So since my last post, among other things, I've managed to complete a few things:

1. A 5+ mile run which was a gradual uphill track all the way to the halfway point, then downhill all the way home.  I highly recommend that, made me feel really fast even though I consider myself to be pretty damn slow.
2. The YMCA 2012 Back Road Ramble, held at Camp Watchaug in Charlestown, Rhode Island.  Very scenic trail run through the camp, and awesome trails.  The run was held at 1PM, though, and it was pretty warm out, and the course ended up being 3.4 miles, not 3.1, but I came in 17th place and felt pretty good!
3. Did a very hilly 11 mile run a few days later, my longest run in the minimalist shoes I wear.  I still think that as long as I had the time, and was not trying to push the pace at all, I'd be able to do 26.2 without an issue...just have to prep, pick a day and do it.  As for the 50K trail race, well, I haven't hit the trails nearly as much as I'd like, and I'm going to have to make a point of finding some good ones that are close by...