Few things are better than matching your running steps to the beat of your favorite song. The rhythm, the energy, and the distraction can turn a strenuous run into an exhilarating journey. But, how can you find songs whose rhythms match your pace?
By the end of this article, you will not only have a grasp of how to match songs to your running pace, but will also be equipped with the steps to create your own running playlist. Let’s get started!
Understanding Beats Per Minute (BPM)
Before we dive into the songs, let’s briefly talk about the beats per minute (BPM). The BPM of a song is simply how many beats there are in one minute. You can use BPM to match your running pace, meaning the number of steps you normally take in a minute. The higher the BPM, the faster the song (and thus, potentially, the faster you might run).
Matching Your Pace with BPM
Depending on your training goal and running style, your optimal BPM can vary. Here are some suggestions based on typical paces:
- Walking: For a leisurely walk, songs with a BPM range of 115-120 can work well.
- Jogging: If you are on a relaxed jog, songs in the BPM range of 120-140 can be a good match.
- Running: For a more vigorous running pace, opt for songs between 140-170 BPM.
- Sprinting: For those high-intensity moments, you might want to pick songs with a BPM of 170+.
These are just starting points, so feel free to adjust according to your specific needs and comfort.
For those not sure about their pace, use a running app or a fitness tracker that calculates your steps per minute. Alternatively, you can count how many times your right foot hits the ground in one minute while running at normal speed.
Writing Your Running Playlist
When creating your running playlist, variety is key. Your playlist should have songs for your warm-up, main run, and cool-down. You can also throw in a couple of power songs for an extra boost when needed. Here’s how to structure your playlist:
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Warm-up Songs: These are songs with a slower BPM that help you start your run at an easy, comfortable pace. They help in preparing your muscles and mind for the more intense workout to come.
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Main Run Songs: These songs should match your targeted running pace. They should help you keep your momentum and maintain your pace throughout the main part of your run.
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Power Songs: Sometimes, we need a little push. Power songs are your secret weapon. They are usually more intense, higher BPM songs that give you a burst of adrenaline to tackle that tough hill or the final stretch of your run.
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Cool-down Songs: These are songs with slower tempos to bring your heart-rate down gradually and help you relax your muscles.
Creating your personal running playlist is an exciting exercise. You can experiment, explore new songs and genres, and continually tweak your list based on your running requirements. The goal is not only to improve your run but also to make it fun and enjoyable! Happy running!
