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
It sounds funny, but most folks don’t realize that gut training is real. I joke with people that one of my “former fat guy” powers is definitely the ability to eat almost anything during races. Obviously some foods work better than others; but running ultras can lead to some interesting cravings.
November 16, 2025 at 1:56 PM
It sounds funny, but most folks don’t realize that gut training is real. I joke with people that one of my “former fat guy” powers is definitely the ability to eat almost anything during races. Obviously some foods work better than others; but running ultras can lead to some interesting cravings.
💯 on not trying new things on race day. I also love aid station bacon. Jumping to 100g/hr (50g gel every 30) was a game changer for me, but I get sick of them eventually. I’m lucky since I can eat solid food during the race. I’m curious to see where you land after experimenting. Thanks for sharing.
November 16, 2025 at 1:53 PM
💯 on not trying new things on race day. I also love aid station bacon. Jumping to 100g/hr (50g gel every 30) was a game changer for me, but I get sick of them eventually. I’m lucky since I can eat solid food during the race. I’m curious to see where you land after experimenting. Thanks for sharing.
Nice write up, as always. I was surprised at your fueling. 75g/hr seems to be on the low side (especially since I know you are a big Megan & David Roche fan). Same with slow rolling the caffeine. Did you eat anything else at aid stations? Curious what tweaks you’ll make to nutrition in the future.
November 16, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Nice write up, as always. I was surprised at your fueling. 75g/hr seems to be on the low side (especially since I know you are a big Megan & David Roche fan). Same with slow rolling the caffeine. Did you eat anything else at aid stations? Curious what tweaks you’ll make to nutrition in the future.
I've been waiting for the write-up, way to be a total tease by splitting it up. 😆 Then again, I am too lazy to write up any of my races and appreciate how much work it takes; so thanks! I'm definitely thinking about signing up for this race next year. I really love the concept.
November 11, 2025 at 12:50 AM
I've been waiting for the write-up, way to be a total tease by splitting it up. 😆 Then again, I am too lazy to write up any of my races and appreciate how much work it takes; so thanks! I'm definitely thinking about signing up for this race next year. I really love the concept.
Good luck, you’re going to crush it!
November 8, 2025 at 1:43 AM
Good luck, you’re going to crush it!
Nice, I'll have to look up both of those races as potential runs at some point.
November 6, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Nice, I'll have to look up both of those races as potential runs at some point.
Mind if I ask what you’re reading? I’m always looking for recommendations.
November 3, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Mind if I ask what you’re reading? I’m always looking for recommendations.
Gigi, it’s a small world, but I also have a pretty common name. Feel free to DM me if you want to figure out which one it is.
November 3, 2025 at 1:40 AM
Gigi, it’s a small world, but I also have a pretty common name. Feel free to DM me if you want to figure out which one it is.
The main draw of this race for me is that I get to run across High Bridge twice. Also hoping to do a little solo tourism on the drive home from central VA back to Philly.
November 1, 2025 at 5:09 PM
The main draw of this race for me is that I get to run across High Bridge twice. Also hoping to do a little solo tourism on the drive home from central VA back to Philly.
I know first hand how hard this is and I couldn’t agree more about it being a commitment to self-care. I spent decades pouring myself into my career and it took a breaking a toxic (& capitalist) cycle to start pouring that work ethic into myself. Maintenance is the hardest part. Keep being awesome!
November 1, 2025 at 5:05 PM
I know first hand how hard this is and I couldn’t agree more about it being a commitment to self-care. I spent decades pouring myself into my career and it took a breaking a toxic (& capitalist) cycle to start pouring that work ethic into myself. Maintenance is the hardest part. Keep being awesome!
It’s fun watching you go through this journey and make some of the same discoveries I have. So much of it is mental. There will always be space between your perceived effort and what you know (via past training) what your body can do. Once you learn to reconcile the two; great things are possible.
October 30, 2025 at 5:25 PM
It’s fun watching you go through this journey and make some of the same discoveries I have. So much of it is mental. There will always be space between your perceived effort and what you know (via past training) what your body can do. Once you learn to reconcile the two; great things are possible.
Congratulations to you both!
October 28, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Congratulations to you both!
Good luck! I’m sure you’ll crush it.
October 24, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Good luck! I’m sure you’ll crush it.