Jason Trigg, the CEO of the retail security contractor The Cardinal Group, had never set foot on a treadmill before September 2014. He has now; so much so that he’s run a half marathon in two hours and one minute and lost 45 kilograms (seven stone) in seven months.
That’s the time he completed the Hampton Court half marathon in, on February 22. With the support of partner Kerinda Ibbotson, Jason who celebrated his 40th birthday last February, went on a fitness drive to shed the kilos and pound the streets in a training regime ahead of the race. A self-confessed workaholic, Jason has thrown himself into a number of loss prevention initiatives that tackle the issue of shrink in an holistic way.
He says: “To make a difference in our world, you have to do more than arrest shoplifters. Retailers having to look more forensically at their own procedures and processes and making ‘total loss’ assessments of both malicious and non-malicious shrinkage. This starts with accurate stock files and finishes with accountability for every item and greater availability and sales. In this brave new world, LP moves from a cost to the business to a revenue-generation stream. Likewise, I have changed my behaviour and now look at my life and health in a holistic way. The only difference is that my own personal focus is to increase my shrinkage, not halt it!
“If I can do it, anyone can! Having reached the big 40 in February last year and taking stock of my life, and what’s important in it, I embarked on a health and fitness regime in June 2014 that has changed me forever. I followed a very simple food regime that mainly consisted of high protein and little carbs and exercised three times a week with a very patient personal trainer.
“I have had to work hard to keep focused and motivated to carry on when previously faddy diets and no exercise had not had any effect at all. Seven months later, I’m stronger, leaner and fitter in body and mind than I can ever remember being. I have lost almost 45 kilos in weight, and I took up running – something that I never thought would happen. I hope my story inspires those that need to focus on improving their own health, and fitness does just that!”
His efforts also raised almost £5000 for Meningitis Now! after the daughter of his PA Fiona Whelan was struck down by the disease last year. Katie Turner, 19, was present at the half marathon to cheer Jason on after she survived two attacks of meningitis, one the meningococcal strain. Fiona said: “Jason wanted to run for a cause and I was absolutely thrilled that he chose Meningitis Now!. He and Kerinda were so supportive when Katie was ill and told me to take as long as I needed off work during what was a very difficult time. The charity have also been very supportive to me as a parent coping with the aftermath of the disease, which is still ongoing.”
In his Just Giving literature, Jason said: “I’ve seen first-hand how it can affect people and their families. Luckily, those I know who have had it are still here, but it could have very easily been a whole different situation.” Donations can still be made at https://www.justgiving.com/Jason-TriggCardinal .
