Create Your Perfect Running Playlist: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to Song2Run! This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating a scientifically-optimized running playlist that matches your running cadence, training intensity, and workout duration. Whether you're training for a marathon or enjoying a casual jog, Song2Run helps you harness the power of music to enhance your performance.

Pro Tip: Before starting, make sure you're logged into your Spotify account. Song2Run directly syncs with Spotify to save your custom playlists. Learn more about our advanced features.
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Getting Started

Begin your journey by visiting the Song2Run homepage. The clean, intuitive interface makes it easy to start creating your perfect running soundtrack.

Song2Run homepage showing the main dashboard with 'Let's go' button and Spotify connection 📸 Song2Run Homepage - Click "Let's go" to start building your playlist

Click the prominent "Let's go" button to launch the playlist creation wizard. This will connect to your Spotify account and prepare the song selection interface.

1

Loading Your Songs

Song2Run offers multiple methods to populate your playlist, giving you flexibility based on your preferences and musical knowledge:

  • Feel Lucky: Get AI-powered personalized song suggestions based on your Spotify listening history and running preferences
  • Search: Find specific songs, artists, albums, or genres using the intelligent search box
  • Your Library: Browse and select tracks from your existing Spotify playlists and liked songs
  • Curated Collections: Choose from expertly-crafted running playlists organized by genre, tempo, and training type
Did you know? Our curated playlists are designed by runners for runners, with tracks selected based on BPM (beats per minute), energy levels, and motivational qualities. Check out our guide to optimal running BPM.
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Customizing Your Selection

Once you've chosen your song sources, Song2Run displays them in an interactive grid where you can refine your selection. Remove unwanted tracks by clicking the ✕ icon, or apply filters to narrow down songs by tempo, energy, or danceability.

Song selection interface showing multiple songs with filter options and add/remove buttons 📸 Song Selection Screen - Refine your choices before loading

You have two options for adding songs to your working playlist:

  • Bulk Load: Click the green "Load all songs" button to add all displayed tracks at once
  • Individual Selection: Click the + button on specific songs to cherry-pick your favorites

Want to know more about a song before adding it? Click the note icon (♪) to view detailed metadata including BPM, energy level, danceability score, and more. You can even preview the track or open it directly in Spotify.

Song metadata modal showing detailed information including BPM, energy, danceability, with preview and Spotify link buttons 📸 Song Metadata View - Preview tracks and analyze audio features
Understanding Audio Features: Song2Run uses Spotify's advanced audio analysis to show you energy levels, danceability, and more. These metrics help you build playlists that match your workout intensity.
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Filtering and Sorting by Intensity

This is where the magic happens! Song2Run's intelligent sorting algorithms arrange your tracks to match your training plan. You can continue adding more songs (go back to Step 1) or proceed to the "Filter & Sort" section to optimize your playlist.

Filter and sort interface showing duration slider and intensity pattern buttons including Progressive, Fartlek, and Arc options 📸 Filter & Sort Dashboard - Match your playlist to your training plan

First, adjust the duration filter to match your planned run time. Then choose from several scientifically-designed intensity patterns:

🔼 Progressive Intensity (Upward Pattern)

Start with lower-energy warm-up tracks and gradually build to high-intensity songs. Perfect for tempo runs and races where you negative split.

Progressive intensity graph showing energy levels increasing from low to high throughout the workout 📸 Progressive Intensity Pattern - Build momentum gradually

⚡ Fartlek / Interval Training

Alternate between high and low-intensity tracks to support fartlek training (Swedish for "speed play") or structured interval workouts. The varying tempo naturally guides your pace changes.

Fartlek pattern graph showing alternating high and low energy levels for interval training 📸 Fartlek Pattern - Perfect for interval and speed training
Training Science: Research shows that interval training improves both aerobic and anaerobic capacity. Using music to guide your intervals makes workouts more enjoyable and helps maintain proper timing without constantly checking your watch.

🏔️ Arc Pattern (Peak and Descend)

Build intensity to a maximum effort in the middle, then gradually cool down. Ideal for workouts where you want to push hard in the middle section while ensuring proper warm-up and cool-down periods.

Arc pattern graph showing energy building to a peak in the middle then descending 📸 Arc Pattern - Peak in the middle, bookended by easier efforts

Each pattern is backed by exercise science and designed to optimize your training stimulus while keeping you motivated throughout your run. Learn more about why generic playlists don't work for runners.

4

Save and Export to Spotify

Once you're satisfied with your playlist composition and intensity pattern, move to the "Save" step. Give your playlist a memorable name that reflects its purpose (e.g., "Tuesday Tempo Run" or "Saturday Long Run Easy").

Save playlist screen with name input field and save button, showing sync to Spotify option 📸 Save Your Playlist - Instantly syncs to your Spotify account

Click the "Save" button, and Song2Run will create the playlist directly in your Spotify account. Within seconds, you'll be able to:

  • Open the Spotify mobile app on your phone
  • Find your newly created playlist in "Your Library"
  • Download it for offline listening (with Spotify Premium)
  • Hit the road and go running! 🏃‍♂️
Seamless Integration: Your Song2Run playlists appear in Spotify just like any playlist you create manually. They work with all Spotify features including offline mode, crossfade, and smart shuffle.

Ready to Create Your Perfect Running Playlist?

Join thousands of runners who have discovered the power of scientifically-optimized music for training.

Start Creating Now

Explore More Resources:

Discover All Features
Learn About Music Science
Read Training Tips