Mileage vs. Time?

Saw an article about Kara Goucher, an American marathoner, and how Americans are too focused on how far and how fast we run, rather than just seeing what we can do. I'd love to reach that level, but ironically I need more structured training before I can get there. Although I've got my Garmin with me during most runs, I'm rarely paying attention to it, other than timing my walk breaks, and occasionally seeing how far we've gone. The rest of the time, I'm enjoying the run, and trying not to bust my ass, since most of the time, I'm on the trails. I'll bring the Garmin when we're hashing, too, mainly because I like to let the slower members know how far they went.
The main reason I like trail running so much is because it makes it easier to turn my brain off and just run. You can spend more time just enjoying the scenery, and trying to not step on bunnies or get run over by deer, and less time worrying about your pace or inhaling car fumes. That's a great aspect of Charlotte, all of the non-road running you can do. Other than the Whitewater Center, we've got endless Greenways, like the one by Stephanie's house. Also, obviously, when a pretty girl asks you to go run, it's kinda hard to say "no".