My trip to Russia was absoutely amazing. Climbing the mountain was a life changing expierence and I will never forget it. Everything about the trip changed the way I look at things in my life. I learned that I am mentally strong enough to achieve anything I set my mind to. I went there to summit Mt. Elbrus and, for me, there wasn't another option. Even going into it with this attitude it was the support from Wren that helped me continue to the top. There were many times that we both wanted to stop and turn around but we both encouraged each other and stayed focus on the goal. The team that I went to Russia with was a congregation of some of the greatest people I have ever encountered in my 18 years on this earth. Each and every person changed over the year we trained into better people. I can see why these guys were chosen and I am proud to be a part of it. I will never forget my team members and the people I met over there. Whether you turned around at 16,000 ft. or you summited, you had the support of everyone on the team. My situation in life is much better then it was two years ago when I was smoking and selling weed. I am incredibly proud of myself and I have John to thank for all the positive changes in my life. Without John I would either be in jail or worse. I see the world in a whole different perspective after this trip. Being able to see others cultures and experience the significant differences from our lives in America I have a greater appreciation for my life here. Much love and thanks to the 2Xtreme team, John, Rich, Zour, Reaustam, Jamie, Matt, "Hutch", Reaustam's parents, Zour's parents, the hundreds of amazing Chechnyans I met and played soccer with, and the many drivers that shuttled the team around Nalchek and Mineraly Vody.
Brandon Aurand
Brandon Aurand