Changes

The MMT100 is generally considered the toughest 100 mile race east of the Rockies, and one of the toughest in the US. Some of that toughness comes from the elevation change, which is about 20,000 feet of ascent and the same descent. However, the real challenge is the rough trails. Some of the trails are good running, and some of the trail is rocky and you have to work on where to put your feet. However, a significant portion of the course is so rocky there is nowhere flat to put your feet. For many runners, a good chunk of MMT is not runnable; in fact, it is tough walking, let alone running.

'''Things that worked well for me'''

* Nathan 020 hydration pack. This was the most common pack on the race and worked great for me. I use a Camelbak bladder in mine, as I like it more than the Nathan version that comes with the pack. [http://blog.irunfar.com/2008/10/nathan-hpl-020-review.html http://blog.irunfar.com/2008/10/nathan-hpl-020-review.html]

* I did not eat at the aid stations. Instead, I used a quart Ziploc bag and filled it with goodies at each aid station, then ate on the move. I ate more and saved time.

* PB&H. I mixed peanut butter, honey and flax oil together, then put it into a squeeze tube (http://www.rei.com/product/696007). This is an amazing food; easy to eat, tasty and highly nutritious. Make it up so it is only slightly sweet.

* I think my high mileage training worked well. I did four 20 mile runs a week, which gave me a lot of strength.

* I did one overnight run which helped me get used to the night and sleep deprivation. I did a 20 in the morning, then did an easy 40 with some good friends that night.