My 2 cents...

I too flew to work.  My take offs conducted short-field (often they really were!) and frequent engine out practice.  I even had the altitude lost per standard rate turn at best glide memorized so I could cognizantly bleed off any extra if I was really high (the goal).

Then it happened... a REAL engine out.  So, I too went in "Done this before" mode.  To my surprise, the plane sank MUCH faster than with the engine at idle (as in practice).  I felt betrayed... LIED to by my instructors.  Anyway, as soon as I realized what was happening, I made a bee line for the numbers and all turned out fine.  Subsequently, I learned about the flat plate drag of a windmilling prop and ever since, I never get too far from the runway in the pattern and I'll always be sure to have a height buffer if/when it happens again.  I figure I'd rather make the runway and land too fast than the alternative.

Ed McCauley
Lancair IV-P 10.564% (+/- 20%)