Dear Bentley Babes,

You have all worked hard this month and are showing progress in both training sessions and races so should achieve your end of year goals (sorry, been writing my school reports!) Seriously though, you could not try any harder. It has been an amazing month.

Kate Ellis made a flying start in the May races, completing her first Marathon at Milton Keynes on the first Bank Holiday Monday. Despite the hot weather, she did a great time and even wants to do another one in the future! Closer to home, Bee, Ruth and Tricia completed the Colchester Parkrun on 4th May. All did great times and Tricia should be really proud for achieving her Silver standard.

There were some great performances at the Halstead Marathon this year, with Janine, Emily and Anna collecting the team prize for the Essex Championship Grand Prix Series. Emily placed third overall and was 2nd Essex Lady. Janine finished 2nd Essex lady in her age group, following her recent success in the Brighton Marathon and Anna was first Essex lady in her age group. This was a deserved result after so much hard training and disappointment in her other marathons.

The Colchester 10k took place on the same day and there was a ‘lake’ of blue vests for the ladies team. Bee was back in action and picked up a bronze award whilst Eileen achieved a new PB, back from injury. I suspect there is more to come. Cherie, Lorna, Miriam, Alice and Lyn also crossed the line with great times and should be proud of their efforts. Meanwhile, Lynsey was flying the Bentley flag at the Frinton and Walton 5, where she managed to take 5 minutes off her PB. Those structured sessions seem to have really paid off.

The Harwich 5k series kicked off to a good start for the Bentley Babes on 16th May. Vicky P was first home, followed by Tricia, Cherie, Davina, Lesley, Lynsey, Sandra and Rita. These ladies are really showing form at the moment. Vicky was back on the start line again, finishing 7th lady at the Great Baddow 10 on 19th May, along with Anna and Janine. These are very impressive results and achieved on a warm day over a challenging course.

Miriam and Kate were back racing on 27th May, this time at the Hatfield Broad Oak 10k. Both ladies did fantastically well and achieved a new PB, with Kate taking a massive 9 minutes off hers!

And finally, the Friday 5 Series is back! Karen, Amanda and Louise completed the Ipswich JAFFA course on 31st May in true style.

With so many races and so much success, I hope I have not forgotten anyone. And so, to the Runner of a very busy month; this award has to go to a lady who has persevered with Marathon Training and finally gained that sub 4 title. Congratulations, ANNA LYON. You are going from strength to strength. We all knew you’d do it!

Well done also to all of you, for turning out to structured sessions at Bentley, Bromley and the gruelling Stanway sessions in force! I’m sure June will be another bumper month!

I hope to see you soon.

Enjoy your running!

Jo