I never thought I'd get to a point where my brain would say to me "It's only 4 miles." Unfortunately, this didn't happen until 2 miles in and I set out a little too slowly. I should have challenged myself more.

But I didn't want to go out too hard because work has been a shit--I haven't been putting in my minimum three runs a week. To say I'm nervous about the half on the 3rd is understating it.

Not sure how to approach this upcoming week... I'm thinking two shorter but faster runs, and a final run on Thursday, longer but slower? I don't frickin' know. Stupid work ruining my actual life.

The new Air Max 180s are ok after about two miles. I won't wear them race day as I think I need to break 'em in a bit--not sure what they'd do to my feet after 13 miles.

Looking forward to the mini vacation I'm taking after that. Flying from Virginia Beach to Seattle, then to Pasco, WA. My friend Matt and his friend Sergey are doing a 12 day 4WD trek through the Rockies and various spots and will stop to pick me up there. I'll get to do the last 5 days, including PCH, San Fran and end up in LA. No work. No pitches. No advertising bullshit.

Just me, my pals and my new Nikon D50.