10k run and diet changes see landlady shed pounds

RUNNING 10 kilometres would have been unthinkable for Fay Smith just a few months ago.

But earlier this month, she completed the Powderham 10k in aid of Cancer Research UK in an hour and 26 minutes — and didn't stop running once.

After her fiance, Jonathan Hancock, proposed in March, Fay vowed she would get in shape for her wedding in February next year. As well as slimming down, she wanted to improve her health and fitness.

Since May, the 30-year-old landlady of the Globe Inn in Sampford Peverell, has been training with personal trainer Leonie Roques.

Together they have worked on improving Fay's fitness and diet. And in four months, Fay has slimmed from a size 20-22 to a size 16, and she has lost a total of 1st 7lb to take her from 15st to 13st 7lb.

"I've had one week when I stayed the same weight and one week when I put 4lb on," she said. "I hadn't done anything different, but it just goes to show how tough it is. I was horrified. It came off the next week because I worked hard and pushed it a bit more."

Taking part in the Powderham 10k was Fay's way of keeping focused. In the build-up, she trained with Leonie twice a week.

"We concentrated on running and building my leg muscles," said Fay. "Leonie and I did a 10k run a few weeks before the race just so I knew I could do it. On the flat it took me an hour and 31 minutes. On the day, with all the hills, it was an hour and 26 minutes.

" I set a target of an hour and 45 minutes to include the hills so I did better than expected. It was a big relief and an achievement."

Fay has signed up for another challenge — the Great West Run half marathon in May next year. She is now training with Leonie once a week, concentrating on her core fitness using a medicine ball, step and weights as well as some sprinting. She runs with friends once a week and uses a resistance band, which is similar to using weights, at home.

Fay is also sticking to the healthy eating regime suggested by Leonie. "It has been tough working in a pub and I think that's where I went wrong, eating late at night," she admitted.

"I've incorporated a lot more fish into my diet. I don't really touch red meat but I do have bread occasionally."

Fay's wedding dress already needs altering because she has lost inches from her waist, hips and arms. She is also noticing the health benefits: "My skin is better and my moods and wellbeing have improved."

Catch up with Fay's progress on Friday, November 13.