Brianna McClocklin

Finding Her Stride: The Steady Rise of Brianna McClocklin

She found running later than most — but maybe that’s exactly why she loves it the way she does.

For Brianna McClocklin, running wasn’t something she grew up with — it found her later, when life had already taught her a thing or two about grit, patience, and growth.

“I discovered my passion for running after completing a local 5K,” she says. “Something about it just clicked — that feeling of pushing myself, of testing my limits. It lit something inside me.”

That first finish line didn’t just mark the end of a race — it marked the beginning of a journey. Now in her first season of cross country with St. Mary’s University, Brianna brings a newcomer’s curiosity and a veteran’s mindset. “I might be new to the sport,” she says, “but I bring determination and a deep respect for the challenge ahead.”

Running has become her teacher — a steady reminder that progress is better than perfection. “Starting later has taught me to focus on improvement, not comparison,” she says. “Setbacks have helped me develop patience and resilience.”

It’s a philosophy that stretches far beyond competition. “I’m motivated by growth and consistency,” she says. “This season, my goal is to stay steady — both physically and mentally — in every race. I want to get stronger each day and embrace every challenge along the way.”

That balance — between drive and perspective — is something she’s cultivated outdoors. “Off the field, I love spending time with my partner and our dog,” she says. “We’re often hiking, biking, camping, or skiing in the mountains. That lifestyle was a big part of why I moved from Ontario to Calgary.”

There’s a through-line in everything she does: movement, connection, peace. When she’s not outside, you’ll find her winding down with a book — another kind of endurance, quiet and internal. “Reading helps me recharge,” she says. “It’s how I find calm after the miles.”

To her, being part of the Lightning Cross Country program is more than just competition. “It’s about community,” Brianna says. “It means supporting one another, celebrating the little wins, and pushing to improve together.”

She may have joined the sport later, but she runs like someone who’s been here all along — humble, focused, and fueled by a quiet belief that it’s never too late to find your stride.

Because for Brianna McClocklin, the joy isn’t just in the finish — it’s in the steady, deliberate motion forward.