‘04 grad races for the prize

Natasha (Fabian ‘04) Steenbergen cheated the mile in high school every year. “I was certain Mrs. Bauer couldn’t possibly know what lap

around the football field every kid was on. In hindsight, she surely knew,” says Natasha, who added, “I’m sorry, Mrs. Bauer! Thanks for not calling me out!” When this Forever Warrior had children, avoiding laps ended when stroller walks began. “I had read that’s what you’re supposed to do—for their benefit—not mine. I found I wanted to cover more ground in the limited time I had. I picked up my feet into an awkward trot one day late in 2013.” Then came a 5K in May 2014. Without a double stroller weighing her down, she took second in her age group. “That really took the fun level up!” she says. Not only did the fun level go up, so did distance . . . to a 10K, halfmarathon, marathon, 50K. She wanted to try a 50-miler, but young children and a 2-hour commute prevented that. Then came COVID. When employer Harley-Davidson went remote, drive time became training time. She ran her first 50-miler in October 2020. 100-milers were next. The Mines of Spain 100 was in October 2021, and she followed it up with the Kettle Moraine 100 in summer 2022. For Steenbergen, this isn’t only about the run. “The race is the celebration of months of physical work and mental strategy,” she says. “Training teaches me time management, the importance of fueling my body consistently, the importance of recovery and sleep, the discipline to do hard things that I don’t

always want to do, particularly outside in February. I enjoy experiences that test me and my strength, knowing that I’ve chosen that struggle.” A flexible schedule allows her to donate time to coach cross country at local schools. “This works out wonderfully for ensuring I get a run in every day,” she says. She also serves as secretary for the Lakeside Lutheran Foundation, where “we actively and prayerfully manage the portfolio of sizable donated gifts.” As the youngest board member, “I bring a unique perspective along with a passion that comes from being an alum.” For Natasha, doing what she loves means she could impact others eternally. “Shifting mindset outwardly to the Great Commission makes everything flow naturally— whether it’s a day job, running, faith life, social life, academics, whatever,” she says. “My cup overflowing with joy could be the what opens the door for someone to be curious about that joy and consider opening their heart to God.” She’s come a long way—literally— from cheating the mile. Now she loves running for both the earthly and eternal prize.

Top left: At Lakeside, Natasha “dabbled in everything,” serving as editor-in-chief of the newspaper and co-editor of yearbook. In softball and cheerleading as a freshman, then forensics and music. One of her most memorable band moments was “playing Amazing Grace at Gemutlichkeit days after 9/11, with everyone bawling. It was very moving.” Left: Natasha and Jeff have have two sons, Joey, 6th grade, and Jacob, 5th. “They have enjoyed a variety of Lakeside’s offerings for grade school students including cross country camp, STEM camp, and cadet band.”