Invictus [Latin for "unconquerable"]- William Ernest Henley Out of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find, me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll. I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul. Brandon: You are now truly the master of your fate and the captain of your soul!

Wow! So you finished today in 14th place! You were only separated from 4th place by 5 minutes, so there must have been a bunch up at the finish line. So happy for you that you finished in 21st overall....21st!!! I never doubted for a minute that you would finish this race, or that you would do so well. I was just hoping that you stayed healthy. I will never complain about my 4 mile daily run again! Love you, Mom, Darby, Allie, Lilly and Lindie

Congratulations Brandon!! Wow!! 21st.& Fantastic!! It's officially over!!! Checking your times in Leg 6...it looks like you blew over that finish line in 10th. place, right? Geez...what a finish!! You just warmin-up!! I read on Breaking News that well, most likely by now...you're prob. already out enjoying your evening at the hotel and the awards ceremony & dinner. Be careful eating! Your body ain't use to that! And if you have a couple...it might ONLY take a couple! And a real hot shower must've felt so great! Instead of an ice cold river? What a great evening in store for you with all your great, international friends. So cool! Prob. a little difficult recognizing everybody in reg. clothes too! Well Anywho...Now it's time for you & V to vacation!! The R & R kind. Will you know how to do that anymore??? Lol. Most likely, you'll spend this whole next week talking about the next race anyways! God love ya! Soooo happy for you son...Love & Hugs, Your Dad & Maremom

Omg Brandon...What an experience this has been! This is just the beginning. You have learned so much. You can now fine tune and tweek everything for the next race. I had a feeling that since you were doing so well, considering everything...that you just might become addicted to ultra-marathoning!! You push yourself to and beyond extremes. What a strong mind and a kind heart you have. Dad said earlier today... Mare, for as long as we live...we will never, ever have anyone else in our lives as great as Brandon! And when you were little, I use to call you...Brandini the Great! Remember? You wanted to be a magician and you actually were for awhile but the pay wasn't that great. Lol! But see...Obviously, even back then, YOU were slated for greatness!! How cool is that? Good stuff. Following the details of your blog and seeing the pictures...I couldn't help but feel like I were almost there somehow, just following along with you in my mind, like mind-traveling! But...perhaps it was magic! Anyways...just gotta say, once again, you've filled us with great pride this week Brandon. We love you so much, as always of course. And now as it comes to a close...I feel like we've just attended the Olympics or something and that tomorrow should be like Sunday with the closing ceremonies where you and all your friends and co-competitors should be walking around waving their countries flags! What an incredible journey you've taken and you have grown in amazing ways. Brandon, simply put...you are my hero. Love You...Maremom

I'm sure you are finished when I am writing this. I couldn't be any prouder of you than I am. Congratulations and can't wait to hear all about it. Love you, Mom, Darby, Allie, Lilly and Lindie

Brandon Wow you are doing great keep going. I hope you win. Maggie McKay We have loved tracking your progress and learning about the Gobi Desert. You are truly an inspiration. Hope the last day is your best day... Finish Strong

Wow!!! I complained about the 1 mile run, 100 push up, 100 sit ups and another mile WOD the other day!

Brandon, I had to overcome a lot to finish, my agility class, in first place on Sunday. I know it's not nearly as bad as what you are enduring, but for me it is tough, too! So if I can do it, I know you can do it! Sprint through that last section like you're chasing Lilly! Love you, Your favorite sister, Allie

"The way to greatness is stepping over 'good' " You've already crushed good.

Someone Wise once said “WE ALL HAVE DREAMS. BUT IN ORDER TO MAKE DREAMS COME INTO REALITY, IT TAKES AN AWFUL LOT OF DETERMINATION, DEDICATION, SELF-DISCIPLINE, AND EFFORT." Clearly, I was not the wise one who said that...but just remember...when the going gets tough...raise your sword high into the air and repeat after me, "BY THE POWER OF GRAYSKULL...I HAVE THE POWER"! That will surely keep all the Skeletor Underpants (i.e. mud pits, foggy trails, no elevators to take you up the mountains and so on!) away! You, my dear nephew, are the Master of Your Universe! WOW…Sometimes I am SO profound!! I LOVE YOU!!!

if you're going through hell, keep going. --winston churchill been checking in and hopefully you're getting my random messages. i'm so excited for you, and so glad to hear that you were feeling much stronger for day 4. that's awesome! you are in the ZONE!!!! but this news of halting the race is concerning. we're all waiting to hear how today turned out. i'm sure you guys are staying safe out there.

"The only way to find the limits of the possible is by going beyond them to the impossible." I think you're there. So Proud of you! Mom

Hi Brandon ! Sounds like you are doing really well and we are thrilled to hear it ! Today is Doug's birthday and for a gift from you he wants you to finish this thing !! Haha, really we have no doubt that you will. It's been fun reading your daily blogs, hope Vanessa's doing good too. Can't wait to read about the rest of your journey !! And of course we can't wait to see you in person. We'll check in on you tomorrow. We love ya !! Cary and Doug Dennison

Beautifully said Jess! Soooo Brandon...Not sure what's going on with you guys at this point. Have only heard about the bad weather conditions and that the race had to be stopped. Geez...fog & cold rain? Yikes...sounds kinda treacherous...especially on a mountain!!! We don't know how far into the race that this mountain is that they're talking about or how much of the course is actually left beyond that point. So, we wait now. Hope you got yourself off that mountain safely and are warmed up & rested for the remainder of it, whenever they may resume! I was amazed to hear you came in 20th. place in the last race! WOW B!! You're really taking the bull by the horns there, aren't ya! Excellent!!! You are living, breathing, eating, drinking, sleeping it!!! YOU are in the ZONE!!!! ;) I wasn't feeling well yesterday cuz of a migraine the night before. But as I thought about all you were going through yourself? I pushed myself. I got so much work done yesterday and felt so much better for doing it. See...you are an inspiring kind of guy. ;) But also, I wanted to keep busy because it was the 1-yr. anniversary date of my mama's death & your Grammy Ulmer. ;) I didn't think another meltdown would do me any more good at this point, plus my mama would be so heartbroken seeing me spending the entire day crying. I think she's been watching over all of us. And Stephen too. God Bless Em Both. So...because of you...you were my inspiration, mama's hands were around my heart during such an uncertain day and I also managed to fight past my pain and get things done here at home. That being said...haha, I was exhausted...but I NEVER fell asleep last night!! I finally dozed off to the sound of rain falling around 7-am. this morning. Today...I feel tired yes but also at peace and my migraine is allll gone too! Yay to that! So now...I have this calming day on my hands, so peaceful...as I patiently wait for our family's new baby arrival. Yes...your cousin Cody, my nephew and his wife, Jenny...are expecting their new baby boy today!!! So very happy & excited for them!! And last night Brandon...your dad called me and just needed to talk about you. He's been soooo worried...yet, so darn proud of you. He really needed to be heard so I just let him talk, for like 45-minutes! Soon the tears were flowing. God knows he needed that and I do know that he prayed for you last night too. He did seem to feel much better afterwards so that was good. Then he could sleep. He is simply in awe of you. ;) Then he called me this morning to see if I'd heard any word yet. It's that 50-mile deal! I think that one's got us all a little freaked. Hopefully it's gonna better now. Not knowing truly is the worst. Well...we'll be anxiously awaiting new info.!! YAAAAAYYYYYY BRANDON!!!!!! This has been just great following along because YOU MAKE IT GREAT!!!!!!!! Love U...Maremom <3 Oh...and your pics are coming out awesome too!!!

Hi Brandon! I've really enjoyed reading your blogs. Your Mom has been posting updates on facebook,so I've been reading them there too! Anyway,I'm so happy to hear you feeling good and getting stronger as the race goes on! I think that is amazing considering the terrain your describing. I just know your going to do great! Keep up the great work,and I look forward to seeing some pics! God Bless

Hey Brandon hope you remember me It's Jess Mare's neighbor...I just wanted to let you know how truley inspired I am. It's amazing what you have already accomplished! I wish you the best and leave you with this quote by Vince Lombardi I thought was inspiring..."I firmly believe that any man's finest hour greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is the moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle" GOOD LUCK!

holy moly Brandon, you seem really much stronger today than the first couple days. and i have no doubt that you will def will be in the top 20. Push yourself and think about Korean BBQ when u guys get back here. Praxis is still good, we do have some very cool new people, there is this new guy that maybe is your competitor when u are back here :)

Brandon, you are truly amazing! I am thrilled for you and what you are learning about yourself. The sky is the limit now. Keep going and do your very best! Nancy

Look Brandon you may not believe but from your post on Day 4 you seem to be getting stronger. You are doing it young man. You have almost cut off 40 minutes off of your time. Each day you are getting better times. In my heart I believe you make up a lot of time on this 50 mile part. I am not sure if you have thought of it but draft off of someone to help pull you along. This is where you can make your move. I believe in you sir. No matter where you finish you have found out your limits and you have found out the type of man you are. Not many people can claim greatness you are there now. Finish this damn thing and come home safe. No matter what happens when you finish dinner is on me when you get home. If you can finish in the top 10 for stage 5 I will fly you anywhere in the USA for a golf trip. Please make me spend that money sir do your thing.

Hi Brandon ! We've been watching your progress all through this, so very proud of you ! The shoe story is very funny although I'm sure you didn't think so at the time. Doug and I are behind you all the way. I have no doubts that you will finish this thing !!! Keep going, you can do it. Love, Cary and Doug (aka Skullman)

Keep up the good work Brandon... Amazing accomplishment so far and looking forward to reading more!

Omg Randy! I LOVE everything you said to Brandon. You couldn't have been more right on the money with what you've expressed to him. If he had to pull out for whatever reason...he could never live with that...you're absolutely right. And he knows that too. Brandon, you've got the BEST uncle in the world!!! Uncle Randy has ALWAYS been there with you & for you. You both are amazing! Brandon, you are soooo surrounded by the most incredible love & support you could ever know throughout your life! And brother Mike...buddy, listen...you are cracking me up man! Candi & I were even talking about your hilarious comments here the other day that you've been posting to Brandon and we're like...just ROTFL!!! So good for Brandon's spirit too!! Release those endorphines baby!-think I spelled that wrong? Lol! And brother Joe...you're right there every step of the way too! When he comes back home to D.C.? You guys are gonna be talking & catching up forever!! Jen, Jen...honey, please keep posting! You know how much you mean to him, how much he's always admired & respected you too and get those sisters of yours to post him too! They need to know what the heck their cousin is going through here! K? And how is Vanessa doing Brandon? Do you get to see her very much? Prob. working her butt off there! Love you Brandon...Keep it flowing...YOU can do this!! Waiting anxiously for the leg 4-results now!!! Chewing on fingernails!!! ;) ~Your Maremom~

Brandon, I was going to give you some inspirational thoughts to keep you going...but Uncle Randy stole what I was going to say! LOL! Actually...I just wanted you to know that I love you and I think of you constantly!!! You are the reason your Mom was born...You have always been destined for greatness...and you have proved it every moment of you life!!! Inspirational isn't a big enough word to describe you! I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH! Aunt Joy....PS Remind me to tell you what your Mom and I have for your next challenge!!!LOL!

I was talking to a bunch of co-workers about the race and a couple of them commented that we should feel fortunate that were not going through what you are. After thinking about it for a while, I couldn’t help but think how wrong they are. In reality, you’re the fortunate one. You’re fortunate because 99.9% of the people in the world live their whole lives as strangers in their own bodies. They never give themselves the opportunity to get to know who they really are and what they are really capable of doing. You’re in rare company. You’re in that fraction of a percent of the population willing to give everything they have just to realize how much more potential lies within them. I’ve given you motivational thoughts and quotes that I thought would help you along the way, but now you’re at the point they are probably useless. Right now I’m sure you have a voice inside you begging you to just stop and relax, and telling you that you’ve accomplished enough and there’s now harm in stopping now. You need to tell that voice to shut up and let you continue on your way toward greatness. I know you and I know that you will never be able to live with yourself if you “tap out.” The pain you’re feeling now is nothing compare to pain you’ll have living with the unanswered questions you’ll have because your journey didn’t end on your terms. In “Any Given Sunday” Al Pacino says the inches you need are all around you and in any fight, it’s the guy who's willing to die who's going to win that inch. In your quest, these inches are not just around you, but within you. When times get tough (even unbearable) over these next couple of days, dig deep and find those inches. Tell yourself that, “This too shall pass!” Look for a rock or bush 50-100 meters ahead of you and only worry about getting to that point. And then do it again…and again…and again! Those meters will add up and before you know it you will be through the stage. Recite this poem when you think you cannot take another step. Self-Pity by D.H. Lawrence I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself And then take another step…and another…and another!

I see you are staying on your pace. You seem to be getting stronger. Even with a 10 minute delay with your shoe you are basically on the same pace. If you keep doing what you are doing I am sure you will continue to move up in the standings. Great job son. I love it you are in the Micheal Jordon air now.

Awesome Job Brandon! This was a funny post. While all these problems suck they will add to the great stories you will be able to tell when it is all done. Keep your spirits up! Keep plugging away get through this grind in the middle and you will be well on your way. Lastly, legends start with a story and you are writing yours now. Help me out, next time you see some locals scream out "Oh No the Giant Mike Dill is Coming". Maybe the story will spread and the people of the Gobi will forever be running from the "Giant Mike Dill" Stay on it brother, We love you.

exerpts from: Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...” “And when you're alone there's a very good chance you'll meet things that scare you right out of your pants. There are some, down the road between hither and yon, that can scare you so much you won't want to go on.” “When you're in a Slump, you're not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.” “You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So... get on your way!” “And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.) The Gobi is waiting, So... get on your way!”

Hey Brandon...Maremom again! I'm suffering a migraine tonight so I'm going back to bed to try and get rid of this thing by morning hopefully! But nothing compared to what you're going through of course! Another unbelievable day for you, huh? How in God's name did you ever climb that mountain??? Your determination is so inspiring. I cried today thinking of you. I believe in you with all my heart. When I read about the incident with you shoes getting sucked in by the mud puddles? I was half laughing and half feeling like, oh nooooo! That had to really suck like bigtime! But you've even managed through odd setbacks like that. I hope you didn't get hurt when you fell and I hope your ankle will be alright too! When you mentioned that you rolled your ankle, it reminded me of the time I rolled my ankle in Aruba jumping out of the jeep on those rocks! Oh, that hurt! Boy, you sure did one hell of a job driving our jeep through that desert and rocky terrain. At times, it was down right scary! But you just drove us right through all those insanely narrow dirt & rock paths and kept us all from sliding off the cliff areas? Remember how hard it was for anyone else to keep up with us? Geez...you were fearless even then! Then you ran down that mountain where that clear spring pond was at the bottom and you climbed up that rock cliff and dove in??? Omg...pretty shocking! But hey, just another ordinary day in the life of Brandon!!! Lol! Oh and I updated dad this last evening when he called and your daddeo got choked up and thanked me for all the details. He is soooo with you son. He loves you so much...you know that. I'm thinking you're probably & hoping you've either just crossed the finish line or about to, of leg 4 now. Gosh I hope your ok. Soooo proud of you!!! You da Brandon!!!!!! Back to bed now to put a cold pack on my head...it's after 2:30a.m. here. Love you ~Your Maremom~ ;}

Loving your updates! Can't believe you almost lost your shoe! Anyhow, thinking of you often , keep it up!!!

Brandon, Good thoughts from DC and the Praxis box. Probably some cursing from Pablo. Keep it going! Joe

Oh Candi...You just made me cry! Thank you. You put everything into him, every day of your life...just like the song says. And you've done the best job any mother could have ever done for him. You're world has totally & completely revolved around him. Your commitment, devotion and hard work is second to none. When you started him out in hockey as a little boy...that's what started him out on his road to preparation for this moment in time now. As a boy...even back then? I never knew any kid that traveled as much as he did and he became such a team player. And that was a wonderful thing to see cuz not all kids are like that! Candi...that was YOU,teaching him the way! You gave him that kind of start in his life. It's true you know. You kept him so busy that he never really had any time to get into any real trouble and you always held him accountable too. So everything you did...you truly did, do it for him. ;) The right path in life. I've always wanted to tell you all of this but until now? The words never came together quite so honestly. And not to leave the other 3-of us out of the equation at all but...this is YOUR moment of truth Candi. ;) Behind every strong young man is a rock of a mama! God bless you! Props to you Candi! ~Mom #2~Maremom~ ;)

So today I was trying to think of something profound to say. Not profound, but here's what I came up with. Do you remember when you were really little, 6 or 7, and you use to say that 'our song' was the Bryan Adams song from Robinhood, 'Everything I do...' ? Well, that song summed it up. Everything I ever did was for you. Now you are an adult. Your Dad and I, Stephen and Mary did the best job to raise the perfect son. But now we can't do anything to help you. You are on your own because this race is for YOU. I know you it's great that everyone is rooting for you and proud of you, but the reality is, you have to do this for yourself. And unfortunately, as we've learned, we never really know what tomorrow will bring. So Carpe Diem, Seize the day, because in the words of Apollo Creed, to Rocky,"There is no tomorrow..." You have to give it your all to complete this race. I love you, Mom

Hey Brandon, I've been reading your blogs for updates and can see that you are getting more than what you bargained for. Everyone is asking how are you doing so far here at work and I told them just great. I know you have a long way to go but I know you'll do it. Can't wait to hear all of the stories that you'll have to tell. Keep up the good work Brandon and stay strong!

WTF??? You have got to be kidding me!!! You're in 23rd. place now...gaining 6-more spots! You've done it again!!! Brandon-Brandon-Brandon...now my stomach is doing flips I'm so gosh dang dern proud of you!!! I gotta be honest...I was fearing leg 3 for you! And now, not only have you done it? But you also gained 16-minutes on the #1 lead guy!!! WOW...feel like dancing! ;) Oh geez...I'm so relieved too!! 7-hrs. till the start of leg 4!! Go get'em tiger! ;) We are all with you like every minute of each day! And you gotta know that you are just blowing us away! Oh and like Aunt Joy said...what will be next for you in the future? Please consider "The Amazing Race!" Okay? You & Vanessa would be the PERFECT team!!! Anywho...I'm going to text you're dad now to let him know how you did on leg 3! Omg...that's going to just knock his socks off!!! So much love is going out to you Brandon! Stay strong...I know you will cuz that's who you are! Love...Maremom & Dad ;) GOOOOOOO BRANDON!!!!! YAAAAAAAAY!!!!! YOU DA MAN!!!!!

Brandon, I have always been proud of you more than you can ever imagine! Your whole life you have achieved everything thing that was put in your path. My dearest nephew...you have raised the bar so high this time that it won’t be easy for you to find a greater challenge, but I am sure YOU will find something! You need take a small break (maybe a week or two, LOL) before you set your next goal. I know there will be one on the horizon that you will also succeed at...Because you are and always will be a WINNER! You must know that you have achieved MORE in your 31 years than most people achieve in their lifetime! I Love You VERY much! Aunt Joy

Hey Brandon....Again, OMG...You amaze me! It's the truth, no one can possibly know what you're going through there. You really do have to experience something like that first hand. All we can do is show our support and love and care about you just the most! We're here for you to encourage you and to help you through this in any way that we can. Your ever grueling effort that you're putting into this is kinda twisting my stomach in knots! I'm sure you're learning an awful lot about yourself as you journey on through this quest. Your inner strength that you're pulling from to survive this, is truly a rare gift and I'm so glad that you have it. Many people do not. That's what sets you apart from the ones who don't. You have to want it, use it...draw upon it as often as you need to. It will get you through this. You are in my prayers. Prayers for strength, drive, courage and wisdom. You write your own book here. Each leg is another chapter. You are a book we just cannot put down Brandon. As brutal as this is for you...you're creating your own life's legacy. We can only absorb what you're telling us and only you will ever truly KNOW what this is like for you. But you will draw upon this experience throughout your lifetime to always keep you strong and brave because you'll always know "who you are" and that's a good thing. I have to thank you for allowing us to share your world during these times. It's amazing to follow along with you. We can only imagine but again,imagining can never be "knowing" right? So try your best to imagine how very, very proud we all are of you, ok? So you must have a pretty good sense of that by now! Oh hey, I texted dad during the night once we got your leg 2 results and he called me afterwards. He wants me to tell you...I love you my son! ;) And of course he's telling everyone at work about you everyday. ;) He's such a proud papa Brandon. You do...you make him so proud. But of course you always have. Oh and your Britt-friend Hugo, came in 68th.with a time of 7-hrs.+11-mins. on leg 2. The 1st.place guy beat you by 2-hrs.+10-mins.on the 1st.leg but only by 1-hr.+43-mins.on the 2nd.leg.!! Gosh and now you're done with the 3rd.leg. Prob.at least a few hours ago. I wonder how you're feeling this time. Leg 3 was looking to be totally insane! I sure hope you're alright. Can't wait to hear about leg 3 now! Love you so much. God bless you. ~Maremom~

Wow, a 17th place finish. I guess the cramping is resolved and you're feeling good. When I'm writing this you have already finished leg 3. I'm sure it went good. When you read this you will be starting stage 4 and I won't know 3 results yet. You're endurance and strength training will really start to pay off as you enter stage 4. Can't wait for the results. Stay positive. Stay focused. Stay who you are....you won't be defeated by this race! Love you, Mom, Darby, Allie, Lilly and Lindie. p.s. Lilly says "run like the wind, like me....not like Allie"

I am just walking in the door at 0230hrs and you are at stage 3 now. I see you shaved 1 hour off of your time. You have moved up two spots in the rankings from 31 to 29. Your strength will start to allow you to just keep moving up in the standings. I know you are staying with in yourself and you are doing great. Your time in this stage put you in the top 17 for the day. If you can shave off a half hour more you will top 20 in the overall standings. In my heart I think you can win it. You are within striking distance now. I believe in Brandon keep it up sir.

Hi Brandon! Well...now you are on leg 3...about 3-hrs. into it. And we still haven't received the leg 2 results yet! Grrrrr! We're all on pins and needles back home here waiting to be updated! Worried about this leg 3 part for ya. I have a feeling you're gonna need a couple more of your audio messages to lift you up a bit. I told dad I would text him regardless of what time we get the leg 2 results. Your mom came over this evening and got your bed out of our basement. So that was cool. We had a really nice visit too. Well, I'll just keep checking. Hopefully we'll hear something very soon!!! Love you and hang in there Brandon...Maremom

I admit to being a little nervous. I haven\'t seen the results yet, and after reading your blog about the cramping, I am worried about you. It says that 3 more competitors had to drop out, and am hoping one of them wasn\'t you. Whatever happens, know that I am SO proud of you. I believe you will complete this. Being 3rd among the Americans and 31st overall the 1st day was AMAZING! Hope you are okay and have conquered the cramping. Love you, Mom p.s. Lindie and Lilly ran for 90 minutes at the beach today and are sending that energy to you!

Hey Brandon...Gosh, I wonder HOW you are doing?!! Apparently, the second leg is over BUT they're having trouble transmitting results because of the heavy cloud cover over your camp. They say they'll be able to post the leg 2 results withing the next 12-hrs! Oh, say it isn't so! Hopefully, we don't have to wait that long!!! I'm checking like every couple of hours or so. C'mon...sooner that later please!!! I don't know how much you know so I'll touch on a few things just in case. From what I'm picking up on Breaking News...it looks like you've lost 3-more competitors during leg 2. Reducing your competitor list down to 145 now. The other thing I should mention is...though leg 2 was 39.2 kilometers and flatter terrain. You need to know in case you guys aren't told??? Leg 3 is going to be more brutal once again. Though a little shorter distance-wise at 36.5 kilometers...your terrain is going to be tougher/rocky and more steep uphill climbing, ok? I hope this helps you to prepare in ways that might be a little more beneficial for you. Will keep checking in hourly now. Love you! Hope you can get some restful sleep! First though, go soak your feet in that little river by your camp! Your feet will thank you!

Wow, Brandon! It's truly amazing. I hope the first was the your worst day and it's an uphill from there!! (well, not literally, I hope). One day I will be bragging that I knew you personally. Presto finita!

Brandon even with you walking Brandon you finished 31 out of 168 and some have already dropped out. You can do this find some where in your mind and just go there. Great job Brandon keep it up.They have not posted Day two times yet but I am sure it is great. Keep pushing through the pain. I believe in you sir.

Go, Brandon!!! I was thinking about you over the weekend and wondering how the race is going. It sounds like a tough start but just keep pushing forward and I'm sure the initial physical shock will subside. If you need motivation, just imagine that LRL is chasing after you and she wants a big hug. Now, GOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good work!!!

OMG...Brandon. After reading your update, it was very eye opening, the reality of it all. Just hearing how brutal this race is and the toll it takes on your body doing this...just omg...Brandon. I hope your cramping eases up too with them giving you more water on this next leg, this should really bolster you...I believe that. I'm thinking you prob. started about 3-hrs. ago...? It's after 11pm. Sunday night here right now. I also feel you're really going to get in the zone once you work through you soreness or pain, fatigue, dehydration, etc. This 1st. day had to have been mind boggling for ya. I think you're just gonna continue to get stronger now physically & mentally. I cannot believe you came in 31st. after your first leg of this race...WOW! Brandon...That freaking great! We're all so damn proud of you! The 2 guys tied in 1st. place ran about 2 and half hrs. ahead of your pace. But some people are running this well over 12-hrs. And 2-more people withdrew...so now there's 148 in your race. You're doing better than you think you are! You're the third American on your list that's doing this good. 1st. place is an American who has tons of experience running these races. And there's an American woman running who came in 12th. But she's been racing for 10-freaking yrs. And she has run in the Gobi one other time so she knew what to expect and...she even came in 3rd. place doing the Great Wall of China race! So for you to be training for 1-year & this being your 1st. ultramarathon? You are actually doing excellent!!! I've been checking through hundreds of pics. for you. I found this one guy that looks soooo much like you (in the pic.) at least...I thought for sure it was until I blew the pic. up, then I could obviously tell he was older than you and then I saw his armband and it was an England armband. So that wasn't you! Lol. I did find a pic. that I think is Vanessa. in the volunteer training pics. Sitting in a meeting. with the others in a nice looking building/office. She has her back to the camera but it looks like her hair and body structure and she's wearing a dark green tank top which I believe I've seen her wear before. The editors/reporters do mention different ones racing and some of their comments...so I'll be watching to see if they catch up with you one of these times for pics & comments. I just want to wish you the greatest success in this amazing race. Ohhh...there's an idea~you could prob. win the million in Amazing Race after doing this!!! Brandon...we are all just pulling like crazy for you and thinking of you every waking moment. Don't you ever think that we aren't! We're right there with you in thought, okay? And Stephen, in spirit, I'm just sure of that. Talk to him...you might even catch a miracle viewing of him or something very much to do about him may happen. Love you....watching, watching, watching!!! You can do this! You're so sweet but you're also a little hardass too! Lol. GOOOOOO BRANDON!!! Peace~Out!!!

Sounds brutal and amazing! Keep it up Brandon, you are inspiring so many people and I couldn't be a prouder cousin!

31st! You got them right where you want them Brandon. Keep your pace. I want you to lay back in the weeds like a cobra waiting to strike! They won't know what hit them. I want you to EAT LIGHTNING AND CRAP THUNDER! Stay on it brother.

Finally a Ninja in China, My country is cheering for you !

I checked the results walking in door last night, I checked the results waking up. If you are in the top 25% go for it Brandon. At this point with you it is not about finishing you will finish, in my heart I feel you can win it. Now it is all mental and there are not many people in the world who has more heart than you or that are mentally stronger. I believe in you .

Hey Brandon...Sure hope you're doing alright. Me & Dad are thinking of you and just wanted to tell you how very much we love you & how proud we are of you. You forever amaze us son. You always did love a challenge & always tried your very best to be the best no matter what you wanted to do. And now here you are in the dang Gobi desert doing something that prob. none of us would ever even dream of doing or attempt to do. Gotta say it...You got nads! Lol! Love you 4ever & always. Stay strong...you can do this! Not cuz I know anything about training hard or partaking in ultramarathons...but it's because you have the strongest spirit & drive that I've ever seen in a young adult...ever! Love...Maremom & Big Cat Daddyo

Well, I know from the posts that you finished stage 1. Waiting anxiously for your blog so I can read how it went. Hope you are feeling strong/minimal pain and fatigue. Love you very much and SO proud of you. Mom

I can't wait to hear how the first leg went! Your brother is getting drunk in the city after the Phillies game, missing his train home, lost his friend, forgot to pick up his brother, so needless to say, you need to rub off on him more.

Brandon, your mom is always sharing stories with me of your amazing accomplishments. She is so very proud of you. It sounds like you have allot of her wonderful qualities. Dedication, determination, courage and strength, to name a few. With that being said, do your best, enjoy the journey and have fun. And RUN LIKE YOU STOLE IT!!!

Like i never say good luck to you before you leave because i dont believe in luck. I knew with all the hard (crazy) training that you have, this one def is something you can do and do well ... :)

Ready, set, GO!

THE 2013 GOBI MARCH BEGINS IN 5 MINUTES. Good luck Brandon as you stand ready to begin the first of 250 kilometers in the race. You’ve prepared and asked yourself all of the questions; now it’s time to go and discover all of the answers! #visionquest

Good luck Brandon! I will be thinking about you tonight when you start and watching for the updates :) Your mom is doing a good job with the updates on facebook. I am rooting for you!

Good luck. Run smart. You\'ve trained a whole year for this, I know you\'re ready.

Run like the wind! Which would be the opposite of what I do. Good luck, we will be thinking throughout your race. love ya bro

A light 2000 meter row? I call 500m a light row, I guess that's why you're running a 150 mile race while ill be running 150 meters.

You guys need to get started already. I can't believe how anxious I'm am waiting for this all to begin. I can't even imagine the excitement that you're feeling!

Good Luck, Brandon! I hope it's fun as well as challenging!

Tequila Friday awaits you, I have been picking up your slack and drinking for you this past year, but this cannot continue. Hurry up and win so I can get back to being physically fit!

Thanks, Bruce! Other than my wife, you are definitely one of the one's that saw me the most through the training process...now only 2 days to go.

4 days to go Brandon! I remember when it was a year away and now it's finally here. We've counted the days down and I know how hard you've worked every day for this. I know you will do well. I'll be in touch./Bruce

Hi Brandon! Its was so good to see you again! Please know I am cheering for you and supporting you all the way! I know that regardless of the outcome at the end of the race,you are already a winner! I know Stephen is really proud of you,and I know he will be with you in Spirit every step of the way! Good Luck Sweetie,and have a safe trip! GO BRANDON!!!!!! ((Hugs)) ~Kelly

The countdown is on son. 20-days and counting. Well, your first day back to work in D.C., since losing Stephen last week. I know how much you wanted him to be able to follow your race daily from home. But I really believe that he'll be with you right there in China as you do your Gobi desert race instead of watching it from back home. He will inspire you... keeping you going, keeping you strong...especially since you had dedicated this race to HIM! He was a wonderful stepdad to you and you know how very proud he was of you Brandon. You also know, the world traveler that he was. Oh how he loved travelig! So I won't believe for a minute that he would ever miss this world race with you. Mark my word...he'll be there! In fact...he's probably already there...waiting for you! Love you so much & we are all so very proud of you! I believe you're going to do amazing in this race because you have such a strong spirit and you never give up! You're a winner, always have been! ;) Love...Maremom ;)