Meet Bill

Endurance athlete Bill Barthen shares the mental and physical benefits of adventure racing

Written by Stephanie Hardi

Ultra-athlete Bill Barthen’s “day job” is serving in the Wisconsin National Guard as a Supervisory Supply Specialist, preparing for and conducting military movements around the world. Bill has competed in a wide range of endurance races from ultra-marathons to Nordic ski races, but over the past four years he has turned his attention to adventure racing and is competing in the 2021 Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge-Winter Edition (RMAC-Winter).

Diverse disciplines and training   
“Adventure racing fits me well – I’m at home in the woods—I love observing nature” said Bill. “And much of the training is very applicable to my logistics job—I’m particularly good at the navigation—maybe too confident! Running will always be my staple, but adventure racing has gotten me back into skiing, biking, and paddling.”  

Bill also explained that because adventure racing is multi-disciplinary, the preparation requires cross-training in a variety of sports, in comparison to the repetitive nature of marathon training.

“In adventure racing, I use different muscle groups, so I need to diversify my workouts,” said Bill.  “I usually do two sports per day.  For example, a body-weight calisthenics circuit for one hour, then a run for one hour. Or I’ll bike 10 to 15 miles to a park, go for a five-to-eight-mile trail run, then bike the 10 to 15 miles home. Whereas in a marathon training, I gradually increase my distance and duration on the road to prepare my body to endure the repetitive motion and avoid injuries related to overuse.” 

Mental game and mentorship
But more than the athletic disciplines, the mental and teamwork aspects of adventure racing keep Bill interested.

“Adventure racing isn’t just physical, it’s a mental game, too. I enjoy navigating, plotting points, making sure to cross the checkpoints – that can be very mentally challenging” said Bill. “I like to see what my body and mind are both capable of.”

And if there are others that will join him? Even better.

“I enjoy pushing myself to the limits, and if someone else is willing to go through it with me, I enjoy leading, motivating, and also following others,” said Bill. “We all have our unique strengths. For me it’s very gratifying if I can bring someone new along for the ride. Adventure racing can intimidate people, so it’s fun to show them that they can do it and watch them gain that confidence. And of course, I’m always learning from others, too.”

Bill’s advice for beginning adventure racers weaves in both his passion for teamwork and his “find your tough” philosophy.

“I tell people who are new to adventure racing to be deliberate about their training – but get outside of your comfort zone,” said Bill. “Try everything that comes up from understanding instructions, plotting points, picking routes, navigating in each discipline, changing a flat tire, etc. Make your challenges incrementally more difficult, but a stretch, to help build confidence.”

“And pair up or team up with at least one experienced adventure racer who is willing to teach, mentor, and coach.”

Bill is taking his own advice for the RMAC-Winter Edition. Bill’s teammate is ultra-marathoner Michael Koppy, who Bill says is an incredible role model.

“Michael is 70 years old, and he just set the fastest known time for the Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota, and I was his nighttime pacer,” said Bill. “In my athletic career I feel satisfied—I’ve accomplished everything I need to be fulfilled, but I still want to keep challenging myself and learning from others. My key goal for this race is to enjoy time outdoors with a great friend and mentor.”