Uwharrie 40 Mile Mountain Run

I just finished running the Uwharrie 40 Mile Mountain run. I ran a decent 10:17. The course is very demanding and is extremely technical. This is the fourth time in five years that I have done it. I failed to get in last year (always closes out early) and was bummed. In 2006 I ran a slow 11:45 and just made the cutoff (12 hours and 30 min). I have ratcheted up my training this summer and fall and have done close to 100 mile weeks this summer and an average of 60 this fall. My nutrition has gotten better and I have also implemented weight training into my schedule. I think that all of this has helped me tremendously. Long weekend back to back long runs have been key as well. I did experience some cramping due to electrolyte loss from mile 25-40 but ate bananas and had salt on hand to fix that. I am in a new phase of serious training and wanted to see how my body would adjust to no Guu or anything like that, even though I love it. The race started out with the temp being 28 degrees and went to a high of 65. I layered properly and heat was never an issue for me. I always carry one handheld and 3 miles between stations was fine. I am already looking forward to next year. My next run will be pacing at the Umstead 100 Miler in April. In June I have the Bethel Hill Moonlight Boogie, September Hinson Lake 24 hour Run and in November Mountain Masochist 50 Miler in Va.