In Memory of Ken Brosseau

Continuing from my previous post: I went back out to FATS the very next week for my long run on the trails. I could not help that the previous week’s long run still echoed in my thoughts, but also knew that I had to run the same trails again to get out of this funk. With backpack on for extra weight, I started out from the main parking area and ran into one of the guys from the previous week who was riding with the group who lost their close friend Ken Brosseau. He recognized me and stopped to say thanks again for what I did. He said there was going to be a small gathering with Ken’s wife, brother, and friends in the afternoon on the trail where Ken passed. I told him thanks and was going to time my run so I could be there to give Ken’s wife my condolence.

After completing the Deep Step loop in under an hour, I refilled my bottle and headed back out to Skinny and Brown Wave loops. I was strong with the hills, and felt like I had to hold back with my pace to not over extend myself this early in the run. As I approached the lower section of Brown Wave, my thoughts were heavy, but also relieved knowing I would not be alone. I heard some conversations in the distance as the family made their way down the access road to the trail. I introduced myself to Ken’s wife (Marjorie) and told her I was sorry for her loss. I could see strength, yet sadness, in her eyes. She thanked me for being there for her husband and all that we did. I was amazed with her strength to maintain her composure as we approached the very site on the trails which Ken passed away. Some of the guys made a cross from the handle bars to mark the trail in memory of Ken.

We stood there in silence for several minutes paying our respect. Then Marjorie commented about how beautiful this site was, and could see why Ken enjoyed riding the trails so much. We walked a little further down the trail and stopped at a large fallen tree on the side, as Ken’s friend commented about how they would stop here all the time to catch their breath before the climb back to the trail head. He shared a few stories about this being one of Ken’s favorite spots to stop and enjoy some time with his friends. I mostly listened to the conversations, but did get a few minutes to talk with Marjorie as she told me about one of her sons running a 50K ultra race in GA (Sweet Water outside of Atlanta). What a small world!

I’m so glad I was there, and based on how I heard Ken’s friends talk about him, I could tell he was highly respected not only as a friend, but as a standout leader. He was the kind of guy that would be the big brother of a group, a true leader, and always stayed behind to ensure everyone got back safely. A man of great character! I wished I had known him.

Training: The past few weeks have been solid, including a few days in the 80 deg temp range (already – never really had a winter). A reminder of what's to come, and the struggle to acclimate to the heat, which means a slower pace for me. My uphill running strength has improved significantly so I must be doing something right with the changes I’ve made (stairmaster, hill repeats with a weighted vest, and run every hill in sight for all my runs). I have been dealing with a nagging pain on the bottom of my left foot (front pad toward my middle toes) which goes numb when running on it. I’ve been icing it which takes the edge off, and hopefully will work itself out.

Mon – 10 M with hill repeats.
Tues– 15 M with 45 min of stairmaster
Wed – 10 M easy, Weight room
Thurs – Off
Fri – 30 M long run on trails
Sat – 10 M easy
Sun – Weight room