In case you're not up on your track and field, Shannon Rowbury is a name and face you should know.
The two time Olympian (2008 and 2012) and Bronze Medalist from the World Championships in 2009 is a super multi-tasker, with a Master's and B.A. degree from Duke University in English and Film Studies, plus Shannon is the second fastest miler in U.S. history.
All this and Shannon still runs her own Foundation "Imagining More," aimed at improving opportunities in the arts for high school women. Shannon is a San Francisco resident and trains there most of the year running many miles on the track at U.C. Berkeley and on the roads.
Simply put, Shannon Rowbury has her act together.
Now, Shannon is preparing for next Summer's World Championships in Moscow. Her goal there?
"To win" Shannon said. "My entire focus now with my training is winning The U.S. Outdoor Championships next June and earning my spot on the World Games team."
The competition is fierce, but Shannon welcomes the challenge.
"I thrive on competing" Shannon said. "But I like my down time too. My favorite thing is snuggling up on the couch and watching a good movie, usually one of the 'classics' with Audrey Hepburn or Natalie Wood."
This winter Shannon is planning a lengthy stay in Palm Desert with family friends who own a home there. Why the desert climate for running?
"I train at altitude in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, which is high desert. So Palm Desert and Palm Springs are very similar in feel (only I can breathe better!) The warm weather and dry climate is great for speed training" Shannon said.
"I also love the lazy, easygoing feeling I experience in the desert" Shannon remarked, adding "Plus the shopping in Palm Desert is awesome. I love El Paseo and Trina Turk's boutique on Palm Canyon. The Antique shops are so much fun too, but I travel with one bag most of the time, so that limits my shopping potential" Shannon said with her trademark smile.
Shannon's boyfriend artist and Mexican distance runner Pablo Solares will join her for part of the desert getaway. "Pablo and I love running in the desert heat. It makes you appreciate the cool, windy weather in San Francisco that's for sure! After training our favorite hangout in Las Casuelas Nuevas in Rancho Mirage. I heard even Frank Sinatra used to go there!" (Actually it was the original Las Casuelas in Palm Springs that Sinatra used to frequent, but close enough.)
Shannon is hoping for a broadcasting career once her professional running days are behind her. Shannon is a Nike sponsored athlete and competes all over the world each season. "I have seen many countries and met so many wonderful people because of running. I would love to continue my travels as a broadcast journalist."
Well knowing Shannon's high standards for personal achievements, getting a career going as a reporter should be as easy as "ABC."
Editor's Note: Article and photos submitted by Hal Lifson, Rowbury's publicist. For more info visit http://shannonrowbury.com.
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