New Year = New Race Series
Origin Story: Imagining More Foundation
In case you are unfamiliar with me…
Hi! I’m Shannon Rowbury, a San Francisco native, mother of two, and a three-time Olympian (‘08, ‘12, ‘16).
Back in 2012, my husband (Mexican National Record Holder) Pablo Solares and I started the non-profit Imagining More Foundation. Our lives have been transformed by sport and our Mission is to empower others through sport too!
In 2022, Imagining More received a prestigious grant from the US Department of State, which enabled us to host our first “Empowerment Through Sport Camp'' for athletes and coaches.
The feedback was overwhelming:
“Shannon’s presentation was everything I needed to see. She has helped me settle up my decisions of taking running to the next stage in my life. I want to be a role model and someone young girls know they can trust or want to be like.”
“After every race (or big event), it’s important to reflect. We need to take time to celebrate what went well, acknowledge what could have been better, and make an action plan. That way we can close one chapter and move forward stronger, wiser, and with purpose.”
Now, two years later, we have supported over 200 athletes and coaches AND we are preparing for our fourth and fifth camps in Concord and Oakland! Watch this space, because registration opens soon.
New Race Series: FUN|RUNch Style
In an effort to fund our camps, we are launching a new racing series that we have whimsically named: FUN|RUNch
Why?
Our dream race combines quality racing with a fun brunch afterparty.
We wanted to create an experience for the whole family!
When the race is done we want participants to stick around and celebrate TOGETHER!
Did I mention that proceeds will enable Imagining More to keep hosting our Empowerment Through Sport camps!
Our first race is on Mother’s Day (May 12, 2024). We are hosting a 5K Race at Crissy Field followed by an afterparty at Presidio Sports Basement. If you’re interested in learning more, check out the link below:
GOOD / BETTER / NEXT
In the spirit of new adventures, we wanted to launch this newsletter as a way to keep you informed about exciting developments.
And since sharing is caring, I also wanted to share some of the things that have been most useful in my athlete journey.
“After every race (or big event) it’s important to reflect. We need to take time to celebrate what went well, acknowledge what could have been better, and make an action plan. That way we can close one chapter and move forward stronger, wiser, and with purpose.”
So, what went well for you in 2023? Are there things you’d like to improve? Not only are these questions great for life, but they can really help you as a runner.
If you want a glimpse of my review process, you can download my Good/Better/Next Worksheet©.
Signing off with some food for thought as we get into 2024... We hope you’ll continue to join us on this journey.