Rise & Grind OC - Crystal Cove Trail Run #3 (Level 3 / Fast)

Join Gerry D. for an ~ 8 mile trail run in Crystal Cove (aka, THE CC) to get a jump on winter training, improve your fitness, and have fun without leaving THE OC. THE CC offers all of us a change of pace, scenery and beauty. Most importantly, join me to get yourself ready for 2015 - the hiking year of your life.

If this idea builds momentum, then the plan will be to trail run on Saturday mornings on a regular basis (e.g., 3 to 4 times per month) in November, December, January, and February before moving on to a steady diet of Mt Wilson and Baldy hikes in March and April (yes, a return to car pooling and earlier wake-up times, bring on some Spring hiking).

Speaking solely for myself, the first few weeks of this here trail running stuff ain't gonna be pretty and may look like trail crawlin', but the commitment to steadily improve week by week is the goal (first you crawl, then you truck, and finally you run). Therefore, we'll eat some dust and have some fun along the way.

This week's trail run will consist of the trail summarized below We will repeat this trail in week #4 before moving to a new trail run venue in month #2 (if you are curious, month #2 will be located at Boat Canyon (aka, THE BC). A link to the CC trail map can be found further below:

Pacific Ridge 1.3 miles (down hill)

No Name Ridge 1.3 miles (down hill)

W. Cut Across 0.6 miles (down hill) (the Zig)

Poles 0.4 miles (up hill) (the Zag)

No Dogs 0.6 miles (down hill)

Ranger Station 3-5 min break to stretch, cry or use bathroom.

Moro Canyon 1.0 miles (up hill)

W. Cut Across 0.6 miles (up hill)

No Name Ridge 0.8 miles (up hill)

Pacific Ridge 1.3 miles (up hill)

Finish Line Coffee/Breakfast (optional)

*** Crystal Cove Trail Map ***

Click TRAIL MAP (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCAQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crystalcovestatepark.com%2Fopportunities%2Fccsp_maptrail-distance-box.pdf&ei=r6k2VKW8L4OGyQSro4DQAw&usg=AFQjCNHp2kAhr973fqpGv94ERJf5_SoeCw&sig2=tBObLTnoIrNxLfH3nQc7xw&bvm=bv.76943099,d.aWw) for a map of Crystal Cove State Park

*** General Rating / Difficulty ***

This hike is rated Level 3+/Fast due to pace (target is 4 mph). Click RATING TABLE (http://files.meetup.com/1554500/RATING%20TABLE.pdf) to learn more about hike levels. I reserve the right to admit/excuse any member from this hike. Know your limits !!!

*** What to Bring ***

A lotta heart, positive mental attitude, plenty of WATER (minimum of 0.5 liter is recommended).

*** What to Lose ***

Permanently rid yourself of any creepy nature and/or stalking tendency before attending this event. Do not attend this hike (or any other for that matter) and make any person uncomfortable, fearful or nervous about your presence. Hiking is and shall remain an enjoyable activity. Any personal interactions on this day shall be conducted in a positive, constructive and conscientious manner. Any failure to adopt and adhere to this ethos will result in immediate removal - pre-hike, mid-hike and/or post-hike - in addition to your removal from all future hikes.

*** DISCLOSURE ***

By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service and release the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS. YOU FULLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY.

*** Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers and risks that you should be fully aware of and understand. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, mountain lions, coyote, snake bites or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you freely accept and fully assume all such risks and agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants of this event.