Tuesday Night Trailblaze (LIGHT)

TNT Workouts are Dynamite!

Join us for a night out under the stars and enjoy a TNT workout! The workouts feel great, the views are amazing, and group is wonderful. Mount Hollywood is usually the main destination and at the peak we marvel at the city lights for a few minutes before returning to the starting point. 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 fun-fast-pace!

All TNT workouts are Advance level interval training workouts and you should already be in good physical condition. The pace is challening and the routes vary weekly. The group is typically in small clusters during the intervals (climbs, fast sections, etc.) and individually not far apart. There are quick recovery/regroup points along the route and a rest at the peak. The workouts require might to keep the steady pace because most nights it's a TNT push from start-to-finish!

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 ready to add a cardio workout come out and try a TNT workout. 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 "TNT 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 with the group 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. IA Options are listed below Tonight's Plan.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tonight's Plan: "TNT LIGHT"
Take the single trail that heads along, & crosses, the Bill Eckert Trail towards Water Tower 115. From WT115 go west on Vista Del Valle Dr. & hop on the Mt. Hollywood Trail. The MHT heads north towards the Mount Hollywood. At the peak we'll catch our breath, enjoy the view, & then take the East Ridge Trail towards 5 Points; do NOT take the Shortcut Trail at Vista View Point. At the 5 Points junction head down the Fern Canyon Trail towards the start.

It's a short push to the peak so the Dynamite Group should do the bonus peaks: north climb to Mt. Hollywood & Glendale Peak on the descend. The red sections on the map.http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/3/a/a/event_95957322.jpeg

Bonus: Mount Hollywood (north climb), Glendale Peak (fast out-&-back)

Starting Point: Parking Lot (565') Points: Water Tower 115 (1248'), Mount Hollywood (1625'), Glendale Peak (1184')

IA Option: - Do the single trail up to Water Tower 115 and return on the Bill Eckert Trail; the orange line on the map. It's about a 3-mile loop and a good workout. The Bill Eckert Trail is a wide trail that heads down towards 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. All TNT workouts are for people that have been hiking/training regularly and want to add interval training to the weekly regimen. 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 Griffith Park weather forecast
• Snack: fruit, Energy Gel, etc.
• Headlamp (best), flashlight
• Cell phone

Optional:

• Small camera
• Trekking Poles
• Gators

Turn-by-Turn 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.