From Trails to Triumph: Stories of Growth and Community

Meet Blake, Skippy, and Candice—three remarkable trail runners whose stories of triumph and growth on the trails are as inspiring as the breathtaking landscapes they traverse.

The Trail Guardian
Blake's journey into trail running began with a deep connection to nature and a desire to stay active. He has completed multiple Otter runs and is known for his resilience and dedication to keeping trails clean. In 2021, despite being slightly under-trained, Blake managed to complete the Otter in 7 hours and 30 minutes, enjoying the camaraderie and support of fellow runners in the race village afterward.
 
Blake's training is unconventional yet effective. He spends a lot of time in the mountains, joining trail groups and participating in wilderness search and rescue operations. His involvement with Love Our Trails, where he hosts regular trail cleanups and guides multi-day hikes, keeps him trail fit. After recovering from an injury that kept him from the 2023 Otter start line, Blake focused on rehabilitation and gradually returned to running, demonstrating his remarkable resilience.

Running has taught Blake the importance of health, consistency, and the value of enduring through tough times. He draws parallels between running and investing, emphasizing starting small, being consistent, and trusting the process.

Skippy's Comeback: From New Beginnings to Victories
Skippy's trail running journey began in 2017 when he unofficially ran his first Otter. His official Otter Challenge in 2021 was a remarkable success, securing 1st place with a time of 5 hours and 36 minutes. Skippy's strength lies in his technical downhill running, which he hopes will work in his favor during the race.



Balancing running with family life, Skippy is slowly returning to training after an 18-month hiatus due to the birth of his son. He plans to follow a high-performance training plan and participate in the Mac Mac race as a benchmark for his Otter preparation.

Skippy's support team includes close friends who are also his mentors and running partners. They provide the motivation and guidance needed for his training. For Skippy, running has instilled discipline, consistency, and time management, which are essential both on and off the trail.

From Recovery to Racing Success
Candice’s transition from hiking to trail running was inspired by her love for the outdoors and adventure. She has completed two Otters, finishing as the 3rd vet lady in the Retto 2021 and 1st vet lady in the Otter Classic 2022, both within sub-8 hours. Her strengths include endurance, strong willpower, and a zest for life.

Candice follows a structured training program, incorporating short runs, pilates, and long trail runs on weekends. Her preparation includes participating in races like Cradle Ultra and Magalies Monster, which help her build endurance and strength.



Balancing work as the head of marketing at a private school, studying, and training, Candice finds support in her family. Her husband and children are her biggest cheerleaders, encouraging her every step of the way. Trail running has taught her perseverance and endurance, valuable lessons that extend beyond the trails.

Common Threads: Lessons from the Trail
Blake, Skippy, and Candice's stories share common themes that resonate with anyone striving for personal growth and success. Their journeys highlight the significance of resilience in overcoming challenges, the essential role of a supportive community, and the discipline required to achieve long-term goals. The parallels they draw between running and investing—starting small, being consistent, and trusting the process—offer profound insights applicable to various aspects of life.