Tuesday Night Trailblaze

TNT - Big Bird Loop!

Are you looking to add a cardio workout during the week? Join us on the Griffith Park trails for a TNT workout! It's a fun outdoor workout with a steady pace start-to-finish, the views are amazing, and the group members are motivating. Individually we push the pace along the route and get in a good workout as we head towards Mount Hollywood. At the peak we marvel at the city lights for a few minutes before heading back to the start.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/1/f/4/event_99569172.jpeg

TNT workouts are interval training workouts: quick pace & short bursts along the hilly sections, quicker pace on some of the flat sections, & the climbs are individual goals. The goup is typically in small clusters during the intervals (climbs, fast sections, etc.) and individually not far apart. There are quick recover points -brief stop or walking pace- and a break at the top but the group enjoys moving. So let's burn calories, build strength, and increase stamina. Pack light for a fun-fast pace!

Occasionally "TNT LIGHT" workouts are scheduled and "IA Options" are included if possible (details below).

Get it Going, Keep it Going!

"TNT LIGHT" workout - intended for Intermediate levels that would like to try a TNT workout. If you have been thinking about trying a TNT cardio workout tonight is a good night to 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's a way for new members to try a workout and check their level. It may be titled "TNT LIGHT" night but the goal is to always put in a good workout.

The "IA Options" (Intermediate-Advance) are points where the workout can be shorten. It's a way to start doing parts of the workout and continue to increase endurance. After doing a few of the shorter workouts you'll be ready to do the entire workout with the group. The return trail(s) from a IA Point are as direct to the starting point as possible. IA Options are listed below Tonight's Plan.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/5/c/6/event_99598822.jpegThe Plan: Let's Go Big!
Lower Beacon Trail to Beacon Hill (1st climb), down to 5 Points, & slightly up to Vista View Point. Then descend on the Riverside Trail to the Greek Theater, hop on the E. Observatory Trail & go up to the Griffith Observatory (2nd climb). From there follow along the Charlie Turner Trail & ultimately up to Mount Hollywood (3rd climb), 5-miles from the start! At the peak we'll catch our breath, enjoy the view, & then go north on the Mount Hollywood Trail to finish the 8-mile loop!

Bonus: None tonight

Starting Point: Parking Lot (565') Points: Beacon Hill (1001'), 5 Points (900'), Vista View Point (1040'), Greek Theater (850'), Griffith Observatory ( 1080'), Mount Hollywood (1625')

IA Option(s): - 1) Do the Lower Beacon Trail (fast section) and the climb to Beacon Hill. Then breakaway from the group at the 5 Points junction and take the Fern Canyon Trail (FCT) down to the parking lot. It's a good 3-mile loop workout. The FCT is wide (fireroad like), popular with new hikers, and easy to follow to the parking lots.

Difficulty: (Advance) TNT workouts are NOT slow pace hikes and the difficulty level is NOT for beginner hikers. This IS a high intensity workout up/down hilly sections with few breaks. You may use your hands for balance and leverage on steep trails. The workouts are for people that have been hiking/training regularly and want to add interval training to the weekly regimen. The TNT workout averages & an actual tracked workout (miles/gain/time/speed) are listed below.

Distance: 5 to 8 miles Gain: 900' to 1800' Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hrs
Tracked: Water Tower 115 Loop: 6.4mi/1200' gain/1:54 time/3.3mph

Meet up Time:
6:50 PM and START at 7 PM (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 (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 (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 (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.