LRB- I actually did do 3 sets of strides at the end of my warmup, although since that was 20 minutes before the race, I don't know that it helped much.

Yes, they most certainly did.  10k's are mentally tough, so for me, I always put mile 4 as the moment I know I got it.  Once mile 4 beeps, you are still in pain, but you know with every step from that point, you are closer to the end.

Up until mile 4 however, I literally have to talk myself out of quitting or slowing down.