Ultra-Marathon

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.

**✅ First class is FREE – only 10 spots available!** Learn real self-defense skills in a small-group setting. No experience needed, open to all adults. 📲 RSVP now and text Jim at **301-326-9146** to confirm—once spots are gone, they’re gone. ## **Free Intro Self-Defense Class – Maryland Systema** Want to learn how to protect yourself while also improving your health, focus, and confidence? Join us for a free first class at **Maryland Systema**, a unique approach to self-defense that blends both physical and mental training. *** ### **Why This Class is Different** Unlike most programs that only teach physical moves, Systema trains your body **and** your mind. You’ll explore: * **Structure** – staying balanced under pressure * **Breathing** – keeping calm and controlling fear * **Relaxation** – avoiding panic and wasted energy * **Movement** – adapting naturally to any situation You’ll also learn to read an attacker’s intentions and respond proportionately—aligned with Maryland’s self-defense laws. *** ### **What You’ll Gain** ✔ Practical skills you can use right away ✔ Better stress control and awareness ✔ Improved strength, mobility, and coordination ✔ Confidence in handling real-world situations *** ### **Class Info** 📍 **Location:** The Compound, Silver Spring (free parking) 🕒 **Length:** 1.5 hours 👥 **Small Group:** Max 10 students for personalized guidance 👖 **What to Wear:** Comfortable long pants and clothes you can move in 💵 **Cost:** Free for first-time students *** ### **How to Join** RSVP here on Meetup to save your spot, then text Jim at **301-326-9146** to confirm. Spots are limited—once the group fills, we close registration. *** **Maryland Systema** Real-world self-defense training for adults—helping you stay ready, stay calm, and stay safe.

One of Adventuring's quirkier traditions is a trek on some stretch of the sprawling Gettysburg Battlefield in mid-January, during what statistically should be the coldest time of year. The secret to keeping warm is to maintain an invigorating pace, with fewer and shorter interpretive stops to discuss the events of July 1863. Plus, we always wind up our day by warming up in a cheerful local tavern with suitable refreshments, alcoholic or otherwise. The advantage we derive by traipsing around the battlefield at such a seemingly inauspicious time is that we can see and appreciate things normally blocked to view when the leaves are out. This year, our itinerary will focus on parts of the battlefield involved with Pickett's Charge, perhaps the most spectacular debacle in American military history. We will hike through segments of both Union and Confederate lines and wind up marching in the very footsteps of the brave but doomed Rebels charging across open fields into the maws of the Army of the Potomac. Our story climaxes with perhaps the most heavily witnessed and recorded same-sex kiss in the entire Civil War. Afterwards we shall repair for recuperation and refreshments at an appropriate town watering hole. Total length of our easy-to-moderate loop hike should not exceed 6 miles, with deceptively little elevation gain over rolling and muddy and/or icy terrain. Bring beverages, lunch and sturdy winter-worthy footwear, and dress in layers. Carpool passengers should pay their drivers $15, and everyone will pay the $5 Adventuring trip fee, cash or Venmo. There will be a pit stop en route at a Sheetz for those wishing to draw rations there. We will gather to form our carpool at 9 a.m. on the Sunday of the MLK Birthday weekend in the Kiss & Ride lot of the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station and should return by 6 p.m. Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release.

Join fellow members of the Virginia Women's Travel Group at the DC Travel & Adventure Show. Meet a new travel buddy to explore the show with. The DC Travel & Adventure show is being held at the Washington, DC Convention Center. We'll meet directly outside the show (Hall C). Attendees are responsible for purchasing their own show tickets. **By Metro:** The Convention Center sits atop the **Mt. Vernon Square/7th Street-Convention Center station,** served by Metro's Green and Yellow lines. Alternatively, take the Red Line to the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station, which is a 5-minute walk from the Convention Center.

Does it feel like the world is ending? Stop doomscrolling and try some vigorous outdoor activity! We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, January 18 to learn about nature and remove invasive plants from everyone's favorite urban island. Meet us at the entrance to the bridge (on the parking lot side, look for the sign) at 10:00 and bring your garden gloves and loppers/pruners if you have them. If not, we can provide gloves and tools. Wear long sleeves and pants and don't forget a water bottle. We will have tasks ranging from easy (cutting English ivy and honeysuckle vines from trees) to hard (sawing down bush honeysuckle). Parking at TRI can be tight if it's a pretty day. When the parking lot is full, you can park in Rosslyn and take the trail down. If you can bike or walk or take public transit, that's wonderful. We'll see you there! Erica, Stephanie, and Heidi P.S. If you can't wait until then to RIP (Remove Invasive Plants!), go here to find more volunteer opportunities in Arlington parks: [Volunteer to Restore Native Habitat – Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (armn.org)](https://armn.org/volunteer-opportunities/)

Join us for a laid-back Sunday Brunch. The Brunch is All-You-Can-Eat buffet and a bottle of Champagne (750 ml) with Orange Juice. You make your own mimosa. Just only for $ 35.00 per person without tax & gratuity! It includes French toast, pancakes, waffles, omelettes made to order, Pasta, Salads, Roast Beef, Pork Ribs, oyster bar, cheese bar and Salmon, plenty of fresh fruit, yogurt, cakes, cookies, and pudding....mmmm! After brunch, we mingle and socialize. http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/8/e/8/600_400350952.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/c/e/e/600_400351982.jpeg

Higher Grounds – Del Ray is part of a growing network of gatherings where we create space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Del Ray who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out? 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

**RSVP Note:** You **MUST** register on links below, **not** on Meetup. **REGISTER: Weekend Advanced: [https://playtennis.usta.com/northbethesdamiddle/BookClass/0e83cd4f-409f-4792-8c76-210f66a4b3f6](https://playtennis.usta.com/northbethesdamiddle/BookClass/0e83cd4f-409f-4792-8c76-210f66a4b3f6)** **REGISTER: Wednesday Advanced: [https://playtennis.usta.com/northbethesdamiddle/BookClass/136f8826-c0e6-460a-9b8b-3c1ddc2e38a6](https://playtennis.usta.com/northbethesdamiddle/BookClass/136f8826-c0e6-460a-9b8b-3c1ddc2e38a6)** **Private Lessons: $70** **[Read the Washington Post article about our class!](https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/its-not-whether-you-win-or-lose-its-how-much-you-sweat/2015/10/07/3b2f26c2-66b9-11e5-9ef3-fde182507eac_story.html)** Cardio Tennis is a game-based, FUN way to play and learn tennis while burning more calories than singles! Instruction and game formats are provided by internationally recognized tennis coach, speaker, author David Robinson; USPTA and PTR certified professional.

The parking lot fills up quickly so make sure to arrive early. Meeting point - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jdRjxPyVEmR45BxDA Questions/lost? Call 240-447-4796 https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/great-falls-park-from-difficult-run 4.3mi Length 393ft Elevation gain Loop The parking lot fills up quickly so make sure to arrive early. A beautiful walk-in route to Great Falls Park along Difficult Run provides great views all along the way. A great loop for hikers that are looking for a little more than a gentle walking path. If you go clockwise, you can enjoy walking towards the Great Falls overlooks.

We will start a walk on Sunday Jan 18th at 8:30am at the Arlington Central Library. We'll meet at the front steps of the library and walk in the neighborhood and on the trails. Kids in strollers and well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome. We estimate the walk will be 60-90 minutes but if you need to leave earlier please just let someone else know. *Your RSVP to this Meetup is your digital attestation & signature that you agree to: RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS, the host and all participants of the event, from any and all claims, demands, losses, and liability arising out of or related to any LOSS/ INJURY, DISABILITY, OR DEATH I may suffer, to person or property, to the fullest extent permitted by law.*

Meeting in the big room at George Mason Library in Annandale, VA, for a get-together to celebrate this Meetup group being 11 years old! We will have food and drink. Bring your favorite prints (2 max and any size) that you took in 2025, and bonus points if they were taken at a Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup. This year we will have three prizes: for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Please review the Meeting Room Terms & Conditions. Only light refreshments, such as granola bars and bottled water, are permitted. Additionally, the meeting room must be cleared no later than 5:55 p.m. Users are responsible for room setup, including arrangement of tables and chairs, and cleanup, including returning furniture to its original placement. Setup/cleanup time should be included in the reservation. Groups are expected to leave rooms in an orderly condition promptly at the conclusion of the reserved time.

**This short & sweet \~2mile moderate loop has some fallen trees & thorns.** Pace: 2mph. The trek explores hidden trails of High Ridge park which were/ are used for bouldering\* & hunting during the Winter season. The circuit begins on pavement, showcasing all of High Ridge parks recreational offerings. After a gander by a Gazebo, the pavement ends as the trek transitions to 'off-trail' via a DIRE DESCENT. From here the hike parallels the Patuxent River alongside occasional rocky outcroppings that lead to a steep yet acute ascent. The trek then meanders through some dead, overgrown vegetation that reveals a spur trail which hides "the boulder"-- unfortunately this is now inaccessible due to a massive fallen Tree. Latter of the circuit wanders about the woodland, snaking through the scenery before crossing a tiny rivulet, then observing an uprooted tree. A short spur to forgotten farm equipment follows. The hike concludes traversing over a benign 'ROOT-BRIDGE', egressing back to the pavement. **Post-social Lunch @Jailbreak Brew/ Foodworks [[location](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cxyt4hZjhLLZABes7) \| [menu](https://jailbreakbrewing.com/foodworks/)]** NOTES: 1\. Trail Forecast= [MAP](https://www.howardcountymd.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/High%20Ride%20Park%20Map.pdf) \| Boots advised; Trek pole\(s\) friendly\.\.\. Restroom on\-site\. 2\. \*For Bouldering interests at this setting: read this [6page pdf.](https://mdguides.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/high-ridge-bouldering.pdf) 3\. This hike was previously canceled; those who RSVP'd before as well as waitlisted attendees with good attendance history may get priority sign\-up\. A 'yes/ attending' RSVP is your digital signature that you've read, understood, & agreed to the [Liability Wavier hyperlinked here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/11SKNnO8e53UeSwvOZ58LPsMhRo1rTWat/view).

**RSVP Note:** You **MUST** register on links below, **not** on Meetup. **REGISTER: Weekend Advanced: [https://playtennis.usta.com/northbethesdamiddle/BookClass/0e83cd4f-409f-4792-8c76-210f66a4b3f6](https://playtennis.usta.com/northbethesdamiddle/BookClass/0e83cd4f-409f-4792-8c76-210f66a4b3f6)** **Private Lessons: $70** **[Read the Washington Post article about our class!](https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/its-not-whether-you-win-or-lose-its-how-much-you-sweat/2015/10/07/3b2f26c2-66b9-11e5-9ef3-fde182507eac_story.html)** Cardio Tennis is a game-based, FUN way to play and learn tennis while burning more calories than singles! Instruction and game formats are provided by internationally recognized tennis coach, speaker, author David Robinson; USPTA and PTR certified professional.

We'll hike about 2.5 miles on the Scioto Audobon Trail and can extend the distance as the group prefers. Will ask one of the faster regulars to take the front (about 16 minute miles) and I’ll bring up the rear at about 19 minute miles. No one left behind. Those who wish can join for lunch at Nocterra after the hike. Note: There is a $5 gift card on the Nocterra site if you provide your email and birthdate.

**New Dojo Location!** **Draft Day Columbus** 1130 Dublin Road Columbus, OH 43215 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for topic suggestions and people interested in presenting at our monthly meetings. To this end we've set up a survey form at [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc)

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.

Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. If trail conditions are poor, we will use the Multipurpose Path.

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. We meet in the bar in the room on the right (the cigar shop). You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant. *** Did you know that there are atheists everywhere?!?! You may not know it, but we are! We're in your schools, diners, police force, military, government, and some are even still in your churches! So come and join us and meet other local atheists, along with agnostics, heathens, humanists, skeptics, and anyone else who's 'hell bound'! Vision: a Central Ohio that accepts atheism as a viable alternative in all areas of public and private life. Mission: grow, support, and provide community for atheists in Central Ohio. Social meetings held most Tuesdays at a local pub/restaurant at 7:00 PM (and often into the wee hours). Attendees call themselves agnostics, skeptics, humanists, non-theists, deists or even theists. All attendees are welcome but should support our vision. Atheists of Columbus (AoC) is part of Omnipresent Atheists (OA). AoC members are invited to join this OA meetup and/or OA Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/omnipresentatheists/ ) but are free to continue conversations on the AoC Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/columbusatheists/ ). AoC was founded in 2012 as a networking, social group for Central Ohio area humanists, skeptics, atheists, agnostics, nonbelievers, freethinkers, and the curious. It was a member of Columbus CoR and held weekly meetings, mostly on Fridays, for several years but then operated as an online only group for some time. In November 2018, Omnipresent Atheists (OA), a group that routinely meets on Tuesdays, invited AoC to merge. Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason (ColumbusCoR.org). Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason ( http://www.ColumbusCoR.org ). Omnipresent Atheists endorses the mission of the Secular Coalition for America ( http://secular.org ).