Jan 12
18

The Best Running Songs

Hi everyone. Welcome to the Best Running Songs website. This site is all about getting ideas for what to listen to while out on the road. I am an avid runner (mostly a trail runner) and music lover. I have combined these passions to help others select the best songs for running. I will emphasize those songs that encourage an efficient stride with a quick turnover (180 steps per minute). Of course, the best running songs will be also be inspirational and motivational. The right tune can make all the difference in getting the most out of your run.


So Why 90/180 Beats Per Minute?

This site is focused on the best running songs that are about 90 beats per minute (88-92). This is because numerous studies have concluded that the most efficient runners have a turnover of 180-182 steps per minute. This efficient stride can be learned and one of the best ways is to synchronize your stride with music.

This turnover may seem very quick for most runners who have never tried to run like this. But with some practice, it will become more natural. As it becomes ingrained, your running performance will improve. Listening to music while running has the added benefit of energizing and motivating you. This will make for a more enjoyable run.

I usually listen to music with 90 beats per minute and step twice per beat. This site will list top 10 play lists of different musical styles. Do you have any favorites you want to suggest? Please contact us or post a comment.

How is This Site Different?

All of these song lists meet two criteria. 1) They are generally in the range of 88 to 92 bpm, perfect for training the right run tempo. 2) The are great songs in their own right. In addition, I test out each of these run lists before I publish them to make sure they really do work for their intended purpose.

On to the Best Running Songs

Click on a link below or scroll down to find the best top 10 lists of running:

Rock Mix 1

Modern Rock Mix 1

Modern Rock Mix 2

Rap Mix 1

80′s Hair Metal Mix 1

Some Tips and Tricks

I will usually focus on one of the drum beats and make sure my right foot is in time with it. Sometimes, I prefer to just feel the music and let my body sych up with the rythym.

Most of my shorter runs I will let one of my playlists run (on my iPhone). Sometimes I will put a list on random play to mix it up a bit. When I am on a longer run, I put all of these songs in one big playlist and put it on random. There are enough songs here for a very long run!

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Jan 12
20

Rock Mix 1

This is a rock mix with a run time of about 46 minutes. It is mostly classics with a few more modern songs mixed in. The songs build from 88 bpm up to 95 and ends with a classic running song, The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner by Iron Maiden. Enjoy it. This is one of my favorite playlists.

  1. The Ocean, Led Zeppelin, 4:31, 88 bpm. A nice classic to ease into the run.
  2. Heaven and Hell, Black Sabbath, 6:58, 88 bpm. This is a nice long one. You can go with the classic Black Sabbath version or the more modern version by the Heaven and Hell (off their live album, a bit slower pace). I recommend going old school here.
  3. Boys of Summer, Don Henley, 4:48, 89 bpm. Admittedly, this one is a bit out of place in this group, but I have always loved this song. A really nice classic with  the right tempo.
  4. Juke Box Hero, Foreigner, 4:22, 89 bpm. This is a great classic to get the blood pumping. I find it really easy to synchronize with the beat during the chorus.
  5. Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll, Blue Oyster Cult, 4:02, 89 bpm.
  6. Fat Bottom Girls, Queen, 3:20, 90 bpm. Slim the bottom with a perfect 90 bpm song for the middle of this run.
  7. Flirtin’ With Disaster, Molly Hatchet, 4:59, 90 bpm.
  8. Rhythym of Love, Scorpions, 3:51, 91 bpm.
  9. Midnight Rider, Allman Brothers, 2:59, 95 bpm. Pick up the pace with the quickest song of the group. Also, a really nice classic.
  10. Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, Iron Maiden, 6:30, 92 bpm (really 184). What else can you say about the most perfect song ever written for a long distance runner? Its got it all. This one is a bit quick too, so you can practice a pace that is slightly over your target turnover. What a great workout!

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Posted in Classic Rock Rock by admin. No Comments

Jan 12
22

Modern Rock Mix 1

If you like it a bit on the heavy side, here is a really nice modern rock mix with a run time of 46:23. It starts off with a few 88 bpm songs and builds to a couple at 91 bpm, ideal for training the right stride.

  1. Terrible Lie, Nine Inch Nails, 4:38, 88 bpm. I have always been a fan of NIN. This list has three of their songs. I find the energy of Trent Reznor’s music great for getting pumped up for a run.
  2. American Bad Ass, Kid Rock, 4:39, 89 bpm. Kid Rock is a guilty pleasure of mine. This is a fun one to synch up to.
  3. Show Me How to Live, Audioslave, 4:37, 89 bpm. This is my favorite song from this list. It really rocks. I trained for a marathon to Audiosslave’s first album and will always associate it with running.
  4. What You Are, Audioslave, 4:09, 89 bpm. Another one from the same album. This one is particularly good for getting into the right grove.
  5. Down with the Sickness, Disturbed, 4:38, 90 bpm. You have to like it harder for this one. One of my favorite Distrubed songs.
  6. Microphone Fiend, Rage Against the Machine, 5:01, 90 bpm. This is a great remake of the Eric B. and Rakim song with the perfect pace. You can go with the original if you prefer, but it has a slightly higher pace (94 bpm).
  7. Born as Ghosts, Rage Against the Machine, 3:22, 90 bpm. I love Rage and this song rocks!
  8. Dreaming, System of a Down, 3:59, 90 bpm. SOD is definitely an acquired taste, but I find this a really good run tune.
  9. Closer, Nine Inch Nails, 6:13, 90 bpm. Expicit! Not for the kiddos, please! Nice run song though.
  10. Suck, Nine Inch Nails, 5:07, 91 bpm. I love the rythym of this one. This has a slightly higher pace, which is a nice way to finish off your pace training.

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Jan 12
30

Modern Rock Mix 2

For those who like it a bit less heavy, this is a really good modern rock mix with a run time of 38:25. It starts with a slow pace (88 bpm) and builds to a perfect pace to train slightly higher than your goal pace. There are some really good songs in this mix!

  1. Going Under, Evanescence, 3:34, 88 bpm. This is one of the best songs from this band’s break out album Fallen. A really nice start to a great run.
  2. Hey Man Nice Shot, Filter, 5:14, 89 bpm. The subject matter is a bit grim but I love this song. Best song that Filter has ever done as far as I know.
  3. Circles, Incubus, 4:09, 90 bpm. I love this band. I wish they did more at this tempo!
  4. Touche, Godsmack, 3:37, 90 bpm. This is a lesser know song from this very good band. This was a pleasant surprise to find. Very nice song.
  5. Shut Your Mouth, Garbage, 3:25, 90 bpm. A really great grove at the perfect pace.
  6. Indestructible, Disturbed, 4:38, 90 bpm. The only departure from the “not so heavy” theme, but I had to add it… it is a great song with a great grove.
  7. No Phone, Cake, 3:52, 91 bpm. I love the quirky songs that Cake puts out. This one is one of my favorites.
  8. Simple, Collective Soul, 3:44, 91 bpm. An old favorite of mine. This Collective Soul song will really get the run peaking.
  9. Make a Move, Incubus, 3:12, 91 bpm. Another one by one of my favorite bands.
  10. The Distance, Cake, 3:52, 92 bpm. This one seems like a perfect ending.. a great song about someone obsessed with speed, and at the perfect tempo. Going the distance, going for speed!

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Posted in Modern Rock Rock by admin. No Comments

Feb 12
2

Rap Mix 1

This is a really nice set of some of the greatest rap songs ever. It starts a bit slow (86 bpm) and builds to some perfect tempo songs. It ends with some very challenging pace songs at 94 bpm. These last ones are tough to sych to, but if you can do it, you are training your turnover above your target pace which will encourage your body to adapt to the high tempo more quickly. The whole playlist clocks in at just over 45 minutes long.

  1. Lose Yourself, Eminem, 5:20, 86 bpm. This is a really inspirational song, perfect for kicking off your run. It is a bit slower than your target tempo, so this will be a nice warm up.
  2. Hands Up, Black Eyed Peas, 3:35, 87 bpm. This is another good one that sets a good inspirational tone for your run.
  3. Damn it Feels Good to be a Gangsta, 5:10, 89 bpm. Think Office Space! If you don’t know the reference, rent that movie immediately! This song has the perfect grove and nearly perfect tempo just as you are getting warmed up.
  4. Danger, Blahzay Blahzay, 3:45, 89 bpm. Not sure why I like this one so much, but I do. Really nice grove.
  5. The Apl Song, Black Eyed Peas, 2:55, 89 bpm.
  6. 8 Mile, Eminem, 5:59, 90 bpm. Another nice inspirational song with the right pace.
  7. Gold Digger, Kanye West, 3:28, 93 bpm. This is where things get difficult. The rest of the run is above target pace. This is difficult to sych with. Try going for as long as you can in synch.
  8. Shut em Down, Public Enemy, 4:19, 93 bpm. Awesome song by Public Enemy, maintaining the hige pace.
  9. In the Ghetto, Eric B. and Rakim, 5:26, 94 bpm. Closing it out with two 94 bpm songs by Eric B and Rakim. Some very solid run tunes here.
  10. Microphone Fiend, Eric B and Rakim, 5:14, 94 bpm. Finish it off with one of my favorites. This is a real challenge to keep up with. Hope you had a great run!

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Feb 12
4

80′s Hair Metal Mix 1

If you are like me and grew up on 80′s hair metal, this running mix is for you. These songs are all within the target tempo of 89-91 beats per minute, perfect for training the right tempo. This is a nice consistent list that will help you train your optimum pace. The whole set runs just over 44 minutes.

  1. Cherry Pie, Warrant, 3:21, 89 bpm. Kick it off with a song so 80′s that Warrant wishes they had never released it!
  2. Blackout, Scorpions, 3:48, 89 bpm. Love the Sscorps!
  3. Drop Dead Legs, Van Halen, 4:14, 89 bpm. Hopefully your legs are feeling lively at this point!
  4. Juke Box Hero, Foreigner, 4:19, 89 bpm. I find this song particularly good for synching to my running pace.
  5. 18 and Life, Skid Row, 3:49, 90 bpm. In the purest 80′s hair metal tradition!
  6. Kick Start My Heart, 4:42, 90 bpm. I think 180 steps a minute get my heart started!
  7. Love Stinks, J. Geils Band, 3:44, 90 bpm. Why do I think of Swiffer commercials when I hear this song now?!?
  8. Here I Go Again, Whitesnake, 4:35, 91 bpm. One of the songs I heard most in the 80′s. The only decent song they had in the juke box of the bar I frequented!
  9. Helter Skelter, Motley Crue, 3:12, 91 bpm. Nice one from the kings of 80′s hair metal.
  10. Estranged, Guns and Roses, 9:23, 91 bpm. This one is a bit long, but give it a try.

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