I've begun using runkeeper.com to track my runs and the progress that I'm making.  I downloaded the ap to my cell phone and I no longer have to plot out courses with online maps, I just turn on runkeeper when I head out the door and it tells me distance and time as I cruise along any path I choose to take. 

It completely frees me up to run any route I desire and still know how far I've run no matter where I turn. 

http://runkeeper.com/user/joethebartender/profile