Professional surfer Brianna Cope took a break from the waves to hit the ground running with friends. Cope, 33, shared pictures of herself wearing black shorts and a matching sports bra, flashing the peace sign at the camera. “The worlds funnest race ever😂✨❤️ this race has a mix of whatever you want to do! Run a 5k, half, full marathon or an ultra. You make the rules 🤪 I did a half marathon mixed in with sauna sessions, talking with friends and making new ones! what a special event @jesseitzler @devonlevesque 🫶🏼,” she captioned the post. Here’s how the athlete takes care of her health and happiness, inside and out.
1. Super Surfer
Cope was born with a birth defect on her left hand, which made her childhood difficult—but she now feels it gives her an edge with surfing. “I think I'm faster at paddling because I don't have fingers so I don't have any drag,” she told Olympics.com. “I'm really fast. It's my superpower for sure.”
2. KT Tape and Spotify
Cope swears by KT Tape and Spotify for workouts. “This has been a huge essential for running!” she told Wellworthy. “This tape has been essential for my running routine, providing crucial support and stability to my muscles and joints while also promoting better blood flow… From working out in the gym to a drive to go check the waves….Spotify is always on repeat.”
3. Go-To Supplements
Cope takes supplements as part of her wellness regimen. “I’m always on the go so making sure I get enough protein throughout the day is so important for me,” she told Wellworthy. “Making my morning oat milk cappuccino is one of the first things I do each day. It’s a must. I’ve been using LivOn supplements for 6 years. Right now my go to is Magnesium before bed, and B Complex and Vitamin C in the morning.”
4. Resistance Training
Cope does strength training sessions at the gym, using weights and a medicine ball to get fit and strong. One Instagram post shows the surfer wearing two-piece workout gear as she goes through a whole strength routine. “In my fitness era,” she captioned the post.
5. Strength Through Adversity
Cope’s experience growing up with a birth defect has only made her stronger. "Growing up, it's always so hard to be labeled as different,” she told Olympics.com. “When I was a kid, I thought everyone was different and I was the one with the normal hand. Being born with a birth defect and having kids pick on you, it really is so tough. I was always so shy, so embarrassed. But that taught me though, to overcome. I bring it back to competing because I have the drive and the tenacity from being bullied and from being pushed down so much that I'm able to overcome. I feel like it translates into my surfing and how I am as a person."