By Shira Springer

Globe Staff / February 24, 2008

As Shannon Rowbury easily separated herself from the rest of the field in the women's 3,000 meters, the scene surprised many watching the US Indoor Track & Field Championships last night at the Reggie Lewis Center.

Who was this freckled, pony-tailed leader who pressed on while the other runners faded in the final laps? Where had she come from? After winning her first national title with a time of 8 minutes 55.19 seconds, even Rowbury admitted the result came as something of a surprise.

"I've been feeling in workouts that I had some kick, and it's always a nice feeling to have that in your back pocket," said Rowbury. "In the race, even when I went, I was like, 'I guess this is the time.' I made my move and just kept trying to go with it. I thought someone would cover it, then I heard from the announcer that I had a 15-meter lead with 200 to go, and I was like, 'That's pretty cool.' I just kept going and didn't look back."