In 2002, Phillip found himself 80 pounds overweight and decided to get back in shape by training to climb Mt. Whitney, the highest mountain in the 48 contiguous United States. After several months of training, he was able to reach the summit and let go of 40 pounds. With the mindset and tools he taught himself, he shed another 40 pounds from his body and became an athlete, through running and climbing mountains. Phillip went on to become a Nike sponsored place leader, ran marathons, and climbed over 200 mountains around the world, including the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere, Aconcagua, standing at 22,831 feet. Phillip taught for the Sierra Club as a Wilderness Travel Instructor and is a big advocate for seeking growth in the outdoors.  Now nearly 20 years of keeping the weight off, his biggest pride and joy is helping others become the best versions of themselves.

Karla felt lower than dirt when her marriage fell apart in 2012. After meeting life coach, Michelle Jeffries, she had a vision of living her best life; Putting on a backpack, traveling, and feeling "happy, whole and free." A few months later, Karla met, Phillip, who took her hiking. On that hike, she felt hope for the first time in a
long time. So she set a goal to hike 52 times in 2014. Since taking her personal 52 hikes, she found healing, empowerment, and wholeness. Since then, Karla has gone on to travel and climb mountains all around the world, completed the John Muir Trail and so much more! She credits the 52 Hike Challenge for being one of the most impactful and rewarding experiences of her life! Karla has been featured in various publications, network tv shows and podcasts as an expert in hiking and entrepreneurial leadership.

Michelle is a Certified Life Coach with 10 years of experience currently based in Texas. Her emphasis on personal development unlocks potential, confidence and purpose. Michelle helps her clients find themselves, make the most of life, and create a more meaningful life. She has a knack for getting people out of their comfort zone and having them discover more of who they are and what they are capable of. Her work integrates the mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, and relational aspects with personal growth. She has worked with clients in the U.S. and Internationally. Her exposure to various cultures, ethnicities, nationalities, and backgrounds brings a diverse understanding of her clients' needs and desires. Michelle will work with you to become more fulfilled, achieve your goals, live your purpose, love yourself more, integrate self-care, create possibilities, overcome personal setbacks, and build better relationships. She is passionate about bringing out the best in you. She will help you believe in yourself again.

" When I finished my 52 Hike Challenge I felt incredibly accomplished. I felt like for the first time in my life I started using my time to do something that was just for me. I must say that the biggest accomplishment comes after you finish. Since finishing my challenge I have done and decided to do so many things I would've said no to in the past. This challenge CAN do so many things for you besides getting 'fit'. It can heal you. It can empower you. It can make you push yourself and reach higher than you ever thought possible."

 -Nicole Brown, Founder of Women Who Hike

" What a journey this has been. 29 weeks... 29 weeks it took me to complete the #52HikeChallenge. 29 weeks in which I learned about nature, the environment, & survival in the wilderness, but most importantly, about myself, my happiness, and what drives me internally. 29 of the most peaceful, satisfying, and happiest weeks of my life. 29 weeks in which I rediscovered myself through every hike, every mountain, every view, and every challenge I overcame. I faced my biggest fears, I accomplished things that seemed impossible to the old me, and most of all, I learned to be me, and no one else… I wanted to build a life I didn't need a vacation from. And hiking has given me that and much more.

Nathalie Gallon, Co-founder of Tough Women Only

"The 52 Hike Challenge made 2020 a bit easier for me. With all that started happening in regards to Covid, It was nice to have something fun to look forward to. Belonging to a group of friends that loved my same interests like love of nature, was exactly what I needed. I was always looking forward to meet up with them to explore and enjoy our surroundings together. We were able to admire so many beautiful trails with breathtaking views. It made me fall in love with this island of Oahu even more, way more, it also helped me tremendously to surpass emotional obstacles, conquer fears and most importantly feel more confident about myself. I'll always be grateful and thankful that I decided to join in 2020. It was the perfect year to do this challenge. It was definitely what made 2020 doable for me. Thank you to my friend and all that supported and encouraged me through it."

Edder Silva