Cowtown 10K Completed! Now the "Run to Joes..."

So last Saturday was the Cowtown 10K.  You would not believe the way my body protested at 5:00 am when I got up to get ready and head to Funky Town.  I made it there early enough to pick up a friend's downtown parking pass - most definitely the bright spot of the day was being able to park very close to all the activities.   It was freezing and I tried to warm up a bit but I really just wanted to get the damn thing over with as soon as possible. 

As we lined up at the starting line, I saw a mix of people.  Serious runners lined up at the front.  You know..the ones who are actually trying to win the race.  I headed towards the middle/rear since I knew I couldn't keep up with the people keeping pace at a 5 minute mile.  The gun went off, I started my ipod and away we went...

For the most part it was a nice jog.  The sun came out and warmed everything up to a nice temp.  It turned out to be a beautiful day.  I ran for the most part, only allowing myself to slow to a walk at the water stations.  I was hurting towards the end but I didn't want to stop because, again, I just wanted it to be over.  Finishing was not exhilirating but I was happy and felt accomplished.  I did realize a few things from this run:

1.  There is no way I will ever "win" a 10K, ever.  I am not built for fast pace running.  I can go the distance but not with speed.

2.  I do not want to run more than a 10K, ever.  I know people dig the half and full marathons but the 6.213 miles is enough for me thankyouverymuch.

3.  My running playlist is not just for fun, it is a necessity.  Here's what I run to:

• Ain't no rest for the Wicked - Cage the Elephant
• Mama Do - Pixie Lott
• Replay - lyaz
• Rehab - Amy Winehouse
• Just Dance - Lady Gaga
• In Love With A Girl - Gavin DeGraw
• How Far We've Come - Matchbox Twenty
• Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne
• Suddenly I See - KT Tunstall
• Battlefield - Jordin Sparks
• Driving Me Mad - Neil Finn
• Buster Voodoo - Rodrigo y Gabriela
• Kerosene - Miranda Lambert

4.  I want to do better in the next 10K.  I ran this one in aprox 1 hour, 10 min.  I finished with about 800 people behind me and 2000 ahead of me.  I know I can do better than that.  I'm glad I wasn't last though.  Not that there is anything wrong with being last because, hey, at least you finished.

So...next up:  10K "Run to Joe's" - http://www.samaritanhouse.org/runtojoes/index.asp