Shepherding
Moving together, whatever your pace
At Fitmums and Friends, we believe that everyone should be able to be active at a level that feels right for them. Shepherding is our system for keeping a group together while allowing people to move at their own natural pace.
Shepherding is how we make that possible
Shepherding supports everyone, whatever their ability or experience, and allows people to progress at a pace that works for them.
You might be a complete beginner, building your confidence, returning to activity after a break or injury, or an experienced runner looking to improve. Shepherding means you can all be part of the same group.
If the group naturally spreads out, our leaders use re-group points so those who are further ahead turn at points and head to the back of the group, allowing everyone to continue together without anyone feeling they are holding others back.
This means you don't have to worry about being the slowest person in the group. Equally, you don't have to stay at a pace that is slower than your natural rhythm. You can move at the pace that's right for you, knowing that the group will come back together when needed.
No one is left behind. No one has to run or walk faster than they want to.
Why shepherding matters
Exercising with others can help motivation but also performance, it is amazing what you can achieve when in the company of others! Having encouragement when you're building your confidence, and support to help you progress can make all the difference. This is why shepherding matters. It allows people of different paces to be able to run together and the Leader to manage the group so no-one is left behind, but those who are more pacey also get a run appropriate to their ability.
Shepherding is an essential part of the Fitmums and Friends approach and is used across our running groups, at every level of ability and at every distance. Everyone who joins us has a role to play in making it work, and we ask our members to support the system by being willing to re-group when needed.
It's this simple system that helps us create groups where people of very different abilities can enjoy being active together.
When is shepherding used?
Sometimes shepherding is not needed at all. If a group consists of similar abilities with no big gaps between front and the rear, then it is not required. It is only used when a significant gap occurs between those at the front and the back, for example around 200m. The Leader will then instigate a re-group so that those at the front, circle back to beyond the last person - without the need to change their pace - and continue forward again. Leaders will choose their re-group points carefully so they do not lose sight of the group, and also take into account places where it is not suitable such as very narrow paths.
This means the Leader is able to manage a group of different abilities, safely ensuring everyone gets an appropriate paced run to match their ability.
How does shepherding work?
Each group sets off with everyone running at their own natural and comfortable pace. When a large gap develops either the front runners or the Leader may instigate a re-group. It is helpful for the front runners to keep aware of the pace of the group behind so they can turn back as necessary, not necessarily at the instruction of the Leader. There is no need to alter pace when running back. The leader may be at the rear supporting those runners and will depend on the front runners to instigate the “re-group”. If you are in the middle of the group, you should follow the front runners to the back as they pass you – i.e. the front runners instigate the re-group but everyone follows.
This video helps to explain how the system works HERE
Shepherding in Walking Groups
Shepherding can be just as valuable in our walking groups. Sometimes everyone naturally walks at a similar pace and there is no need to re-group. But when the group begins to spread out, the same principle applies.
This means that walkers at a slower pace can enjoy the walk without feeling pressured to go faster, while those at the front still benefit from a little extra distance and activity. It's a simple approach that works for everyone. Whether you're running or walking, shepherding means you can find your own pace — while still being part of the group.
What if I am the fastest in the group?
If you are the fastest in your group shepherding will allow you to keep running at your naturally faster pace. You do not need to hold back and run at a pace too slow for your ability which we know can be uncomfortable.
The points at which you re-group can be also be used to improve your pace. For example you could use these sections to run back to the slowest runner at a slightly faster pace. This speed work could help you prepare for moving up to the next distance group and/or could help you run further than the set mileage of the route.
What if I am the slowest in the group?
If you are the slowest in the group shepherding will reassure you that you will not be left alone at the back for the whole run. You will always be supported by the rest of the group and there will even be times when you will actually be at the front of the group. You need feel no pressure to run any faster than you can, as the faster people are going to be getting a different work-out because they will be running a greater distance (because of the re-group) and possibly doing speed work to help improve their pace.
What if I move up to the next distance and can’t keep up?
If you find you are consistently much slower than the runners in a group, then moving back down can help with confidence and improve ability. Try and focus on building pace and being the one doing the shepherding in the lower distance group as this will help build stamina. Try and aim to get at least two runs in per week to help build running strength.
What if I haven’t the energy to re-group?
If you are unable to re-group because it is taking all your effort to get round the planned route then you just need to walk back rather than run at the re-group points but keep moving! There is nothing more demoralizing for the runner at the back of the group to finally reach the waiting front runners who then run off as soon as the back runner reaches them! This is strongly discouraged at Fitmums and Friends. The important thing is to stay with your group – especially when running in the dark. It is very difficult for the run leaders to look after a group if they are spread too far apart so shepherding helps the leader keep in touch with the whole group.
If you feel ill or become injured or want to drop out of a group at any time it is essential that you inform the run leader so we can ensure you get back safely.
Things to remember
Shepherding needs everyone to get involved. One week you may the front runner but you never know on another occasion when you may be the person at the back feeling very grateful for the non-judgemental support of the rest of the group, supporting and encouraging you.
Because that's what being part of Fitmums and Friends is all about: moving together, supporting each other and helping everyone find their own way to be active.
