Byll, I'm really glad you wrote this. 

I hope all of the Bummer's have faded.....

Running and the determination that it takes are way up there on the list of Very Important Things to all of us here, but they're not the only things that matter.    Your reasons, especially considering possible dehydration & your fatigue later, make a lot of sense.   You've got the toughness for the times and circumstances that call for it.   This reminds me of MS's thead on KR about marathons and mindsets.  I think it's a very valuable post.   Among other things it encourages health, quality of life, and celebrating the entire range of our running experience.   Including way cool gatherings like we had in Traverse City!  

Thanks for your report, and for the pictures.      It was Chamber of Commerce weather, wasn't it?    So happy you and your family had such a great time.        And that you keep picking races in places where I can be there too : D.  

see you in a few months!