Avery Bartlett was the number two runner for Chiles last year as a junior helping the Timberwolves to a 3A runner-up finish. On the track he scored valuable points to help the team win the 3A title. Bartlett hopes he can lead Chiles to a cross country crown this fall. See how he first started out in the sport, his favorite course to run on, and more in this XC Spotlight.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running in 7th grade, since the cross country team was one of like four sports that my middle school offered, and I did all of them.
Do you remember your first race?
My first 5k in highschool was at a very hilly course. As most freshman do, i went out at a much faster pace then I could hold, and crawled to the finish.
Do you have a favorite course? Which course do you think is the toughest in the state?
My favorite course is probably the Foot Locker South course at McAlpine Park in Charlotte. It is just fast and generally feels good.The only courses that stand out in my head as "hard" are outside the state of Florida, but if i would have to choose I would say Appalachee Regional Parkway(state meet course). Even though people run very fast there, it contains a pretty big hill if I say so myself.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
Winning state in track this past season as a team and in the 800 has to be on the top of my list for best running memory. My favorite race has to be the mile at the FSU invitational when I ran 4:17. This stands out since I beat people that I thought I couldn't beat and surprised myself.
What are your goals for this upcoming cross country season?
I personally do not like sharing my goals, but lets just say I want to be the best that I can be.
What do you love most about running?
What do you love most about running?
My favorite thing about running is being as good as you want to by working hard, and seeing your training pay off.
The Low Down
We wanted to get in-depth and personal with Avery. Check out the low down.
Do you have a favorite quote?
My favorite quote is "everything not saved will be lost." - Nintendo quit screen message
Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
Well, I wear the flash symbol every race I have ever ran in highschool if that counts as a ritual.
What is your favorite food?
I like all food. I can't pick a favorite. I know that is no fun, but really.
What was the last movie you saw?
Last movie I saw was the Blue Planet documentary on Netflix. I have no shame in saying that I firmly enjoy watching fish.
What shoes do you train/run in?
I usually train in Nike Pegasus, but it is not unusual that i will try another brand or shoe.
What professional athlete would you like to meet most?
I would like to meet Tim Howard from our U.S. soccer team.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I drive a bus of people to and from practice and we call ourselves "Avery and the boys."
If you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be and why?
I would bring an arc reactor, lots of scrap metal and wiring, and a how-to guide on how to build the Iron Man suit.
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