A mum-of-two from Blackwood has completed the ABP Newport 10K after losing an incredible 5 and a half stone in just six months.
Sian Jones, who works as a social media specialist, took part in the event as part of the Newport Marathon Festival 100 Club. It’s a scheme whereby Run 4 Wales provides 100 free spaces into the event as a way for those involved to improve their physical health and wellbeing.
The 45-year-old weighed 20st 13lb and was a size 26 when she decided to turn her life around.
Sian said: “I was at the doctors having my bloods done in September and the results came back quite bad. I had high cholesterol, and my diabetes risk was high, they wanted to put me on statins but I didn’t want to be on even more medication, so I asked the doctor to give me three months to turn things around.
“I’ve been overweight for as long as I can remember and was struggling to do up my size 26 jeans. Between the doctor’s appointment and nothing fitting me anymore, I knew I needed to make a change.”
Sian started eating healthier and prioritising healthy carbohydrates and protein in her diet. She didn’t restrict herself of anything and instead started managing her portion control.
She said: “I made a list of things in my diet that were non-negotiable for me. For example, every morning I have a caramel latte and while I didn’t want to give that up, I decided I could go without the cream and chocolate on top of a hot chocolate though.
“I also incorporated other swaps so I didn’t feel like I was dieting or missing out on anything. I’d tried restricting diets before and knew they didn’t work for me, so while I was used to eating big bars of chocolate in the evening, I swapped it for something smaller or a low-calorie hot chocolate.”
At the same time Sian also started going to the gym, walking on the treadmill and lifting weights. Then in October she started Couch to 5K.
She said: “I’d tried the program before but had never made it past week five or six but this time I completed it on the treadmill at the gym and managed my first 5K. I then thought that if I could do a 5K, I could do a 10K and applied to join the 100 Club so I’d have a goal to work towards.
“I started upping my distance by half a kilometre each week and then started heading outside.”
Sian has since lost 5 and a half stone and is now a size 18. She said she’s feeling so much fitter, healthier and happier.
She said: “I feel great and I’m much more energetic. I’m sleeping better too. I went back to the doctors in February to have my bloods taken again and everything’s now at a normal level. The doctor was shocked and said to just keep doing what I’m doing as it’s working.”
Sian completed the ABP Newport 10K which is part of the ABP Newport Marathon Festival on Sunday 13 April.
She said: “It was a really good day from start to finish. There were so many people cheering you on and I absolutely loved it. I can’t wait to do it again although I’m already talking to my partner, James, about tackling a half marathon next.
“I’d just encourage anyone who finds themselves in the same position as me to start small. Even if it’s going outside every day for a 10-minute walk. Taking small steps will help build habits that will stick, and you’ll feel so much better for it.”
Matt Newman, Chief Executive at event organisers Run 4 Wales, added: “It’s amazing to see the incredible journey Sian’s been on to improve her health and fitness. It was fantastic seeing her and the other members of the 100 Club take on the challenge to complete their races on the weekend and we hope it’s inspired them to continue running.”
Entries for the 2026 ABP Newport Marathon Festival, on Sunday 19 April are now open! Runners keen to beat another general entry sell-out can enter the marathon, half or 10K now and save up to £16 with a limited Launch Entry offer.