5K Beats per minute experiment!

[Allydee]

I discovered an excellent set of podcasts called 'Motion Traxx' which are set at a variety of beats per minute. The music is o.k.... it helps to keep me on track and I fall into the rhythm. I also find counting the beats takes my mind off any fatigue!. I think I run each kilometre the same but my fitbit disagrees... I must slow down along the way!! I've been using the 180 beats per minute and it takes me 36 minutes to do the 5k. So in order to break the half a hour barrier I'm guessing if I up the podcast to the 185 beats per minute I might just do it?!! Is anyone else using bpm during training?

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

I've only used the C25K + podcasts, they go up to 168 BPM I think. I can't imagine going any faster than that! They are brilliant though, I think every time I've got a PB it's been using those.

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

I have - in the past. It is a good method to train to increase leg turnover - although at 180 BPM, your turnover is OK! I tend to have quite a high turnover - last week at parkrun I averaged 180 BPM - but a "sprint" over the last 150 metres had me at 220 BPM!

I tend not to like running to a set BPM though - it kind of feels "unnatural". But, as I said, it is good training for those who have a low cadence.

[BoltonGnome Graduate]

I've not used boom during training although I've read that it's useful . I might give those podcasts a try - thanks.

[BoltonGnome Graduate]

Boom? That should read bpm!

[Talulah1984 Graduate]

I run between 150 and 160 beats per minute. When I am tired I take smaller strides but the pace remains. Therefore i wonder if you try bigger strides you will push your time?

[Irish-John Graduate]

I often sing ' (Come up and see me) Make me Smile' in my head as I run, it is 121 bpm and seems to 'fit' with my usual pace . I'm trying to find the time to tape the tracks that always send good chills up my spine and see what effect it might have on my running post-Graduation.