In the last Beats Per Minute issue, I discussed the effects of the dry, warm weather we’ve been having this winter. Right after publication, it snowed and has continued snowing. So, this time, I’m going to talk about my transgressions with the air quality in Utah and how it makes it hard to run or perform any outdoor activities.
Today, before classes, I spent an hour on the treadmill, mad that I couldn’t be outside because the air quality index (AQI) was at 102, and I knew that wouldn’t benefit my training nor be healthy for my lungs. I try my best to keep from running in bad air quality, but it becomes hard when the weather is perfect, and all I want to do is frolic along the path near my house.
I’ve been seeing complaints from some other friends on Strava about AQI discrepancies and how they’re dealing with it. Most are also running indoors or not running at all, which sucks when, for a lot of runners, it’s an escape from a hard day or part of a training plan. So, to cope, I’ve compiled a list of albums to throw on to pass the time on the treadmill. Until the air clears up, it’s really all we can count on.
“Vie” by Doja Cat
Doja Cat is a valuable player when it comes to entertainment for the treadmill. Her albums are versatile and have a pace for any situation. Whether you’re training for speed or endurance, her vocals will help you reach your goals. Her 2025 release “Vie” is the perfect example of this. It’s more exploratory, ranging in 70s and 80s funk while staying true to the pop and hip hop era of today. There is a lot of David Bowie and Prince influence throughout, but it’s still Doja Cat.
This album’s BPM ranges from 120 to 205, keeping the pace up and the blood pumping. Any time you get a chance to listen to Doja Cat on a run, I suggest you take it.
“Post” by Björk
Björk is a new addition to my rotation. While I don’t listen to music on runs as much as I used to, I still like trying new things. “Post” is one of those albums that I will be coming back to in the future. I mean, the opening track “Army of Me” alone is enough to get the blood pumping immediately. Unlike “Vie,” “Post” is on the heavier side of rage and grungey discourse. Which is perfect given the circumstances.
Known for her experimentalism, this album ranges from dance, electronic and jazz, creating an eclectic mix. The album’s average BPM is around 95, which also differs from the above. It’s good for a zone 2 run and keeps you open to imagination, stuck running in place.
“Random Access Memories” by Daft Punk
This is an album I come to often when I’m running. It’s versatile and has been a loyal companion for my long runs. Some of my favorite tracks include “Giorgio By Moroder,” “Contact” and “Touch.” This is a no-skip album and will never bore you, no matter how many times you come back to it.
“Random Access Memories” averages a BPM of 114. It keeps you on track for pace and you will, without a doubt, reach a flow state. I hope that the air clears soon so I can run in Big Cottonwood once again with this album blasting through my headphones.
“Loud” by Rihanna
I received this suggestion from Aiden Cooley, Wasatch Magazine managing editor, and I couldn’t have been more excited about it. When I was in the thick of training for the SLC marathon last spring, Rihanna was what got me through. I’m sure “Loud” will do just the same for you on the treadmill. From the first track, “S&M,” to “Only Girl (In the World),” this is one for the ages.
“Loud” has a BPM average of 122. It’s slower than expected but consistent, which is great for endurance training. Matching footing to the beat of each track will keep you in the zone for at least an hour indoors.