Lisa Brooking 4If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be? 5How has your approach to the sport changed over the years?
Distance runner
Lisa Brooking, 33, of West Vancouver made her first Canadian team in 2017, when she competed at the World Cross-Country Championships in Kampala, Uganda, while doing her master’s of science in nursing at Trinity Western University. (She finished 66th overall on the senior women’s 10k course and Team Canada placed ninth, with 195 points.) A Saucony athlete, Brooking is director of clinical operations at Copeman Healthcare Centre in Vancouver.
1How has COVID-19 changed your life?
It’s changed my perspective. We used to take so much for granted. I run closer to home now, where there are fewer people. I’m aware of where I exercise in terms of the number of people. In my role as director of operations in health care, I’m mindful that we can only allow essential visits. There’s an extra layer now with triaging, which is a new process for us. Everything is different.
2How did you get into running?
It was through my high-school gym teacher at Twin Lakes High School in Orillia, Ont. We used to have to run laps before whatever our activity was that day. People would dread it, but I loved it. That encouraged me to try out for the cross-country team, and it took off from there. Getting to the national team all started in high school.
3What’s your fondest memory in the sport?
Competing at the Cross-Country World Championships in Kampala, Uganda. Just being at the race course the day before and being in the company of all of these amazing athletes was surreal. I’ll never forget it. Florence Nightingale. She’s a nursing pioneer. I’d also like to invite Paula Radcliffe, who’s such an inspiration to me. It has changed drastically. I used to be very rigid with my training – if there was something on the schedule, I was doing it, no matter what. Now I’m more f lexible. I listen to my body. I want to have a healthy body for years to come, and I have to take good care of it for that to happen.
6Who’s your running idol?
Melissa Bishop. I’m inspired by anybody pursuing excellence, and when it comes to running, it’s Melissa.
7What would be your ideal last meal on earth?
Pizza with all the toppings: arugula, veggies, cracked egg and prosciutto. I’d also have red wine and chocolate cake.
8What’s your worst quality?
Taking too much on. I’m always trying to put a lot on my plate. I need to learn to do just a few things well.
9What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned? That setback isn’t failure. 10What are you most excited about right now?
I’m excited about fall running. This is the best running of the year. I’m also excited about sharing my passion for running with other people. It’s the reason I love running. —CR