Great Job Rob! Really awesome.
I totally know what you mean about it being somewhat easier when you have done a distance before and you know better what to expect physically. It doesn't really make the pain any less real, but it does give you a certain level of confidence that you can handle it.
Howl has been a favorite of the SLUGs for a long time, but I have never done it (or even been to one).. I think for me it has been the time of year.. I find it really hard to run long enough to get in good ultra shape in the summer.
That had to be a great feeling when the weather was reasonable this time, I remember hearing that it was brutal last year.

I assume (with the lack of rain for a while) that the course was in pretty good shape?

Again congrats!

Chris