Yeah, I definitly prefer a slower longer run. I mean, what are you going to do when you get a halfway through your run and realize you're 2 miles from home, walk back? That would just take too long. I definitly don't have a problem with running out of city to run in, usually I try to stay away from places that a) have smelly farm animals, b) Running towards all the shopping (old people leaving wal-mart, that's just scary) - besides, it just seems weird to be out running in front of the mall. Best Buy might get the best of me. Running North on Higley I generally avoid since I by there 10 times per week. So now we're left with running to the McDonalds on Greenfield, which is a good route when solo as there's plenty of people around. Also a good feeling to say "haha, you're in there eating junk food and I'm out here exercising". Or there's water Canals, which is nice for being not around carbon monoxide, but bad if it just rained. I will definitly have to see where that bridge goes, another running route would be nice.

Al used to just run around the neighborhood, but, as you mention, you need the motivation to run all the way back, its too tempting to shortcut halfway through the run. Plus I get bored running next to cookie cutter houses.