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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 20h

First post-100 run and feeling joy. 90 minutes at a comfortable pace, concentrating on form and how my body felt. All systems checked out. Ran the downhills, which felt great, attacked a single uphill, which was exhausting. Speed is not there yet. Gemma remains unimpressed. #runsky #running

A black tabby with tuft of white on her belly stares into the camera and wonders why her human spends time running when he could be feeding her more. A Strava fun summary is overlaid:

Avg HR 125 bpm
Distance 8.53 mi
Pace 10:43/mi
Time 1h 31m
Elev Gain 730 ft
Cal 1,007 Cal

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

The death throes of Summer succeeded in giving us an 82°F (27.7C) day so I postponed my triumphant return to running til tomorrow. Wanted to control HR so I did 90 minutes in ERG mode on the bike, which is always a bit of a slog and harder than I expect, but I’m happy with the result.

A Strava map of the Innsbruck Zwift route with the following stats overlaid:
Distance 23.21 mi
Elev Gain 2,156 ft
Time 1h 30m

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Another Zwift free ride today. HR still elevated, but cadence and power are both on their way back to baseline. May try my first run back tomorrow, weather permitting.

A Strava summary overlaid on the Zwift Muir And The Mountain course with the following details:

Distance 24.17
Elev Gain 2,986 ft
Time 1h 26m
Avg Power 201 W
Speed 16.7 mi/h
Cal 1,000 Cal

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Still on the tail end of this congestion but managed my first real effort since the race, an unstructured free ride. I think an actual structured workout is on the horizon. Measured out 120g of candy corn and then forgot to bring it downstairs with me, felt fine enough. HR is still pretty elevated.

The Zwift Bigger Loop route with a Strava bike summary of the following details:

Distance 33.24
Avg Power 190 W
Elev Gain 2,257 ft
Time 1h 50m
Speed 18.0 mi/h
Cal 1,206 Cal

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Recovery is nonlinear. Nasal congestion made exercise and sleeping hard for the last few days. Finally felt well enough to hop on the bike for light riding but it was clear my central nervous system was all over the place. Still, during the last few minutes I found a spark of my old self in there.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Decided on one more indulgence before I get back to healthy eating habits. Made myself a chocolate cake from scratch, based on my mother’s recipe (that I’ve never quite been able to replicate, but this is as close as I’ve gotten so far). Icing needs to be a little fudgier.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Me and my wife just got our annual flu and Covid vaccines. Here’s me climbing on my soapbox and encouraging you to get yours. Vaccines save lives. Not just yours. You’re also protecting the more vulnerable members of your community. It’s not just science, it’s the right thing to do.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Recovery assessment day! After 2 days off and eating like there’s no tomorrow, I felt good enough that I wanted to hop on the bike for an hour and take stock of my body. My cadence was down and I didn’t have pop in the legs, but overall things went better than expected and it felt good to sweat.

Zwift map of the Peaky Pavé routers in France with the following Strava summary overlaid:

Distance 19.12 mi
Elev gain 1,224 ft
Time 1h 0m
Avg Power 187 W
Speed 19.0 mi/h
Calories 648 Cał

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

I’m still waiting on official race photos, but here are a few I snapped while running. Just like my photos of Bryce Canyon National Park, these are a cheap imitation of the immense beauty I witnessed. They also only account for a very small portion of the course, which was quite varied in a scenery.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Back home safely with a stomach full of Chinese takeout. Time for the pièce de résistance: my wife’s homemade apple pie.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Sitting at the airport scrolling through UltraSignup.com while waiting to board, but it’s okay because I can stop anytime I want.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

About to destroy some Killer Nachos from the Red Iguana in SLC. Came here based on it being featured on Diners, Dine-Ins, and Dives.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

I guess this is a food blog for the day while I eat my way through recovery. Churro Cruffin from Fillings & Emulsions in Salt Lake City. Was tasty, but not quite the cinnamon sugar explosion I was hoping for.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Time to find out what all the excitement is about.

An In-N-Out Double Double burger with side of fries.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Thank you everyone for the love and support during the Bryce Canyon Ultra! I’m still processing the experience, but it was incredible. The hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. Will share more later. Recovery is going way better than expected. Who’s ready to go for a buckle next? #running #runsky

Bib 76 for the Bryce Canyon Ultras 100 mile race lays behind the belt buckle awarded for finishing the race.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Loop 1 done. This course is beautiful, but brutal and intense. Not for the faint of heart. Thankfully I only almost died once. If you ever have the chance to slide over the side of a switchback, I wouldn’t recommend it. (I’m fine). Crushed a burger and on to loop 2.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Drop bag time. I get 3 for this race. I visit DB1 4 times, DB2 twice, and DB3 a single time. I’ve never had a race where I had different bags like this and it gave me anxiety, but going through the packing process helped and I think I have it sorted. See image alt text for details. #running #runsky

Thunder Mountain Drop Bag. I have this bag 3 times at miles 33, 38.9, 83.3, and 89.2. This one has the most gels. Contents includes:

Clean socks

50g Carbs Fuel gels: 8 reg, 4 caffeine, 4 sodium

Possible cold weather gear for overnight: Smartwool base layer tops and leggings, Skull cap and headband, extra gloves.

Emergency supplies: backup headlamp, body glide, blinking red light, wet-naps, 4 Tylenol, pre-cut tape, body glide

I bag things up separately inside the drop bad so it’s easy to grab just what I need. Gels on top because they are most important by default.

East Fork drop bag. I visit this bad twice at miles 17.4 and 67.7. The first stop will likely be just for gels. If all goes well, I should hit this bad just before sunset so I can grab overnight gear.

Two pairs of clean socks

50g Carbs Fuel gels: 8 reg, 4 caffeine, 4 sodium

Sun protective hat with cape in case the sun seems unreasonably strong early in the day.

Overnight cold weather layers: merino base top, smartwool leggings, REI beanie

Emergency supplies: 4 Tylenol, 2 wet-naps, body glide, red blinking safety light for night, pre-cut tape

Again, I bag stuff up separately and then put them into a larger bag so I can grab just the stuff I need, especially gels.

Start/Finish line drop bag I hit once at 50 miles (I imagine I can get to it before the start if needed as well) this one is an actual Patagonia duffel instead of ziploc.

Backup pair of Challenger 7s in case I want to switch halfway.

Change of main running clothes and hat just in case.

Ultraspire waist lamp. Critical for night running, I didn’t want to wear it the entire day so it’s crucial I grab it at 50.

Listerine: experiment to see if it helps reset my palette for gels.

Emergency supplies: the rest of my tape, wet-naps, doctor’s, nail clippers, Tylenol, band-aids, alcohol wipes.

I’m also going to put a note inside to remind me about the headlamp.

The 3 packed drop bags are on the top row. The rest is my starting kit I’ll be wearing or carrying in my vest.

REI cap, shirt, shorts.

Darn tough socks

Smartwool gloves and quarter zip pullover in case it’s a cold morning

A cooling buff for my neck and to cover my mouth in potentially dusty sections

Challenger 8s and gaiters

Starting headlamp for the first hour of running

Solomon Adv Skin 12 vest

Collapsible cup just in case

Sun sleeves to protect arms from the sun

“Amato strong” bracelet to remind me of my sisters

Charging brick which I hopefully won’t need.

Small baggie of supplies I keep on me for field repairs or emergencies: toilet paper, pre-cut tape, Tylenol, cough drops, lip balm, wet-naps, body glide etc…

Not pictured, cell phone.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Here is the direct tracking link for my attempt at the Bryce Canyon Ultras 100 miler. Or you can go to live.aravaiparunnin.com and search for Amato in the 100 miler. Starts September 19th at 5AM MDT (11AM UTC). It’s a fairly remote race so no video stream. I don’t even think there’s dots.

live.aravaiparunning.com

Aravaipa Live Results

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Hiking or otherwise being on my feet for 12 hours 2 days before a 100 miler may not be the smartest move, but I don’t care. Bryce Canyon was amazing and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. As penance, I’m going to have to eat this entire BBQ chicken pizza to refuel. Poor me. Tomorrow will be 💯 lazy day.

A BBQ chicken pizza from C Stop in Panguitch, Utah. There are only 7 slices because I ate one before taking the picture; priorities.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

I took 275+ photos at Bryce Canyon today, furiously trying to capture the natural splendor and emotion it evoked, knowing the entire time it was a futile effort. You have to come here and experience it for yourself; no photo or video will ever do it justice. Here are 10 of my meager attempts.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

At Bryce Canyon National Park for the day. My first visit to any of our nations’ parks. It was cloudy, but the sunrise was still awe-inspiring.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

The sun came out, I saw the beauty of this place and last night’s sleepless woes melted away. I decided: Screw it, I came here to run, I’m gonna run. Laid back 5K on a small section of the course. I felt surprisingly good given the lack of sleep, but obviously not race ready. #running #runsky

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

I was so out of it when I stopped for some provisions this morning that I only now just noticed the brand of soda I bought. If I win the whole thing, we’ll know why. @theshastaone.bsky.social

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Flight was uneventful but now I’ll be stuck at the airport for hours. Apparently prepaying for a rental car at Budget doesn’t mean they’ll bother to have a car for you when you show up. Now I’m sitting on a bench for the next few hours hoping a return comes in overnight . So annnoyed and so tired.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

I haven’t checked a bag at the airport in 25 years. I even went on my 2 week honeymoon in Italy with a small carryon. Ultrarunning has broken the streak, mainly because of the 60 gels that require being checked, but also so many other things I probably won’t use that I had to bring just in case.

An image of American Airlines monitor in Philadelphia International Airport showing a flight to Salt Lake City at gate B14 boarding at 7:00 PM.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Race week nerves have me off my game in both sleep and nutrition. So when I hopped on the bike for one last big threshold workout, it suuuucked. Heart rate was elevated and I felt sluggish. Almost quit but feel way better having finished. Good practice for the oncoming race day lows. 91 hours to go.

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Reposted by Matt Amato

Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Last year my sister was diagnosed with ALS. It's fast moving, debilitating, & fatal. The Bryce Canyon 100 I'm running this month will be hard, but it's nothing compared to what she is fighting. She's the toughest person I know. I'm dedicating this race to her and helping to raise funds for her care.

gofund.me

Donate to Support Adrienne’s Fight Against ALS, organized by Rachael Amato

Help Adrienne Navigate Life with ALS My name is Rachael Amato, and my family and… Rachael Amato needs your support for Support Adrienne’s Fight Against ALS

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Found this little 1 minute hype video for my race on Saturday and can’t stop watching it.

youtu.be

Bryce Canyon Ultras & Half Marathon Trail Run

YouTube video by Vacation Races

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

I wrote my first ever race report! I don’t think it’s a particular good race report, but I’m just happy to have finally published one. Maybe you will read it. From now on I’ll do one for every race I run. Maybe I’ll even build out a personal site around it. #running #runsky

mramato.github.io

Race report: 2026 Salt Springs Field, Forest & Falls Trail Races

Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Climb.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Gear check run! I packed the vest with water, fuel, phone, battery bank, and cold weather layers. Then I put on my sun sleeves, gaiters, waist light, hat & headlamp. This is the most I’m likely to carry at once during the 100. Felt a little warm, but otherwise great at all day pace. #running #runsky

An Apple fitness satellite map of the route through Wissahickon park with a Strava run summary overlaid:

Distance 10.00 mi
Elev Gain 462 ft
Pace 11:08 /mi
Time 1h 51m
Cal 1,201 Cal
Avg HR 130 bpm

A very narrow and shallow part of Wissahicken creek.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

I’m staying in Hatch, Utah next week with a population of ~130. Trail running has increased my outdoorsyness, but I’m still a city slicker that grew up in one of the largest metro areas in the world. Hopefully I don’t stick out like a sore thumb. I’m sure there will be other runners in town as well.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

I figured today would be my last hard long run before the race, so I might as well send it. PRs in 10K, HM, and 15 miles. Cooler weather helped. Still no idea what things will be like in Utah, but feeling as physically and mentally prepared as I can be and ready to give it my best. #running #runsky

An Apple fitness map of a running route through Norristown with the following Strava stats overlaid:

Distance 15.09 mi
Elev Gain 446ft
Pace 8:30/mi
Cal 1,723 Cal
Time 2h 8m
Avg HR 145 bpm

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

It’s amazing how much my vitals tanked after just a few days of vacation, despite running during the trip. A good reminder of how important sleep/hydration/nutrition are. I know I’ll bounce back quickly, but only 9 days til my race makes me nervous. Went hard on the bike today to jump start my body.

A zwift map of the Tour of Fire and Ice route with a Strava bike summary overlaid:
Distance 16.38 mi
Avg Power 213 W
Elev Gain 3,835 ft
Speed 10.6 mi/h
Time 1h 32m
Cal 1,128 Cal

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

My middle sister had a birthday while we were on our trip. I managed to whip up our mother’s strawberry shortcake using the random assortment of equipment in the rental. I cheated a little and brought cake pans. Not my best work but happy with the result, more importantly so was she #baking #bakesky

A semi-naked 3 layer strawberry shortcake sits on a foil covered cutting board. The top of the cake has 12 inverted strawberries lining the edge and it’s covered in whipped cream.

A picture of the inside of a sliced strawberry shortcake showing 3 layers of berries and cream.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

First visit to the Nags Head Nature Preserve, a beautiful woodsy place I didn’t expect to find near the beach. Ran a leisurely 5K to explore and then walked the ADA compliant loop with my sisters. Would love to visit again some time for a longer effort. #running #runsky

Strava map and summary of a trail run through the Nags Head Nature Preserve with the following details:
Distance 3.22 mi
Time 35m 34s
Pace 11:02/mi

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

First time I’ve ever gone running on the beach. I knew the sand would make me work a little harder and I definitely felt that. Stayed close to the water where it was a little more packed down. Photo is from last night, but there’s no time it doesn’t look beautiful down here. #running #runsky

A photo of the Atlantic Ocean with a pink gradient to blue sky above and sand and grass in the foreground. A Strava run summary is overlaid:

Distance 8.12 mi
Elev Gain 89 ft
Pace 11:00/mi
Time 1h 29m
Cal 893 Cal
Avg HR 125 bpm

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

One of my sister’s bucket list items was to visit The Outer Banks again. Me and my two other sisters chipped in to make it happen. Our first family vacation in a very long time. Her ALS requires a lot of extra planning and equipment, but seeing how happy she is right now makes it all worth it.

Three amazingly strong and smart olive-skinned women with dark hair and sunglasses, one of whom is in a wheelchair, and the post author (their incredibly lucky brother) post for a group selfie on the beach.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

After a day of travel, a half rack of ribs, hush puppies, fries, and a shot of bourbon; I wasn’t exactly feeling fit for a run this morning; but there’s a nice paved bike path that goes on forever that the time flew by. I already feel a million times better. My view for the weekend. #running #runsky

A view of the beach in Nags Head North Carolina with a Strava summary overlaid:

Distance 10.10 mi
Elev Gain 9ft
Pace 9:20/mi
Time 1h 34m
Avg HR 138 bpm
Cal 1,126 Cal

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

The weird thing about a “B” race is that it’s a large effort in a race atmosphere but you go right back to training after cause you’ve got an even bigger goal on the horizon. Today was 2 hours on the bike at 180 watts ERG followed by a hard ~7 minutes to finish the route. Body feels fully recovered.

Zwift map of Accelerate to Elevate route with Strava summary overlaid:
Distance 25.66 mi
Avg Power 184 W
Elev Gain 3,783 ft
Speed 12.1 mi/h
Time 2h 7m
Cal 1,340 Cal

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

gofund.me

Donate to Support Adrienne’s Fight Against ALS, organized by Rachael Amato

Help Adrienne Navigate Life with ALS My name is Rachael Amato, and my family and… Rachael Amato needs your support for Support Adrienne’s Fight Against ALS

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Found out that the Bryce Canyon 100 is going to be 2 loops of the 50 mile course this year (because of what I believe are permitting issues). I knew it was a possibility and have mixed feelings. While love the grandeur of 1 big loop, psychologically and logistically two loops seems way easier.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

My brain wanted 1 more day after Saturday’s 50K but my heart was begging for a run. So we compromised and settled for 90 minutes of movement at whatever pace I could handle without overdoing it. Things went way better than expected, but my quads were not thrilled with the downhills. #running #runsky

Map of Plymouth Meeting, PA with a Strava route and summary overlaid:
Distance 8.06 mi
Pace 11:29/mi
Time 1h 32m

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

I was hoping to run but I have a history of doing too much too soon post-race. Thankfully I now have the bike and that seems to be the perfect compromise for me to keep working out while offloading my body. Hoping to do a run tomorrow, but Thursday at the latest. At least stairs are getting easier.

The Zwift Dust in the Wind route with Strava details overlaid:
Distance 32.60 ml
Avg Power 204 W
Elev Gain 1,909 ft
Speed 20.1 mi/h
Time 1h 37m
Cal 1,132 Cal

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Will be in Nags Head, NC some of next week and plan on checking out the trails of this amazing nature preserve while I’m there. Anyone else have any #running recommendations (trail or road) for the area? #runsky

nature.org

Nags Head Woods, North Carolina

A gem of sand dunes, ponds, marshes and wetlands nested on the Outer Banks.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

My quads are still jelly and my nervous system is out of whack; but after total rest yesterday and a few extra thousand calories to help recovery, I was really excited to get back on the bike today to stretch out my legs and work up a sweat. I’m certainly not 💯, but it went way better than expected.

A Zwift map of the Shisa Shakedown route with the following Strava stats overlaid:
Distance 30.80 mi
Avg Power 195 W
Elev Gain 1,624 ft
Speed 19.8 mi/h
Time 1h 33m
Cal 1,047 Cal

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

I may actually write a race report. Today’s 50K was intense! Objectively the most difficult race I’ve ever done. (RD declared it’s the hardest 50K on the east coast.) Terrain was insane. I’m banged up but overcome with joy. My highest placement ever and I’m even more psyched a woman won 1st overall.

Strava map of the Salt Springs 50K course with distance 34.03 mi Moving time 7h 49m and Elev gain. 7.925 ft overlaid

Workout Details from Apple Fitness
Workout Time 8:37:23
Active Calories 4,557CAL
Elevation Gain 7,689FT
Avg. Pace 15'12"/MI
Distance 34.03MI
Total Calories 5,404CAL
Avg. Cadence 138SPM
Avg. Heart Rate 130BPM

My race bib, burned wood medal, and Finisher magnet.

Me at the finish line, but before the start.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Only 3 weeks until the Bryce Canyon 100 miler, so it’s time for a tune-up race! Spending the night in middle-of-nowhere Pennsylvania to run the Salt Springs Field 50K. It has 7,000ft+ of elevation gain. How I handle that much climbing is a big unknown and I can’t wait to find out. #running #runsky

runsignup.com

Salt Springs Field, Forest & Falls Trail Races

The Salt Springs Field, Forest & Falls Trail Races is on Saturday August 29, 2026. It includes the following events: 5K Race, 10K Race, and 50K Race.

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Couldn’t work out yesterday but have a big effort tomorrow, so did a quick VO2 workout on Zwift. I’ll know tomorrow if that was a bad idea. It wanted me to hold 480W for 12 30 second intervals, turns out 470W was my current limit. Disappointed, but excited to have a clear bike power goal to work on.

Distance 11.49 mi
Elev Gain 843ft
Time 43m 54s

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

First time doing a #zwift climb portal. They are a collection of rotating real world climbs, so great for someone like me trying to build leg strength and stamina for running. Today I climbed Col de la Madeleine in the Alps. One benefit of planned rest days is you know you can push the day before.

A photo of the real Col de la Madeleine in the Alps with the following Strava summary overlaid:

Distance 19.56 mi
Avg Power 211 W
Elev Gain 3,704 ft
Speed 12.9 mi/h
Time 1h 30m
Cal 1,098 cal

Col de la Madeleine vu depuis les pistes de Valmorel CC BY 3.0

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Matt Amato @matt-amato.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Hemmed and hawed over shoes for my upcoming races and decided if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Broke in new Hoka Challenger 8s today. First new trail shoes in 2 years. Felt amazing, just as good if not better than the 7s I have (which I still plan on using during training). #running #runsky

A satellite map of Wissahickon park with route overlaid and Strava summary of details:

Distance 10.01 mi
Pace 10:03/mi
Elev Gain 1,005 ft
GAP 9:37/mi
Time 1h 40m
Cal 1,188 Cal

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