#2 Nathan Blades (Portland)
Class of 2024
2022 Results
- Class A State 5th - 17:06.54
- Class A Southern Regional Champion - 16:37.41
- Maine Festival of Champions runner-up - 15:49.07
- Southern Maine Classic runner-up - 15:39.10
- New England Championship 25th - 16:29.90
Blades had an outstanding junior season that saw him win the Southern Regional title, and go on to place fifth at the Class A state meet. Nathan was the only Maine boy to earn All-New England honors at the New England Championship. Blades was the mile runner-up and third in the 2 mile indoors, he clocked 1:54.72 for 800 and 4:21.83 for the mile. During the outdoor season, he ran 1:54.81 for the 800 and 4:23.31 for the 1600 scoring at states in both events. Nathan is off to a strong start as he has won both of his early-season races. Expect Blades to contend for the Class A title and All-New England honors this fall.
Getting to Know Nathan
What are you looking forward to during the 2023 XC season?
I am looking forward to New Englands being hosted in Maine at the Belfast course.
What are your goals for the season?
I would like to win a team state title. With teams like Hampden in the mix, it will be no easy task.
The biggest takeaway from the 2022 XC Season?
Too many to count, I can't pick one. I hope I can learn from past mistakes.
How do you stay motivated when you don't want to go for a run?
Running is the best part of my day. I rarely ever dread going on a run.
Favorite XC Course?
Belfast, no question
Favorite Ice cream flavor?
Chocolate, the only valid answer
What brand of shoe do you train in?
Almost always Nike. My favorites are the Invisibles, Streakflys, and Vaporflys. I also enjoy running in the Saucony Endorphin Speeds.
Favorite pre-race snack?
Peanut butter toast is my go-to breakfast on race day.
What was your song of the summer?
Black Betty
