Stone’s 50 best songs of 2010, here’s a very talented woman who breaks down categorizations and crosses over between Rock, R&B, Hip-hop, you name it. Watch the video for this song if you want to see Janelle’s impressive dancing skills. Janelle says: “You either follow or you lead…yeah I’m talkin’ bout you”
6. Sadie Hawkins Dance – Relient K (168): OK, I know it’s a little sugary, a little too pop, and a little high school…I still love this song. Think back to your high school years and picture being chased by the quarterback and “I took off down the next hall running, only to get stopped by a girl so stunning”. It’s just a fun song to take your mind off any pain you are feeling…keep pushing. Do you like my sweater?
7. Ten-Twenty-Ten – Generationals (172): One of the Best Songs of 2011 (so far) according to The Wounded Jukebox and influenced by such favs as the Jam, the Kinks, and the Shins, this band knows how to craft a catchy, up-beat tune. It will make you feel like running…
8. Come On Lets Go – Los Lobos (174): Originally written and performed by Ritchie Valens, this Los Lobos version is destined to motivate.
9. Heaven’s On Fire – The Radio Dept. (176): This swedish group’s song was on several “Best of 2010″ lists (see Rawkblog: Best of 2010). Listen for…“We’re outnumbered by those who take no pride, in constantly moving against the tide”–you’re taking pride :)
10. Friday On My Mind – The Easybeats (180): It didn’t get great reviews, but if you love music, you have to see Pirate Radio. I laughed so hard during this movie that my wife was embarrassed for me. This song had a prominent role in the movie and it should lift your spirits on any run.
11. Hannah – Freelance Whales (180): From the album “Weathervanes” which was one of NPR’s “Best Albums of 2010″. Combining the cleverness of the fast-talking intro and verse with the slower chorus and layered instrumentation gives this song an uplifting vibe. “I’ll work on the limbs if you work on the torso, if it gets too much then you can lend a helping hand”
12. Please Don’t Stop – Richard Bona (feat. John Legend) (180): [Actual bpm is 90, but if you double and run off the half-beats, it works at 180.] This one was suggested in a comment by db at medrants.com. Thank you db! It’s a little jazzy and certainly has the right idea for a run.
13. Philadelphia – Standard Fare (180): Here’s a great review of this song and the album “The Noyelle Beat” from Buzzin’ Music. I may be biased on this one, but this is one of my favorites. As I’ve mentioned before, I do a lot of traveling and I live just outside Philadelphia. So, I definitely relate to the chorus “I’m going to have to wait all year to see you again in Philadelphia”
14. Give It Away – Red Hot Chilli Peppers (184): I doubt that Anthony Kiedis is talking about “giving away” anything that has to do with running, but “what he’s got” is definitely an ATTITUDE and you can use that energy and confidence to finish the race hard… “reeling with the feeling, don’t stop–continue”

10K Running Music Playlist: Indie and Alternative music for running at 150 – 180 BPM (for runners w/ mile pace of 7.5 – 9.5 minutes)

There are 23 songs below with a total playtime of 1.3 hours. Enjoy…

Click here to download songs from itunes

Click below to play samples and/or download songs from amazon:

To get this music, just click on either itunes or amazon playlist above and download either entire the playlist or individual songs. Or see our Amazon store for the very best full albums by artists on the playlists.

1. I Want The World To Stop – Belle and Sebastian (151): One of Rawkblog’s Best Songs of 2010 and one of my favorite running music bands. Refined, cool, and smooth…this song should get you started off right. “I run alongside rush hour traffic…a prayer for every car”
2. Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots – The Flaming Lips (156): [Actual bpm is 78, but if you double and run off the half-beats, it works at 156.] I must have played this song a thousand times when I first heard it. My kids now know it by heart and love it too. I feel like this should be playing during an episode of the Big Bang Theory while Sheldon discusses Asimov. It should bring a smile to your face on a run as well…enjoy the story. “she’s gotta be strong to fight them…so she’s taking lots of vitamins”
3. Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen (157): I can’t believe I haven’t had this on a running playlist before. It’s a classic and perfect w/ motivation and bpm. “I’m burning through the sky, yeah…two hundred degrees, that’s why they call me Mr. Fahrenhiet…I’m travelling at the speed of light…I’m gonna make a supersonic man (or woman) out of you!”
4. Come Out and Play – The Offspring (158): OK, this is no Belle & Sebastian, but you gotta have some variety right? Now you’re into the first 10 minutes of the run and it’s time to get pumped up. Sure the song is about violence, but focus on the attitude here. Is someone trying to pass you? “Hey, man you disrespecting me? Take him out…you gotta keep ‘em separated”
5. Truth – Alexander (160): According to Esquire magazine, this is not only one of the Best new songs of 2011, it’s also one of the “50 songs every man should listen to” (but I think it’s OK for women to listen too). Now you’re pumped up after Offspring, here comes the whistling, relaxing sound of Alexander to just keep it going at your current pace. The bpm is about the same and you are “a different kind of fighter” “if you can’t stand to feel the pain then you are senseless” “have faith in ourselves”
6. In One Ear – Cage the Elephant (162) *explicit lyrics*: Back to angst and attitude…You don’t care what people think, you’re just going to keep passing them and running hard. “People talking sh*t?” You know what to do…
7. Me Me Me – Middle Brother (165): This is one of the 25 Best Songs of 2011 (so far) according to Paste Magazine. You’d be right to expect some good stuff from this folk-rock supergroup including Deer Tick’s John McCauley, Dawes’ Taylor Goldsmith, and Delta Spirit’s Matthew Vasquez as the trio of frontmen. This song is off their 2011 debut album. Sometimes, you have to put yourself first…yes it’s Me, Me, Me.
8. Gone, Gone, Gone – Nikki Lane (168): Here’s a good review of this song by KEXP in Seattle. Nikki Lane is another new artist (debut album in 2011) in the folk/country rock genre w/ a song about running away… She’s gone, gone, gone.
9. Reward – The Teardrop Explodes (168): Here’s another recommendation based on a comment from John at 7fff.com. Thank you John! John obviously knows his music as he had several good suggestions, but I had forgotten about this group that was Julian Cope’s project before he started his solo career. Running is it’s own Reward…
10. Check Yes Juliet – We The Kings (169): This song is just so perfect for running, I had to add it. “Run, baby, run…don’t ever look back”
11. Closer To Fine – Indigo Girls (170): Some of the best lyrics I know…just enjoy listening to Emily Saliers & Amy Ray harmonize and be uplifted. “and the best thing you’ve ever done for me, is to help me take my life less seriously, it’s only life after all”
12. The Mighty Sparrow – Ted Leo & the Pharmacists (170): What Ted Leo does best–fun and up-tempo… “lifted up on wings of strangers”
13. Remember The Name – Fort Minor (172) *explicit lyrics*: [Actual bpm is 86, but if you double and run off the half-beats, it works at 172.] Here’s your mantra: “10% luck, 20% skill, 15% concentrated power of will, 5% pleasure, 50% pain, and 100% reason to remember the name!”
14. Come Alive – Janelle Monae (175): Now that your pumped and running hard, it’s time to take it to a new level (the schizo level) “that’s when I come alive, like a schizo running wild, that’s when I come alive…now let’s go wild!!”
15. Last Train to Clarksville – The Monkees (175): OK, time to lighten the mood a little and have a little fun…and who better to have fun with than the Monkees! But “don’t be slow, oh, no, no! Oh, no, no, no!”
16. Answer to Yourself – The Soft Pack (175): A good review here from “Leaps and Bounds” declares this album #2 on their Top 10 albums of 2010. Another clearly motivational pick…“you gotta answer to yourself, you can’t depend on anyone else” “you got a talent, don’t you know? You’re more talented than you know, and you give it a shot and give it the time, you’d be surprised how far it goes”
17. I Believe – R.E.M (177): So bummed about R.E.M breaking up (called it quits on 9/21/11) as they were one of the few bands that stood the test of time since the 80′s. Here’s a tribute to R.E.M and a great motivational running song for you… “trust in your calling, make sure your calling’s true, think of others, the others think of you”
18. Maneater – Hall & Oates (178): On a previous playlist, I used a Neko Case song with “Maneater” in the chorus, but now I’m going all the way. “watch out boy, here she comes”
19. Blogspot – Paul and the Patients (178): Perhaps I’m biased on this one too being in the blogger world, but it’s such a fun song and rings so true. And as you race toward the end of the race, you know that “you’ve done your very best, we’re gonna put it to the test, and everyone, will tell everybody” (you are going to blog about your race, right?)
20. My Generation – The Who (185): I grew up with a friend that loved the Who and could play any Who song on his drums. I’ve seen them in concert several times and I can still picture Pete doing his signature windmill guitar, Roger swinging the microphone around and bringing it back just in time to start singing again, and Keith having a brain aneurysm on the drums (of course, John Entwistle would just be standing there looking disinterested, but playing a mean bass guitar). As you get close to the end, use this song to remind yourself to tell all the people running behind you “why don’t you all ffff…fade away!”
21. Ready to Start – Arcade Fire (190): Another killer song from “The Suburbs”. This one should take you to the homestretch…“your mind surely opened the door, to step out into the dark, now I’m ready”
22. Proud – Easter Island (190): Congrats! chorus: “I’m proud of you”

Know any more great music for running or fitness? Please comment and share…

There are a number of ways to get BPM for your music collection. See this comprehensive post from mmartins.com on BPM detection software.

Want more music? See all of our playlists and more songs listed by bpm…Bold Pace Music

Want to get updates of new songs before next full playlist is posted? Follow me @boldpacemusic on Twitter

Get more running info and music by following us on Facebook

I somewhat reluctantly picked up Gwyneth Paltrow’s new cookbook My Father’s Daughter  (not your typical cookbook name…not jumping off the shelf for sure) from the library.  I thought it might be plagued with privilege from an actress who has Steven Spielberg as a godfather.  But I have to admit, I love it.  Yes, her kitchen and her children (and she herself) are beautiful, but I am in love with her relationship with food.  Fresh ingredients cooked in healthy ways.  I tried one of the dishes out on my teenage children and even got an unprompted “good chicken Mom” from my son.  The never ending battle known as “dinner” has me always looking for more to offer at the table.  Gwyneth uses food to entertain, bond with friends and teach her children.  This cookbook is centered on her family both past and present.  An idea I embrace.  Some of my favorite moments are sitting at the table with my family enjoying a meal and the casual exchange of conversation that accompanies culinary togetherness.   She also reminds us that just preparing food can be about family.  I think back when my son was home from law school at Thanksgiving — I learned a lot about his life from a session of peeling potatoes.   My daughter studies while she bakes (or is it bakes while she studies?).  Somehow thoughts of quizzing her from her flashcards comes to mind if the smell of baked chocolate is in the air.  Taste, smell and the warmth of connection felt around the kitchen form mental snapshots like these that we carry with us.  Gwyneth is trying to do the same for her children.

And for those of us runners who are always looking for miles from our food I must note that she offers some good healthy options here.  She also works hard on her body so she can eat a plate of Paella or pancakes. Sound familiar? 

And yes, I do get that we don’t all look like Gwyneth, but I think we can learn from this renaissance gal.  I have to admit, I am a little jealous of her perfect life…but mostly just in awe.

Joan Benoit Samuelson

It’s already week two of the Runner’s World Challenge for the Philadelphia Marathon.  My e-mail from Bart Yasso came this morning and I started to sweat a little.  My goal for the Challenge is to adjust my running to my aging body. I am staring down the barrel of the big 50 (49 in Oct…50 in 2012!).  “The joys of aging” signs have crept up on me this past year.  I am no longer able to read the fine print of menus and maps without my glasses.  I notice saggy skin that makes me feel for a chicken.  I never thought I would miss having a period.  Then there is the weight gain in new places and my skirt length concerns me.  There are bitter sweet melancholy moments when considering the empty nest–it’s hard to visualize life without children in my immediate orbit.   The goal is to keep running as I age.  I feel it is time to make the necessary adjustments for longevity.  My last round of marathon training for the Shamrock Marathon made me realize that this change was needed.  My usual plan left me tired and energy zapped.  My toughest finish yet.

I was thinking of Joan Benoit Samuelson on a recent college visit with my daughter to Bowdoin College in Maine.  As noted on their website: Nike donated the track renovation in honor of their corporate relationship with Joan Benoit Samuelson, a 1979 Bowdoin graduate and the 1984 Olympic Marathon champion. I was wondering how often she gets to that track and how graciously she has mastered the age thing.  Joan Benoit at 54 is a huge inspiration.

I seem to find more and more information for the aging female runner and I am excited about that.  It’s not only the young mothers and women hitting the road.  The mid-life or “menopause marathon” seems a great way to transition through this milestone.   I see the changes in my long distance friends.  It’s almost as if at 48 it suddenly becomes hard to ignore.  I am reminded of the elementary school years with my own children when a few years can make a noticeable difference.  Fellow runners that are 42 or 43 show few signs of this pending metamorphosis.  Don’t get me wrong, these older competitive women are taking nothing lying down.  Their spirit is ageless.  They are training as hard as ever with tweaks to accommodate for this aging process.   Here are some areas to for me to consider/work on:

• Figuring out the best rest/run combination: I know I need more rest and cannot run as many days in a row without feeling exhausted.

• Energy from food:  I cannot eat as much as I did before without gaining weight.  My body seems to need less food.

• Pace: learning to run at a gentler pace.  My mind wants to race but my body cannot keep up.  Learning to be OK with a little slower pace so I can be out there longer.

I am excited to get training and figure it out.  Bring it on!  (but maybe not quite as fast !:)

[The Ultimate Granola--seen here with blueberries and milk]

There is wonderful irony in motherhood when your daughter navigates the kitchen at seventeen with an ease that you never mastered. My daughter effortlessly stirs up new variations on recipes I would never even attempt. It’s an art and I have total respect for her and those who create in the kitchen. For Mother’s Day on Sunday as her gift to me she made her variation of this granola recipe. It is so yummy! I have been eating it for breakfast (and as a snack) everyday so I thought I would share. The original recipe can also be found on All Recipes.com website.

Ingredients
5 cups rolled oats (2 cups of which were steel cut oats)
1 cup blanched slivered almonds
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup sesame seeds
1 cup wheat germ
1 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
1 cup canola oil
1 1/2 cups honey
1 cup dried tart cherries from Trader Joe’s
Directions
1.Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2.In a large bowl, stir together the oats, almonds, walnuts, pecans, sesame seeds, wheat germ, coconut and sunflower seeds. In a small pan over medium heat, stir together the oil and honey. Cook and stir until blended. You could also do this in a large measuring cup in the microwave, heating for about 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Pour over the oat mixture, and stir to coat evenly. Spread out in an even layer on two cookie sheets.
3.Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until the oats and nuts are toasted. Immediately after it comes out of the oven, stir in the raisins and dried cranberries. Let stand until cooled, and stir again to break up any large clusters. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Enjoy!

I’m trying to keep up with Monica as now she’s supplementing her workouts with stretching and yoga. OK, she needs good music for that too, right? She tells me that they have the typical new age, mystical music that you would expect at a yoga studio. I decided to look into yoga music and I was amazed at how little variety there is to be found. I believe there are many alternative, indie, and jazz artists that record beautiful and inspirational songs that would provide the same calming effect while practicing yoga. I’ve been careful to avoid anything that is too upbeat (contrary to everything else I’ve ever posted here), or with moody or depressing lyrics. I know that yoga is an integral part of the Hindu religion and while there is not typical Hindu music here, I try to be mindful of it’s spirit, imagery, and calming effect. After the 40+ hours of upbeat music I’ve posted, it’s nice to mellow out a little here…

If you have a song that you love to use when doing yoga, please share (either comment below our thru twitter @boldpacemusic)! If it works with our goal of providing inspirational, calming, and meditative music, I’ll add to our next yoga playlist and link back to your site with a big thank you :)

Off and Running CD Tin Notecard Set (6 cards, 2 of each style for $15 at remanents.com)

Looking for a perfect gift for someone who loves yoga or fitness? Take some music below and slip it in with a CD tin notecard set from Remanents. These cards, gifts, and tees have been sold at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Anthropologie, Nordstroms, Henri Bendel, Fortnum and Mason (London) and many other fine stores, however, you’ll find the largest selection at www.remanents.com. See more cards and tees along with beautiful Couture Fabric Holiday cards and Halloween cards too.

There are 21 yoga songs below with a total playtime of 1.4 hours. Enjoy…

Best Yoga Music: Yoga Workout Playlist — Alternative, Indie, & Jazz mix

Click here to download songs from itunes

Click below to play samples and/or download songs from amazon:

To get this music, just click on either itunes or amazon playlist above and download either entire the playlist or individual songs. Or see our Amazon store for the very best full albums by artists on the playlists.

1. Mt. Airy Road – George Benson: A instrumental start by one of the greatest guitarists in jazz history. “Airy” is a perfect description for this song.
2. Seven A.M. – The Blue Nile: One of my favorite bands when I want to listen to relaxing music. Their lush, ambient sound creates a wonderful atmosphere for introspection.
3. Do You Realize? – The Flaming Lips: Unlike the Blue Nile, you might not think of the Flaming Lips and yoga. But this song has such simple and poignant lyrics that it just seems to work. If you are curious about the Flaming Lips (they have put out some music that is very bizarre), the album with “Do You Realize?” is called “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” and it is amazing…a must have. Find it here:
4. Mykonos – Fleet Foxes: Love the transitions in this song and the infectious harmonies that sound like a Native American chant.
5. The First Days of Spring – Noah and the Whales: “Like a cut down tree, I will rise again and I’ll be bigger and stronger than ever before”.
6. Twin Peaks Theme – Angelo Badalamenti: Showing our age here, but Monica and I used to love this show. This is just such a cool song.
7. Shelter – The XX: Similar to the Blue Nile, everything by the XX just seems simple, atmospheric, captivating, and the embodiment of cool.
8. One Wish – Hiroshima: In a small nod to Japan, enjoy Hiroshima’s eastern-western fusion style with their musical masterpiece.
9. Swept Away – Spyro Gyra: While sometimes criticized as a “pop-jazz commercial” band, there is a reason they are one of the most successful jazz groups in the past 30 years. Here’s a good example…
10. Return to Innocence – Enigma: With lyrics like “Don’t be afraid to be weak, don’t be too proud to be strong” and “Don’t care what people say, just follow your own way” and another Native American sounding chant, you can feel the spirituality and peacefulness.
11. The Safest Place - Sade: Always smooth and peaceful, here Sade says “in my heart your love has found the safest hiding place, inside a field and trees and a lake…”
12. Such Great Heights – Iron and Wine: While overplayed (and over-covered), I love the lyrics and this minimalist Iron and Wine version highlights the lyrics…just picture your significant other telling you: “I am thinking it’s a sign that the freckles in our eyes are mirror images and when we kiss they’re perfectly aligned”.
13. Carries On – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros: With a 60′s good vibrations sound it’s easy to enjoy this indie rock band’s sound. “One love…one touch…one look…carries on”.
14. The Man With the Child in His Eyes – Kate Bush: One of my favorite artists, Kate Bush has a beautiful voice that shows on this light and simple tune. If you are interested in hearing more of Kate Bush, check out what I think is her best album–The Kick Inside. The Saxophone Song, Kite, Wuthering Heights, and The Kick Inside are all stand-outs. Listen here:
15. The Dress Looks Nice on You - Sufjan Stevens: This singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is a critical and indie favorite and you can hear his talent on this sweet and sentimental tune… “I can see a lot of life in you, I can see a lot of bright in you”.
16. Waiting – The Style Council: At their best, Paul Weller and the Style Council did jazz-infused stylish pop better than anyone else. Here’s a sample of their stylish soul-pop… “I’m gonna love you anyway, I don’t care what people say, I’m gonna love you, come what may”.
17. Underwaterboys – Shriekback: An extremely interesting and eclectic band, this song from their best album “Big Night Music” captures their haunting, mysterious, hypnotic style. It’s not really about the lyrics (“Wha diddle iddle I doh down here…the Underwaterboys”), it’s about a feel with this music and “Big Night Music” describes it perfectly.
18. Doot Doot – Freur: If someone tied me down and made me choose a favorite song of all-time, this would be it. There’s some nostalgia here of course, as when this came out in 1983 I was in the midst of devouring all new music and I have never heard anything like Freur. Doot-Doot was the title track from Freur’s only album. It was an ambitious experiment in techno, synthesized beats and keyboard riffs. Unfortunately, the rest of the album was not strong, but this is a classic…
19. Overnite – Scritti Politti: Green Gartside was a rare talent and Scritti Politti was this Welsh singer/songwriter’s musical vehicle. This song is from “Provision” which was a follow-up to the classic “Cupid & Psyche”. While Provision was not as strong of an album, this was nevertheless a hidden gem. “Overnight…and while your trouble’s away, under the stars up above…I’ll build you another day”.
20. Eet – Regina Spektor: Not sure how she made a song called “Eet” sound so good, but leave it to this quirky New Yorker (born and raised in Moscow until age 9) who is a classically trained pianist. “It’s like forgetting the words to your favorite song, you can’t believe it, you were always singing along, it was so easy and the words so sweet, you can’t remember, you try to feel the beat”…we’ve all been there right?
21. Limit to Your Love – James Blake: Another critically acclaimed artist who has a quirky, R&B sampling and dubbing style that is very unique. Here is one of his more accessible songs that has a very cool vibe. “There’s a limit to your love, like a waterfall in slow motion, like a map with no ocean”.

Want more workout and running music? See all of our playlists and more songs listed by bpm…Bold Pace Music

Have any suggestions for our next yoga, workout or running playlist? Please comment and share…

Want to get updates of new songs before next full playlist is posted? Follow me @boldpacemusic on Twitter

Get more running info and music by following us on Facebook

At its inception, the purpose of bold pace music was to provide running playlists to help my wife Monica with her training. I’ve since made several more with different BPM (beats per minute) to match other runner’s cadence/pace. But I’m now finding these playlists also really help me at the gym.  I travel often, so having music at the hotel gym is a must. I’m amazed at how easily I can get lost in a song and start moving faster to the beat. It’s especially helpful on the treadmill or stairmaster, but I find it pushes me throughout the entire workout.  So here is my first workout music playlist…

If you have a song that you love to use when working out, please share (either comment below our thru twitter @boldpacemusic)! If it is 140 – 180 bpm and meets our song “standards” below, I’ll add to our next workout (or running) playlist and link back to your site with a big thank you :)

I have chosen a few of the best, up-beat songs from our previous 5 running playlists and added new songs from several “Best of 2010″ lists.  All songs below meet our standard of being either about fitness/running, inspirational, or at least fun with a great beat (we don’t add songs with potentially uninspiring lyrics…ie. “19th Nervous Breakdown”, “Loser”, “Blister in the Sun” — all great songs, but not exactly motivational for running or fitness). For over 35+ hrs more of running and workout music, go to home page at Bold Pace Music.

As mentioned before…

Running or working out with music that has too slow of a beat can cause a problem with your pace. You may unconsciously slow to the pace of the song. “Eye of the Tiger” is a great motivational song, but at 109 BPM it is way too slow for either running or working out. Getting the “right” BPM for your pace may take some trial and error as each person has a different stride length (which also may vary based on pace). Therefore, these songs were carefully selected for working out with bpm in the 140 – 160 range. The pace (BPM) starts off slower in first few songs, then builds up to a faster cadence. For a well done chart showing BPM by mile pace for walking, running, and cycling… see Exercise Pacing & Use of Music.

If you’re wondering if music can really help when running or exercising…see what Physician.com has to say. There have been many scientific studies done that prove that music can increase performance, here’s a recent one w/ a video from the BBC.

Got an iphone or use an ipod? Check out this app and software that analyzes your itunes for BPMs and then lets you choose songs at that BPM from your iphone or ipod…see Cadence (need Mac w/ OS 10.4 or higher for ipod; PC w/ XP, Vista, Win7 or .net framework 4.0 and above)

Off and Running CD Tin Notecard Set (6 cards, 2 of each style for $15 at remanents.com)

Looking for a perfect gift for a runner? Take some music below and slip it in with a running CD tin notecard set from Remanents. These cards, gifts, and tees have been sold at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Anthropologie, Nordstroms, Henri Bendel, Fortnum and Mason (London) and many other fine stores, however, you’ll find the largest selection at www.remanents.com.  See more running cards and tees along with beautiful Couture Fabric Holiday cards and Halloween cards too.

There are 41 workout songs below with a total playtime of 2.5 hours. Enjoy…

Best Workout Music: Fitness Playlist w/ 140 – 160 bpm songs

Click here to download songs from itunes

Click below to play samples and/or download songs from amazon:

To get this music, just click on either itunes or amazon playlist above and download either entire the playlist or individual songs. Or see our Amazon store for the very best full albums by artists on the playlists.

1. Kids – MGMT (122): This is one of my kids favorites, and the Grammy nominated song is undeniably catchy and a fun start to a workout. Favorite line is “We like to watch you laughing, you pick the insects off plants, no time to think of consequences”.
2. Outtasite (Outta Mind) – Wilco (130): This could be a workout mantra as you get into the “zone”… “outta mind outta site”
3. Hands – The Ting Tings (130): First single from their second album Kunst. Great beat for working out, actually “the beats so hard, your workin’ workin’ “
4. Tick Tick Boom – The Hives (137): Having been used for Nike/Finish Line commercials, NFL Football games and for the movie Taken…this song has some strong inspirational lineage as well…
5. Feel Good Inc. – Gorillaz (138): Start with a great laugh and then enjoy lines like “Take it all in your stride” and “Don’t stop, get it, get it”.
6. Too Fake – Hockey (138): Enjoy a little sarcasm from Hockey w/ lines like “Everybody’s watchin’ oh, but nobody cares..no, wait does it go…nobody’s watching, but everybody cares?…Oh, whatever talk to you later”
7. Young Folks – Peter Bjorn and John (138): If this song by this Swedish band sounds familiar, you may have heard it used on Grey’s Anatomy, Nip/Tuck, Dirty Sexy Money, or the Love Guru. This up-beat song is perfect workout music to keep you moving.
8. Higher Ground – Red Hot Chili Peppers *explicit lyrics* (141): Gotta love the Peppers… “People keep on running” (OK, not the actual lyrics, but it almost sounds like it) and “Keep on trying ’til I reach the higher ground”
9. Ali in the Jungle – The Hours *explicit lyrics* (142): One of my new all-time favorite running songs, but works great in the gym too. Just enjoy the motivational lyrics and chorus “Everybody gets knocked down, how quick are you gonna get up?” (you might recognize this from this Nike commercial)
10. 1901 – Phoenix (144): In danger of being over-played, but still a great song. Just enjoy the rhythm on this one, the lyrics are pretty esoteric and you can’t really hear the words anyway.
11. Hormones – Tracey Thorn (144): If you haven’t heard of Tracey Thorn, you are in for a treat. After putting out amazing music with partner Ben Watt as Everything But the Girl (they have a fun website called ebtg.com), Tracey stayed home in 2000 to raise their 3 children. Thorn began writing again in 2007 and her latest album “Love and Its Opposite” is a critically acclaimed mature singer/songwriter masterpiece. I’m sure many Moms can relate to these lyrics in Hormones… “Yours are just kicking in, mine are just checking out” and “we’re gonna have to tough it out, you turn the music up, I, I try to think before I shout…hey, hey…”
12. The Underdog – Spoon (145): Another for the all-time favorite list. As you glance over to view others in the gym, enjoy singing to yourself “you got no fear of the underdog, that’s why you will not survive”
13. The Re-Arranger – Mates of State (147): This one is back from a “Best of 2008″ list. The vocals on this song are layered to fit together perfectly. The band is so tight…amazing hooks are pulled off without going wrong.
14. Bubbles – Biffy Clyro (148): Fun, up-beat song from this Scottish band… “I can’t keep up with you” *see at NME’s “50 Best Tracks of 2010″
15. Come on Lets Go – Paul Weller *explicit lyrics* (149): A perfect running song, but just as motivating in the gym. It’s an up-tempo inspirational song by the former frontman of “The Style Council”… “You say where to, I say I don’t know, I just need to run, and you need it too, and I catch your eye, and I feel the wind, and it feels so high”
16. Banditos – The Refreshments (149): Channel your inner geek (ignore any political correctness) and enjoy this chorus “Well give your ID card to the border guard; Yeah, your alias says you’re Captain Jean-Luc Picard, of the United Federation of Planets, ’cause he won’t speak English anyway” and “Everybody knows that the world is full of stupid people, so meet me at the mission at midnight and we’ll divvy up there”
17. Dog Days are Over – Florence + The Machine (150): Definitely getting overexposed (especially after being put to a dance number on Glee), but still a great motivational song for working out…esp on treadmill w/ “run fast for your mother, run fast for your father, run for your children, for your sisters and brothers, leave all your loving, your loving behind, you can’t carry it with you if you want to survive”
18. Going On – Gnarls Barkley (150): “Connect the cause and effect, one foot in front of the next, this is the start of a journey” and “I’m going on, to a place in the sun that’s nice and warm”…sounds good to me.
19. Shake a Leg – AC/DC (152): I love AC/DC and if this song doesn’t get you pumped up, you might need another new year resolution. The title says it all. Can’t get this anywhere but here: AC/DC web site
20. 2012 – Gossip (152): An up-tempo song about getting over someone… “I’ve made it this far without you”
21. Lasso – Phoenix (152): A band getting more deserved attention w/ catchy, up-beat songs including this one w/ lyrics like “Where would you go with a lasso, could you run into…could you go and run into me”?
22. The Way We Get By – Spoon (152): This Austin, TX band is one of my favorites for running and workout music. This song was featured on The OC. “We go out in stormy weather…and that’s the way we get by”.
23. Talk to Ya Later – The Tubes (155): Good thing there were no video cameras when I did this song at a karayoke. But even that image wouldn’t keep you from enjoying this infectious beat and sarcastic “I’ll just see you around!”
24. This Orient – Foals (156): On many “best songs of 2010″ lists (NME.com, Amazon “Best of 2010″), the strong beat and layered vocals just make this a beautiful song to get lost with during a workout. Listen for “You’ve reached it, you’ve found your grace”
25. Keep Your Head – The Ting Tings (156): Enjoy this great beat and here’s the verse to focus on “yes, you’re gonna see, ten minutes to go and you’re keeping it, you’re head’s up (keep your head up), keep it low, be right, push it… “.
26. Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked – Cage the Elephant (157): “I can’t slow down, I can’t hold back…there ain’t no rest for the wicked, until we close our eyes for good”
27. Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen (157): A classic that I can’t believe I haven’t put on any running playlists (yet!). The ultimate inspirational song as you picture Freddy Mercury flamboyantly declaring “I’m a shooting star leaping through the sky…I’m gonna go, go, go, there’s no stopping me!”
28. Another Sunny Day – Belle and Sebastian (158): This will be a bounce in your step and it just feels like the title (even though the love story falls apart at the end of the song). It’s no wonder Belle and Sebastian have a cult-like fan base with lyrics like “you were digging plants, I dug you, beg your pardon…I took a photograph of you in the herbaceous border”
29. Never Miss a Beat – Kaiser Chiefs (158): A fun, sarcastic song with a faster beat that makes for good workout music…”Take a look at the kids on the street, no they never miss a beat”
30. Hey Ya! – OutKast (160): “You think you got it”!
31. Scissor Runner – Jenny and Johnny (160): Bright and cheerful music from this duo that was also on many “Best of 2010″ lists (Rolling Stone)…”She run with scissors, she delivers”
32. Walcott – Vampire Weekend (160) *explict lyrics*: I love that they want to “get out of Cape Cod” and head “all the way to New Jersey” (not sure why, but love it anyway). Very unique sound and a band I hope continues to grow and experiment.
33. It’s Okay - The Kings (165): From the same album that had “This Beat Goes On/Switchin’ to Glide” (which was named one of The Top 100 Canadian Singles of All-Time). However, for running and working out, you can’t beat (please excuse the pun) this classic and I bet you’ll be tempted to repeat lead singer David Diamond’s snarl “It doesn’t matter, not one bit, not two shits”. For further info on the Kings, check out their website at www.thekingsarehere.com
34. Lose Yourself – Eminem (172): I know this is on everyone’s running and workout music playlist, but there’s a good reason…you can’t help but get pumped. It was from the movie “8 mile” (which was actually pretty good and Eminem can act…or perhaps he was just being himself). Anyway, great motivational song… “Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted–one moment–would you capture it or just let it slip?”
35. Fire it up – Modest Mouse (172): Time to “Fire it up”…’nuf said.
36. Black and White Town – Doves (173): Another workout mantra perhaps?: “Here comes the action…Here it comes at last…Lord give me a reaction…Lord give me a chance”
37. Answer to Yourself – The Soft Pack (175): A good review here from “Leaps and Bounds” declares this album #2 on their Top 10 albums of 2010. Lyrics speak for themselves… “You gotta answer to yourself, you can’t depend on anyone else, you gotta know where you stand, and what’s in your hands”
38. Wolf Like Me – TV on the Radio (177): “My mind has changed, my body’s frame, but God I like it…my heart’s aflame, my body’s strained, but God I like it”
39. Dancing with Myself – Billy Idol (178): Another old familiar song to keep you going. Billy would never win any poetry contests, but he’ll keep you moving.
40. Say Aha – Santigold (184): Let this motivate you toward the finish “It’s that time, I’m picking up my ass, up from off the fence…Gonna blow a hole in this parade, it’s self-defense…I’m a army, got a whole brigade in my two cents”
41. The Echoes of Time – The Smiles and Frowns (185) To end the workout…”My bones are achin’ and I’ve lost my mind…Although it’s here today, today will turn into the past, and so we wait with hopeful minds, hope for a life eternal, for echoes we leave behind” *here’s a great review from “indie rock cafe”

There are a number of ways to get BPM for your music collection. See this comprehensive post from mmartins.com on BPM detection software.

Want more workout music? See all of our playlists and more songs listed by bpm…Bold Pace Music

Have any suggestions for our next workout or running playlist? Please comment and share…

Want to get updates of new songs before next full playlist is posted? Follow me @boldpacemusic on Twitter

Get more running info and music by following us on Facebook

Download the free sneak peak of Terra Nova today

There is a running revolution taking hold and it’s wearing a skirt—a running skirt that is.  Women are making their way to the starting lines of marathons and halfs in record numbers.  They account for almost half (or even more than half) of the field these days.  Olympic runners like Paula Radcliffe, Kara Goucher and Deena Kastor are conquering motherhood and running.  We are all not only paying attention, we are cheering them on.  Running has helped many of us make our way through parenting by offering a dose of endorphins and a long distance friend to hear us out.  Women are trading therapy sessions for a pair of Asics and the open road.  Running carves out “me” time for the price of a pair of running shoes and a race entry.  It has not only become a catalyst for empowering women, but a stress-relieving companion in their quest to do it all.  There is no one lining the streets to cheer you on or give you a medal for motherhood, so why not get one for finishing a race.

Mom’s not only like to run alone, they like to run together and in groups.  They have formed front porch communities and taken them onto the road.  They have conquered personal goals and weathered triumphs, all while running together.  It is therefore not surprising that the release of the book Run Like a Mother: How to Get Moving–and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity has been a huge success.  It acts as the manual to the running/motherhood movement and lends a voice to this emerging runner profile.  It answers women/mother specific questions and offers advice not found in other running books.  It’s authors Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea are on to something here.  They have become like the Oprahs of the mother runners.  Through their blog, Facebook Page, and Twitter (Sarah Tweets, Dimity Tweets), they have started a wonderful conversation.  It seems they are listening just as much as they are being heard.  Women relate to them.  They are both real moms, real runners and real people.

10 Questions for Dimity and Sarah:

1.  Running skirt, friend or foe?

Dimity:  Friend. Flatters like nothing else.

SBS:  BFF. I have a mutually exclusive relationship with my running skirts—I haven’t worn shorts in years.

2. What is your idea of the perfect run (details please…when, where with whom)?

Dimity:  Santa Fe Dale Ball Trails. 5ish miles. With my dog Dharma, before she started her annoying habit of just stopping cold on the trail behind me and staring at me like I was crazy.

SBS:  The Presidio & Golden Gate Bridge. Ninety minutes on a weekday morning. By myself—with my fond memories of living in San Francisco for eight years. I never stop marveling at the Bay Area’s natural beauty.

3.  Were you a runner or a writer first? How has running changed for you since writing RLAM?  How has writing changed?

Dimity:  Writer. Comes much more naturally me than running ever will. I think a lot more about my running while I’m running now. My mind used to wander; now it’s all about form.

SBS:  I started running in college before graduating to become a professional writer (and editor). Since writing RLAM, I’ve become an even more avid runner—I used to cross-train a lot more, but now I usually run six days/week. Writing still remains my bread-and-butter profession.

4.  Describe your present state of (running/training) mind and your goals/races for 2011?

Dimity:  Starting over (again). Focus will be on triathlons (Olympic, probably) and trail runs. No specific races yet.

SBS:  After three marathons in two years, I’m halving the distance—dropping down to half-marathons this coming year. I like being able to shower and eat brunch after a race—and not limp when I leave the restaurant. I’d like to dust a few seconds off my personal best and drop my time to 1:45.

5.  What one training tools/items/gear can you not live without?

Dimity:  My husband. And at least 7 hours of sleep a night. Ideally, 9, which rarely happens.

SBS:  My iPod nano. Podcasts, live radio, and kick-ass playlists are what keep me going.

6.  What trait do you most value in your training partners?

Dimity:  Being on time.

SBS:  Ditto. And being a witty, engaging storyteller.

7.  Were you surprised by the outpouring response (from women) to Run Like a Mother? Why do you think that is? And now that you have their attention, what lies ahead? Is there a sequel in the works?

Dimity:  Definitely. We sensed a community as we were writing, but to see it materialize has been fulfilling and humbling. Why is that? Motherhood is isolating, women like to connect, runners are really great people. We’re working on the next proposal, and have some more tricks up our arm warmers.

SBS:  Never more than a few days go by without me getting teary-eyed reading comments on our Facebook page or website. We feel so grateful for the love and support of our fans—support not just of us and our book, but of each other and the community. At risk of sounding cheesy, it really reaffirms my faith in humanity.

8.  Sometimes I see your posts/schedules and I think it must be exhausting…what are your strategies/personal guidelines/mantras for doing it all?

Dimity:  It’s easier to do it all when a) I have a partner; and b) I love doing it. Yes, my brain runs dry sometimes, but it’s a good exercise in writing when I don’t necessarily want to. Doing it all? I don’t. You should see my house. My dinner menus. (SBS mocks me for breakfast dinners; nothing wrong with Raisin Bran at 6 p.m. in my book.)

SBS:  I approach the duties same as I do a long run: Chunk.It.Up. Instead of seeing the weeks and months (or miles) stretched ahead of us, I just focus on one blog post, one FB status update. And I couldn’t do it w/o Dimity.

9.  Name one of the most memorable encounter/ moment with runners along this journey?

Dimity:  At a run in Denver, a great woman whose name I can’t remember (sorry!) quoted me back to me. It was the line about how you can only have room for three things in your life at one time. It’s actually Oprah’s line, but I loved that she remembered it.

SBS:  When running friend, fellow mom, and speedy marathoner Megan K. introduced me to a room full of running moms in a coffeehouse in Battle Ground, Washington. I’ve never heard such nice things said about me out loud—and I’ve had two rehearsal dinners and weddings!

10.  If you were not writing about running and fitness you would be writing about….?

Dimity:  I’m actually starting a totally different book about women’s cardiovascular health. But there’s always room for RLAM.

SBS:  I’d ditch writing altogether and become either a landscape architect or a lactation consultant. Flowers, plants, and breastfeeding: a few of the other subjects in life I’m passionate about.

Extra credit:  What are your favorite writers/books of the moment…what should we be reading? Perhaps there is a Run Like a Mother Book Club in your future (now that Oprah is leaving)…

SBS:  Ah, I love fiction, especially classics by Jane Austen, Willa Cather, and Edith Wharton, while Dimity favors non-fiction. But Dim and I both loved Jonathan Franzen’s Freedom. (If you’re ready to go on a classics kick, I highly recommend Tess of the d’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy. It was so moving and engaging, I talked back and shouted at the book!)

Dimity:  Truth be told, I don’t have a fave book lately. But just ordered Laura Hillenbrand’s new one and Let’s Take the Long Way Home by Gail Caldwell and will have them “magically” appear in my Christmas stocking. Looking forward to digging into those.

Run Like a Mother–the Book will make a great gift this holiday for the mother runner in your life.

From the book cover:

“Finding Motivation to get out there when you were up all night with a sick kid. Cajoling a husband who is less than supportive of your mileage.  Running during pregnancy, when you feel like a whale, and running after it, when you still feel like a whale.  Coping when race day and your period coincide.  Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea cover all these (and plenty of other) essential topics through personal essays, helpful advice from hundreds of running mothers, and hilarious anecdotes.  For all overextended mothers, whether beginning runners or seasoned marathoners, Run Like a Mother will inspire even those who got three hours of sleep last night to lace up their shoes.”

Check out their blog for the fabulous 12K’s of the holidays giveaways

About Dimity and Sarah Bowen Shea:  Bio is taken from their blog Run Like a Mother the Book

Dimity McDowell (the one taller than the Transamerica Pyramid)

Lives in: Denver with two kids, two dogs, and one husband.
Wishes: She could go faster without doing speedwork.
Gets fired up by: Annie Lennox (go tall women!); a few select Neil Diamond songs; and the knowledge that a big bowl of Phish Food ice cream awaits at the end of a long run.
Another wish: That she could wave a magic wand and have her left hip/glute/hamstring/knee, an area that has been angry for over three years, reboot.

Sarah Bowen Shea

AKA:  SBS or Champy (you’ll score big if you cheer her on with “Go Champy!” at a race.)
Lives in:  Portland, Oregon, with her hubby and three kiddos.
Gets fired up by:  Britney Spears, Rihanna, and “Glee” songs. (yes, she’s a teen stuck in a Masters-age body.)
Driven nuts when:  People call running shoes “sneakers”.
Favorite Race:  The 197-mile Hood to Coast Relay, which she’s run 9 times, usually on an all-women’s team. (less stinky, usually more roadside dancing, and definitely more laughs.)
Would never be caught dead in:  Running shorts. She -hearts- running skirts.

Contact Dimity and Sarah at: runmother@gmail.com
Tweet with Dimity and Sarah at: @dimityontherun + @sbsontherun

Is there a rule that all Christmas and Holiday songs must sound sappy, slow, and performed by someone who is ancient? Or must they be so obviously commercial that they make “Rock Star” by Smash Mouth sound like a lyrical masterpiece? Furthermore, if you want to get into the holiday spirit on a run, what are the chances you’d find up-tempo, well-done, interesting music for running? Well, if you have been suffering thru previous holiday seasons with sappy, decaying, malodorous music, I would like to share with you a few of my cures for the boring xmas music blues…

While the holiday songs below do not always have something to do w/ running, they do all meet our standard of being either about running, inspirational, or at least fun w/ a great beat (most are the later “fun” type). For over 30+ hrs more of running music and fitness music, go to home page at Bold Pace Music)

As mentioned before…

Running with music that has too slow of a beat can cause a problem with your pace. You may unconsciously slow to the pace of the song. “Eye of the Tiger” is a great motivational song, but at 109 BPM (Beats Per Minute) it is way too slow for most runners. Getting the “right” BPM for your pace may take some trial and error as each runner has a different stride length (which also may vary based on pace). Therefore, these songs were carefully selected for running (but will work well for just running training or exercising) with bpm in the 140 – 180 range. The pace (BPM) starts off slower in first few songs, then builds up to a faster cadence. For a well done chart showing BPM by mile pace for walking, running, and cycling… see Exercise Pacing & Use of Music.

If you’re wondering if music can really help when running or exercising…see what Physician.com has to say. There have been many scientific studies done that prove that music can increase performance, here’s a recent one w/ a video from the BBC.

Got an iphone or use an ipod? Check out this app and software that analyzes your itunes for BPMs and then lets you choose songs at that BPM from your iphone or ipod…see Cadence (need Mac w/ OS 10.4 or higher for ipod; PC version coming soon)

Marathon Mantras CD Tin Notecard Set (6 cards, 2 of each style for $15 at remanents.com)

Looking for a perfect gift for a runner?: Take some music below and slip it in with a running CD tin notecard set from Remanents. These cards, gifts, and tees have been sold at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Anthropologie, Nordstroms, Henri Bendel, Fortnum and Mason (London) and many other fine stores, however, you’ll find the largest selection at www.remanents.com. See more running cards and tees along with beautiful Couture Fabric Holiday cards and Halloween cards too.

There are 19 songs (plus another 23 non-running songs) below with a total playtime of just under 1 hour. Enjoy…

Christmas Running Playlist: Indie and Alternative music for running at 140 – 180 BPM (for runners w/ mile pace of 7.5 – 10.5 minutes)

Click here to download songs from itunes

Click below to play samples and/or download songs from amazon:

To get this music, just click on either itunes or amazon playlist above and download either entire the playlist or individual songs. Or see our Amazon store for the very best full albums by artists on the playlists.

1. The Man with all the Toys – The Beach Boys (138): OK, I know the Beach Boys aren’t really indie or alternative, but I’m amazed how many people have not heard this song. It’s a great warm up song that was originally released in 1964 on Christmas With the Beach Boys. This is the 2005 remake from Brian Wilson’s What I Really Want for Christmas. Love the classic Beach Boys harmonies.
2. Carol of the Bells – The Bird and the Bee (148): This musical duo from Los Angeles has worked with a wide variety of musicians from The Flaming Lips, Beck, and Red Hot Chili Peppers to Britney Spears and Kylie Minogue. This fits well after the Beach Boys with more beautiful harmonies on this re-interpretation of a classic holiday song.
3. Christmas Time – Chris Stamey (129): You may know Chris from his bands the dB’s or the Sneakers or perhaps thru his work with Yo La Tengo. But in any case, here’s another sound alternative to the typical holiday saccharine…
4. Holiday – Glo-Worm (149): Influenced by the Cure and Everything But the Girl, Glo-Worm began as a two-piece ensemble and then expanded to a trio playing lo-fi, indie pop. Unfortunately, they only released one album called Glimmer where this song is found.
5. Jonathan David – Belle and Sebastian (150): More of a reference to the biblical duo of Jonathan and David then a typical holiday song. I especially like the fact that this song is on the album “Push Barman to Open Old Wounds” and can be found along with the song “The Loneliness of a Middle Distance Runner” (which unfortunately isn’t a great running song at 108 bpm, but a great song anyway).
6. Merry Christmas (I Don’t Wanna Fight Tonight) – The Ramones (153): From the 1989 album “Brain Drain” which also contained one of their bigger radio hits “Pet Sematary” (written for the Stephen King movie of the same name). While that song was pretty commercial and definitely not the Ramones at their best, this one actually sounds more like a typical Ramones rocker, just with a little holiday cheer…
7. You are my Joy – The Reindeer Section (153): The Reindeer Section is a “super group” made up of some of Scotland’s finest indie rockers including Mick Cooke and Richard Colburn (Belle and Sebastian), Aidin Moffatt (Arab Strap), John Cummings (Mogwai), Gary Lightbody (Snow Patrol) as well as select members of Astrid, Hercules, Eva, Mull and Historical Society, and V-Twin. They only released two albums, and this was on the second titled “Son of Evil Reindeer”
8. In This Home on Ice – Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah (155): This even has a running reference with the line “To see how far I’ll come a-run a-run, run, running”
9. Father Christmas – The Kinks (155): A classic by one of my all-time favorite bands. Father Christmas tells the story of a department store Father Christmas who is beaten up by a gang of poor kids who want him to “give us some money” and tells him to give the toys “to the little rich boys”. It ends with my favorite line “remember the kids who have nothing, while you’re drinking down your wine”
10. Holiday – The Hopefuls (157): Indie-pop band from Minneapolis that won “Artist of the Year” and “Best Pop Artist” awards at the 2005 Minnesota Music Awards. This song is from their debut album released in 2004 “The Fuses Refuse to Burn”
11. Sleigh Ride – The Late Greats (158): Just a fun up-beat take on this traditional holiday song.
12. Another Rock and Roll Christmas – Gary Glitter (164): You probably know Gary from “Rock and Roll” (also known as “The Hey Song”, or the “Hockey Anthem”)…but this song may be his next most successful song reaching #7 in the UK. “Come on, Rock n’ Roll for old Saint Nick” and keep running because “Tonight old Santa never, ever stops”.
13. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen – Bright Eyes (165): This is a traditional English Christmas carol that has been recorded by everyone from Bing Crosby to Julie Andrews to Neil Diamond. But leave it to a band led by Conor Oberst (who some have called the next Dylan) to give it an updated, faster-paced new life. Can’t find this on itunes, but it is here on amazon: A Christmas Album
14. Is This Christmas? – The Wombats (167): Just another fun song that will give you a jolt of holiday cheer…”and the ice burns up the hill until we all lose our feet and it never really snows”–not sure what this means, but it could be about running.
15. I Wish it was Christmas Today – Julian Casablancas (168): Here’s the Strokes frontman being very successful going solo and serving up a song that you might enjoy even if it wasn’t a Christmas song…and it’s fast-paced…it’s like really good xmas candy.
16. This Time – The Mighty Mighty Bosstones (171): Gotta love the fast pace and the way they capture the spirit of Christmas with “This time of year is my favorite time of year ’cause all of us are here together”
17. Maybe This Christmas – Ron Sexsmith (176): While it seems like a slow song, the beat is actually fast. Sexsmith has won acclaim not only from critics but also from fellow artist like Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, and John Hiatt…it’s easy to see why with well written earnest songs like this one “Maybe this Christmas will mean something more…”
18. I Smell Winter – Housemartins (177): If you only download one song, make it this one…or check out the whole “London 0 Hull 4″ album–it’s awesome. The album title refers to the band’s home town of Kingston upon Hull (usually referred to as just “Hull”) and is in the format of a sports result. It also refers to lead singer Paul Heaton’s declaration that the Housemartins were only the fourth best band from Hull. An furthermore, Hull had 4 great bands, but London had 0. The “better” bands were: Everything but the Girl (also a favorite), Red Guitars, and the Gargoyles. Hard to imagine too many better bands anywhere. The Housemartins are the ultimate “80′s nerd band” with candid political vitriol in their lyrics, but pleasant and up-beat in their sound. Their songs are perfect running music (the album “Now That’s What I Call Quite Good” is on my 5 favorite running music albums of all-time). It didn’t make as much news as the Beatles, but nice to see that the Housemartins are now on itunes too.
19. Drinking up Christmas – Dwarves (185): Just a fun song to end the list. Not available at itunes, but can download from Amazon for $.90 here: Drinking Up Christmas

While it’s hard to find fast bpm and quality Christmas music for running, there are many great holiday songs that you should consider adding to your collection…here’s a few other non-running holiday favorites:

1. Alan Parsons in a Winter Wonderland – Grandaddy: If you like Alan Parsons, this will make you smile. Not on itunes, but find here at Amazon: Alan Parsons In A Winter Wonderland
2. Thanks for Christmas – Three Wise Men (aka. XTC): Not on itunes, but find here at Amazon: Just Say Noel
3. A Change at Christmas (Say it isn’t so) – The Flaming Lips:
4. Christmas Song – Chris Garneau:
5. Child’s Christmas in Wales – John Cale:
6. Every Day Should be a Holiday – The Dandy Warhols:
7. Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence – Ryuichi Sakamoto :
8. Christmas is Coming Soon – Blitzen Trapper:
9. Frosty the Snowman – Cocteau Twins:
10. Lonely This Christmas – Lucky Soul:
11. December Will be Magic Again – Kate Bush: Can’t find on itunes, but is here on Amazon: December Will Be Magic Again
12. Remember (Christmas) – Harry Nilsson:
13. It’s Christmas So We’ll Stop – Frightened Rabbit:
14. The Christmas Song – The Ravonettes:
15. Story of Isaac – Leonard Cohen and Suzanne Vega:
16. 2000 Miles – The Pretenders:
17. You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch – Thurl Ravenscroft: Couldn’t help myself…
18. Christmas Fire – The Deer Tracks:
19. The First Song – Band of Horses:
20. Star of Wonder – Sufjan Stevens:
21. Jesus, Etc. – Wilco:
22. Winter Wonderland – Eurythmics:
23. Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen:

Know any more great Christmas music for running or just great holiday music? Please comment and share…

There are a number of ways to get BPM for your music collection. See this comprehensive post from mmartins.com on BPM detection software.

Want more music? See all of our playlists and more songs listed by bpm…Bold Pace Music

Want to get updates of new songs before next full playlist is posted? Follow me @boldpacemusic on Twitter

Get more running info and music by following us on Facebook