Bartlett races toward greatness
Nathan Bartlett is pictured running in the annual Elvelopet 15K which took place July 29 during Decorah’s Nordic Fest. (Submitted photo)
By Rachel Mergen
Not many people can say they are capable of running approximately 9.3 miles in one hour and 35 seconds. Few people are able to power through 50 to 60 miles of running each week, pushed by just their own passion.
Nathan Bartlett, 29-year-old middle school cross country coach and high school math teacher in the Prairie du Chien School District, is one of those rare people.
“I have always been kind of a perfectionist,” Nathan stated about his start in running. “I wanted to discover my limits.”
In high school, Nathan found himself participating in cross country competitively. He enjoyed discovering what he was capable of doing.
From that point on, he always had a love for the activity, but held back on competing with others.
To Nathan, running is a great reminder of the good things in life. “It’s easy to get down on yourself,” he said. “Running is a daily reminder of what you are capable of.”
In addition, he recognizes that the excersise helps release endorphines that put him in a good mood.
For the past three years, he has helped support young students reach their athletic goals.
Nathan claims to students’ parents often that he looks forward to cross country meets more than the participants do. He enjoys being able to create a fun atmosphere for the runners and to teach them information that it took him all of his life to learn.
“It’s very satisfying,” Nathan said about watching the youth do their best. “It’s fun being around the kids.”
Nathan added, “There is nothing better than seeing it click for the kids.” He described watching them realize the greatness of cross country, seeing them experience the love of the sport that he has.
According to Nathan, passion and patience are the keys to being the best coach possible.
His enthusiasm and determination to train fiercely—running almost every day, totaling between 50 and 60 miles each week—led him to participating on a whim in Decorah’s Nordic Festival’s Elvelopet 15K last month. He placed second overall, while acheiving first place in his age category.
The annual race, which included about 100 runners and a challenging trail spanning Decorah’s beautiful parks, creeks and streets, was Nathan’s first competitive event since his high school years.
“I wanted one last shot before I officially become old,” Nathan said. “It felt good to run competetively again.”
When he won second place, he was glad that he still knew what he was doing when it came to competing.
Nathan plans to continue moving on to bigger and better accomplishments. Prior to this upcoming winter, he hopes to take part in either a half marathon in Appleton or Norwalk.
If he does well in one of those, he can qualify for the Boston Marathon. This possible adventure is his goal.
For now, Bartlett will continue encouraging children with their passions for both cross country and math, so they can experience the same enjoyment he has found in the activities.
