CFA 50K – The Massanutten Soap Opera (Starring You, and Definitely Missing Al Pacino)

If Wolf of Wall Street had cast Al Pacino, it would’ve been even more chaotic—and honestly, that kind of unhinged energy would’ve fit right in with this year’s Catherine’s Furnace 50K. Because wow… this race had everything.

I’ve run almost all of VHTRC’s races—and a lot of other wonderfully twisted ones outside the club—but this one? Easily one of the hardest I’ve ever done.

Setting the Stage: The Massanuttens in July

Like a genius, I cracked my car windows for airflow before the start. By mile 22, all I could think about—besides trying not to spontaneously combust—was whether my car was turning into a mobile aquarium as the thunderstorms rolled through. Shoutout to Dan Aghdam and Jesse Fuller for throwing trash bags over my windows and saving the day. Absolute MVPs.

Early Trouble

I actually felt amazing at the start—my hip’s been healing up—so I took off fast and even left my guy Charlie Poffenberger behind. I started passing people I knew I had no business passing, especially with Burning River 100 next weekend. Eventually I came to my senses, slowed down, and waited for Charlie. No regrets. That move saved me.

Wait… This is Mile 3!?

Somewhere on the first climb, after a whole lot of sweating, slipping, and second-guessing my life choices, I finally looked at my watch. Mile 3. Three. I told Charlie, “I can’t believe this is only mile 3—it feels like 15.” A runner came toward us, already heading back. We asked if she was okay. She said, “Not my day.” And honestly, I respected the hell out of that. She was probably smarter than both of us.

Enter Jon Hamm

We were desperate. The Al Pacino impressions weren’t cutting it, so I took on a new identity: Jon Hamm. Somehow, channeling celebrity confidence helped us make it to the Emerald Pond and the first aid station at Bird Knob.

Aid Station Royalty

Let’s talk food. Chicken salad wraps. Short ribs. A frittata. I’m not saying we were spoiled, but this was less of an ultra and more of a progressive trail brunch. Energy was high, the vibes were immaculate, and the volunteers were absolute legends.

The Blur

Not gonna lie, things got foggy after sipping some Mountain Lightning at a water stop. Everything from there to the Furnace was a mix of surviving, walking, and sprinting when the mood hit. Charlie was a champ and stuck with me the whole way.

Oh Cool, NOW It Rains

About 8 miles from the finish, the skies opened up. After hours of heat and humidity, it honestly felt amazing—but I also started worrying about the trail turning into a slip-n-slide. Did I mention I was wearing road shoes? Whoops. Charlie and I fueled up at the last aid station and took off into the downpour.

Just Get On With It

We were full, we were zapped, and we just… walked. Eventually, about 2-3 miles out, we picked up the pace and decided we were done being out there. No dramatic finish—just two tired runners bringing it home.

Finish Line Festivities

The afterparty delivered: burgers, brats, cold drinks, and muddy high-fives. Everyone looked exhausted but proud—like we’d just made it through a Die Hard movie.

Final Thoughts

The course was well marked, the community made the day, and even though I was drenched head to toe for most of it, I had a blast.

If they ever make a movie about this race, I’ve got one casting note: Al Pacino plays the ridge line—loud, unpredictable, and just a little bit deranged.

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