One day in 2019, I had a couple of friends fail to report that they had finished a long run. Hours had passed since they were due and they weren't responding to my texts. A snowstorm had come in and I was worried about them. I packed up and started on their loop route in the opposite direction to try to find them. I encountered them quickly and they were OK, but the spark for helping others in my local wilderness had been lit.

In 2020, I joined CSAR when they announced they were building a trail running team, which I now lead. Taking all this experience, skill, and knowledge, and applying it to more than just recreation and fitness--actually saving lives--has been one of the most rewarding and meaningful tracks of my life. I was part of an incredible team made up of a diverse group of people who all carried the drive to help.

The obvious adventure (and sometimes missions could become very adventurous) aside, SAR has driven home for me what it means to be part of a team. What we do together couldn't come from an individual. Every little effort we each make contributes to a whole where miraculous things happen. It's a lesson I try to take into every aspect of life.