Running

This is our once a year run to the Cherry Blossoms. We will start at Roosevelt Island at the crosswalk in the center of parking lot. Afterwards stay for coffee, we'll wander up to Rosslyn and either meet in Compass or, if the weather is nice enough, at the Plaza opposite the Metro. Note: Photos taken during the event may end up on Instagram, Meetup, Strava and similar platforms. LOCATION: Roosevelt Island Parking Lot. Use this map to locate the parking lot (https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B053'48.2%22N+77%C2%B004'02.1%22W) [GPS: 38°53'51.99"N 77° 4'3.24"W]. To help new people find the group, please meet in the middle of the parking lot. Please meet 10 min. before the start time. Alternative location, ONLY when indicated, on the Custis trail, on the North side of Gateway Park, near Langston Blvd and Lynn St: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3SNFYSkFv9rRQed37 PACE and MILEAGE: All paces are welcome! This is a longer route but people can just turn around at 25 minutes if they want. We generally average from 8-12 min/miles and run for fifty minutes. But, you can run any amount of time or mileage. And if you need to walk, it's not a problem either, everyone needs to start somewhere! ROUTE: This is a different route than normal, it takes us to the tidal basin and - if you are doing the full thing - around it. https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5425893562. The full circuit works out to almost 6.5 miles so even faster runners might not do it in the usual 50 minutes. PARKING: Use this map (http://bit.ly/i2dWD0) to find parking in Rosslyn. There are parking lots at Roosevelt Island and above the Continental Lounge. There are also meters and pay garages. DIRECTIONS: For those of you driving to Roosevelt Island, please note that the parking lot is only accessible from the NORTHBOUND lane of GW parkway. You will see it right after the Roosevelt Bridge. METRO: Orange or blue to Rosslyn. From N. Moore St, turn left; right onto 19th St; cross Lynn St. and turn left; take the trail on the right just before the Key Bridge.

**Meet at the trail head at the Sweetgum picnic area.** Come out and join us on the newly surfaced, rolling hills of Greenbelt National Park. This run through Greenbelt National Park consists of two loop that comes out to roughly 3 miles. With 3 hills (run twice), this is a great way to get hills in before breakfast. Both walkers and runners are welcome.

Spring is finally here! To celebrate, let's visit the tulips at Brookside Gardens before walking through the Seminary Historic District and making our way over to Bethesda. We'll finish off by visiting Max's Best Ice Cream for a sweet treat to end the day https://maps.app.goo.gl/ Part I - Walk to Brookside Gardens (1.6 miles) [https://maps.app.goo.gl/f2ARZeSKNXob9z8A9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/f2ARZeSKNXob9z8A9) Part II - Walk around Wheaton Regional Park (2.5 miles) [https://maps.app.goo.gl/czHfnKj81UZdYPf49](https://maps.app.goo.gl/czHfnKj81UZdYPf49) Part III - Walk through Seminary Historic District to Bethesda (9.4 miles) [https://maps.app.goo.gl/W1qcehvqPrdL6JiU7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/W1qcehvqPrdL6JiU7) **Mileage:** \~13.0 miles **Start Location:** Glenmont Metro Station **End Location:** Bethesda Metro Station **Time:** 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM **Terrain:** This will be have a solid amount of uphill (\~900 feet) elevation gain) with a mix of paved, gravel, and trail surfaces

Run starts promptly at 9:45 am and follows a 1.5 mile loop around the lake. Do however many loops you like! Run at your own pace. After the run, we'll meet at the Brew House for a beer or coffee and BREAKFAST pretzels! Those cannot be anything but delicious. See you there.

Anyone else planning to run the Cherry Blossom 5k race on 4/11? If so, let Union Cherry Blossom 5K Presented by ASICS Register online: https://cherryblossom.org/pre-race/events/5k/ Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. There is NO Lottery for the 5K. Saturday, April 11, 2026 New Location: Army-Navy Dr. at S. Fern St., Arlington, VA Time: 8:00 a.m. The 5K will be held on a dramatic new course in Arlington, VA, featuring vistas of the United States Air Force Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and the National 9-11 Pentagon Memorial. The 5K starts on Army-Navy Dr. & S. Fern St. in Arlington, just a couple blocks from our race headquarters hotel at the Crystal Gateway Marriott. The 5K start is easily accessible by the Pentagon City Metro station. All 5K entrants receive the official 10Mile/5K cotton race t-shirt (5K-specific technical performance upgrade shirts and finisher medals may be purchased at registration), their overall times and places in the event, and post-race food and drink. All runners will be scored on net times.

**🚴🏾‍♂️ 6AM Saturday Ride – Earn Your Coffee Ride** **Organized by Ben | Hosted by DC Bike Crew** **This is not a casual spin.** **The 6AM Saturday Ride is a challenging, early-morning workout built for riders who are ready to push. Expect a strong, consistent pace and a group that’s here to work.** **This is NOT a no-drop ride.** **It’s designed for experienced riders who are comfortable holding speeds in the 21–27 mph range.** **Come prepared, know your limits, and be ready to ride.** **But what makes this ride special isn’t just the effort—it’s what comes after.** **We wrap things up with coffee and fellowship, where the real connections happen. Good people, good conversation, and that well-earned cup that makes it all worth it.** **⸻** **📍 Meet Location:** **Anacostia Park (by the pirate ship)** **⏰ Roll Out:** **6:00 AM sharp** **⸻** **What to Expect:** **• Fast-paced, high-intensity group ride** **• Experienced riders only (21–27 mph pace)** **• Bring lights, hydration, and good awareness** **• Post-ride coffee hang** **⸻** **☕️ All welcome. Respect is earned**

We run 45 min, goal is 4-5 miles easy run everybody welcome

Come out and run with us along the shady Anacostia Tributary Trails! These runs tend to be longer than our other club runs. Average mileage is 4-6 miles, but some members might go farther (and others shorter). We meet in front of Mission BBQ at 8:00AM for introductions, then walk over together to the Indian Creek Trailhead. We are always happy to welcome new faces (and feet)!

We meet on Sundays at 8 a.m. for training runs on some of DC's best trails, including Rock Creek Park and the surrounding area. We typically meet at either Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park, or Roosevelt Island, depending on the route. Details of the weekly schedule can be found here: https://new.vhtrc.org/runs/sip We hope you can join us for a run! All paces and levels of trail experience are welcome for these runs, which range in distance from 6 to 9 miles.

Join us as The Washington Area Roadskaters lead you on a different adventure every week, skating through and around our Nation's Capital! Skate description will be placed here as the route is published. For up to the minute details, check Facebook and Instagram. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WashingtonAreaRoadskaters/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareskatedc/ We hope to see you Sunday!

*Location Change * Since Freedom Plaza is under construction, we will meet at the plaza in front of The International Trade Center near the National Children's Museum (on Pennsylvania Ave). We'll begin with going over a few drills (varies week to week). The skills we drill will be for the first 30 minutes. For the second half, we will casually skate down the bike lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue from the plaza to the U.S.Capitol and stop at 3rd St. and then skate back the same route. This route is about 2 miles in total and is perfect for those who are new to skating in the city but feel comfortable on skates in a parking lot or roller rink. This is also great if you wish to start with shorter routes to increase your physical fitness or stamina for some of the other routes. This is an excellent opportunity to prepare to skate with others on the road. You will also get to meet skaters who will arrive for the Intermediate and Advanced skate routes following the introductory skate. This is great training to feel prepared for the Tuesday Night and Friday Night Skate! Route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7653831 Inline skates (rollerblades), roller skates (quads), bicycles, unicycles, skateboards, longboards and other similar modes of transportation are welcome to join. Helmet and pads are required. Skate at your own risk.

Below is the alltrails link to the hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/maryland/capital-crescent-trail We will only be doing 3 miles overall in this hike, out and back. Parking and Metro Access: Park in the garage near 7150 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20815. Or park on the streets----- street-parking is free on Sundays. For metro: just get down at Bethesda metro station. We will meet at the trailhead next to the Ourisman Honda, check out the photo section of this event for a visual of the location. Bring plenty of water, whatever you need for your hike, and your awesome authentic self. Keep it easygoing. RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By being a member of this Group, RSVPing to any Activity, or participating in any Activity, You accept and agree to the terms and conditions described below: 1. You acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to yourself, including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. 2. You agree that You will at all times be responsible for Yourself and Your own safety. 3. You release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, this group's leadership and members for the hikes that you participate in. 4. You acknowledge and agree that this Group is merely a collection of friends or potential friends who enjoy doing activities, and that in no event does any Organizer or Other Member assume any responsibility or liability for You. 5\. You agree not to sue and to release\, discharge\, waive and hold harmless all organizers and other members from and against all liabilities\, claims\, demands\, losses\, damages\, suits and proceedings\, for negligence\, carelessness or any other cause which you may have or that hereafter may accrue arising\, resulting from or related to your membership in this group or participation in any activity\.

[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46073614](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46073614) 18.4 miles. Toilets are at the beginning, middle, and end of the trail. **Picnic stop will be in Meadowbrook Local Park at 12.5 miles.** Celebrate (Mother) Earth Day! This route was originally conceived as part of the Takoma Park Earth Day celebration in April 2024. We are happy to ride again for this year's Celebration. We will e-bike from Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park through Takoma Park, and then on to the Sligo Creek Trail. From Sligo Creek we head west past Holy Cross Hospital and through the Forest Glen neighborhood. We then turn south on to Rock Creek Trail. Earth Day Festivities with occur in Sligo Creek Stream Valley Park, approximately 6 miles into the ride. Face painting, snow cones, art activities and exhibits promoting a variety of environmental and sustainability causes will be there! The picnic stop is at Meadowbrook Local Park, 12.5 miles into the ride. **Please charge your batteries. The ride is on asphalt and often flat but we will encounter some hills. As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome.** Bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water. Pump tires, check brakes and charge your battery. Consider packing a spare tire tube. Check weather and dress appropriately. As always, this is a self-guided event. **We recommend you download the Ride with GPS route.** [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46073614](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46073614) The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. The distance will be 18.4 miles or shorter any time you are fully satisfied with biking for the day. For the E-bike Lovers group to be successful, we need to grow our membership carefully. Please feel free to invite other E-bike lovers, spread the word, and let's have fun. **Free Ride With GPS for E-Bike Lovers** Membership of the Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club is now free as www.ebikelovers.com is generating sufficient income from ads to cover the costs. Here is the link to activate your free membership: https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN **More information about using GPS files:** https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/ **More information about e-bike ranges:** https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/ **DISCLAIMER** LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, RICHARD CAMER, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS. See for full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer

This month's prompt concerns the idea of the “warrior philosopher” (seemed appropriate in these times)--that is someone whose understanding of violence, power, and justice is forged through direct experience of war. We are looking at Major General Smedley D. Butler, a highly decorated U.S. Marine raised in a Quaker (pacifist) tradition who later became a prominent critic of American militarism (there is a wonderful biography of Gen. Butler called "Gangsters of Capitalism") Butler's argument in *War Is a Racket* (1935): that many U.S. interventions were driven less by national defense than by corporate and financial interests, with Butler portraying himself as an enforcer for business and Wall Street. We can consider the moral ambiguity of his insider critique—whether complicity strengthens or undermines credibility and also consider some of the concrete reforms he proposed (e.g., “conscript” capital before soldiers, restrict the military to coastal defense, and have only those who fight decide on war). Butler’s life arc clearly changed from pacifist upbringing to warrior to antiwar crusader—and asks whether true understanding of peace requires firsthand knowledge of war, and what that implies about the cost of suffering. So do we need to suffer to understand suffering? Do we have to experience war to appreciate peace? As one more question: in the movie "A Few Good Men" Jack Nicholson's character says that "you have the luxury of not knowing what I know" so do most of us go through life oblivious to real violence and suffering? See you at Drunken Philosophy!

Meet at Wolfe Park parking lot by tennis courts. We willl walk along Alum Creek trail, through Jeffrey Mansion Park then along Bexley neighborhood and back. Optional lunch at Trolley District.

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **Join the Columbus City Brunch Club and make new friends!** Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier. \* Discover new restaurants in your city, together. \* Curated lunch venues with good food and vibe. \* If you hit it off with your group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards. **Note:** RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) is only a placeholder. This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

Over time I'm hoping to organize a hike to all the Franklin County Metro Parks. This is the first one so if you're interested jump in! We'll start with the Canopy Walk, a cool feature of this park. Climb 100 stairs to the top - or take the elevator if stairs aren't your thing. At the top there are a bunch of things to play on - a rope bridge, a fireman pole that we can slide down - and more! About fifteen minutes there and we'll head to the natural trail, Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trail for 2.2 miles then do a 1.7 mile loop on the paved Greenway Trail. We'll be passing our cars as we transition if you only want to do the first loop, or the second loop. Pace of around 3.5 mph but no one left behind. If there is an interest we can grab lunch nearby afterward.