When Elizabeth had difficulty exercising she saw her doctor. Not long after, she was in full cardiac arrest and on the brink of death. After two hours of CPR and weeks of intensive care, a team of medical professionals had given the young mother a second chance at life.

Over the past several months I have had the privilege of being the conduit through which incredible people have chosen to tell their stories. It’s stories like Elizabeth’s, and that of the many others that have colored my recent history, that inspire me to simply do better. To be the best storyteller I can be.

Adrian Bourgeois is an old soul in the body of an ubereclectic twentysomething. With influences like The Beatles, Brian Wilson and Elvis Costello, the ever melodic singer-songwriter pens and croons tracks with dreamy titles like Melt In My Mind, Silk From Ashes, and To Be (the first man on earth).

The idea of running a hundred miles through the mountains today is beyond the realm of normal thought for most people. In 1974 it was more than unheard of, it was considered impossible and dangerous. But when Gordon Ainsleigh came face-to-face with the prospect some three decades ago, he was undaunted.

With equal measures of wisdom and bravado, Ainsleigh set off on a journey that others before him had only done on horseback. Twenty-three hours and forty-seven minutes later, Ainsleigh emerged as the first person to have run the arduous Western States trail in one day. He had done the unthinkable, and solidified his place as a pioneer in the sport now known as ultrarunning.

Since then, the sport has grown wildly popular among the bravest of the bold. Thousands of athletes from all walks of life regularly test their physical and mental extremes on courses around the world. But the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run is commonly referred to as the birthplace of the ultramarathon, and the man simply known as Gordy is considered a living legend.

Some people mean what they say. Others say what they mean. Jason Harper puts his money where his mouth is. When the do-gooder learned of the plight of inner-city kids in his area struggling with hunger, he not only loaded their cabinets with food but filled their minds with books and free time with structure. Then he ran a hundred miles in the mid-summer heat to raise awareness for their cause.

Photographer Pete Eckert has never seen his work. He took to photography after a medical condition robbed him of his sight — and has been making hauntingly beautiful images ever since. Armed with a crystal clear mental vision and a wicked sharp wit, Eckert senses his subjects with a self-described “sonar” and records their image on medium format film with long and sometimes multiple exposures. The only gage he has by which to judge his success or failure is the comments and feedback he gets from viewers. And I, for one, am thoroughly impressed.

The Tarlesson family fled their native Liberia, leaving behind a life of violence and hunger. They settled on a fertile plot in Northern California where they now grow organic vegetables and spices. Each year since their arrival they give thanks for their good fortune with a celebration of traditional African food, song and dance.

Sunset over Bass Lake, Calif. Bass Lake is situated in the Sierra National Forest approximately 14 mi (23 km) from the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. Follow this link to download a high resolution copy of this image.

The Tarlesson family fled their native Liberia, leaving behind a life of violence and hunger. They settled on a fertile plot in Northern California where they now grow organic vegetables and spices. Each year since their arrival they give thanks for their good fortune with a celebration of traditional African food, song and dance.