Austin Statesman Cap10K

As I crossed the finish line for my 2nd annual Austin Statesman Cap10K run, deadmau5 blared in my headphones as I employed one last burst of energy to bring my jelly legs up to a sprint. You try running this run, and then get back with me, and we both can laught together. 

I wish I could tell you the iTunes shuffle function serendipitously led me to “Born to Run” – that Springsteen, by some cosmic force, was giving me that last little push I needed. (I swear I heard “Abby you were born to run” the first time.) Rather it was the cherry topper on a grander scheme: my carefully plotted playlist.

The one-hour block of songs was pinpointed to mile markers, compiled with just the right amount of campy workout cuts, jumpy electronics, and indie-rock to pull me up the steepest hill and past the person in front of me. Studies have proved a link between working out with music and increased motivation. .

Even I get tired of listening to the same playlists run after run, so before this Sunday’s Capitol 10K, I rounded up and road tested some new songs. Here are some of my new go-to motivators along with old favorites. Put it on shuffle or listen to it straight – until the new deadmau5  album drops, that is.

“Soemthing Good Can Work”  Two Door Cinema Club
“Gravity,” John Mayer
“Phresh Out the Runway,” Rihanna
“Call your Girlfriend” (Kaskade remix), Robyn
“Ghost N Stuff,” Deadmau5 
“Helena Beat,” Foster the People
“Only the Horses,” Scissor Sisters
“Bangarang" (Feat. Sirah remix),  Skrillex
“Midnight City” (Eric Prydz Private Remix),  M83
“Strobe” (Club Remix),  Deadmau5 
“Adagio for TRON” (Remix by Teddybears),   Daft Punk and Teddybears
“I’ll Be Alright,” Passion Pit
“I Follow Rivers” (The Magician Remix), Lykke Li

Just a few songs that I blared as I ran to the finish lin.  I would name them all, but that would take me forevers.

My goal for this race, was to out do my time from 2012 Cap10K . And by huge surprise
I did, I completed my run at 00:59:25. (2012 completed time at 1:28:25)


Every time I view this picture, I am astonished... Over 18 thousand people ran this year 2013.