Trail Running

**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.

Having a running routine that you actually enjoy and stick with takes more than a new year’s resolution and a new pair of shoes. You’ve got to build your body up to handle it without misery or injury, figure out how to fit it into your busy schedule, and learn how to motivate and discipline yourself so you actually stick with it. *So let’s walk before we run!* Join your fellow explorers on Saturday for a walk and talk. (talking optional!) It’s a time to connect and share tips with each other related to starting a walking/running routine, getting motivated, finding exercise partners, or whatever else is on your mind. We’ll plan to walk for about an hour around the lake on a flat gravel trail. **SAFETY NOTES** 1. Walking, just like running or any physical activity, may result in injury. Please dress for the weather, prepare your body properly, and consult your doctor prior to participation. 2. If you’ve never met anyone else attending, please bring a friend or take whatever steps you need to feel safe at this, or any, Meetup event. ***This is a free, community based event. You assume all risk associated with this activity.***

Run starts 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.

This is a fun 5-mile run on Rock Creek Park running trail. Meet inside at Open City. This will be out and back 2.5 miles ea way. All levels of runners are welcome. You can turn around early if you'd like to do less miles. \*Please only consume vegan options during any Vegan-Powered event.\* Weather: Be prepared! We will run rain or shine, but if conditions pose a danger, we’ll cancel the run and post a notice in the “comments” section. *Monitor the "comments" section below for important updates.* *If your plans change, please update your RSVP.* By participating, you automatically acknowledge the Vegan-Powered Activity Liability Waiver (see below). Please do not attend if you are sick or have been near someone who thinks they may have or have been exposed to COVID-19. _______________________________________________________ *** Vegan-Powered Activity Liability Waiver I represent that I am in good physical health and capable of participating in the physical group activity I have chosen to attend. I understand that during my participation in a Vegan-Powered (VP) Activity (“Event”), I may be exposed to a variety of hazards and risks, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent in each Event and cannot be eliminated without destroying the unique character of the Event. These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage, and death (“Injuries and Damages”) from exposure to the hazards of travel and VP has not tried to contradict or minimize my understanding of these risks. I know that Injuries and Damages can occur by natural causes, or activities of other persons, animals, plants, Organizers, Co-Organizers, Event Hosts, Members and assistants or third parties, either as a result of negligence or because of other reasons. I acknowledge that the enjoyment and excitement of Event is derived in part from the inherent risks in Event and these risks contribute to the enjoyment and are a reason for my participation. I understand that risks of such Injuries and Damages are involved in physical activities and other adventure travel such as VP Events and I appreciate that I may have to exercise extra care for my own person and for others around me in the face of such hazards. I further understand that at this Event there may not be rescue or medical facilities, first aid, or the expertise necessary to deal with the Injuries and Damages to which I may be exposed. In consideration for my acceptance as a participant on these Events, and the services and amenities to be provided by VP in connection with these Events, I confirm my understanding that: I have read any rules and conditions applicable to the Event made available to me; I will pay any costs and fees for the Event; and I acknowledge my participation is at the discretion of the VP. The Event does not include carpooling, transportation, or transit to and from the Event, and I am personally responsible for all risks associated with this travel. If I decide to leave early and not to complete the Event as planned, I assume all risks inherent in my decision to leave and waive all liability against VP arising from that decision. Likewise, if a leader has concluded the Event, and I decide to go forward without the leader, I assume all risks inherent in my decision to go forward and waive all liability against VP arising from that decision. I understand that VP reserves the right to exclude from the activity any person they judge to be incapable of meeting the rigors of participating in the activities or who refuses or is unwilling to follow the directives of the activity leaders. This Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by law. If any provision or any part of any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or legally unenforceable for any reason, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby and shall remain valid and fully enforceable. To the fullest extent allowed by law, I agree to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY VP, their agents, assistants, organizers, other groups and other leaders from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from Injuries and Damages, even if caused by negligence of VP its agents, assistants, organizers, other groups and other leaders, in any way connected with this Event. I further agree to HOLD HARMLESS VP, its agents, assistants, organizers, other groups and other leaders from any claims, damages, injuries or losses caused by my own negligence while a participant in the Event. I understand and intend that this assumption of risk and release is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, and includes any minors accompanying me on the Event.

Join us for our 6th Annual Head Start Hike. We will start the year off strong by hiking a moderate Maryland 5.5-mile hike. We look forward to seeing you there! **\*\*We will meet in front of the Friday's on Greenbelt Road and walk over to the start of the trailhead. Please rsvp at https://www.destinationhike.com/events/head-start-hike-2026-2 so you can receive a detailed email with information about the hike\*\*** This hike is Free and open to all hikers. The trail is moderate and has some minor hills. How to prepare? 1\. Wear comfortable shoes\. If you have hiking boots that would be preferred\. However\, if you have not committed to buying hiking shoes\, wear comfortable tennis shoes\. 2\. Check the weather for the day and dress appropriately\. When you are hiking in the winter\, you want to dress in layers so you can take off and add on as needing\. Winter hikes typically start out cold\, but once you start moving\, you will get warm\, so you want to be able to remove layers as needed\. 3\. Bring a small to medium size back pack\. This is to carry any personal items; cell phone\, water\, personal medication\, and any other items you may need\. 4\. Always bring a at ***least*** 1L of water. Make sure you have hydrated the day before, and the day of the hike. 5\. Remember\, there are no bathrooms in nature\, so stay hydrated but make sure you are good to hike without needing a bathroom\. If you do need to use the bathroom\, nature will be your stall\. 6\. Suggested: Download the AllTrails app\. Hiking guides use the AllTrials app for direction on the trail\. If you would like to follow along\, the trail link will be provided your detailed hike email\. Any additional questions, comments, or concerns, email info@destinationhike.com

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.

Ashby Hollow via Appalachian Trail on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/ashby-hollow-via-appalachian-trail?sh=amrbvn&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality 5.7 miles, 1774 feet in elevation. it's an out and back, so we'll depend on the map or our bodies to tell us when to turn around. All trails says 3.5 hours, but I'm putting 4 in case we want to take a nice break. Bring food and other refreshments, layer your clothing, etc. Remember as always that you are hiking at your own risk, and please let me or someone else know if you're turning around early. 6. Release Summary: To the full extent permitted by applicable law, you agree not to hold us responsible for anything that happens related to transactions with third parties, member interactions, or in connection with a Meetup group or Meetup event. You also agree not to hold organizers responsible for their negligence in connection with their Content, a Meetup group, or Meetup event. To the full extent permitted by applicable law, you agree to release us and our officers, directors, shareholders, agents, employees, consultants, corporate parent, affiliates, subsidiaries, sponsors, and other third-party partners ( “Meetup Parties”) from claims, demands, and damages (direct and consequential) (“Claims”), arising out of or in any way connected with any transaction with a third party, your interactions with other members, or in connection with a Meetup group or a Meetup event. You also agree, to the full extent permitted by applicable law, to release organizers from Claims based on an organizer’s negligence arising out of or in any way connected with their Content, a Meetup group, or a Meetup event. The law in some countries and states do not allow the release, so these limits may not apply to you. You waive and relinquish all rights and benefits that you have or may have under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code or any similar provision of statutory or non-statutory law of any other jurisdiction to the fullest extent permitted by law. You acknowledge that some Meetup events carry inherent dangers, such as the risk of illness, bodily injury, disability, or death. By participating in these events, you understand and agree that you have freely chosen to assume these risks. 6. Release Summary: To the full extent permitted by applicable law, you agree not to hold us responsible for anything that happens related to transactions with third parties, member interactions, or in connection with a Meetup group or Meetup event. You also agree not to hold organizers responsible for their negligence in connection with their Content, a Meetup group, or Meetup event. To the full extent permitted by applicable law, you agree to release us and our officers, directors, shareholders, agents, employees, consultants, corporate parent, affiliates, subsidiaries, sponsors, and other third-party partners ( “Meetup Parties”) from claims, demands, and damages (direct and consequential) (“Claims”), arising out of or in any way connected with any transaction with a third party, your interactions with other members, or in connection with a Meetup group or a Meetup event. You also agree, to the full extent permitted by applicable law, to release organizers from Claims based on an organizer’s negligence arising out of or in any way connected with their Content, a Meetup group, or a Meetup event. The law in some countries and states do not allow the release, so these limits may not apply to you. You waive and relinquish all rights and benefits that you have or may have under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code or any similar provision of statutory or non-statutory law of any other jurisdiction to the fullest extent permitted by law. You acknowledge that some Meetup events carry inherent dangers, such as the risk of illness, bodily injury, disability, or death. By participating in these events, you understand and agree that you have freely chosen to assume these risks.

New Year resolution to get outdoors and exercise? Now's your chance. Great Falls National Park in the close-in Virginia suburbs is an outdoor treasure in our own backyard. An ideal place to exercise! The hike will be a leisurely one, at an average pace of about 2 mph. Our route includes a couple of hills and rocks to flex those unused leg muscles; also water views and waterfalls to feast your eyes. We will warm up walking south from the Visitors Center on the wide, flat Old Carriage Road and the winding Swamp Trail. Then the adventures start on the Ridge and Difficult Run Trails, including a couple of steep hills and a detour to a waterfall. The return route is along the Ridge Trail and a moderately difficult section of the River Trail, which has a couple of short but steep hills; steps; mini-rock scrambles; and clifftop overlooks. We will move slowly on the River Trail and pause at several overlooks of the Potomac River flowing through Mather Gorge downstream from Great Falls. We will finish at the overlooks of Great Falls. Bring plenty of water, and snacks for a rest stop mid-way during the hike. (Note: the park's snack bar might be open; no cash accepted; it is located "under" the Visitor Center near the restrooms.) Start time: Meet at 10:45 and start walking at 11:00. If you can't make the hike, please cancel your RSVP by 6 pm the night before to allow others on the waiting list to join. There is NO cell service in the park, so hike leader will not get last-minute messages. Required: Hiking boots/shoes (no athletic shoes with smooth bottoms), water. Recommended: hiking poles, rain gear, snacks. Average pace: a leisurely 2.0 mph (faster on the early flat section, slower on the later rocky section) AllTrails: We will mostly follow the AllTrails "River, Ridge, CCT, and Swamp Trails" in reverse: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/great-falls-loop-river-ridge-cct-and-swamp-trails Custom Alltrails map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/custom-route-382bf19?p=-1&sh=fuqxr6&utm_medium=map_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality Meeting point: Meet at 10:45 am for sign-ins and introductions at Great Falls Park, Virginia. Meet at the bottom of the ramp to the front entrance of the Visitor Center (the doors facing the parking lot). Street address is 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102. Allow extra drive time for construction delays on Georgetown Pike and George Washington Parkway. Meeting place coordinates: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kAY7ou858TqCAJeK7?g_st=ipc Park entrance fee: NO CASH ACCEPTED. $20 per car or $35 annually. Free with a National Park pass. Carpools can be arranged by using the Meetup Comments section. (Hike leader can take 1-2 passengers from Eastern Market or Rosslyn metro station if willing to go early.) Facilities: Restrooms in the outside courtyard of the Visitor Center. Also porta-johns in the park. Hike details: Rating: Moderate; one moderately difficult section Distance: Approx. 4.6 miles Elevation Gain: Approx. 500 ft. Pace: Average about 2.0 miles per hour Conditions: Small but steep hills. Mini-rock scrambles. Can be muddy after rain. Maximum number of hikers: 10 Contact Information: Please use the Meetup Comments for routine comments and questions. Hike leader is Amber 703-231-5978. RSVP: Sign-up ends at 6:00 pm the night before the hike. Please do not show up unregistered. If possible, cancel by the same deadline. To find out more about PATC, see [https://www.patc.net](https://www.patc.net/ "https://www.patc.net/") Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, see [https://www.patc.net/membership](https://www.patc.net/membership "https://www.patc.net/membership")

🛼 Sunday Social: The "Grand Branch" Trek Get ready for an epic 15.7-mile out-and-back journey from the heart of DC to the northern edge of the District. We are so fortunate to have the incredible Talida leading the pack for this high-energy trek! This is a special one—we’ll be rolling through the freshly opened MBT extension from Fort Totten to Takoma, completing the full trail connection. 📍 Meetup & Rollout • Location: Freedom Plaza (1301 Pennsylvania Ave NW) • Meetup: 11:00 AM • Wheels Up: 11:10 AM Sharp! 🚀 🗺️ The Route Under Talida’s expert guidance, we’ll move from Freedom Plaza toward the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT). We are skating the full length of the trail all the way into Takoma. ⚡ The Vibe: Flow & Flex • The Pace: We’re keeping a steady, intermediate-friendly flow. • The Turnaround: Once we reach the Takoma terminus, Talida will call the play—we may stay for a quick break to soak in the vibes, or we might keep the wheels spinning and head straight back to the Plaza. • The "Red Line" Backup: If you need to tap out early, the route mirrors the Metro Red Line. You can easily hop on at Takoma, Fort Totten, or Brookland. ________________________________________ 🛡️ Safety & Gear • HELMETS ARE MANDATORY: Let's keep the community safe! • Pads: Highly recommended (especially wrist guards for those urban trail cracks). • Hydration: 15.7 miles is a solid workout—please bring plenty of water! • Etiquette: Follow Talida’s lead, stay to the right on the trail, and always call out your passes. The Route: https://onthegomap.com/s/1ip8snof Disclaimer: Please note that anyone who participates does so at their own risk. For the most up-to-date information, check Facebook and Instagram. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WashingtonAreaRoadskaters/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareskatedc/ We hope to see you soon!

Sunday seems like the warmest we will be getting for a little while, so let's do a short 90 minute jaunt, then drive less than a minute to a variety of lunch options! We will meet at the picnic area of Cabin John Park. This IS NOT the side with the playground and the train you can ride. You want the parking lot alongside the road, a thousand feet further down Tuckerman. We will meet up in the picnic area promptly at 11:00, do quick introductions, then start a 3.5 mile clockwise loop. While the first half of the trail is mostly flat, there are three moderate hills on the second half, and we will unfortunately get some traffic noise from I-270. Afterwards, we can drive 30 seconds to Cabin John Village where there are a number of places to grab lunch, including Cava, Shake Shack, sushi, kabobs, and pizza. [Follow along on Alltrails here](https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/maryland/cabin-john-regional-park?u=i&sh=5s9wgt)

⚠️ **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.

We will do around 3.5 miles on the paved trail. Toni will be leading at the front - around 16 minute mile - and I’ll be bringing up the rear closer to a 19 minute mile (or as appropriate). No one left behind. Optional lunch at Paddock Pub.

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!