Shannon Rowbury returns to racing

Shannon Rowbury, photo by Photorun.net

Shannon Rowbury has returned to racing. The three time Olympian, (2008, 2012 and 2016) began training in September 2018, after having had her baby on June 30, 2018. Shannon Rowbury is one of our fiercest racers, and holds American records at 1,500m (3:56.29) and 5,000m (14:38.92). Shannon obviously has the dream of a 4th Olympic team on her mind.

To make the 2019 and 2020 teams will be very challenging. The level of American women distance runners continues to excel. Shannon will have to be at he best to make the team and to battle on the global athletic stage. Peter Julian is coaching Shannon as she returns to fitness. Rowbury will use the skills that won her a bronze in Berlin in 2009 in the 1,500m and in 2016, at the World indoor in Portland ove 3000m.

As Shannon builds toward elite fitness, this 3000m indoors was her first race back. She ran a 9:03, taking second in a closely fought race to Eleanor Fulton. We wish Shannon Rowbury much luck as she returns to racing.

View this post on Instagram

The work is paying off. 9:03 for my 3k opener (currently #3 in the World 😜) and a hard 6x800m session post-race. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Slowly but surely I’m getting back into shape. Today was my first track race postpartum. My baby was born June 30, 2018 and I started running again September 1. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’m not gonna lie, when Coach Pete suggested racing a 3k a couple weeks ago I was like 😱. I’ve been grinding away and have been proud of my progress, but I just wasn’t sure where my fitness was. It’s one thing to get beat on the roads where I don’t have much experience, but it’s another to step back on the oval where I’ve had years of tears and sweat and heartbreak and extreme pride. The track holds so many emotions for me and I definitely had some angst about returning so soon. But as always, Coach knows best. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It was good to face my fears. Better to rip off the band aide and see what I was facing. It did feel hard, but everything does these days, and most of all, it was just fun to be back. The thrill of competing is quite intoxicating and the running community is like family. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Thanks to everyone who cheered me on today. The track is my home, and it’s nice to be back. I’m looking forward to the summer!! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #athletemom #siennarosaleen

A post shared by Shannon Rowbury (@shannonrowbury) on Jan 12, 2019 at 8:42pm PST