Matt Amato
@matt-amato.bsky.social
Burnt out software dev learning to enjoy life in retirement.
Ultrarunning, baking, cooking, books (especially sci-fi & fantasy), comics, sports, video games, TTRPGs, and politics.
South Philly Italian born and bred, living Philly adjacent.
he/him/his
Ultrarunning, baking, cooking, books (especially sci-fi & fantasy), comics, sports, video games, TTRPGs, and politics.
South Philly Italian born and bred, living Philly adjacent.
he/him/his
Pinned
Matt Amato
@matt-amato.bsky.social
· Jan 28
Trans rights are human rights. Protect trans kids.
30 miles on the Schuykill River Trail today at more or less race pace. Last big run before starting to taper. Experimented with 6x30 strides at mile 29, but they definitely didn’t have the typical oomph. Only 16 days until the Freight Train 100k! #running
November 20, 2025 at 10:35 PM
30 miles on the Schuykill River Trail today at more or less race pace. Last big run before starting to taper. Experimented with 6x30 strides at mile 29, but they definitely didn’t have the typical oomph. Only 16 days until the Freight Train 100k! #running
Reposted by Matt Amato
From @freetrail.bsky.social's TrailCon:
41.5% of ultra runners across all distances are women. 9% of 2025 races have been won by women outright, compared to 4% 10 years ago. 55% of course records set in 2024 were by women.
I said 2024 was the year of the woman in trail, and the numbers don't lie.
41.5% of ultra runners across all distances are women. 9% of 2025 races have been won by women outright, compared to 4% 10 years ago. 55% of course records set in 2024 were by women.
I said 2024 was the year of the woman in trail, and the numbers don't lie.
The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman: The State of Trail Running in 2025 | TrailCon Live Panel
This is a recording of the opening panel from the 2025 edition of a two-day trail running festival, conference, and trade show hosted in Palisades Tahoe, CA in the days between Broken Arrow and Weste...
thewellwithdylanbowman.libsyn.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:21 PM
From @freetrail.bsky.social's TrailCon:
41.5% of ultra runners across all distances are women. 9% of 2025 races have been won by women outright, compared to 4% 10 years ago. 55% of course records set in 2024 were by women.
I said 2024 was the year of the woman in trail, and the numbers don't lie.
41.5% of ultra runners across all distances are women. 9% of 2025 races have been won by women outright, compared to 4% 10 years ago. 55% of course records set in 2024 were by women.
I said 2024 was the year of the woman in trail, and the numbers don't lie.
My runs were getting repetitive so I decided on a slow exploration run to figure out how to navigate the Wissahickon yellow trail. I still ended up #running in circles, but did 10 miles of hills, rocks, and roots. It made me appreciate the 2.5 mile manicured single track loop I usually do much more.
November 14, 2025 at 7:52 PM
My runs were getting repetitive so I decided on a slow exploration run to figure out how to navigate the Wissahickon yellow trail. I still ended up #running in circles, but did 10 miles of hills, rocks, and roots. It made me appreciate the 2.5 mile manicured single track loop I usually do much more.
Today’s long run put me over my goal of 2500 miles for the year. It’s anticlimactic now, but the goal behind the goal was to be consistent in #running and now it’s a core part of my life. Last ultra of the year in 22 days! Now I need to set some goals for the off-season and start planning next year.
November 13, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Today’s long run put me over my goal of 2500 miles for the year. It’s anticlimactic now, but the goal behind the goal was to be consistent in #running and now it’s a core part of my life. Last ultra of the year in 22 days! Now I need to set some goals for the off-season and start planning next year.
I couldn’t help myself and signed up for one last ultra before the end of the year. Plus this one includes taking a road trip. Freight Train 100k, I’ll see you on December 6th! #running
Freight Train Ultra Marathon – Virginia Adventures
virginiaadventures.com
November 1, 2025 at 3:16 PM
I couldn’t help myself and signed up for one last ultra before the end of the year. Plus this one includes taking a road trip. Freight Train 100k, I’ll see you on December 6th! #running
Was bummed to wake up and find the storm passing over the Northeast is too strong for me to go running in. I’m normally an all-weather runner but safety and health come first. I did 90 minutes on the treadmill instead; which to me is way more mentally challenging than the 15 outside I had planned.
October 30, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Was bummed to wake up and find the storm passing over the Northeast is too strong for me to go running in. I’m normally an all-weather runner but safety and health come first. I did 90 minutes on the treadmill instead; which to me is way more mentally challenging than the 15 outside I had planned.
A month into StrongLifts and 1 thing I can say for sure is that 5 sets of 5 heavy squats 3 times a week (plus warmups) is a hell of a lot of squats and the most mentally challenging part of training. But I’m already stronger and faster and can’t wait to see how my body adapts over the next 6 months.
October 27, 2025 at 2:58 PM
A month into StrongLifts and 1 thing I can say for sure is that 5 sets of 5 heavy squats 3 times a week (plus warmups) is a hell of a lot of squats and the most mentally challenging part of training. But I’m already stronger and faster and can’t wait to see how my body adapts over the next 6 months.
Felt good enough after the 50 miler that I jumped right back into my normal training. Ended up with some tendinitis in my foot and an extra unscheduled off day today. Lesson learned. Hopefully looking forward to being back on the trails tomorrow but will definitely take it easy.
October 23, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Felt good enough after the 50 miler that I jumped right back into my normal training. Ended up with some tendinitis in my foot and an extra unscheduled off day today. Lesson learned. Hopefully looking forward to being back on the trails tomorrow but will definitely take it easy.
On Saturday, I ran the 50 miler in the Muleskinner Endurance Races (They also have 13.1/26.2/50k options). It was the best race of my life and I came in under 10 hours for the first time, setting PRs for marathon and 50K along the way. I would recommend it to others. A brief #running recap thread...
October 21, 2025 at 9:44 PM
On Saturday, I ran the 50 miler in the Muleskinner Endurance Races (They also have 13.1/26.2/50k options). It was the best race of my life and I came in under 10 hours for the first time, setting PRs for marathon and 50K along the way. I would recommend it to others. A brief #running recap thread...
Excited to be #running the Muleskinner 50 miler tomorrow; but not excited that I need to leave the house by 3am to make the 5am start. Thankfully skipping caffeine today seems to have worked and I should be able to get 5-6 hours of sleep. I’m shooting for my first sub-10 finish. 😱 Send good vibes!
October 17, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Excited to be #running the Muleskinner 50 miler tomorrow; but not excited that I need to leave the house by 3am to make the 5am start. Thankfully skipping caffeine today seems to have worked and I should be able to get 5-6 hours of sleep. I’m shooting for my first sub-10 finish. 😱 Send good vibes!
Less than 4 days before my next race and I rolled my ankle 4.5 miles into what was supposed to be a joyous 10 on the trails, last of the taper. It feels fine and I managed to finish out the run with no pain and minimal discomfort; but it scared the crap out of me. I think I’ll be fine for Saturday.
October 14, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Less than 4 days before my next race and I rolled my ankle 4.5 miles into what was supposed to be a joyous 10 on the trails, last of the taper. It feels fine and I managed to finish out the run with no pain and minimal discomfort; but it scared the crap out of me. I think I’ll be fine for Saturday.
We went into Tron: Ares with low expectations and all ended up loving it. We saw it in IMAX 3D and it has just the right amount of style over substance and brisk pacing needed to make for a very enjoyable experience. I’m not sure it will translate well to typical at home viewing, so go if you can.
October 12, 2025 at 9:39 PM
We went into Tron: Ares with low expectations and all ended up loving it. We saw it in IMAX 3D and it has just the right amount of style over substance and brisk pacing needed to make for a very enjoyable experience. I’m not sure it will translate well to typical at home viewing, so go if you can.
I ran the Blues Cruise 50K. So. Very. Hilly. I went out fast and felt awesome for the first 30, then faded hard before rallying for a strong 5K finish in 80 degree weather. Was overall thrilled with my performance and I learned a lot for pacing hilly trails. Have a 50 miler in just 12 days! #running
October 6, 2025 at 12:01 PM
I ran the Blues Cruise 50K. So. Very. Hilly. I went out fast and felt awesome for the first 30, then faded hard before rallying for a strong 5K finish in 80 degree weather. Was overall thrilled with my performance and I learned a lot for pacing hilly trails. Have a 50 miler in just 12 days! #running
Less than 24 hours until my next 50K trail ultra! (Blues Cruise in Leesport, PA). The day before a race is always weird because I’m just lying around like a lump. But nothing I can do now except rest up and watch the Phillies hopefully crush LA in game 1 of the NLDS.
October 4, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Less than 24 hours until my next 50K trail ultra! (Blues Cruise in Leesport, PA). The day before a race is always weird because I’m just lying around like a lump. But nothing I can do now except rest up and watch the Phillies hopefully crush LA in game 1 of the NLDS.
Was definitely sore this morning from lifting, but was thrilled to see I could still do my Sunday 10 mile run at half marathon pace. I’m also excited about going back to the gym tomorrow. It makes me hopeful that this new routine will work out both mentally and physically. 7 days until my next 50k.
September 29, 2025 at 1:05 AM
Was definitely sore this morning from lifting, but was thrilled to see I could still do my Sunday 10 mile run at half marathon pace. I’m also excited about going back to the gym tomorrow. It makes me hopeful that this new routine will work out both mentally and physically. 7 days until my next 50k.
Started phase 2 of my lifelong fitness plan; adding 3 days of strength training on top of my 65 weekly miles. My community center has an awesome gym which will hopefully make sticking to it easy. Went with StrongLifts to start, I wanted something simple and functional that would support my #running.
September 27, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Started phase 2 of my lifelong fitness plan; adding 3 days of strength training on top of my 65 weekly miles. My community center has an awesome gym which will hopefully make sticking to it easy. Went with StrongLifts to start, I wanted something simple and functional that would support my #running.
#running is weird. Started off feeling fast but my watch told me I was behind 10 mile tempo pace. I mentally say “screw it” and just give it my best, just didn’t have it today. Then I accidentally hit new 10 mile (1:27:50) and 10K (54:20) PRs and ran 10 with all sub-9 splits for the first time.
September 21, 2025 at 3:43 PM
#running is weird. Started off feeling fast but my watch told me I was behind 10 mile tempo pace. I mentally say “screw it” and just give it my best, just didn’t have it today. Then I accidentally hit new 10 mile (1:27:50) and 10K (54:20) PRs and ran 10 with all sub-9 splits for the first time.
Just noticed I crossed the 2000 mile mark for the year. Back of the envelope math says I’m going to end up around 2950 for 2025. Not going to lie, it makes me want to go for 3000 just because it’s a nice round number. Not the smartest training strategy. We’ll see how things look in November #running
September 19, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Just noticed I crossed the 2000 mile mark for the year. Back of the envelope math says I’m going to end up around 2950 for 2025. Not going to lie, it makes me want to go for 3000 just because it’s a nice round number. Not the smartest training strategy. We’ll see how things look in November #running
With a double shot of flu/COVID vaccine yesterday plus quads still sore from the race on Sunday, I didn’t have high expectations for today’s run. But what I thought would be a recovery run turned out to be a typical 5 miles with some light speed work and I feel great. 18 days to next race. #running
September 17, 2025 at 1:58 PM
With a double shot of flu/COVID vaccine yesterday plus quads still sore from the race on Sunday, I didn’t have high expectations for today’s run. But what I thought would be a recovery run turned out to be a typical 5 miles with some light speed work and I feel great. 18 days to next race. #running
Ran the Boulder Field 100 (did the 50k) in Hickory Run State Park. It was the gnarliest trails I’ve ever been on + lots of hills. Made a friend early on and finished the race with her (she ended up placing 2nd in her division!) Super proud of my time but waiting on full results. Type 2 fun. #running
September 13, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Ran the Boulder Field 100 (did the 50k) in Hickory Run State Park. It was the gnarliest trails I’ve ever been on + lots of hills. Made a friend early on and finished the race with her (she ended up placing 2nd in her division!) Super proud of my time but waiting on full results. Type 2 fun. #running
Spending my pre-race rest day getting inspired by this Cocodona 250 documentary. Films like this make me want to open my front door and run forever. #running
250 Miles Unfiltered | A Raw Look at the Cocodona 250 Mile Ultra Marathon Across Arizona
YouTube video by Aravaipa Running
youtu.be
September 12, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Spending my pre-race rest day getting inspired by this Cocodona 250 documentary. Films like this make me want to open my front door and run forever. #running
Reposted by Matt Amato
The murder of Charlie Kirk was criminal, wrong, and should be condemned.
And Charlie Kirk was a horrible, hateful man who spent his life radicalizing young people to embrace their worst demons by targeting women, people of color, immigrants, and the marginalized.
I refuse to sanitize him.
And Charlie Kirk was a horrible, hateful man who spent his life radicalizing young people to embrace their worst demons by targeting women, people of color, immigrants, and the marginalized.
I refuse to sanitize him.
September 11, 2025 at 5:03 AM
The murder of Charlie Kirk was criminal, wrong, and should be condemned.
And Charlie Kirk was a horrible, hateful man who spent his life radicalizing young people to embrace their worst demons by targeting women, people of color, immigrants, and the marginalized.
I refuse to sanitize him.
And Charlie Kirk was a horrible, hateful man who spent his life radicalizing young people to embrace their worst demons by targeting women, people of color, immigrants, and the marginalized.
I refuse to sanitize him.
I’m already dreading an off day from #running tomorrow, even though it’s the right thing to do before the 50k on Saturday. There’s some deep seated fear in my subconscious that I’ll instantly gain 100lbs and lose my fitness and desire to run. It’s irrational, untrue, and annoying. I’ll get over it.
September 11, 2025 at 4:51 PM
I’m already dreading an off day from #running tomorrow, even though it’s the right thing to do before the 50k on Saturday. There’s some deep seated fear in my subconscious that I’ll instantly gain 100lbs and lose my fitness and desire to run. It’s irrational, untrue, and annoying. I’ll get over it.
This is pretty intense. I already hold on for dear life when I’m running technical downhills so I’m not sure learning to do it on a bike would be good for my long term health.
GoPro: New World Champs Winning Run! - Jackson Goldstone - 2025 DH MTB World Championships
YouTube video by GoPro Bike
youtu.be
September 10, 2025 at 5:10 PM
This is pretty intense. I already hold on for dear life when I’m running technical downhills so I’m not sure learning to do it on a bike would be good for my long term health.
