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@msmuffintop

Pine Mountain Club, CA Raving since 2017 Active 3 months, 2 weeks ago

About Me

  • Running club(s):
  • Rave race:
  • Race that's calling my name:
  • I run because:

    Life is short. I started running shortly before I was officially diagnosed because I had this crazy idea that if I “acted as if” I wasn’t sick I might get pass, and not be sick. Stupid superstition, but what the heck. It’s what got me started. After my first 10k July 4 2017 and before my first trail race I was actually diagnosed. Oops. So I really had Cancer. And what I know about Cancer is the cure can kill ya, so I opt to be in as fit shape as I can be given the side effects. Yeah, yeah I know I’m slow. But that’s not the point is it? I’m enjoying myself. That’s what counts. I intend to relish all I have left. How about you?

My Races

Organize, track & review your races and personal bests here.

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Half Marathon

Marathon

Ultramarathon

(Marathon or Ultra) + Half

Marathon + Ultra

Other

Future Races

Personal Bests (3)

Race Distance Location Date Result
Quarter Marathon Oxnard, CA Dec 10, 2023 1:28:24
10K Santa Clarita, CA Nov 13, 2021 1:13:35
5K Valencia, CA 2023 37:00

Future Races (0)

Race Distance Location Date Paid

Past Races (16)

Race Distance Location Date Result My Raves My Performance
Quarter Marathon Oxnard, CA Dec 10, 2023 1:28:24
10K Agua Dulce, CA Oct 21, 2023 1:57:49
5K Valencia, CA 2023 37:00
10K Agua Dulce, CA Oct 22, 2022 1:50:51
10K Valencia, CA Sep 17, 2022 1:35:13
10K Santa Clarita, CA Jun 18, 2022 1:14:52
10K Santa Clarita, CA Mar 26, 2022 1:59:03
10K Santa Clarita, CA Nov 13, 2021 1:13:35
10K Agua Dulce, CA Oct 16, 2021 1:36:13
10K Valencia, CA Sep 21, 2019 1:30:28
5K Santa Clarita, CA Jun 15, 2019 37:40
10K Santa Clarita, CA Mar 30, 2019 2:20:11
10K Agua Dulce, CA Oct 13, 2018 1:49:52
10K Santa Clarita, CA Apr 21, 2018 1:29:55
10K Agua Dulce, CA Oct 15, 2017 1:51:35
10K Newhall, CA Jul 4, 2017 1:14:42

My Raves

Here's what is really great about it: Check in is so slick. You don't need to bring your paper signed waiver because you already electronically signed it when you registered. … MORE

Here’s what is really great about it: Check in is so slick. You don’t need to bring your paper signed waiver because you already electronically signed it when you registered. You don’t have to remember you bib number, because they hand out the bibs in the order they pass them out and assign your name to that bib at the moment you pick it up. This software enables them to call you out by name when you are crossing the finish line, that was cool.

The scenery is great. They worked hard to have lots of porta potties. We had no trouble finding a parking space or getting a seat on a shuttle.

It’s fun to see the community involved with school bands etc., playing while you run, police holding up traffic we don’t have to break pace, and neighbors waving from their yards. The shirt was also very cute.

Runner beware: the logistics to the 10k start are not very friendly. The last shuttle leaves the parking structure at 7am and one is highly highly encouraged to come early. If you miss that shuttle you are roughly 3 miles from your start point. Our shuttle dropped us at the start point about 1 hr before the race started and it was cold! There is an opportunity to do a gear drop, so you might wear a sweatshirt and then take it off 10 min before race time, but I really don’t understand why it’s designed to drop people so early. There’s no entertainment for that hour. . . we just milled around and chatted with other runners. We could have parked closer to the start point and thus not been an hour early however if you do that you won’t have a shuttle ride back to your parking space.

I do not believe the problems with the 10k start/shuttle/parking are true of the other distances. So maybe your first time out you might pick one of those distances. That was really my only issue. Considering how well the rest of the logistics were handled that puzzled me

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This time is my second to worst time on this race, however, in my defense this year we had a new course for the 10k. It's HARD! If you want … MORE

This time is my second to worst time on this race, however, in my defense this year we had a new course for the 10k. It’s HARD! If you want a challenge in beautiful scenery maybe start out with the 5k distance. But if you’re like me, you may enjoy the new distance which was added just this year: 15k. It gives you a chance to challenge yourself just a little bit more without have to go over twice your normal distance (half marathon.)

I am considering that distance for next time. . . but we’ll see.

If you are sitting on the fence about it – just sign up! The people are super nice. It’s the best swag on earth. Lots of people dress up. Nobody says you have to run, you can bring your poles and do this like a long hike, a slow jog, a walk – whatever you want. At the end you get free photos of yourself, the best tee shirt (people always want to know where I got it when I wear my SpaceRock shirts) and an entirely amazing sense of accomplishment. I am a terrible athlete but doing this every year makes me feel awesome!

Things to know for the best experience: if possible carpool. This location isn’t close to anything and parking space is limited. If offered, pay for the VIP parking, we did and it made our lives so much easier. In the future it may sell out, but the day we ran it looked like some people were still chancing it with the less expensive parking. If you do chose to park at the lot down the road there is a bus to transport you to the trail head, so don’t worry. This race is Very Well Organized. The volunteers are the best.

Some years there is an optional untimed practice run. If this opportunity is offered jump on it. It’s a nice way to make sure you know the course. This year I was slow so I was never by my self, but I did run into other people who had gotten themselves off course which effected their times. Ultimately though, this is not a race where you are running to to make the best time because it’s a trail race and circumstances like weather can really effect you. Run it for fun!

J hope to see you there. Watch out for Gorns

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This is a well organized night time event where you are encouraged to wear lights, light up necklaces, wristbands, flashing lights and/or costumes! It's tons of fun to see what … MORE

This is a well organized night time event where you are encouraged to wear lights, light up necklaces, wristbands, flashing lights and/or costumes! It’s tons of fun to see what people show up in, and all on pavement. Kilometer 4 is a long, steady uphill but the last .75 of a kilometer is thankfully down hill. This is also a fundraiser so plenty of people join in just to walk. A good first race for anyone new to running. The best swag!

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It's soooo hard! Heartbreaking hills, breathtaking views, people in costumes! We had the most best weather this year of all the years I did it. But after an injury in … MORE

It’s soooo hard! Heartbreaking hills, breathtaking views, people in costumes! We had the most best weather this year of all the years I did it. But after an injury in July I haven’t gotten into the amount of training necessary to run this race. This is the first year since the first year I did it that I had to walk a lot. But I still had fun!

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Calling all 10k runners! If you tried this race in the past and decided 1) it was too hot or 2) you were sad you didn't get to run after … MORE

Calling all 10k runners! If you tried this race in the past and decided 1) it was too hot or 2) you were sad you didn’t get to run after sunset – That’s All Changed! Please come back!

I noticed this year there were only about 1/2 the # of 10k participants as in the past and I guess it might have been due to those problems, but this year we all started right around sunset 7pm or 7:05 and the swag of a light up hat or light up wrist band made the whole thing just as festive as could be!

I had a hip injury and haven’t done 10k (in a row) since July4th, so I had the modest goal of finishing, even if it meant a walk/run for me. I did alright, in that I finished. I couldn’t help but notice my time didn’t really merit being soooo far back in the pack, and that’s when I noticed there were so fewer 10k participants. I think if we could get the 10k-ers back up to where it used to be it would be more fun for everyone because we’d continue to see lights all along the way. Either that, or maybe the 10k should start at 6:30 and the 5k at 76er ? I dunno, but anyway – –

The course, is easy. If you’ve never done a race before, 5 or 10, Start Here. There’s quite a bit of downhill. Lots of aid stations, and because it’s a loop, (repeated for the 10k) you’re never more than 2.5k from the finish. Plus the whole course is paved. If you run before sunset the scenery is pretty, if you run after sunset it’s very beautiful to see the people running with lights.
The course is dog friendly and baby stroller friendly.
Plus you are supporting a great cause. Be The Light!

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If you've never done a 10k or 5k this is a great place to start. I can't speak to the 1/2 marathon only because I've never done one. The course … MORE

If you’ve never done a 10k or 5k this is a great place to start. I can’t speak to the 1/2 marathon only because I’ve never done one. The course is well marked. Parking is easy. The scenery is pretty, despite being in town you feel like you’re out in nature for most of it is on trails. Plus it’s cool to get ice cream at the end. It IS hot in June, so dress accordingly. I saw some people in tank tops but if you don’t want to get sun burnt a loose long sleeve might be better, a cap with a brim, sun screen etc., don’t be afraid to stop for water. There are lots of well placed aid stations.

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Ooohhhh it's so hard! I spend 4 months coming up on the race asking myself "Why did I sign up for this ?" and "Am I crazy? Have I really … MORE

Ooohhhh it’s so hard! I spend 4 months coming up on the race asking myself “Why did I sign up for this ?” and “Am I crazy? Have I really lost my mind?” But then the day of the race, after I finish – it is SUCH a fantastic feeling. Even though my time puts me in the lower half of the runners, I still feel such an AMAZING sense of accomplishment. The scenery is beautiful. The new course kept me off the worst ridges that gave me vertigo the first year I did this. I personally, prefer the new course.

What to know: There are plenty of ups and downs but no up lasts longer than 2k. So if you think you’re gonna die, or if you are tempted to stop jogging and walk, remind yourself it’s not going to last longer than 2k.

Second: The most steep hill is the first one. The race starts out up hill and after about a quarter of a kilometer the first 1k climb is so steep that everyone except the elite runners, walks up. This is important to know because if you want to run it you’re going to have to place yourself at the head of the pack when the starting gun goes off, or you’ll just have too many people to push past. Expect this to effect your time. When I run uphill like this on my own, for example, I can usually complete 10k in an hour and 45 minutes, but my time – – which I could not have done any better I swear – – was only 1 hour 59 minutes due to walking that first 1.25 k

Three: the support staff is THE BEST. Do yourself a favor, unless you’re like elite level, and STOP at all the stops for gatoraid, water, etc., it can get very hot out there. It’s not worth getting dehydrated or sun stroke etc. They have literally every kind of running snack at the stops: gummies, water, peanut pretzels, everything. My partner tumbled and they even had a bandage – helped him clean the dirt out of his wound. They are EXCELLENT!

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This is a really great first race for anyone interested in getting into the sport. There is plenty of parking nearby, it's easy to get to, and the whole course … MORE

This is a really great first race for anyone interested in getting into the sport. There is plenty of parking nearby, it’s easy to get to, and the whole course is paved. Afterwards you get fabulous ice cream and there were other good treats: bananas, bagels and breakfast burritos. The support staff is fantastic. Free photos from every aspect of the race.
It’s a fairly flat course and this year I made a personal best!

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This is the most best fun trail race Ever Ever Ever, I come back every year. The swag is the best. The photo opportunities abound. The course is super challenging. … MORE

This is the most best fun trail race Ever Ever Ever, I come back every year. The swag is the best. The photo opportunities abound. The course is super challenging. I felt proud of myself every year I did this race, this year I made a personal best

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The Friday before the actual race I received an email that the race time would be changed (earlier.) Due to this most of the 10k participants ran in the full … MORE

The Friday before the actual race I received an email that the race time would be changed (earlier.) Due to this most of the 10k participants ran in the full glory of 92 degree heat, full bore sun – I was actually sick after this race and was stunned to see my time, I almost collapsed from heat exhaustion. . . I don’t mind a challenge, I’ve been doing Space Rock and Valencia Trail, but I felt this was a sneaky kind of bait and switch. The photos from the year before showed runners in after sunset conditions running with glowsticks etc. Apparently this was only for the 5k runners. If you sign up for 10k Beware!

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I was thrilled to see so many families out running and really young kids (one 6 year old for sure) running the 5k. The course is mostly flat in a … MORE

I was thrilled to see so many families out running and really young kids (one 6 year old for sure) running the 5k. The course is mostly flat in a pretty area and you get ice cream at the end! This was my first go at a 5k. I think I would like to come back next year and try the 10k. Race starts early 6:30am (not 8:30am) to avoid the summer heat. Parking is limited so get dropped off if you can. We parked over by Peet’s coffee, about a 10 minute walk away, which enabled us to have both a warm up and cool down. Race is very well organized, easy to pick up shirts etc. Highly enjoyable race. If you’ve never done a 5k, this is a great one for starters!

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The first 5k are a series of killer hills, very steep up and so steep on the way down for some of the time I had to slide. About 1k … MORE

The first 5k are a series of killer hills, very steep up and so steep on the way down for some of the time I had to slide. About 1k of this race is single track on the top of the ridge. I get vertigo real bad so I was terrified. Gosh in the ads all I saw were the happy people running through meadows, oops! I had to remind myself that even though I was scared out of my wits, going a single kilometer couldn’t take more than a couple minutes, right? Worst 20 minutes of my life hahaha. After the first 5k the course mellows out considerably. Still this was the most challenging race I’ve ever done. I look forward to doing better next year! Support staff was fantastic, encouraging, caring, helpful and kind

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I mentioned in my review last year that that about one third of this 10k race requires runners to pass each other on a narrow track. Most of the runners … MORE

I mentioned in my review last year that that about one third of this 10k race requires runners to pass each other on a narrow track. Most of the runners are very good natured about this, giving the elite runners berth so they can make time. . .but this year, as last year, had a few grumpy grouchies. If it is going to ruin your day to step aside for someone else then this is NOT the race for you.
By far the majority of people are there to HAVE FUN. If you have never done trail racing this is the perfect entry race. It’s challenging, in a stunningly beautiful location with great support. 2018 was slightly overcast which was better weather for running than the heat of 2017. The volunteers are not above dressing up in the theme of SpaceRock. The shirt and swag is loads of fun. My non-runner friends always ask where I got my shirt. So cute! (No one ever covets my race shirts from other races, just saying.)
The course is challenging to be sure. If you don’t train for it, you might find yourself having to walk some of the uphills. Go anyway. It will inspire you to train better for next year, lol. Either way, you gonna be so proud of yourself in all your aching awareness.
Parking is limited so try to carpool.

PS Last year I was running right before my Cancer surgery. Spent most of 2018 trying to readjust to my new normal. Had to take a good 4 months off running due to side effects of my medication. This year I started training 6 weeks before SpaceRock, and made a new personal best!

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The race is completely on a paved, flat, trail designed for bikers, walkers and jogging. The scenery would be pretty meh except for the fact that this is for the … MORE

The race is completely on a paved, flat, trail designed for bikers, walkers and jogging. The scenery would be pretty meh except for the fact that this is for the Arts! Every few minutes you trot past another group of performers which makes the scenery rather intriguing.
If you’ve never run a 10k before and would like to try this is a nice race to start with because it’s like a road race without car exhaust/city traffic. Plus even if, like me, you end up last – you can salute yourself for supporting the arts.
I feel compelled to explain why describe the course as a “piece o’cake” when I had such a slow time: I was running on a strained ankle. Since my Cancer diagnosis I don’t skip races. I do what I can do for as long as I can. And you know what? I think I had as much fun as anyone despite my time and despite the ankle on fire feeling I had by the end of the race.

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The course is quite challenging not just for its uphills and downhills. There are about 2.5k on a narrow switchback with only room from one. We try to be considerate … MORE

The course is quite challenging not just for its uphills and downhills. There are about 2.5k on a narrow switchback with only room from one. We try to be considerate of the gold star runners by giving them the wide berth, but this means if you aren’t racing to win, it’s not a race where you’ll get an awesome time. You spend too much of it letting people pass.
That said, a nicer group of people you’ll never met. Everyone is encouraging. The scenery is fantastic, like running on an alien planet. The support staff is super duper supportive. They arrange parking and shuttle buses, but even so if you can car pool that would be better because parking is limited.
For myself I was running 5 days before my cancer surgery; I had not expected to finish. In my practice runs I had made only 8k and 6k respectively. And this from a person who used to regularly run 11 and 12k! I was very much encouraged by my running partner, and by another runner we met that day who was dressed up as Captain Kirk. I surprised myself by finishing, although it was grueling I felt a sense of accomplishment I rank “personal best” not for speed but for pluck.

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I entered this race based 100% on proximity to my home. I didn't have time or budget at the time to travel to races. I only knew that I wanted … MORE

I entered this race based 100% on proximity to my home. I didn’t have time or budget at the time to travel to races. I only knew that I wanted to get back into running 10ks, which I had enjoyed very much as a teenager. Little did I know when I signed up how small this race is. . . despite having what I thought was a pretty respectable time for a woman my age, I was way, way, way back in the pack. I got the feeling that most of the runners were part of the same Santa Clarita runners club and I was, in 2017, just starting out, doing my first race in over 30 years and not a member of any running club.

I’m pretty glad I did not check the prior years’ times before signing up. I would mos def have chickened out. That said, it isn’t a terrible thing to be a snail runner. I sweat just as much as everyone else. I exert myself. I enjoy myself.
Being a small race there was a bit of a kerfluffle trying to figure out just where the parking/start point was. The roads were blocked (for the race) rendering our GPS directions useless. I ended up having to run from from my friend’s car while he navigated finding the parking lot – – sprinting to the start line was pretty hilarious. I got there pretty much just in time. If you are doing this race for the first time I recommend doing what I did: take advantage of the “contact us” link. Someone will (eventually) contact you, no matter how silly your question is, they help.

The course is a trail made for joggers and bikers so it is far from car exhaust and traffic. That is a plus. But the scenery is only so-so.
I would like to run it again in 2019 because it remains a race close enough to my home that I do not have to travel overnight to get there. I skipped it in 2018 in favor or the Santa Clarita Arts run. The courses are very similar but not exactly the same. This race is better than that one because it starts earlier in the morning (my preference due to the heat.) Independence day classic is also less expensive. The Arts race is better than this one because of the entertainment. And because you are supporting the arts.

Either race is great if you want to know what it’s like to run a 10k!

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