Tuesday Night Trailblaze

Cap January with a Good Workout!

Instead of heading straight to a stuffy gym for a cardio workout join us for a night out under the stars and enjoy a TNT workout! The workouts are fast-pace, with short bursts up/down steep sections, and light jogging. Be prepared to burn calories, build strength, and increase stamina. Pack light for a fast pace!

Tonight's Plan is below and includes an IA Option.

All TNT workouts are Advance level interval training workouts and the routes are challening and vary weekly. The group pushes hard every night and at individual advance levels. We typically are in small clusters during the intervals (climbs, fast sections, etc.) and not far apart throughtout. There are quick recovery points -flats & peaks- but the group is on-the-go until the main peak. The workouts require might to keep the pace and you should already be in good physical condition. Keep an eye on the light in front of you and you will make it to the top for a spectacular view! It just takes effort. Occasionally there will be TNT "LIGHT" nights and "IA Options" will be included when possible (details below).

Get it Going, Keep it Going!

Look for TNT "LIGHT" nights - intended for Intermediate-Advance levels that are ready to try Advance level workouts. If you have been working out regularly and are looking to add a cardio workout come out and join us. The routes usually allows the group to stay together but if necessary we split in two and I finish the workout with the second group. It may be titled "LIGHT" night but it's still a TNT workout: 5 to 6 miles and a steady pace. Always a good sweat!

The "IA Options" (Intermediate-Advance) are points where the workout can be shorten. It's a way to do part of the workout and continue to increase endurance. Before you know it you'll be blazing the entire 7-miles and under two hours. Note that you must be able to follow a trail(s) to the starting point without assistance because I do not return at the IA Points. The return trail(s) from a IA Point will be as direct to the starting point as possible.

All TNT workouts are for people that have been hiking/training regularly and want to add interval training to the weekly regimen. Suggestion, try the Thursday Night Cardio "Newbie" night first.

Tonight's Plan: Lower Beacon Trail to Beacon Hill (1.5mi). Down to 5 Points and slightly up to Vista View Point (2.5mi). Descend for 1-mile to the Greek Theater (870') before heading up 1-mile to Mount Hollywood (4.5mi). At the peak we'll catch our breath, enjoy the view, and then head back 2.0-miles on the East Ridge or 3.3-miles on the Northside. Total: 6.5miles or 7.8miles.

Starting Point: Parking Lot (565') Peaks: Beacon Hill (1001'), Mount Hollywood (1625')

IA Option: - Do the Beacon Hill section/climb (1.5mi), head to 5 Points with the group, and from there descend on the Fern Canyon Trail for 1.5 miles to the start; a 3.0 mile loop. The Fern Canyon Trail is wide, popular with beginners, and heads to the parking lots.

Difficulty: (Advance) TNT workouts are NOT a slow pace hike and the difficulty level is NOT for beginner or intermediate hikers. This IS a high intensity workout up/down steep sections with few breaks. You may use your hands for balance and leverage on steep trails. An example of a typical TNT workout (time/miles/speed) is below under Distance.

Distance: 5 to 8 miles Gain: 900' to 1800' Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hrs
Example - TNT workout: 6.4-miles / 1:54 total time / Avg. Speed Mov. 3.3 mph

Meet up Time:
6:35 PM and START at 6:45pm (sooner if all RSVPs arrive)

Meet Up Spot/Directions: Parking Lot #2 (CLICK HERE)
The island by the entrance, east side of the lot, & first row of lights

Recommend:

• Good traction soft-shell hike/trail running shoe
• Hydration system, water bottles, sports drink
• Lightweight layers, rain/wind breaker jacket
• Check weather forecast
• Snack: fruit, Energy Gel, etc.
• Headlamp (best), flashlight
• Cell phone

Optional:

• Small camera
• Trekking Poles
• Gators

Step-by-Step Directions
From 134 East Freeway:
EXIT Victory Blvd. go RIGHT and then immediately LEFT on Zoo Drive; Zoo Drive becomes Crystal Springs Road after the zoo. Drive on Crystal Springs Road, cross Griffith Park Dr. and go RIGHT at the first Stop Sign, no street sign, but look for a Merry Go Round signs pointing RIGHT, drive on the road a bit & make a sharp RIGHT into Parking Lot #1, as you enter Lot #1 STAY LEFT, drive to the last aisle, and Go RIGHT toward Parking Lot #2 (lot with lights). Park in or near the lot then walk to the Meet Up Spot (Directions CLICK HERE)

From Los Feliz Boulevard
Driving WEST on Los Feliz Blvd. Make a RIGHT on Riverside Drive into Griffith Park. Go TWO STOP SIGNS and make a LEFT, no street sign but look for a Merry Go Round signs point LEFT, drive on the road a bit & make a sharp RIGHT turn into a Parking Lot #1, as you enter Lot #1 STAY LEFT, drive to the last aisle, and Go RIGHT towards Parking Lot #2 (lot with lights). Park in or near the lot then walk to the Meet Up Spot (Directions CLICK HERE)

From 5 North Freeway: (from Colorado Street entrance)
EXIT Zoo Drive go RIGHT, go over the freeway, make a LEFT at Zoo Drive; Zoo Dr. becomes Crystal Springs Road just past the zoo. Drive on Crystal Springs Road, cross Griffith Park Dr. and go RIGHT at the first Stop Sign, no street sign, but look for a Merry Go Round signs pointing RIGHT, drive on the road a bit & make a sharp RIGHT into Parking Lot #1, as you enter Lot #1 STAY LEFT, drive to the last aisle, and Go RIGHT toward Parking Lot #2 (lot with lights). Park in or near the lot then walk to the Meet Up Spot (Directions CLICK HERE)

IMPORTANT:
Please ensure that you are in good health before participating in a high intensity activity like this one. My function as an assistant organizer is only to organize the hikes and I assume absolutely no responsibility for you or your guests. By signing up for a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and made your guests aware of the risks, dangers, and hazards associated with any outdoor activity, and you accept, and fully assume all such risks, dangers, and hazards, and further agree to release, and discharge the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and event hosts of this Meetup Group from, and against any, and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities.