``I thought I was at my last end. Newborns and no partner, I was lost. Mat, you pushed me to do more. You guided me to be better. And I did. I'm excited to see your next endeavor and I hope you know that River, Ryker and I will be watching you sail across a smooth sea.``
“There are people in this world that bring out the best in you as a person. Those that come into your life and feel like an old friend instantly. Mat and Ben are the kind of people who at their core see life differently than the average person, and make the world around them better as a result. The way you two approach life is an inspiration, and while most people rowing across the ocean would sound crazy to me, anything short of a 1st place finish for you two seems improbable, if not impossible. Can’t wait to cheer you on and proud of what you are both selflessly doing regardless the outcome.``
“Adam and Stephanie Cox. Adam is a veteran, Texan, and President of iTeres Group (http://www.iteresgroup.com/) . Thank you for your support!“
``Wherever you go, go with all your heart`` (Confucius).
``Many people won't understand what you are doing or why you are doing it! Don’t worry about that. Remember, it’s your race. It's you vs. you out there on the open ocean. You've trained and prepared so give it all you've got, stay disciplined when it's hard, keep a positive attitude and forge your mind to take you farther than you ever thought possible.``
``You got this Mat & Ben! Just remember one thing....You were put on this earth to achieve your greatest self, to live out your purpose, and do it courageously. So proud of you both and can't wait to celebrate when yall get back!``
``Courage is fear holding on a moment longer`` (George S. Patton)
``It's the Journey not the Destination! Best of luck Mat, I know it will be awesome!``
``With a new day comes new strength and a new attitude. Trust yourself, trust eachother, get your butt back in that seat and stay the course.``
“I’m so profoundly humbled by your dedication to help others in need AND to dare greatly with this amazing adventure before you. Gooooo Team Praetoarian!!!”
“It’s not a man’s working hours that is important, it is how he spends his leisure time” (Marilynne Robinson)
“Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” (Theodore Roosevelt)
``Only he who can see the invisible can do the impossible.`` (Frank Gaines)
Godspeed on your journey. ``I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.`` Phil 4:13
“I am with you in heart and spirit willing you to the finish! Don't stop when you're tired...stop when you are done!! And remember pain is temporary--pride lasts a lifetime. Best of luck and may the wind be always at your back! ” ( Linda McCallum )
CARPE DIEM!
To succeed in your mission, you must have single-minded devotion to your goal.
Godspeed gentlemen. Forward Focus. Carpe Diem. Hydrate. Rest, recover, row, repeat. Looking forward to keeping tabs on your training and ultimate challenge when the time comes.
Z'Piar wartet, aber z'erscht muasch no ruadara wia verruggt (Beer is waiting, but first you need to row like crazy)
``But the most beautiful things in life are not just things. They are people, places, smells, music, memories and pictures. They're feelings, moments, smiles, and laughter together.``
``Mat and Ben are both men with hearts of gold and are truly an inspiration. The amount of personal and technical preparation and planning they are putting into this, along with their sheer determination and force of will, will lead to their ultimate success! May the seas be always favorable, and may the marlin stay at a safe distance. Fortis et velox!``
``We are honored to support you and train alongside you as you begin this challenging and worthwhile adventure. We’ll be pulling with you every stroke as you cross the Atlantic! (Missing from photo: Barbara, Stacie G., Leslie M., Melissa, Lindsay, Alexa S., Ine, and Danielle)``
``Speak softly, but carry a big stick! (for the Marlin attacks)``
``You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your *Ocean* is waiting, So...get on your way!``
``DON'T PANIC!!``
``Kenny Powers is a man. Kenny Powers is an athlete. Kenny Powers is a lover. But the most he is, I mean, the thing that Kenny Powers is the most, is a goldurn champion.``
``What happens in the middle of the Atlantic during a two-man rowing adventure stays in the middle of the Atlantic…``
``Dig through the ditches. Burn through the witches. Slam in the back of your Boatula.``
``It is not the strength of the body, but the strength of the spirit.``