Tuesday Night Trailblaze

Fun Outdoor Workouts!

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 workout with a steady pace start-to-finish, the group members are motivating, the views are amazing, and being outside feels great! Individually we push the pace as the group heads towards http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/e/0/a/event_115935882.jpegMount Hollywood and at the peak we marvel at the city lights for a few minutes before heading back to the start.

TNT are interval training workouts: it's a quick pace, with faster, short bursts up hilly sections, the pace picks up on some of the flat sections, & the climbs are individual goals. The group 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!

The Plan: Both Sides of Griffith Park

Brisk walk towards the Mineral Wells Trail then take a single trail up towards 5-Points (1st climb). From 5-Points hop on the 5-Points Trail and head to Vista View Point. After VVP descend on the Riverside Trail (speed work) towards the Greek Theater then connect to the East Observatory Trail, single trail passed "The Greek", & go up to the Griffith Observatory (2nd climb). After a brief walk through the observatory lot, pick up the single trail that follows along the Charlie Turner Trail & do the final push to Mount Hollywood (3rd climb). At the peak we'll catch our breath, enjoy the view, & then go north on the Mount Hollywood Trail, take Vista Del Valle Road for a bit, then the Bill Eckert Trail towards the start.

Have you thought about trying a TNT workout? Tonight's route is a good one for members that would like to try a TNT workout for the first time because the route can be shorten. Option 1: after the 5-Points climb head down the Fern Canyon Trail and finish a 1.5 mile loop; the FCT is a popular, wide trail and easy to follow back to the parking lot. Option 2: continue with the group to Vista View Point before heading back towards 5 Points then down the Fern Canon Trail to the start (about 2.5-mile total). If you are still feeling strong after the push to Vista View Point continue down the Riverside Trail (fast section) with the group to The Greek and do the two climbs to Mt. Hollywood and complete the 7-mile loop. The views at Vista View Point & along Riverside Trail are amazing, and view at the Mount Hollywood is well worth the effort.

Starting Point: Parking Lot (565') Points: 5 Points (900'), Vista View Point (1030'), Greek Theater (850'), Griffith Observatory (1080'), Mount Hollywood (1625')

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Difficulty: (Advance) TNT workouts are NOT slow pace hikes and the difficulty level is NOT for beginner hikers. TNT are interval training workouts 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 113 Loop: 5.5mi/1200' gain/1:38 time/3.3mph

Meet up Time:
6:45 PM and START at 6:55 PM (sooner if all RSVPs arrive) If your name is on the "I'm Going" list & you cannot make it please change your RSVP to "Not Attending". Thanks in advance.

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.