Data Guru by Day, Trail Runner by Night: Andrea's Story

At EasyEquities, Andrea Copland is a standout not just for her expertise as the Head of Business Intelligence, but also for her love of trail running. 

Andrea juggles her key role at EasyEquities while competing in the Otter African Trail Run, one of South Africa's toughest trail runs. This dual role highlights her leadership skills and her physical stamina.The Otter Trail, which opened in 1968, is the oldest and one of the most celebrated hiking trails in South Africa. It features a challenging 42km path along the Indian Ocean coastline, complete with river crossings and dense forests. EasyEquities is proud to be the presenting partner of this event, reflecting its values of resilience and excellence.

Colleagues know Andrea as the "Honey Badger," a nickname that speaks to her fierce determination. Her motto, "You can do the hard things," reflects how she uses lessons from running to her work ethic. Under her leadership, EasyEquities has thrived, becoming more innovative and driven by solid data. 

Andrea's participation in the Otter Trail Run proves her commitment. She has finished this tough race twice, with her best time being 8 hours and 20 minutes. The race not only pushes her physically but also boosts her leadership qualities, highlighting the importance of consistency, dedication, and a long-term outlook—essential for both sports and investing.

As EasyEquities expands, Andrea's insights in data analysis are crucial. She truly reflects the company's spirit: innovative, resilient, and always moving forward.

Know more about Andrea in this Q&A:
How many Otters have you completed and what is your fastest? 

2. 8hrs 20min

What is the best race you have ever had?

Honestly, looking back, I really have loved each race I have done (maybe I forget how tough they were at the time). Otter is a highlight each year, and I took 45 mins off my time last year, despite the rain, so was really happy with that run. From Otter to Magoebaskloof to Num Num to the Knysna houtkapper, each have been special in their own regard.

Are you following a training program? What races/big runs are you going to be doing in the build-up?

Yes. I am training with Lijan from Alpasfit. I’ve just done the Magoebaskloof mountain and forest run 36km. I have UTD 25km coming up in April and then Pondo coaster in May. 

Do you have a specific diet?
No. I am generally a healthy eater and would say I am a flexitarian.

What are you looking forward to most on the route?
The runnable flat 8km in the beginning. 

What is the most daunting part of the route for you?
Bloukrans after last years full swim through. 

What are your strengths that will help you get through the Otter?
Strong on the climbs and my ability to keep going, mentally and physically. 

What is your occupation, and what do you do in your spare time?
Head of business intelligence at EasyEquities. Run, read, learn, play golf and spend time with my pups, family and friends. 

What do you think sport has taught you that you can use in the world outside sport/running?
Run your own race which outside of running interprets to doing things my own way, at my own pace and trusting that I am on the right path. 

How would you relate running to investing?
Consistency, dedication and having a long term mindset.

More on the Otter African Trail Run
The Otter African Trail Run is a 42km route features rugged Indian Ocean coastline trails, indigenous forests, river crossings, and spectacular scenery. To protect this environment, the Otter has a green principle that helps to ensure that the near-pristine environment is better for you to participate in.
 
Every year, the Otter African Trail Run hosts two cut-off time-graded events:

• Otter - Challenge - Fearsome 11hr cut-off
• Otter - Race - Extreme 9hr cut-off

The event is run by not only fantastic people but also good friends of ours and is supported by the legends at FACES. It also has some amazing sponsors involved, such as SANParks and adidas TERREX, and we are privileged to be the presenting partner of the event.

The 2024 edition of the event is the Retto edition of the race and will start at Natures Valley and finish at Storms River.

The Otter Trail Run is well known for being difficult and the below highlights why:
 
It has a TrailFactor of 2.0

• The TrailFactor indicates the degree of increased resistance applied by the trail on a runner when compared to a flat conventional road running course. A TrailFactor of 2.0 means completing the Otter can take twice as long as the equivalent distance on road!

• There are four rivers that have to be crossed, including the infamous Bloukrans River which involves a swim. We will have safety personnel and equipment set up only at Bloukrans to assist and make sure you safely cross this segment.   

• A total gain of over 2,600m over the full route, including ±7,000 ascending steps. Steep enough to force the strongest runners to walk.
  

• There are eleven climbs of more than 50 meters elevation gain, with 3 climbs exceeding 100 meters.

To learn more about "The Otter African Trail Run," click here.

Sign up here and start your own race to financial success!