Mind Games

I mentioned last week that I recently dug my Rubik's Cube out of a drawer, and since then it's been taunting me. I made some progress on it a while ago, and kind of forgot about it. Here's how it stands now:

I remember reading somewhere once that the key to solving these was to go layer by layer, so I'm in good shape with one layer done. But I haven't been able to figure out what to do next. I've only spent about 5 minutes at a time looking at it, though, so I'm sure I'll be able to figure it out. And no, I really don't want hints or links to solutions. The math part of my brain that's been lying dormant since I left grad school almost three years ago is up for the challenge.

In other news, I've officially decided to do Boston's Run to Remember, the half marathon through the city on Memorial Day weekend. Originally I had been leaning toward the Wallis Sands Half Marathon at the beginning of May, since I have family who are running it. But I haven't been running much the last couple of weeks because of weather, traveling, and a nasty stomach bug, so I don't think I'll be ready to start a real training plan for another couple of weeks. Plus, doing one at home means fewer travel expenses, and I can rest up in my own bed the night before. So barring any major problems, 5/29 is the day I become a half marathoner!