The Green Girl represented Team Jamba Juice at the OC Fair Closing Celebration 5k this morning.
The race registration area was clearly marked and very well organized. The volunteers were enthusiastic and helpful.
I was also very pleased to receive a technical shirt for a 5k race.
While I was waiting for the race to start, I handed out some Jamba Juice coupons.
I also ran into some other Team Jamba Juice athletes. We all chatted about our respective race schedules and wished each other luck.
After my long run yesterday, I wasn't sure how my body was going to react to a race so I figured I'd take it easy and went to the very back of the line.
When the race started, I immediately regretted my decision. I had positioned myself behind a wall of walkers. Along with a number of strollers, I tried my best to weave past them.
I finally managed to break away and I eased into a comfortably fast pace.
I loved running through the fairgrounds. It was so cool to go by funnel cake stands and cotton candy while running a race.
After I hit the Mile 2 marker, I realized I had a chance to PR. I dug deep and pushed myself as hard as I could. That last mile was rough. I got a side stitch and I got really tired.
When I finally crossed the Finish Line, Mr. Green Garmin read 34:49:12.
I knew my 5k PR was 34-something but I couldn't remember the seconds so I called my friend, Dan. He looked it up and let me know it was 34:48. Unfortunately, my official tag time was 34:50. I missed a PR by two seconds - well, I guess technically, three.
Regardless, I had a really good time and the medal was awesome.
Our bibs granted us admission to the OC Fair, so I handed out the rest of my Jamba Juice coupons and headed inside.
I stopped to get a roasted corn on the cob and then I headed for the exhibits.
They had an Ice Exhibit featuring elaborate ice sculptures.
Going inside the chilled room evoked memories of visiting the Harbin Ice and Snow Art Hall in Northern China. Since I had missed the outdoor Harbin Ice Festival, I was thrilled to have been able to view a handful of ice sculptures at the hall.
After I'd visited all the exhibition halls, I hopped on the Skylift for an aerial view of the fair.
I stopped to snack on a couple of mini cupcakes before heading home.
I'm happy to report my third race representing Team Jamba Juice went exceptionally well.
