It wasn’t until Jean Pourrat hung up his rugby boots that he started taking the sport of running seriously.
PLAYING RUGBY for more than ten years meant Jean Pourrat had always been a competent runner. However, it wasn’t until he hung up his rugby boots and started running to keep fit that he realised he could progress further in that sport than he had ever imagined. In fact, it was when he entered his first race, an 8km, that he realised the incredible potential he had as a runner.
Jean has gone on to compete and train in numerous races around the world and is currently working towards his first ultramarathon. In this inspiring interview he talks about how running has not only change him as an athlete but has also helped him grow as a person and given him a new perspective on life.
When did you start running and when was it you realised you had a real talent for the sport?
I always ran a bit because I played rugby for more than ten years. I had a good level and I always liked the pre-season periods with the physical test, but it was still very hard, I did not like running but just playing rugby.
In September 2016 I started a new season of rugby but it became too complicated to associate the trainings and my everyday life …I decided to stop rugby in October 2016 but I kept running to keep fit.
Each time I went out, I tried to improve my speed … and so at the beginning of November I signed up for a little race just to try. It was an 8km, I finished it in 27 mins finishing on the podium. that’s when I realised that running could be cool.
Jean has been inspired by the whole running scene and those he competes and trains with.
What were some of your earliest running successes and who were your mentors and inspirations at that time?
My first success was the Urgent run, this little 8km race. Two weeks later, I wanted to register a 10 km in my neighborhood. I finished it in 37 mins, 32nd out of 800 runners and before me there were only licensed riders … I was not too disappointed (haha).
I did not especially have a mentee, because I did not know anything about running … I was and I’m just inspired by the people who work hard!
Jean enjoys the aspect of not having to rely on teammates in a race and knowing what you are working towards relies on your own determination and work ethic.
Tell us how the sport has led to a career based around running and some of the running projects you have been involved in?
Running in just one year offered me a lot of opprtunities. I have met incredible people from all over the world.
Since November I am injured at the knees because of a marathon where I had to leave. As I was forced to stop the running … it made me understand that I need to run to bloom.
What I like about running is that you are alone in front of yourself, you do not cheat, you blame someone else for an apology, the running imposes a rigor, rigor to oneself.
I am taking care of my skin to revive stronger. I’m going to race less this year but focus on trail races and I’m preparing an Ultra (+ 100km) for September.
Jean is looking forward to competing in his first Ultra Marathon this September.
What do you see as your biggest running achievements to date and where in the world has the sport taken you?
The most beautiful race I had the opportunity to do was Hood To Coast this summer with Nike.
The race consists of running more than 300 km in a team of 12 as quickly as possible.
Technically our team consisted of two vans of six riders each. Personally I was in the van 1 who started the race. Once our first six relays were made we passed the witness to van 2 who chained for six relays and so on until the finish line.
If I had a year ago “Jean you go to the US to run a relay race over 300 km”, I replied “Are you crazy?!”.
But it is by far one of my best sporting experience that I had the opportunity to live. In my van I had 3 members of the Yo running Club (Sweden); Jonathan and Michael, two Swedes who when I was chatting with me told me “No, but we do not run a lot of us” … Not hard; the guys have to their credit 5 full Iron Man, a Northman and 6 editions of the OTILLO. Charlotte Yo RC, the team’s plane. Yes because only one plane makes the 10km in less than 35 mins and the marathon in 2 hours 42 minutes.
It’s incomprehensible to see that in only 48 hours, to turn to 6 in a van, we can create very strong links with
What a crazy race!
Jean is currently training hard for the season ahead.
How hard are you currently training and what races or other projects do you have lined up next?
I was preparing a marathon for the month of November with the goal of running in less than 2:55. I trained 4 to 5 times a week!
I am looking after tandinitis fascia lata … so be patient but my goals are well defined for this year: focus on the Trail!
I have three races planned: 1 trail of 44 km in May, a 66 km in July and a 100 km in Septembre! I will also make a preparation in June for a bunch of minutes on 10 km. We’ll see how things go, we must also say that I like good food and also to party (a little too much).
