I sat down live in Napa Valley with Shannon Rowbury and Jessica Dorrington, co-authors of the new book Strong as a Mother. We recorded this conversation at the Napa Valley Marathon expo, and it centers on what it looks like to return to running after pregnancy, rebuild after injury, and support athletes through every stage of motherhood and performance.
Shannon is a three-time Olympian and Olympic bronze medalist in the 1500 meters. Her medal came years after the 2012 Olympic final, when multiple athletes ahead of her were later disqualified for doping. In this conversation, she reflects on that experience and the complicated reality of receiving an Olympic medal long after the race is over.
Jessica Dorrington is a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist and pelvic health physical therapist who works with many elite runners. She shares practical, grounded insight on postpartum recovery, pelvic health, and how athletes can safely return to running after pregnancy or injury.
Together, Shannon and Jess talk about the inspiration behind Strong as a Mother, why better education around postpartum recovery is so needed in sport, and how runners can approach their comeback with patience, perspective, and the right support. We also talk about Shannon’s career, the emotional complexity of elite competition, and the importance of understanding the body through every phase of life.
This episode is part of my weekend at the Napa Valley Marathon, where I had the chance to serve as race emcee and host conversations with athletes and leaders in the running community.
Topics covered:
Longevity in running and what helps you keep running for decades
Why consistency matters more than any one perfect week of training
Recovery as a key part of performance
How training needs change as you age
Strength training, calf strength, plyometrics, and core work for runners
Injury setbacks and using them as opportunities to learn more about your body
Shannon Rowbury’s femoral neck stress fracture in college and comeback to make her first Olympic team
The role of biomechanics, leg length differences, orthotics, and maintenance work in staying healthy
Postpartum return to running and why timelines are highly individual
What happens to the abdominal wall and pelvic floor during pregnancy and postpartum
Why more women are returning to elite running after having babies
The lack of pregnancy and postpartum resources for athletes and why Strong as a Mother was written
Pelvic floor health for runners and why it matters for both women and men
Shannon Rowbury’s delayed Olympic bronze medal from the 2012 1500m
Doping in sport and the emotional impact of delayed justice
The importance of clean sport, reform, and fighting for integrity in athletics
Mental preparation for racing, including visualization, positive cue words, breathing, and smiling
Race-day strategies for handling hills, fueling, and staying mentally engaged late in the race
Why menstruation is an important indicator of athlete health
Low energy availability, RED-S, sleep, and early warning signs for high school and young female runners
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