MARIA PICHOWSKY, 41

OCCUPATION: EMT and firefighter LOCATION: Braselton, Ga. WORK LIFE: “Every aspect of my job has been amplified, but the biggest one has been the level of cleanliness we all have to be aware of when caring for patients. From sanitizing every part of the ambulance, to constantly changing masks and gloves, to being aware of a patient’s symptoms. These are all a part of my norm, but now my senses are in overdrive. My typical schedule is 24 hours on, 48 hours off.” FAVORITE OUTDOOR ACTIVITY: Hiking WHY IT’S IMPORTANT: “Constantly interacting with sick patients can be emotionally or mentally exhausting. Hiking with the dogs gives my mind a chance to relax and it clears my thoughts. Choosing different trails gives me a constant change of scenery and gives me a decent cardio workout to break up my routine of working in the ambulance.” Maria is wearing Brooks’ Divide trail shoe with BioMoGo DNA cushioning.