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An Interview with Erik Bartlett of Runaround Running & Fitness


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Coach James: How did you get into running?

Erik: My wife was the one that got me into distance running. I always viewed running as punishment because we had to do it in football, basketball, and baseball when we messed up. I started my weight loss journey when I was 17, I used to run to start all my workouts. I would run a mile as fast as I could. I set a goal to run a 5-minute mile and was able to achieve that. At the same time, my girlfriend (now wife) was training for her first marathon. I decided to join her and commit to the half marathon. I never thought I would enjoy running as much as I did, and it completely unlocked something inside me that made me realize I was capable of more than what I told myself or what others told me I would be able to do.

Coach James: What do you like most about running? Erik: The biggest benefit that I have received from running is what it does for me mentally. I always struggled to stay on task and be motivated to do things that I viewed as hard or impossible. Running has proven to be the #1 reset for me. I start most days with moving in some way. Running being my favorite, but it motivates me to be a better husband, father, business owner and human being. It sets such a positive mindset for me to start my day. It takes a lot to turn your day into a difficult day when you start out with such a positive activity. Coach James: What are some ways you connect with the running community in and around Joplin? Erik: I have always made myself available to the running community to help in any way that I possibly can. My running career and knowledge did not start out like most in our industry. It took a lot of years of learning and studying ways that I could be a useful resource to our community. I am still learning, and I don’t think that will ever end. Especially when people present you with problems, they want you to help them solve. I'll never say that I know everything about running, but I will always work to find the best answer and solution. Coach James: Do you have a favorite race distance? Erik: I have always enjoyed the half marathon distance. I wasn’t a huge fan of marathon distance on road, but I do enjoy it on the trail. I am sure that if I ever get back to participating in races again (vs timing them) then I will keep it on the trails (single track). Coach James: Do you have a favorite race you've participated in? Erik: My favorite day of the year has always been Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States Big Red Shoe Run. I have had the privilege in working with the house to help organize and time the event for the last 10 years. Coach James: What was your inspiration for starting the Runaround Running & Fitness store? Erik: I lost 100 lbs when I was 18 years old and was featured in Men’s Health Magazine. I really enjoyed the messages and being a resource for those people who struggled with weight loss. I enjoyed talking with them and just giving them inspiration and encouragement. I always wanted to start a business to truly help people. I didn’t know it would be with shoes at the time, but it combined several of my passions. I am extremely fortunate to wake up every morning and do what I get to do. It is extremely rewarding and we appreciate the opportunity our community has given our family.

Coach James: What are some of your new and/or favorite products in the store? Erik: An approach we have always taken in our store when bringing in new products is not “will it sell,” but “will it help solve a problem?” We put a lot of thought into every item we carry, so I actually love all the products we have in the store. They all have their place as a solution and all of them I would buy myself. My wife always makes fun of me because I get so excited seeing new shoes and products. It is fun to see products evolve and improve. Coach James: What advice do you have for runners when looking to buy new shoes? Erik: You are one of one. No one is going to know what shoe you will like or what brand you will favor. Even we don’t know that. Our job is to work with you in finding the best solution based on your needs and preferences, while also guiding you away from options that do not make sense for you or your activity. Coach James: What advice do you have for someone who is just starting their running journey? Erik: Take it “one step at a time” and do not feel like you must hit a certain distance or time goal in the first part of your journey. Running can be a lifelong activity. Unfortunately, we see people start out doing too much too soon. We get it, it can be addicting. But, invisible compound effect is real and even though you aren’t feeling any ailments, it does not mean they are not building. We would like to see you run forever and not just the next 3-5 years, so take care of your body. You should feel good after ever run and not completely beat down!

From one small business owner to another, thank you to Eric Bartlett from Runaround Running and Fitness & Bartlett's Shoe Co. for taking the time to educate and encourage endurance athletes and connecting the community of Joplin and the surrounding areas through running services and products! - Coach James, MaxEndurance

About Erik and Runaround Running & Fitness:

Erik is the owner of Runaround Running & Fitness as well as Bartlett's Shoe Co., family-owned store selling fitness and running shoes. Both are located in downtown Joplin at: 303 S. Main St, Joplin MO. To find out more, visit: Runaround Running and Fitness Barlett's Shoe Co.





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Meet Coach James

James Spencer, Founder


I was born and raised in Southeast Kansas and developed an interest in sports and fitness early in life. To pursue my passion in teaching and coaching, I received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Pittsburg State University in 2007. I taught physical education and coached basketball in a rural community south of Kansas City for 7 years, and in 2013, I completed my Master’s Degree in Human Performance and Wellness.


In 2014, our family relocated to Joplin to be closer to our family and I continued teaching and coaching in the Joplin School District. I currently teach physical education and serve as the assistant boys basketball coach at Joplin High School and also serve as the Joplin Middle School cross country coach.


Through my career as a teacher and coach, I have developed a passion for helping others achieve their goals. For that reason, I have worked to receive certifications from NASM-CPT, Precision Nutrition Level 1, IronMan and Revo2lution Running.


My family is my biggest motivator in all that I do. My wife, Kayla, is currently a pediatric physical therapist for the Joplin School District. We have two children, Emery (age 8) and Cale (age 5). Our family enjoys an active lifestyle, loving to run, cycle, swim, hike and be outdoors together.




 
 
 

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