Arianna Bradley Roth Lcsw

Yesterday I ended up running a totally unplanned,
non-tapered marathon!
26.36 miles in 3:14:43...7:23 pace (actually .16 over a marathon).
This run was a gift from God to me. The strengthening and enabling Grace of Jesus powered me through.
The miles simply flowed so easily, my energy seemed endless, I felt great peace and strength increase as the run progressed.
My fastest miles came at the end... mile 20 was 6:38, mile 21 was 6:48, mile 25--6:52, mile 26--6:50, and I closed out the last .36 tenths at 6:30 pace.
I felt absolutely ELATED at the close of this run!!
I never hit the wall and never stopped, not even for fuel or hydration. I ate a good sized meal and took in as much fluids as possible immediately before the run and carried with me a packet of fruit gummies, which I ate at 3 points on the run.
Lately I've been wondering how I would do over the marathon distance. Now I know.
Running logic says I would run faster if I tapered down, took in fluids and more carbs during the run, the temperature was cooler, and I was in the midst of actual race.
However, my run yesterday was done mainly for
de-stressing and pure enjoyment, and those things were fully accomplished!

We're excited to support our friends The Anderson family
and their daughter Millie, who is thriving despite having autism!
We're spreading kindness and wearing blue today in support of world autism awareness day.

It's official-- finally got that sub 1:25 half marathon I've been working towards for the last 2 years!! Official time: 1:24:47.....6:28 pace per mile. A new personal best! I knocked off 37 seconds from my Houston half marathon time in January.
I placed 4 th overall and won the Masters Division at the Woodlands Half Marathon!!
Really this is a miracle from God for me. I almost didn't run this race as our family is dealing with a health/ employment crisis with my husband. It's been extremely stressful and my training has suffered a lot in the last few weeks. Running/ training has now become a low priority for me. In the first couple miles I just didn't want to run hard but I persevered and gave it my best effort. Jesus gave me significant strength beyond my own to run this new personal best, especially in the midst of this tremendously difficult time for our family. For that I am very grateful!

So excited to race the Aramco Houston Half Marathon tomorrow!!!