BPM

Best Workout Music: #2 ― Workout Playlist w/ 120 – 180 bpm songs

by John on January 25, 2012

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.

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.
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.
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…
Push It – Garbage (123): A good workout mantra: “My head explodes and my body aches. Push it, make the beats go harder”
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”!
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”
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…”.
The Perfect Kiss – New Order (131): Not so much about the lyrics with this one, just enjoy the intense, driving beat of this classic.
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).
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”
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…”
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!”
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”
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”…
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”.
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?
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…
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”
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”
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”.

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Music for Running: 5K and 10K Running Playlists w/ 150 – 180 bpm songs (7.5 – 8.5 minute pace)

by John on September 24, 2011

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.

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)”
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”
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.
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?
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”
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?
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…
Come On Lets Go – Los Lobos (174): Originally written and performed by Ritchie Valens, this Los Lobos version is destined to motivate.
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 :)
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.
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”
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.
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”
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.

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”

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Best Running Music Playlist: #4 — Marathon mixes for 7.5 – 8.5 min pace (160 – 180 bpm)

by John on January 13, 2010

This running music playlist has songs at 160 – 180 bpm (building from slower bpms at start, to faster as you continue). If you like alternative/indie rock and power-pop, but also like a few different styles of music to keep things interesting…you’ll love this mix. All songs were carefully selected for running a marathon (but great as fitness music too!).

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

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.

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). 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.

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.

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 needs XP or later)

The itunes playlist below has ALMOST all the songs listed, there are a few that are not on itunes: The Beatles, Hella Sound, Jonathan Jones, and one Housemartins song.

There are 61 songs below with a total playtime of 3.5 hours. Enjoy…

Best Running Music Playlist– Jane’s Mix: 160 – 180 BPM (for runners w/ mile pace of 7.5 – 8.5 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 the 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 playlists

Songs (w/ BPM):

Beautiful Day – U2 (136): Great start to a marathon…even if it’s raining, gotta believe it’s “a beautiful day…don’t let it get away”
Wake Up – The Arcade Fire (137): This song just builds into a great inspirational anthem…”with my lighnin’ bolts a glowin’, I can see where I am go-goin’”. It’s obviously got an “motivational” following as the NFL is now using a clip from this song for their ads, the NY Rangers used this song during the 2006-07 season as their pre-game intro and it was also featured in the movie trailer for Where the Wild Things Are.
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…
This Year – The Mountain Goats (140): Can easily substitute “marathon” for “year” in the chorus “I am going to make it thru this marathon if it kills me”.
Lloyd, I’m Ready To Be Heartbroken – Camera Obscura (145): This song is a response to Lloyd Cole & the Commotions “Are You Ready to be Heartbroken” (which is a great song by an awesome band…too bad it has slow bpm). Just a fun, upbeat song to keep you moving even if you “can’t see further than {your} own nose at this moment”
Hey Now Now – The Cloud Room (150): Gotta love Twitter…this song suggested to me by @linwoodstudios and hadn’t heard of this band. Great song w/ fun chorus and beat and 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. (Thanks Jonathan!)
The Way We Get By – Spoon (152): This Austin, TX band is one of my favorites for running music. This song was featured on The OC. “We go out in stormy weather…and that’s the way we get by”…just in case we have to offset “Beautiful Day”, you’re prepared either way.
I’m Confused – The Handsome Furs (154): Relatively new Canadian band w/ first album released in 2007. Enjoy the beat and empathetic lines like “I’m confused, I know, my love, I know it’s easy to do…there’s something to do, sometimes we get confused”
Take a Minute *explicit lyrics* – K’naan (156): K’naan seems to channel Bob Marley, mix in some hip-hop, and deliver poetry in the form of urgent protest music. On this song he’s more reflective, but poignant as ever: “And every time I felt the hurt…And I felt the givin’ gettin’ me up off the wall…I’m just gonna take a minute and let it ride…I’m just gonna take a minute and let it breeze”.
If Looks Could Kill – Camera Obscura (158): While “camera obscura” is Latin for “dark room”, the band is usually very sunny with lyrics that are always catchy, upbeat and very clever. This one just seems to be made for a good run w/ “you got to go” and “maybe I can make it better”.
Reptile – The Church (158): One of my all-time favorite bands and this is from one of their best albums…Starfish. Key verse here is “Go now, you’ve been set free”…just forget that Steve Kilbey is talking about an ex-lover and comparing her to a reptile:)
Something is Squeezing My Skull – Morrissey (158): OK, this one is not exactly motivational, but it is fun. Morrissey is the king of despondent lyrics w/ an upbeat, playful song. Just stick w/ the “I’m doing very well” verse.
Joker and the Thief – Wolfmother (158): Wolfmother sounds like a combination of The Scorpions and Rush and just an enjoyable power song w/ lyrics like “he makes his way across the land” and the chorus of “we are not going home”…rock on!
Niagara Falls – Harlem Shakes (159): Just LOVE this song. Reminds me of Vampire Weekend with the clever beat and varied instruments (the piano is awesome). With our pun laden running “Wit-Tee” shirts (sold thru Remanents), we love the line “I don’t even get the t-shirt’s pun”.
Silver Trembling Hands – The Flaming Lips (160): From one of the most critically acclaimed new albums of 2009…enjoy “She forgets about the fear…when she’s high”
Young Turks – Rod Stewart (163): Never been a big Rod Stewart fan, but I had a comment on the blog that this was one of her “go to” running songs, and I have to agree it just works and the chorus is perfect to keep your legs pumping “Young hearts be free tonight, time is on your side…Don’t let them put you down, don’t let ‘em push you around…don’t let ‘em ever change your point of view”. Thanks Jordan! (Follow Jordan on Twitter @exploravore)
Slight Figure of Speech – The Avett Brothers (165): Another of 2009′s most critically acclaimed new bands. Some of their music is “too country” for me (I can be pretty eclectic, but pure country just doesn’t do it for me…and can’t imagine it while running a marathon). But this song is less “country” and more rock w/ a up-tempo beat and the line “what if it’s hot on my trail, but that can’t catch me, no”
How to Turn Around a Bad Day – Hella Sound (165): Here’s a sample of the great running music you can find at Hella Sound. Their music is engineered to be at the bpm that you choose. Enjoy this mix of indie rock, funk, and jazz. If you’re on Twitter, you really must follow @HellaSound as owner/founder John Frenette is hilarious (w/ good taste in music too!). Listen at HellaSound
Salute Your Solution – Raconteurs (165): It doesn’t matter if Jack White is with The White Strips, the Raconteurs, or the Dead Weather, he always delivers. Just keep running and picture Jack mocking the other runners with “I got what I got all despite you, and I get what I get just to spite you” and encouraging you to “Salute your Solution”.
I Wanna Be Sedated – The Ramones (165): I wasn’t sure about adding this one as I didn’t think it was inspirational, but Monica assured me it was. She explained that by this time of the race, all runners are thinking about Advil sedation. You can just hear the running empathy in Joey Ramone’s voice…
Trashcan – Delta Spirit (166): By this point in the race, I’m sure this line will resonate… “My heart is thumping I can feel it more with every beat” [click to continue…]

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Bold Pace Music

by John on January 3, 2010

Running Music Video of the Month:

Lonely Boy – The Black Keys (BPM=165) — from album “El Camino”

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. The whole album is excellent and the music is not so “alternative” that it will turn off anyone that enjoys pop music. 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…

Want to see more great running music videos? See Best Running Music Videos of 2011

Running Song(s) of the Week:

Wonder Why – Vetiver (BPM=152): #29 song on the Best Workout Music #2 Playlist

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.”

Full song:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Please note: the audio files above (if available) will only be posted for 1 week, if you are the artist or artist representative and would like this audio removed, please send us a note at boldpacemusic and it will be removed immediately)

What is Bold Pace Music?

It’s all about having great music on a run or during a workout. It started with a husband (that’s me) making running music playlists for his wife (Monica — owner/designer of Remanents and a bold pace)…then for her running “long distance friends”, and so on. All songs on the playlists below were carefully selected for running or working out. The songs are either inspirational, about running or fitness, or just fun w/ a great beat. If you are a marathon runner, you’ll really enjoy the running music playlists below as they are long enough for a marathon and the BPM (“Beats Per Minute” or the pace of the songs) increases so you can “start slow, finish fast”. If you click on a playlist and go to a post, you’ll see my “rationale” as to why the song was included.

If you’re wondering if music can really help when running or exercising…see what Physician.com has to say. Or find a good synopsis and several more good research articles at “Exercise and Music” on Wikipedia.

For a well done chart showing BPM by mile pace for walking, running, and cycling… see Exercise Pacing & Use of Music.

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 or someone into fitness or yoga? 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 running cards and tees along with beautiful Couture Fabric Holiday cards and Halloween cards too.

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)

How Music Can Aid Athletic Performance:

It’s not just about running music, the “right” music works in the gym, on a bike and during a swim too (waterproof ipod review and purchase). Here’s a great video by the BBC (published 7/28/10) that documents a study done on triathletes that shows how music allows for longer training w/ less perception of effort.

Best Running Music Playlists:

Click name of playlist below to download songs from itunes. Click album images to hear samples or download songs from amazon.

1) itunes: Jamie’s Mix: 140 – 160 BPM (for runners w/ mile pace of 9.5 – 10.5 minutes)

See entire playlist #1: Learn more about BPM/pace and read commentary on why songs were selected

2) itunes: Monica’s Mix: 160 – 180 BPM (for runners w/ mile pace of 7 – 8 minutes)

See entire playlist #2: Learn more about BPM/pace and read commentary on why songs were selected

3) itunes: Jean’s Mix: 140 – 160 BPM (for runners w/ mile pace of 8 – 9.5 minutes)

See entire playlist #3: Learn more about BPM/pace and read commentary on why songs were selected

4) itunes: Jane’s Mix: 160 – 180 BPM (for runners w/ mile pace of 7.5 – 8.5 minutes)

See entire playlist #4: Learn more about BPM/pace and read commentary on why songs were selected

5) itunes: Marathon Mix: 130 – 150 BPM (for runners w/ mile pace of 10 – 11.5 minutes)

See entire playlist #5: Learn more about BPM/pace and read commentary on why songs were selected

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

See entire playlist #6: Learn more about BPM/pace and read commentary on why songs were selected

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

See entire playlist #7: Learn more about BPM/pace and read commentary on why songs were selected

8) itunes: 5K Running Music Playlist: Indie and Alternative music for running at 150 – 180 BPM (for runners w/ pace of 7.5 – 9.0 minutes)

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

See entire playlist #8: Learn more about BPM/pace and read commentary on why songs were selected

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

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

See entire playlist #9: Learn more about BPM/pace and read commentary on why songs were selected

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

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

See entire playlist #10: Learn more about BPM/pace and read commentary on why songs were selected

Running Songs by BPMs:

Here are additional songs that have not made it onto our “best running music playlists” because they didn’t meet one or two of these criteria: 1) about running or fitness, 2) inspirational, and/or 3) fun w/ great beat. Songs like “Blister in the sun”, “Loser”, “19th Nervous Breakdown”, etc…all great, but couldn’t quite see them coming up while running a marathon. However, if you are looking for more songs and are not particular about the lyrics…enjoy!

Favorite Music Sites and Stuff:

NPR Music
The Hype Machine
All Music
Daytrotter
Elbo.ws
The Music Ninja
Sound Opinions
Stereogum
Rock Birthdays
Steve Almond’s “Bitchin’ Soundtrack” has amazing songs by relatively unknown artists. His book Rock and Roll Will Save Your Live is hilarious and must read for anyone over 35 and into music
Free mp3 music downloads from Amazon
Patti Smith’s book “Just Kids”. Describes her amazing life with Robert Mapplethorpe and the incredible list of artists, musicians, and legends that have been a part of her story.
Lady Southpaw
Last.fm – Linwood Studios (aka. Jonathan Jones)
HellaSound

Best Headphones for running or working out:

These suggestions are courtesy of an article in the September 2011 edition of Details magazine (not posted on-line). (Some good deals are courtesy of Amazon and affiliate links help support new music/content on boldpacemusic):

Motorola S10-HD Bluetooth Stereo Headphones
(approx $60 at Amazon, retail $90)
Shure SE215-K Headphones
(approx $90 at Amazon, retail $120)
Sennheiser CX 680 Sports Earbuds
(approx $69 at Amazon, retail $100)
Skullcandy Fix In-Ear Earphones
(approx $69 at Amazon, retail $70)
PowerBeats Sport Headphones
(approx $149 at Amazon, retail $180)

Best Music Speakers for home computer:

These suggestions are courtesy of an article in the Wall Street Journal. (Some good deals are courtesy of Amazon and affiliate links help support new music/content on boldpacemusic):

Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 Multimedia/computer speakers
(approx $499 at Amazon, retail at $500)
Bose Companion 20
(approx $249 at Amazon, retail at $250)
Orb Audio Mod1 speakers plus booster
(approx $329 at Amazon, retail $390)
Harman Kardon Soundsticks III
(approx $164 at Amazon, retail $170)

Top 5 Running Music Albums:

If you are looking for a full-length album w/ the most up-beat, inspirational running songs, consider one of these…

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Best Running Music Playlist: #3 — Marathon Mixes for a 8 – 9.5 min pace (150 – 170 bpm)

September 15, 2009

We had a very positive reaction to our first two running music playlists (also another 4 playlists after this one, click link for approx 45 hrs of more music), so here’s the next one for Jean. Jean’s pace is in-between our last two for Monica and Jamie. This running music playlist has songs at 150 [...]

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Best Running Music Ever: #1 & #2 — Marathon mixes for a 7 – 10.5 min pace (140 – 190 bpm)

July 3, 2009

Disclaimer: I am not a runner…but, I am the husband of a runner (Monica). Her 4:30am wake up calls still find me sleeping happily, thank you. But I do enjoy music and making running music playlists for her training. I did some research to understand the runner’s pace/BPM (beats per minute) relationship and how music can help you run faster [...]

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Best running music: 170 bpm songs

January 3, 2009

Songs that are between 165 and 174 bpm. Some of these songs are not on any of our “best running music playlists” because they do not meet one or two of the following criteria: 1) about running, 2) inspirational, and/or 3) fun and with a great beat. BUT, there is still some killer music here [...]

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Best Running Music: 160 bpm songs

January 3, 2009

Songs that are between 155 and 164 bpm. Some of these songs are not on any of our “best running music playlists” because they do not meet one or two of the following criteria: 1) about running, 2) inspirational, and/or 3) fun and with a great beat. BUT, there is still some killer music here [...]

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Best Running Music: 150 bpm songs

January 3, 2009

Songs that are between 145 and 154 bpm. Some of these songs are not on any of our “best running music playlists” because they do not meet one or two of the following criteria: 1) about running, 2) inspirational, and/or 3) fun and with a great beat. BUT, there is still some killer music here [...]

Read the full article →

Best Running Music: 140 bpm songs

January 3, 2009

Songs that are between 135 and 144 bpm. Some of these songs are not on any of our “best running music playlists” because they do not meet one or two of the following criteria: 1) about running, 2) inspirational, and/or 3) fun and with a great beat. BUT, there is still some killer music here [...]

Read the full article →

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