Running On Empty

Happy New Year 🥳 to all of our Running On Empty community - for those who have joined and for those who think that 2025 might be their year to start - from companies like FGH Security a huge supporter of ours and whose staff (not all of them 😯 ) are starting Couch to 5K 👏 We welcome you all to a year of challenges, events, webinars and just general encouragement. One of our co founders, Judy is training for the London Marathon Foundation and raising money for Shelter, Sarah Hayes - Chartered(FCIPD) and Tracy Pearsall Chartered (MCIPD) are running a Half Marathon however, it can be a fast walk, a slow jog or insane challenges that one of our ambassadors, Peter Harrison MBA, we are sure will be completing this year!! Comment with what yours will be or if you just want to find out more. Remember, it is NOT about running, it is not about distance or speed - it is about friendship, support and just getting out there to feel perhaps a little bit better x https://lnkd.in/eqEqDwPN Shelter SANE - two great charities ❤️

As we approach the festive season, we want to take a moment to wish everyone a safe and merry time, whether you’re celebrating with loved ones, taking a well-earned break, or simply navigating this time of year in your own way. To those working tirelessly throughout the holidays - whether in security, emergency services, healthcare, or other frontline roles - thank you. Your dedication ensures that others can celebrate safely, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. This season also marks 1 year of Running on Empty, and we couldn’t be prouder of the community we’ve built together. To every individual, sponsor, and supporter who’s been part of this journey: thank you. Your strength, resilience, and commitment remind us why we do this. We’re here for you, and we’ll continue to champion wellness, connection, and support for frontline security professionals. For anyone finding this season difficult, please know you’re not alone. There are resources available to support you: • Samaritans: Call 116 123, open 24/7 • Mind: Call 0300 123 3393, Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm • SHOUT: Text 85258 to talk to someone 24/7 • SANEline: Call 0300 304 7000 (4-10pm daily) • Childline (Under 25s): Call 0800 1111, open 24/7 Take care of yourselves and each other. Let’s make this season a time of kindness, reflection, and support. Here’s to another year of impact, together. Sarah Hayes - Chartered(FCIPD) Judy Atkinson Farah B. Unitrust Protection Services Securitas UK SmartSec Solutions Jonathan Moore Lee Oughton CSMP® Jon Harris, MBA, CPP, PSP 🔓 Tracy Pearsall Chartered (MCIPD) FGH Security Peter Harrison MBA Helmey El-Aasar BSc, MSyl

TW/ Mentions of suicide. As we head into the holiday season, I wanted to reshare a video from earlier this year, when I had the privilege of sponsoring the Consortium for the Prevention of Suicide event. This time of year can be joyful for many, but it’s also an incredibly challenging time for others. It’s a season where loneliness, grief, and mental health struggles can feel particularly heavy. So, let this be a gentle reminder to check in on those around you. Be kind. Be mindful. And most importantly, let’s continue to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out - there are resources and organisations that can support. Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (free from any phone, available 24/7) SANE Helpline: 0300 304 7000 (available 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm daily) Mind Text: 86463 Shout UK Textline: Text "SHOUT" to 85258 (available 24/7) Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) Helpline: 0800 58 58 58 (available 5 pm to midnight daily) PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide Helpline: 0800 068 41 41 Text: 07860 039967 PTSD Resolution Helpline: 0300 302 0551

Everyone’s talking about Ozempic - the diabetes medication that’s become the latest craze for weight loss. But before you jump on the bandwagon, it’s worth considering the bigger picture. Yes, it can lead to weight loss, but at what cost? Misusing medications like this can come with serious risks and side effects that often go overlooked in the hype. In this article, Luke Stewart breaks down the facts you need to know - how Ozempic works, the potential health risks, and why consulting a medical professional is absolutely critical. Whether you’re curious about the trend or just want to stay informed, this is a must-read for anyone considering Ozempic for weight management. Knowledge is power, and your health deserves nothing less! Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eR2Gv6wm

You might think Running on Empty is just a campaign about physical movement and mental well-being. But today, we want to talk about something that directly impacts the ability of so many women to move freely in their daily lives. Did you know that 2/3 of women in the UK have been harassed while out running? This isn’t just an inconvenience - it’s a serious issue that severely impacts women’s ability to feel safe, stay active, and enjoy something as simple as a run. For many women, running is a lifeline for their mental health, a moment of freedom, or a way to recharge. Yet harassment, intimidation, and fear often force them to change routes, avoid certain times of day, or stop altogether. This kind of violence - both overt and subtle - restricts women in ways most men will never experience. So today, men, I’d like you to reflect on what you can do to make public spaces safer: 1️⃣ Notice Your Behaviour: If you’re running, walking, or driving past a woman, give her space. Avoid unnecessary comments or actions that could be interpreted as threatening. 2️⃣ Call It Out: If you see harassment, intervene safely or report it. Silence only enables the behaviour to continue. 3️⃣ Start Conversations: Talk to the men in your life about this issue. Change starts when we’re all willing to examine and challenge the culture that allows this violence to persist. To the women out there: we see you, and we’ll keep advocating for safer spaces where you can run, walk, and exist freely. Let’s build a world where no one has to second-guess their safety when they lace up their trainers.

Some Strava inspiration for you. If you’re not trying to do this are you really doing Strava right? 😂 OP Duncan McCabe

Today is International Men’s Day, a chance to celebrate the positive contributions of men around the world and also reflect on the unique challenges they face. At Running on Empty, we believe this day is an important reminder to check in on the men in our lives - not just their physical health, but their mental well-being too. Men often feel the weight of societal expectations to be strong, stoic, and self-reliant. These pressures can make it harder to seek help, talk openly, or show vulnerability - key aspects of maintaining good mental health. In the UK alone, three out of four suicides are by men, and many suffer in silence. It’s why we’re passionate about breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging conversations that matter. Here are three ways we can all show support today - and every day: 1. Create Space for Conversations Ask the men around you how they’re doing - not the polite “How are you?” but a genuine, “How are you, really?” Create a safe space for honesty. 2. Encourage Physical and Mental Wellness Physical activity is a proven mood booster. Whether it’s a walk, a run, or just a chat while moving, take the time to connect and encourage healthy habits. 3. Challenge Harmful Stereotypes Let’s redefine what it means to be ‘strong.’ Strength is being able to say, “I’m struggling” and to ask for support. Let’s normalise this courage. To all the men reading this: You matter. Your struggles matter, and it’s okay to take a moment - or several - for yourself. Let’s keep building a world where men feel supported and seen, where vulnerability isn’t a weakness, but a strength.

OH HEY! It’s been a while since we had a Waffle Wednesday! And no, not that kind of waffle… the picture is slightly deceiving. Let’s catch up! What’s been going on in your world? Share your highs, your lows, your training struggles, and all the in-betweens. Maybe you’ve crushed a new PB, or perhaps you’ve hit a rough patch – whatever it is, let’s hear it. We are all about connecting, supporting, and inspiring each other – so don’t hold back! Drop a comment, tag a friend, and let’s keep this community buzzing with positivity, realness, and motivation. Judy Atkinson Sarah Hayes - Chartered(FCIPD) Farah B. F. ISRM Lee Oughton CSMP® Jon Harris, MBA, CPP, PSP 🔓 Jonathan Moore Peter Harrison MBA Tracy Pearsall Chartered (MCIPD) 💬 💬 💬

We talk a lot about mental health online, but the real test is how we show up for others when it matters most - in real life. How do we respond when someone around us is struggling? It’s easy to advocate for mental health in posts, but true support happens in our everyday actions. Take a moment to consider: how are you showing up for the people around you when they need it the most? Let’s be the kind of community that not only talks about mental health but actively supports it.

Level Up with Luke: Lifting Form & Weights In this short, Luke shares practical tips on thinking about your lifting form and explains why there’s no need to feel intimidated in the gym - most people are focused on their own progress, leaving the ego at the door. If you’re looking to get stronger and lift safely, get watching! Check it out and level up your lifting game: https://lnkd.in/e4nrc5jj