How to Create a Killer Running Playlist

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Okay, so when it comes to the writing staff here at MHM, Lauren is actually the true runner. I've never ran any races longer than a 5k (lame, I know) and Lauren has run every race from a marathon on down.

So why would I be audacious enough to give running advice? Because I feel like running is easy enough when you enjoy it and/or are athletic. But to come home with a medal when you kind of hate running and have no natural ability? Bragging rights.

(Disclaimer: There were only 14 runners in my particular category--so really not impressive, but that hasn't stopped me from being extremely proud of myself and posting this picture to Instagram).

Create a Killer Running Playlist

What's the secret to getting a lazy runner like me to move at a decent speed? Create the perfect running playlist! No joke, when I decided to revise my playlist for the first time in ten years (using a bit of science), I quickly dropped my mile times from 10-11 minute miles to 8-9 minute miles (I ran a 6:43 minute mile on the treadmill, but I'm pretty sure treadmill PRs don't count).

The Trick--BPM

It's all about the Beats Per Minute (and running to the beat). Back when I bought my fabulous zero-drop Altra running shoes, I carefully read the guidelines provided by the professional super-runners who developed the shoes. The advice that stuck out to me (especially because I've had serious knee problems in the past) was to "run softer" using shorter, quicker strides. No matter how slow you are, your should aim for a cadence of 170-180 strides per minute. So I decided to re-evaluate my running playlist. Turns out most of the songs I thought were great, fast-paced running songs were only about 120 BPM and (since I run to the beat) were therefore slowing me down. 

My Secret Weapon -- jog.fm

Jog.fm is an awesome tool. You can search for songs by title, BPM, and mile time. I had to work my way up to 170-180 BPM (I started at 150 BPM), so I used it to find songs along the way. I highly recommend using it to build your playlist.

My Running Playlist

Here's a few of my favorite songs that are all between 175-182 BPM:

I was so nervous for my little 5k race, I took this picture beforehand, sent it to my family, and told them to pray for me. Seriously. But the playlist payed off--I hit my goal!

Good luck! Have fun updating your playlist and watching your mile times drop!


What are your favorite running songs?

Functional Bedroom Touches (On a Budget): Master Bedroom Makeover (Part 2/3)

Congratulations to Betty J for winning our giveaway! Look for your Amazon gift card in your email sometime in the next week!

For Part 2 of my Master Bedroom Makeover, I wanted to highlight a few things we did to save space and make our room a little more functional (Part 1 was about how we made it brighter).

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(1) Sconces

My husband and I like to read before bed, but hated how bulky lamps took up so much room on our bedside table. We decided sconces were the perfect solution. The layout of our bedroom only allows for one place to put the bed, so we weren't nervous about permanently wiring them into the walls. We just made sure to space the sconces far enough apart to allow for a king-sized headboard in case we ever upgrade.

I chose these sconces from Restoration Hardware (I know, I'm a little RH-obsessed), waited for a sale (I'm always on a budget), and then bought them. They are just as beautiful in person as they were in the catalog. I opted for the linen shade (for its classical element) and the polished nickel (for its modern touch).

Date Night Series: Dinner and a Movie for Cheap (Babysitting Included!)

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My sister-in-law once mentioned that she and my brother have made date night a priority. "It may be expensive, but it's cheaper than marriage counseling!" Seriously though, spending time together as a couple is important, especially when you have little munchkins. They say the best way to have happy, secure children is to have a happy, secure marriage. But really, for me, it's just nice to have a meal in which my table companion doesn't end the meal by dumping his bowl of Cheerios and milk all over himself and the floor. But what's a couple living on a tight budget to do? Enter Money Hip Mamas. We're starting a series of posts about how to do Date Night for cheap (subscribe by e-mail or like our Facebook page for updates). So let's start with the classic dinner and a movie. Here are some ways to save some of that precious moo-lah you've worked so hard to earn:

 

(1) FREE BABYSITTING: DO A SWAP

This is key. Where we live, babysitters run $

How to Host a My Favorite Things Party

Back in July, my friend and I hosted a My Favorite Things party. It was basically just an excuse to have a girls night (I'm always looking for an excuse), but the exchange ended up being a total hit. Clearly, I love talking about My Favorite Things and turns out everyone else does, too.

If everyone is far apart, check out these virtual games to play on Zoom.

(1) Pick a Theme

We did a basic two