In reply to Nick Harvey:
Despite swearing off ultras, I'm in a similar boat, planning on doing a load of local events again, 30 miler, 40 miler and a 55 miler, which will give me enough points for a 2014 UTMB entry.
Nick - nice one. I expect to hear about you successfully completing it this year! re training - based on what I've read, you might be better off getting more long runs in.
Wonrek - I've done the MCN Summer 40 miler and that was pretty tough. I wouldn't underestimate the Winter one either. Great race tho, very well organised.