My Profile

@msmuffintop

Pine Mountain Club, CA Raving since 2017 Active 6 months, 3 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.

50 States Map
image/svg+xml FL TX NM AZ AK CA NV UT CO OR WA ID HI OK MT WY ND SD NE KS MN IA MO AR LA MS AL GA SC IL WI MI IN OH TN KY NC WV VA PA NY ME VT NH RI CT NJ DE MD MA DC

Half Marathon

Marathon

Ultramarathon

(Marathon or Ultra) + Half

Marathon + Ultra

Other

Future Races

Personal Bests (2)

Race Distance Location Date Result
10K Santa Clarita, CA Nov 13, 2021 1:13:35
5K Santa Clarita, CA Jun 15, 2019 37:40

Future Races (0)

Race Distance Location Date Paid

Past Races (13)

Race Distance Location Date Result My Raves My Performance
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

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!

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

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!

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
3
SWAG
5

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

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.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4
My Media

2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

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!

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5
My Media

Was this review helpful?

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!

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4
My Media

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

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

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5
My Media

Was this review helpful?

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!

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
3
SWAG
4

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

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!

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
5

2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

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

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

3 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

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!

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5
My Media

2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

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.

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
3
My Media

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

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.

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5
My Media

3 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

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!

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
3
SCENERY
2
SWAG
2

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?