MEET JAN, A LEVEL 2
MEMBER OF FLOCK
Each week, we are shining a light on one of the brilliant people who make up FLOCK. Our members come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds, goals, and levels of experience, and that is exactly what makes this trail running community so special.
Tell us your name and a little about yourself?
Hi! I’m Jan Shepherd, and I work in toilets—usually a total conversation stopper! Thankfully, while running, I can bore educate people about the life-changing benefits of safe sanitation in remote villages across Africa and Asia. They’re usually trying to pick up their pace or tie a shoelace just to get away from me.
How long have you been trail running with us?
I joined Sam back in November 2019, just before lockdown. My first run was a Night Trail at Kingley Vale (a place I’d never been before), and I was absolutely mesmerised by the shadows of the ancient trees. Unfortunately, I was wearing a very reflective top, and several people asked to overtake me because I was giving them a migraine—and I hadn’t even started talking about toilets at that point.
What is your running background?
I was a solo runner with my dog, but my pace was slowing, and my routes were becoming a bit samey. I really needed to mix things up and finally tackle those big hills I’d been avoiding.
How did you feel before your first FLOCK run?
I used to worry about being at the back. Sam once ran a session where two groups split up—one went clockwise and the other anti-clockwise, and the first one back won. I was a disaster! I had awful anxiety that I was dragging everyone back, but I’m much more chilled about these things now and know to avoid the more competitive events.
What has been your biggest challenge so far in your running journey?
Sam organised a running trip to Madeira. The group had mixed abilities, but I was definitely the slowest. In the build-up, Sam organised training sessions, and I slowly built the confidence to believe I could keep up with the crowd. In the end, I wasn’t even the last one home (thanks to Dirk for helping me up and down those amazing hills)!
What do you enjoy most about being a part of our trail running community?
I love the bants! Although I’ve been away with work for most of this year I’ve been able to keep connected on WhatsApp, I am so looking forward to Wonka’s flapjacks… I’ve been having major FOMO!
Do you have a favourite trail running memory, route, or moment?
During lockdown, Sam was a complete life-saver. He set up “pirate trails” where we could all safely participate by individually following a pirate map, somewhere on the trail there was a hidden pot of gold (a small coin) for you to find and bring home. These routes were my saviour during this tough time and I can remember them all clearly. Another now-infamous night run from Cocking, we were running through the eerily dark woods when we suddenly became part of a Chinook training session! The helicopters hovered what felt like inches from our heads. Again, I was wearing my very reflective jacket and (as Bob Mortimer would say) I felt like a sniper’s dream! I have never run so fast.
“I had awful anxiety that I was dragging everyone back, but I’m much more chilled about these things now!”
Quick-Fire Questions
- Early run or evening run? – Earlier the better
- Hills or flatter trails? – I love flying down hills, which means having to go up them first
- Favourite season to run? – Spring – especially when the rhodedrums come out on the trails
- Go-to post run treat? – Well, hopefully Wonka’s flapjacks
- One word to describe FLOCK? – Flocktastic!