Trails

🏃‍♂️ Sunday Vacations | Train Together, Finish Together Thinking about joining the **20km of Brussels on May 31st**… but don’t want to train alone? 👉 Join our **after-work training group** and prepare together in a fun, social, and motivating atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner or already running regularly — **you’re welcome.**

Navigating Loss and Transition: A Reflective Workshop By David Sunderland Brussels, 27 May 2026 Register here: https://www.imaginationclub.org/brussels/navigating_loss_and_transition.php We all experience loss – of roles, relationships, identities, expectations, or direction – yet we rarely pause to reflect on it. This interactive workshop creates a calm, reflective space to explore how loss shapes our lives and decisions, both personally and professionally. Drawing on a simple but powerful format (including candles, silence, and guided questions), participants are invited to share, listen, and reflect at their own pace. The session blends elements of “death cafés” with a broader exploration of transition, helping participants better understand endings – and what they make possible. Participants will: \* Explore different types of loss (personal, professional, existential). \* Reflect on how transitions shape identity, decisions, and growth \* Practice listening and speaking in a structured, non-judgmental space \* Gain language and perspective for navigating change and uncertainty \* Identify insights they can carry into work and everyday life. Conclusion You will leave with a deeper understanding of loss as a source of clarity, connection, and possibility. About David Sunderland David is British and French since 2019. He also has strong Brazilian sympathies after being married to a Brazilian woman for nearly 20 years. A similar period of time working in the United Nations, along with various other voluntary and civil society work, has reinforced his idealism while granting him more pragmatic perspectives around planning, communication and human relations. He founded, and continues to be Chair of, www.plenna.org that encourages better preparation for death and dying, whatever one's age or situation. His personal website, including links to his writing (with details on his forthcoming book, ’The Punctuation of Loss’), is www.intermundia.org. **Practical Information** **When** Wednesday, 27 May 2026 from 18h45-21h00 **Where?** Timesmore Boulevard St Michel 47, 1040 Brussels **How much?** €15 to cover expenses including materials, drinks, snacks, etc. - payable at the door. **Event web page** https://www.imaginationclub.org/brussels/navigating_loss_and_transition.php **Please Share** If you feel your friends, family and/or colleagues may be interested in this workshop, please share it with them. The Imagination Club relies on new participants to cover our operational costs and maintain a diverse, perceptive and intelligent audience (in other words, people like you) for our events. **Might you be interested to give an experimental workshop at the Imagination Club?** Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned professional, you are welcome to try out your workshop ideas at the club. We have dates available for this season.

Join us for an invigorating Qi Gong class focused on physical exercise to boost your energy levels! Qi Gong is a practice that combines gentle movements, deep breathing, and meditation to cultivate and balance the body's vital energy. In this session, we will guide you through a series of exercises designed to enhance your physical well-being and increase your overall vitality. Whether you are a beginner or experienced in Qi Gong, this class is suitable for all levels. Come and learn how to harness the power of Qi to promote physical healing, reduce stress, and improve flexibility. Take this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and cultivate your inner strength. Let's flow together and train our energy for a healthier and more balanced life!

Rejoins-nous pour découvrir le Touch Rugby sous le signe du sport, du fun et de la convivialité ! 🏉 Que tu sois débutant·e curieux·se, joueur·se occasionnel·le ou habitué·e des terrains, ce rendez-vous est ouvert à toutes et tous. Le touch rugby est un sport en plein essor sans plaquage, accessible, dynamique mais aussi inclusif et fun sur et en dehors des terrains. 💙 ✨ Au programme : * Échauffement collectif * Exercices et jeux * Développement de la condition physique * Bonne humeur, esprit d’équipe et fair-play 🎯 Venez bouger, vous amuser et partager un bon moment ensemble ! 👉 Ramène ta tenue de sport, de l’eau, et surtout ta motivation. On s’occupe du reste 💪 À très vite sur le terrain !

Hallo Freunde der deutschen Sprache, wir laden alle, die gern ihr Deutsch üben wollen, zum nächsten Treffen ein! Bei schönen Wetter sitzen wir vielleicht sogar im Garten des James Joyce. Falls Ihr angemeldet seid, aber nicht kommen könnt, wären wir dankbar für Eure Abmeldung (WhatsApp - Mike: +32 475 60 88 68). Wir freuen uns auf den Austausch mit Euch!

Quiet Forest Walk – The Clear Space This is a quiet, low-stimulation activity. It may suit people who feel overwhelmed in typical social settings or who prefer a calmer way of being together. Hi everyone, On Sunday 31 May, I’m organising a quiet forest walk for The Clear Space. We’ll walk together in silence for about an hour, in a calm and gentle way. This is not about performance, conversation, or doing anything special. It’s simply a chance to be outdoors together in a quieter way — with space to breathe, notice, settle, and just be. Sometimes silence can feel more natural than talking, and walking side by side can feel easier than a usual social setting. That is very much the spirit of this walk. When: Sunday 31 May Where: Herrmann-Debroux metro, straight ahead after leaving the platform Time: We start walking at 14:10 sharp, so please come a little earlier if possible. Please wear good shoes, especially if the weather has been rainy, as the forest can be muddy. Afterwards, if people feel like it, we can have a drink at Rouge Cloître. You’re welcome to join, but there is absolutely no pressure. If you’d like to come, or if you have any questions, you can message me at 0474 60 83 70. You are very welcome.

🏃‍♂️ Missed the 20k Registration? Get Your Adrenaline Fix Here! 🌲 Sold out? No bib? No problem. While 40,000 runners are pounding the hot asphalt on the road, we are taking the FOMO to the forest. Welcome to the Alternative 20k (But Make It 15k & Beautiful). Skip the massive crowds and the concrete, and join us for a stunning, shaded, and high-energy cruise through the best trails Brussels has to offer. You’ll still get that race-day buzz without the entry fee! 📅 The Game Plan Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026 (Official 20k Day) Meet-up Time: 09:45 AM (Sharp! We move shortly after) Meeting Point: In front of the Main Tribune / Stands at the Hippodrome de Boitsfort (Drohme) Distance: 15 km Pace: Cruisy, steady 6:00 min/km Terrain: Light, wide trails in the gorgeous Forêt de Soignes (smooth dirt paths, manageable elevation, completely under the tree canopy) 📍 Route & Vibe Starting from the historic Hippodrome, we will dive straight into the green lung of Brussels. We will trace a beautiful 15k loop through the Forêt de Soignes, keeping the pace locked at a social but solid 6:00/km. Expect fresh air, zero traffic, great conversations, and a massive hit of endorphins. 🎒 What to Bring Trail or standard running shoes (The light trails are very forgiving, so regular road shoes work just fine if it’s dry!) Your own hydration/gels if you need them (there are no official SPA water stations out here, folks!). Post-run vibes: We can grab a coffee or a cold drink at the Drohme melting pot right after we finish.

We start our hike ***with a challenging climb*** that brings us up to **Limbourg**, one of the ***most beautiful villages in Wallonia***. Perched on a hilltop this historic town offers ***charming cobbled streets and wide views*** over the surrounding countryside. From Limbourg we mainly follow the **GR 573** leading us to the **Barrage de la Gileppe**. This monumental dam guarded by ***two imposing stone lions overlooks*** a vast reservoir surrounded by forest and known for its peaceful atmosphere. We take the time ***to walk around the lake*** and enjoy the scenery. After lunch we continue our hike through ***quiet woodland*** paths gradually making our way to our destination **Eupen**. ***After our hike*** we continue our good habit of ***taking a nice beer/pancake/snack in a local pub*** in Eupen before returning to Brussels. **Please don't forget to pay Maikel a drink :-)** We will walk at ***an average speed of 5km/h*** both on paved and unpaved roads. ***I’ve never walked this road before so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning***. This means it could become longer. ***●●Meeting point*** We meet at **07h45 in front of the Starbucks in Brussels Central**. Our train (IC506 – Eupen) leaves from ***platform 3 at 08h01***. It arrives in Welkenraedt on ***platform 5 at 09h38*** where we change to train (S415030- Liège) leaving from ***platform 5 at 09h54***. We will arrive at our ***destination Dolhain-Gileppe at 09h58*** and start our hike to Eupen. ***●● Train tickets*** \- single ticket Brussels to Dolhain\-Gileppe \(14\,90 € weekend / 9\,00 € with train card\+\) \- single ticket Eupen to Brussels \(14\,90 € weekend / 9\,00 € with train card\+\) **●● Train back to Brussels** There is a direct train from Eupen to Brussels ***every hour at XX:10 or XX:12*** **LAST TRAIN =** 22h10 **●● Specifics** distance: \~ 29 km elevation gain: \~ 485 m ***net walking time (breaks are not included here): \~ 6h00*** ***level: intermediate – hiking expercience is an advantage*** In the unlikely case of too bad weather we may cancel a hike even few hours before the event. If this must happen we will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So, it is important to have access to either the [Meetup](http://meetup.com/) website and/or your emails. **●● *What to bring*** \- warm comfortable hiking clothes – *waterproof hiking shoes* \- extra socks to change \+ compeed for blisters \- enough water \(min 2 l\) and food for lunch/breaks \- sun protection oil\, tick repellent\, a hat and sunglasses OR a raincoat (please consult the weather forecast on [www.meteo.be](http://www.meteo.be/)) **\- some cash money to pay Maikel a drink ;\-\)** **●● *Basic rules*** Please RSVP only if **you really intend to come**. And if your plans change **update your RSVP** so other people still have the possibility to join. This is basic courtesy towards others. **People who cancel at the last day (24h) or don’t show up for the hike will be blacklisted for future hikes.** **When you are on the waitinglist it means you should not come to the hike. When there is no +1 function it means you can't bring any guests. Everyone should register for him/her self.** **●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability** By signing up for this event you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.

**This event is free for Sunday Vacations members. Membership starts at €5/year.** 👉 Join here: [https://www.sundayvacations.com](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) *Please RSVP only if you are reasonably sure you can attend and update your RSVP if your plans change.* Escape the city bustle and join us for a magical evening walk from the royal gardens of Tervuren, through the ancient Sonian Forest, ending at the picturesque Rouge Cloître. This hike is perfect for anyone looking to unwind, breathe some fresh forest air, and enjoy the golden hour colors. 🗺️ The Route We will start at the Tervuren Station (terminus of Tram 44). We’ll begin by walking through the formal gardens and ponds of Tervuren Park, enjoying the open views and the sunset light reflecting on the water. From there, we will dive into the Sonian Forest (Fôret de Soignes), walking under the canopy of the majestic beech cathedrals. We will walk through the magnificent Arboretum that boasts centennial trees and majestic Giant Sequoias. The path will lead us gently downhill towards the historic Rouge Cloître (Red Closter), a 14th-century Augustinian priory nestled on the edge of the forest where we will stop for a well deserved drink. 🕒 The Plan *Meeting Time: 14:50 - Meeting Point: Just outside the Tervuren Station (Terminus of Tram 44). *The Walk: We depart at 15:00 sharp. - The End: We aim to arrive at Rouge Cloître around 18:00 - 18:30. *Après-Walk: We usually grab a drink at the beautiful Maison du Prieur in Rouge Cloître. 📋 Practical Details - Distance: Approximately 12 km. *Duration: \~3.5 hours walking time. *Pace: Casual to moderate. We wait for everyone, but please be comfortable walking this distance. - Terrain: Mostly flat/downhill with some unpaved forest paths. 🎒 What to Bring *Comfortable Shoes: Walking shoes or sneakers (trail runners are great if it has rained recently). - Water: Stay hydrated! *Layers: Evenings can get chilly in the forest. 🚇 Getting Home The walk ends at Rouge Cloître. From there, it is a short 10-15 minute walk to Herrmann-Debroux metro station (Line 5), buses and tram 8 which connect you easily back to the city center. Note: This event is free of charge. Participation is at your own risk. Please **RSVP only** if you intend to come so we don't leave anyone behind! See you on the trail! 🌳✨

Join us for an energizing Qi Gong class focused on physical exercise techniques that help cultivate and balance your energy. Qi Gong is a traditional Chinese practice that combines movement, breathing, and meditation to improve overall well-being. In this session, you will learn various exercises aimed at enhancing physical strength, flexibility, and vitality. Whether you are a beginner or have experience with Qi Gong, this class is designed to help you connect with your inner energy and feel rejuvenated. Come discover the power of Qi Gong and train your body and mind for better health and harmony.

### 🌲 Disconnect. Challenge Yourself. Reconnect. Are you ready to step completely outside your comfort zone? Join us for an unforgettable **36-hour survival immersion** in a private forest near Mons — a raw, powerful experience designed to bring you back to the essentials of life. No screens. No city noise. No comfort bubble. Just nature, teamwork, and your own resilience 🌿 --- ## 🏕️ What Awaits You Under the guidance of a specialized survival instructor, you will learn practical skills that humans relied on for thousands of years: 🔥 How to make fire from scratch 🏕️ Build your own natural shelter 🧭 Navigate using terrain and basic tools 💧 Manage essential resources in the wild 🌲 Live fully outdoors — day and night 🤝 Strong group bonding through shared challenge This is not a demonstration — you will actively participate. --- ## 🌟 Why This Experience Is Special ✨ A rare opportunity to disconnect from modern life ✨ Powerful team spirit — you will go through this together ✨ Confidence boost & personal breakthrough ✨ Memorable stories you will tell for years ✨ Meet adventurous, open-minded people from our community Many participants describe survival experiences as **life-changing**. --- ## 👥 Who Should Join? ✔️ Curious explorers & adventure seekers ✔️ Beginners welcome — no survival experience needed ✔️ Open-minded people ready to try something different ✔️ Anyone craving a real reset from everyday life You don’t need to be super athletic — motivation matters more than performance 💪 --- ## 📍 Event Details 📍 Private forest in Frameries (near Mons) 📅 May 30–31, 2026 ⏱️ 36 hours in nature 👥 Very limited group: **max. 20 participants** --- ## ⚠️ Important to Know ✔️ Outdoor conditions — rain or shine ✔️ No modern comforts ✔️ Personal gear required (packing list provided) ✔️ Safety supervised by experienced instructor --- ## ❤️ The Sunday Vacations Spirit This is not just a course — it’s a shared adventure. Expect: ✨ New friendships ✨ Mutual support ✨ Genuine human connection ✨ A break from the fast pace of Brussels life If you enjoy our hikes and trips, this is the **next level**. --- ## 🌿 Are You In? Spaces are intentionally limited to keep the experience authentic and safe. 👉 Join us if you want something real, intense, and unforgettable.

🏃‍♂️ Sunday Vacations | Train Together, Finish Together --- Thinking about joining the **20km of Brussels on May 31st**… but don’t want to train alone? 👉 Join our **after-work training group** and prepare together in a fun, social, and motivating atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner or already running regularly — **you’re welcome.** --- ## 📆 Weekly Runs (April → May) We train **twice a week after work**: ### 🔵 Once per week – Easy Social Run 👉 Perfect to build consistency and meet the group --- ### 🟣 Once per week – Long Run (Main Session) * Distance increases every week * Structured pace groups 👉 This is the **key session** to prepare for the 20km --- ## 🏳️ Follow Your Flag (Pace Groups) To keep things simple, we use the official **20km Brussels pacemaker system**: * 🟠 **Beginner (≈ 2h15)** Run/walk friendly — just aim to finish * 🟣 **Steady (≈ 2h00)** Comfortable and regular pace * 🟢 **Intermediate (≈ 1h45)** Faster group for those who want a challenge 👉 Not sure? Start easy — you can switch anytime. --- ## 📊 Long Run Progression We gradually build up to the race: 6 km → 8 km → 10 km → 12 km → 14 km → 16 km → 18 km 🔥 * lighter week before the race --- ## 🏁 Goal 📅 Sunday 31 May 2026 🎯 Run the 20km of Brussels — together --- ## 💡 What to expect * Friendly, international group 🌍 * No one left behind * Natural pace groups * Motivating and social vibe 👉 We start together, run in groups, and finish together. --- ## ☕ After the run Optional drink or snack — because it’s also about **meeting people and having fun** --- ## ⚠️ Practical info * Bring water * Wear proper running shoes * Join at your own responsibility * Beginners welcome --- ## 🌍 About Sunday Vacations We are a **Brussels-based community** organizing social activities, hikes, and trips. 👉 This training is part of our mission: **bringing people together through shared experiences** --- ## 🔗 Participation To join, a **Sunday Vacations membership** is required: * Explorer (€5/year) → + €5 organizing fee * Voyager (€50/year) → no organizing fee * Ambassador (€150/year) → no organizing fee + perks 👉 Details: [www.sundayvacations.com/membership](http://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) --- 🔥 Don’t train alone — join us and enjoy the journey to the 20km!

Join us this Thursday 6:30 pm at the Westerville Veterans Memorial for two loops around the Westerville Sports Complex fields. This 1 mile loop is a flat fully paved trail that straddles Alum Creek. Join us for a beautiful evening hike together!

This is a small but pretty park with a 1.7-mile loop. We will walk it 2 times. It goes along a ridge and has moderate elevation changes.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the edward thomas trail, lake trail , spring creek and a short walk on the multi purpose trail. This is one large loop . Wear your shoe of choice. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. 4.2 miles in length .

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles so please wear your shoe of choice. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

**History** [Chestnut Ridge Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/chestnut-ridge/) is historically significant because it sits on a 300-million-year-old outcropping of Blackhand sandstone. Geographically recognized as the very first foothill of the Appalachian Mountains, the ridge rises 1,116 feet above sea level. Long before European settlement, the land served as a sacred site for ancient civilizations. The park contains the Old Maid's Orchard Mound, an eight-foot-tall burial mound constructed by the Adena culture between 1000 B.C. and 100 B.C. This ancient landmark has remained largely intact and is now protected on the National Register of Historic Places. The documented modern history of the land began with an official survey conducted by Ebenezer Buckingham in 1801. Original land deeds of sale from this period notably bear the signatures of United States Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. In the 1830s, Irish laborers arrived at the ridge to quarry its rich Blackhand sandstone. The blocks they hewed were used to build the crucial locks for the nearby Ohio and Erie Canal. Remnants of this early sandstone quarrying operation can still be spotted by sharp-eyed hikers along the modern trails. Agricultural transformation defined the ridge throughout the mid-to-late 19th century. Settlers discovered that the high elevation created a natural air flow that prevented late-season frost damage to crops. Extensive fruit orchards were planted across the slopes between 1860 and 1880. One notable orchard was established by John Wagner, a Spanish-American War veteran who chose the ridge specifically for its proximity to the bustling Columbus market. The park's current name pays homage to the massive American chestnut trees that once dominated the ridgeline before a devastating ecological blight wiped them out in the early 20th century. The conservation story of the modern 486-acre park began in March 1962. The Metro Parks board announced land acquisition plans to block developers from building a residential housing development called Chestnut Heights. Director-Secretary Walter A. Tucker advocated heavily for the purchase, citing the ridge's immense value as a scenic overlook for central Ohio. The district systematically purchased multiple agricultural parcels over the next two decades. After operating strictly as undeveloped farmland through the 1970s, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park officially opened to the public on December 18, 1988. In recent decades, the park has evolved from a quiet hiking spot into a premier regional destination for outdoor sports. A major turning point occurred in 2010 when the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization (COMBO) partnered with the park district to develop new infrastructure. Volunteers worked extensively to construct a single-track mountain bike trail, which officially opened in October 2011. An expert gravity and flow trail featuring advanced jumps was later integrated into the loop in 2016. Today, the park successfully balances its deep ancient, industrial, and agricultural history with active recreation. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Chestnut Ridge](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CHR_map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Ridge, Meadows, and Homesite Trails, and Law's Lane, which is unmarked on some maps. None of these trails is individually very long, so we will hike a few permutations and loops until we get in 4-5 miles. The hike will be moderately strenuous. **Where We'll Meet** Drive to the rearmost picnic area at the back of the park. There's a latrine here, but there's no water fountain here or anywhere else at Chestnut Ridge. I strongly recommend you bring some water of your own, at least for after the hike. Cell service at the park is spotty, although your GPS will get you there just fine. The map pin I've provided here is exactly where we'll be meeting and should be able to be used directly in Google Maps, although Chestnut Ridge isn't big and you're unlikely to get lost here. **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [BrewDog DogTap](https://drink.brewdog.com/usa/brewdog-dogtap-columbus) for [drinks](https://usa.brewdog.com/pages/brewdog-lineup) and [food](https://usa.brewdog.com/cdn/shop/files/DogTap_Menu_2025_65e1ff8b-97d4-4f26-80f1-68321d482025.pdf?v=17356939232910340498). They also have an outdoor area that's extremely popular. I've had their burgers and their pizza, and I think they're both very good. I also really like their [Cold Beer](https://usa.brewdog.com/products/cold-beer-2024) (that's its actual name), which is their American light lager. BrewDog's actual address is [96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/96+Gender+Rd,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88387c06afa21a85:0x804c611d373d8c54?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and they have a large, free parking lot. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.