Ode To Big Daddy Burke

I am sure that you all remember the quote, "Behind every great man there's a great women?" While I believe this to be true I believe that "Behind every great women is a great man?"  I know this to be true because over the last year I have had the pleasure of working with one of these men.  So I would like to give a long over due shout out to Bryan Burke, Operation Boot Camp Instructor, as well as a great friend. 

 Not too long ago I posted about the Ragnar Relay.  To date I still have not blogged or captured my full experience, probably because I would then have to recap how I ended up tossing my cookies on more than one occasion.  I wrote about the Ragnar Ladies because I wanted to capture the Strong Women that I have the pleasure of working out with on a daily basis.  There was only one problem,  I left someone very important in the shadows, Bryan. 


When I met Bryan he was a tough but wonderfully kind instructor.  I saw someone who genuinely cared for his boot campers.  While I thought I knew Bryan I will have to tell you that you never truly know someone till you are in a van with them for two days straight with no escape. 


Our fearless team captain ( I say fearless because any man who has to be in a van with 5 women alone has to be brave had to put up with 5 independent, strong opinionated, and politically incorrect women), got more than he bargained for when he left for our two day trip.  

There are no words to express the strength and patience of this man.  From the beginning Bryan had his work cut out for him.  When the ladies decided they wanted to pre-game pre race, Bryan had to make sure that everyone was ready to go in the morning.  While the ladies poured him Long Islands he made sure he was up early and ready to go, never complaining about the bed he had to sleep in that was too small. 

Bryan, or his current name , Big Daddy heard more then I am sure he ever wanted to.  With style he listened to his Ragnar ladies discuss their need for Pamprin, a new sports bra, and so much more.  With patience he supported every runner.  He made sure runners were in their correct spots, hydrated, supported, and even ran with one of his ladies who needed some support even though he was missing some critical piece of clothing.   Bryan kept the spirits up throughout this whole trip.  To be honest we all probably would have been lost without him.  I know I would have because I was sick to my stomach after the first leg. After my first run I felt weak but Bryan made me realize I was a lot strong and capable. He also served as comic relief when he ran in his shorty shirts.  While doing this he never asked for anything in return. 

So today I salute you Bryan.  Our Ragnar Big DADDY and forever friend.  You are one in a million!