Interesting 5k run using rising BPM's.

[Bazza1234]

I do like to run to a pronounced beat - but havn't been able to find any suitable music so far to do this. Also, I am not sure what BPM is the most satisfactory for me - all of the C25K+ podcasts are uncomfortably slow for me.

So - I found on Youtube a number of 5 minute long Drum backing tracks - all being played at different BPM's. So I downloaded and joined six of them - to create a single drum backing track that lasts 30 minutes and went for a run using it. I passed the 4 klm mark as they finished and finished the remainder of the 5ks at an unguided pace.

These BPM's started at 155 and increased in 6x5 BPM increments , finishing at 180BPM. The first two lots (155 BPM and 160BMP) I found uncomfortable to run at - but 165 through to 180 BPM were comfortable for me. I thought that when I analysed my Runkeeper pace chart after the run, I would see six distinctly different 5 minute long paces -- each one corresponding to increasing faster beats . BUT -- the first 3 lots of 155,160 and 165 were all quite distinct and running pace was faster for each increase -- but once I got to the 170,175 and 180 beats, my running pace was practically constant across the range. I can only think that with increased BPM , I shortened stride automatically to maintain a constant energy output (or something like that ) The question I now have is -- if all three BPMs are comfortable and all three result in a single pace, which BPM should I run too??? I am guessing 170 - and will see how running at that beat suits me. Podrunner has "music" to suit individual BPM's like that.

[PastyMan Graduate]

Bazza

From what I've read 180bpm seems to be the ideal to aim for. The theory is that running at fewer bpm means that you are bouncing higher to stay in the air that split second longer. This means you are expending more energy to carry yourself vertically whereas you really want to direct your effort horizontally (ie forward!). As you say that means you shorten your stride to match the beat.

For the music there are websites which categories songs according to their bpm ... you'll need to google for it but that lets you choose from amongst your own songs a set of songs that will keep you at the bpm you want as long as you can find your type of music listed ...

[BloomingEck in reply to PastyMan]

I'd read that 180 was the "magic" number, but it's too fast for me at the moment. I'm happier at between 160-170.

[Bazza1234 Graduate in reply to BloomingEck]

I have short legs - and they need to go around and around fast to allow me to get any reasonable movement down the street. It IS a little tiring and maybe 170 may be better for me as a compromise. I certainly can't run at all at the kind of BPMs that the C25K or C25K+ music has.

[Oryxx Graduate]

Have you tried AudioFuel?

[BloomingEck in reply to Oryxx]

I hadn't before you posted, but it looks interesting. Have you tried it?

[Oryxx Graduate in reply to BloomingEck]

I love it! Not everyone loves the music but I don't mind it and it keeps me moving. The Interval training is great too!

[thinlizzyIwish123 Graduate]

I like Rockmyrun website. You can download a podcast for free each month and they change often. There's lots of different tempo's too. Lots of different genres.

[eosino Graduate]

I've just been looking at Rock My Run and thy have the facility to change the BPM to match your pace. Not tried it though.

[misswobble Graduate]

Laura's C25k+ podcasts are to the beats provided by Audifuel. I've checked those out and there seems to be plenty to choose from

There is a drumming session on the Sam Murphy podcasts to bring you down to a slower rhythm between faster tracks, and I really get on well with it. Drums have been beating times in battle and for rowers since time began so there must be sommat in it

Off to dig out my Cozy Powell

[PastyMan Graduate]

I downloaded a metronome app I haven't used it though

[TurboTortoise Graduate]

Though I'm personally not a fan of running to the beat, I have tried it and do know how hard it is to find suitable music - I have a similar natural cadence to you. So far I have found only TWO songs that lock into that: Red Hot Chilli Peppers Under the Bridge, and Sergio Mendes Mas que nada. They are not going to get anyone very far, unless you loop them ad nauseam, but worth a try in a bigger playlist!

[Bazza1234 Graduate in reply to TurboTortoise]

You've GOT ME with that Sergio Mendez song!!!!!!!!! Actully, you post has now led me on to figuring out how to put together a 180BPM playlist for myself -- using a combination of JogFM, Google Search , Youtube download and Audacity.

[kkiaa Graduate]

Check out Podrunner. Lots of diff BPM playlists to choose from and it's Free!

[Laurae Graduate]

I started with googling bpm160 and took some of the songs I like and had on cd and made my own song list. I have since moved up to 180 bpm and found this much easier . I now have it nearly perfect with a very ecclectic music song list.

Warm up- King- love and pride then LMFAO- Sexy and I know it

Adam ants-ant music

Chistina Aguilera- candy man

AHA -take on me

Ellie goulding- Burn

Kenny -Loggins footloose

Metallica-sad but true

Owl city- Fire flies

Savage garden- Affirmation

Red hot chillie Peppers- Scar tissue

Primatives- Crash

Cool down- Shakira- Waka waka and Pit bull - I know you want me.

I am enjoying this if you find any more good songs please let me know. I hope this is of some help.

Keep us updated. =D

[Laurae Graduate in reply to Laurae]

Oh and this run is about 36 ish minutes long running not counting warm up and cool down and I can do 5k with it