East End Runners' Blog

Feb 12 Run: Reynolds & Homewood for a Frick Park Run

2012-02-05T12:04:00.001-05:00

Betting that the fine weather will hold, next week gather at the entrance to Frick Park where Reynolds and South Homewood meet in a traffic circle for a run in Frick Park.

The triple thread run brought out a crowd of runners (a host, a clowder, a herd, a ?) including a new runner (Anna), a returning runner (Julie), N. Hills runners (Carrie, Bob and Carol) and a S. Hills runner (Louise). The mild winter weather made for a pleasant run around our beautiful rivers. There were many photo worthy views from bridge decks and river-side paths as the fog lifted with the sunrise. Overall it was just a smooth run - no big surprises or hills (although the steps to the West End Bridge were steep enough).

Even though many people could not join the coffee group there were still plenty left to fill-up such a long-table at Commonplace that I don't know what people at the other end were discussing but I am sure it was interesting!

Feb 5 Run: PPG Place for a triple threat run

2012-01-29T16:16:00.001-05:00

Meet at PPG Place, home of the Tomb of the Unknown Bowler and the Ice Skating Rink for a 3 bridges, 3 rivers, 3 stadium run in honor of Superbowl Sunday (the third stadium is in the planning phase: http://www.riverhounds.com/home/589776.html)

Another crisp and sunny Sunday run, this time along the Mon Valley Heritage Trail. Being winter we could see clearly the post-modern rust-belt scenery across the river as well as panoramic views of the upstream bridges framed in steam and sunlight. I was told by at least two runners to be sure to mention the bouncing bridge over the rail-road tracks that nicely echoed the entrance to the Noah's Ark ride at Kennywood - it did provide the same sense of surprised disorientation, enough to elicit a few yelps of delight. The turn-around point was at the backside of the park where the Thunderbolt and whatever the Steel Phantom is these days overlap. It was a tiny tease of summer to come.

We had quite a few people who joined us for coffee - a nice trend - we can become a running AND Sunday coffee group. Some of the conversations turned to election year matters and Roye kindly explained Stephen Colbert to those of us without cable. There were also discussions about Kindles, ebooks and the library - this was just at my part of the table!

We send healing vibes out to PtB who turned her ankle on the run to the run.

Jan 29 Run: Lowes at the Waterfront

2012-01-23T19:50:00.001-05:00

If weather cooperates (no big snows to block the trails), we will meet at Lowes in the Waterfront Shopping Center for a run to Kennywood and back.

You know it is cold when Tom wears his tights as he did this past Sunday. That did not stop a sizable crew of runners from following Roye on a trip to see small East End gems. There were Moravian stars on Hastings, mosaics on Penn Ave and Currier and Ives street scenes to entertain and distract us. A lovely run for another crisp winter morning.

We visited the CoffeeTree at Bakery Square. Nice big windows but not quite as homey are our regular hang-out.

Jan 22 Run: Coffee Tree Bakery Square, MLK Run: Commonplace

2012-01-15T13:51:00.006-05:00

If you have tomorrow off and would like to run with company, meet at the Commonplace in Squirrel Hill at 7:30AM (note the holiday time).
Next Sunday meet at the Coffee Tree in Bakery Square for a trip through East Liberty and beyond.

While it was chilly, this was a perfect morning to take our first tour of Troy Hill. The bright white air was a clear lens from which to view the panoramic views of the Allegheny river and the city. I almost decided to skip this run, and I am so glad I did not - as Elaine said, Joanne may have already won the award for best run of 2012 (who knew there was one?). Once again I felt like a tourist in my own city. With its narrow streets and shoulder to shoulder brick houses, Troy Hill has a slightly European feel. Joanne was our tour guide, not only leading us to landmarks but providing historical commentary. Consider St. Anthony's Chapel, Pittsburgh's home of 5,000 Catholic related relics, North Catholic High School from where a few influential Pittsburghers graduated or the last remaining piece of the reservoir that once served the city - we saw all of these and more. But of course the highlight was the magnificent vistas, not only on the city-side but even of the surrounding neighboring hillsides - they were more than worth the climb!

We toyed with the idea of stopping at LaPrima for coffee but with no indoor seating we decided to invade the Commonplace. However Roye, stopped by La Prima and surprised us all with warm meles. It just added to the feeling of an unexpected holiday.

And finally from Paula the Brit:

Need to check this with Joanne but here is the run:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/64457270

Run that Lisa (welcome!) and new Joanne are doing:
http://www.smileymiles.com/2011/APP%2011%20021911%20Runnin%20Outta%20Our%20Mine%205K.pdf

And a plea for Pittsburgh Trees, I got the last form in The Common Place but there is an online VERY SHORT survey:
http://www.treepittsburgh.org/urban-forest-master-plan

Jan 15 Run: Washington's Landing for a Troy Hill Run

2012-01-08T17:03:00.002-05:00

Meet at the parking lot right under the 31st St Bridge on Washington's Landing, just off the ramp from the bridge. Both Joanne's (a second Joanne shed her lurking status and joined us) kindly agreed (well, they got dragged) to lead us on a run through Troy Hill, a neighborhood most of us have not explored before. Although it was not discussed we could have coffee at Expresso a mano in Lawrenceville or even go out for breakfast a MauraMori on Butler at 52nd St.

Joanne from Highland Park outdid herself with a new run through Highland Park, the neighborhood and the park. It included wooded trail that paralleled the river and looked over the Highland Park dam - a unique view of both and a trail that I think was unknown to all of us. Then just when I thought we would run by the zoo, back into familiar territory, we headed across the little bridge, up a hill and turned onto Jancey Street in Morningside. It was a neat little circuit.

We truly took over Tazza d'Oro, jamming many tables together and loudly holding multiple conversations at once. Jan had to raise her hand and voice to quiet us down enough to ask a question of the group (are we interested in a group trip to DC - of course!). I could just hear the collective sigh when we left the paper readers and coffee drinkers.

Jan. 8 run - Tazza D'Oro for a Highland Park Run

2012-01-08T16:51:00.002-05:00

[Don't be confused - I just wanted to be sure it was recorded in the blog for future reference - next week's run will be coming soon]

Next up: Highland Park run starting at Tazza D’Oro on Highland Ave. As always we are hoping Joanne will appear and take us around. (No pressure, Joanne!)

We had the usual holiday double whammy this New Year’s weekend – Schenley Park and Homewood cemetery runs that gave just the right amount of heat to fuel some excellent coffee conversation topics. (Perhaps these exercise priorities are not the best.) These turned up the following endorsements which we sort of New-Year's-edly resolved to follow up on.

Oli’s Beadwork – she gives classes in how to do it
Vitamin D: way beyond calcium boosting properties
Upcoming Van Gogh exhibit in Philly: Megabus trip, anyone?
Unclaimed property: you can REALLY get big chunks of cash that is legally yours - affirmed by our RG lawyers
“Gap year”: hate the term but like the idea – should be available for the middle-aged
Bow and arrow: good protection if you are in Ghana
Brandy-soaked Montmorency cherries: in cookies (PtB, was this it?) really in anything
Podcasts: A Way with words; the Moth; The Guardian Books Podcast; Prairie Home Companion
Mindfulness: requiring limiting exposure to the above podcasts
Mindlessness: dog diving at Cabela's (Costco pales in comparison.)

Jan 1& 2 Runs: Starbucks/Commonplace

2011-12-28T18:10:00.001-05:00

Since Sundays take precedence over holidays, meet at 7:00AM on Sunday, Jan 1 to run in the New Year. Gather at Starbucks as Commonplace will be opening later that day.
On Monday, Jan 2 you get to sleep in for a 1/2 hour: meet at 7:30AM in front of Commonplace.

A good number of people showed up for the Christmas morning run, including a few guests. The weather was mild and the streets quiet - perfect holiday conditions. We wandered through Squirrel Hill in search of outlandish decorations and inflatables and were fairly successful although next year we might have to send out notes ahead of time to remind people to turn on those lights.

We squeezed into Starbucks which was full of people looking for coffee and as usual we loudly discussed any number of things. It was a great way to start the day!

Dec. 25 run: Starbucks at Forbes and Shady

2011-12-19T09:49:00.003-05:00

Next week, Christmas Day, we will start at 7 a.m. at the Squirrel Hill Starbucks (Shady and Forbes) since that is the only cafe that is open, and have an Noel-inspired run that will include lights, inflatables, pine trees, and possibly Santa on his way out.

Hopefully we will not have to deal with slipping and sliding over icy terrain as we did yesterday - though it was all a great lead-up to our visit to Penguins' Pond, the new ice rink on the South Side - which was filled with baby Sidney Crosby's zooming around at 8 a.m. Elaine also took us through the super new path in back of the Hofbrau Haus, with only a short incident of illegal trespass, and up a mysterious staircase that led to a remarkable view and the historic, newly refurbished Terminal Building, about which Elaine and Jonathan know a surprising number of things. Coffee was a draw, as usual, and the discussion turned Talmudic as regards the timing of runs on holidays, the proper frying of latkes, and the scheduling of visits to Costco.

Dec 18 Run: Hot Metal Bridge for a SSide Tour

2011-12-11T13:41:00.001-05:00

Meet at the parking lot by the Hot Metal Bridge (enter the lot at the foot of Bates St and make a left) for a run down the trail then back on Carson Street where we will look for displays of the holiday kind.

Run to the Runners meet at the Commonplace - be ready to leave at 6:20AM. We will return there for coffee,

It was seasonably cold this morning for our traditional downtown holiday run. While the decorations were bright as always, they were almost outshone by the spectacular full moon which hung snow white in the dark blue sky as we began then faded to a misty gray in the dawn sky. This did not deter us from visiting all our regular places: the windows at the former Kaufman's, the creche in the Steel Plaza, the City Christmas trees. We added a few new sites, some of which sadly are temporary: Occupy Pittsburgh, the Civic Arena, Pittsburgh Freedom Corner which offered an expansive view of downtown and the Juvenile Court where Tom works.

Today's coffee banter covered beer for nausea, the history of Quinine, Gin and Tonics (you can see the connection there) and more I am sure.

Dec 11Run: PPG Place for the Holiday Run

2011-12-04T11:58:00.001-05:00

Next Sunday meet at the Tomb of the Unknown Bowler a.k.a. the skating rink at PPG Place, for our traditional trip around the downtown holiday sites.

There will be a run to the run from Phipps conservatory starting at 6:15AM.

What started out as a tour of Homestead ended up being much more than that - as someone commented, only Pam Murray could lead us on a back-country run in the middle of Pittsburgh. Right from the outset things were interesting as first one then many decided to take advantage of the bathrooms at the Courtyard Marriott. After gathering stray and late participants we ran on the always lovely riverside path taking in the maze and pump house along the way. Then, what looked to be a shorter path into Homestead, turned out to be an overland trek through one of those unexpected urban wild places ending in a trot by the rail-road tracks complete with speeding trains. We did eventually find our way into Homestead, the land of a 1,000 churches - no kidding, it seemed there were churches on every corner, one more ornate than the rest and several for sale (are you in the market?). It was a run that included something for everyone.

Virginia and Jan joined us for the ever lengthening coffee hour.

Dec 4 Run: By the tall smoke stacks in the Waterfront Parking Lot

2011-11-27T11:20:00.001-05:00

Pam Murray is going to lead another Homestead Church run to start off our month of holiday runs. Meet at the tall smoke stacks in the Waterfront parking lot between Costco and the movie theater (near the Longhorn Steakhouse).

We caught the sunrise in Homestead Cemetery this morning but it was the red/blue/violet sky leading up to it that was the real show. And as often happens in this Cemetery we saw a few deer to add to the bucolic atmosphere. The temperatures were mild making for a pleasant post-Thanksgiving run which seemed to include a few extra hills.

Many stayed for coffee and a few joined, filling up Commonplace with convivial chatter. I noticed that there were no treats bought or brought - perhaps a residual effect from Thanksgiving overindulgence. Despite the lack of carbohydrates we hung out until 9AM, discussing politics, iPhone apps, Thanksgiving adventures, and more.

One of those who stopped by was Max Plotkin. Don't forget that she is hosting an expanded jewelry party this -there will be 6 other displaying their ways artists including herself. All runners, lurkers, friends and family are invited:

Sunday, December 4th, 12:00 - 8:00 PM

1411 Severn Street, 15217 (Max's home)

Alternate parking on Wilkins and Beechwood

Refreshments will be served

Thanksgiving Runs: Commonplace Coffee

2011-11-20T11:59:00.001-05:00

We were having such a good time this morning we forgot to choose a meeting place for next Sunday's run but given the holiday, I am arbitrarily selecting Commonplace Coffee in Squirrel Hill - the usual holiday default location.
I know most people are either out of town or running the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day but you can take your chances and show up at Commonplace on Thursday at 7:30AM (note the slightly later holiday time) and see if any like-minded runners appear.

Only a small group began this morning's run but slowly picked up members, first Michael running down Liberty, then Sharon arriving in her car and finally the run to the runners - in the end it was a fair size group augmented by Jan who seemed to turn up magically everywhere we went even though she was walking (how DID she do that?). On this twist to our usual downtown/ river trail route we started at 21st and Liberty, ran down Penn Ave to the Point - unfortunately we could not quite get there as the fountain is fenced off, although in true EE Runners spirit, we tried - and returned on the trail by the Allegheny all the way to its almost end at the Cork Factory (as Cheryl commented: it's all about beginnings and endings). Along the way we took in the many sites on Penn including the "Horne's" Tree and the Violin Shop. The plantings on the river trail were still attractive in their autumn colors and the river, as always, remains such a strong element of our city's landscape. We ran up and back on the pathway at the Convention Center, although it was slightly disappointing that the water feature and lights were not on. We admired the finials on the 16th Street Bridge while expanding our vocabulary and finally remarked on the currency of the historical marker ("Desperation and Decadence") describing one of the union stand-offs. It was a rich run!

Despite overwhelming the server at La Prima and getting apple instead of almond meles we experienced the usual coffee chat rejuvenation that included a quote about being responsible for the energy you bring to places and a unique display of useless but interesting talents.

Nov 20 Run: 21st & Liberty for a Downtown Run

2011-11-13T16:24:00.001-05:00

Meet in the parking lot at 21st and Liberty (on the left as you look downtown) for a run down to the Point then back on the trail by the river - it should be flat and fabulous. Oh and of course there is La Prima and pastries waiting at the end....

Today's run combined a set of misadventures into one nice adventure. A few of us (ahem) did not carefully read the run directions and were waiting at the wrong entrance to Allegheny Cemetery. Thanks to smart phones we discovered the mistake.The run to the runners just fit into my Fit and we zoomed to the start on Butler Street where we found the pack musing about how to get around some dogs wrestling with their owner at the only opening to the cemetery. It was decided to head uphill, and it was very much uphill, away from the dogs in hopes of finding another entrance. That entrance was to St. Mary's Cemetery where we had never been before - always a treat to admire another Pittsburgh landmark. We did find our way to Allegheny Cemetery where we explored the perimeter and despite traveling some unknown trails today there are still more waiting for us in this beautiful park-like cemetery.

Coffee conversation was raucous and delightfully long. Topics covered were delicious chickens from the East Liberty Saturday Farmer's Market as well as from the Crested Duck at the Pittsburgh Public Market , Mark Bittman's lecture and eating habits, upcoming trips to CA by a trio of runners, possible future runs, taking charge of your own health and more....

Nov. 13 run - Butler St. entrance to Allegheny Cemetery

2011-11-07T09:43:00.001-05:00

Next up: a run through Allegheny Cemetery and environs, starting at the Butler Street entrance (around 47th, there should be on street parking around there) – we may return to the Espresso a Mano café afterwards, or else the usual Commonplace – group will decide.

Taking advantage of the added hour and more daylight, our Schenley Park autumn run was a classic: cool, colorful, and bright with a sizeable crowd. Two new runners joined us, and we had a visit from Ian! Après-run discussions were lively as usual: we seem to be getting louder and louder, and hopefully they won’t throw us out any time soon. Apps, movies, biking, books (GoT of course, and I promised I would mention Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy, a marvel for young teens and everyone else.) Also endorsed: Terra Cafe around Morgantown WV near a great bike trail. I can’t recall much else mainly because I have been distracted by this article in yesterday’s NYTimes that will have us talking for months – suffice it to say that we have some running pioneers among us.

Nov 6 Run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead/ Turn your clock back

2011-10-30T15:26:00.000-04:00

Reminder: Turn your clocks BACK (Fall back) an hour before you go to sleep on Saturday Nov 5th.

Next week meet at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead - the start of trail below the Schenley Oval at Bartlett and The Boulevard)- for a run through Schenley Park while there is a bit of morning light, thanks to the time change (See above).

Tom took us on a very traditional Halloween run through Squirrel Hill this morning, somehow conjuring up fog to complement the theme. We not only saw tombstones, ghosts, cob webs and Halloween Inflatables (that were inflated) but there were also Halloween snowmen - which has to be a first for us. It was a good run for a chilly morning.
Coffee lasted delightfully longer than usual and included three walk-ons: Paula the Brit, Jan and Judy. I don't think there was one mention of Game of Thrones so perhaps that spell is broken.

Oct 29 Run: Tom's House for a Halloween Run

2011-10-24T19:25:00.002-04:00

Perhaps by next Sunday Tom will have found a hidden cache of Halloween Inflatables. But what ever run Tom thinks up is bound to be interesting. Meet at his house (5434 Ayelsboro, close to Forbes) at 7AM.

I was grateful that despite my repeated absences, those that showed up for the run humored my wish to run in Homewood Cemetery. It was a perfect autumn run: slightly misty, sun rising, trees blazing and deer posing - we could not have asked for a lovelier fall morning. With a small group we took over the cozier seats at Commonplace. We were joined by the new physics teacher at Alderdice, a friend of Jan. Without thinking about it I contributed to the continuing "Game of Thrones" references but as usual there were many other topics of conversation.

Oct. 23 Run: Commonplace for an on-the-fly run

2011-10-17T14:34:00.001-04:00

Next up: on the fly, since numerous runners will be in West Virginia and possibly elsewhere, and will begin at Commonplace Coffee.

Yesterday’s Sukkah run was an attempt to correct the impression we got from last year’s, namely that all sukkahs (or sukkot, or sukkos, whatever – temporary huts built to celebrate the Jewish holiday of the same name) are made with PVC pipe and plastic sheeting. (Brings to mind the Hanukkah menorah run, but never mind.) They were: understated yet elegant at Temple Sinai, Martha Stewart-ish at Rodef, struggling to survive the wind and rain at Pitt, and non-Jewish and quirky at CMU, where we also had to dodge insanely speeding buggies. Aligning with our practice of ignoring “Do Not Enter” signs, we ran by a few gigantic mansions in the somewhat hidden Diocese-Bishop/Hillman Family neighborhood – not sure whose was whose. Excellent planning resulted in crossing paths with a Hasid carrying Lulav and Etrog (too complicated - look it up).

At coffee we actually tried and failed to get up and leave several times, and went over the complexities of title insurance, disease or lack thereof in Africa, plumbers we have known, what you can sell at synagogue gift shops, etc. Endorsements: for unputdownable books – Ken Follett, Geraldine Page, Elizabeth George, Philippa Gregory, Ann Patchett (and of course George R.R. Martin who at this point seems like a member of the group). Also: Defending the Caveman, at a theater near you - http://pittsburghclo.culturaldistrict.org/production/30207/defending-the-caveman – which we hope will soon be followed by: Menopause, the Musical - http://www.menopausethemusical.com/.
Shout-out to PtB, who is traveling and receiving honors in her native land.

Oct 16 Run: Commonplace for a Sukkah Run

2011-10-10T12:00:00.005-04:00

Autumn = Sukkot = Sukkah
Join Elaine and Roye as they make a tour of the entries in Pitt's Sukkah contest. Meet at the Commonplace. For those who are not Jewish read about Sukkahs here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukkah and http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday5.htm

Someone may still send out a description of this past Sunday's run.

Oct 9 Run: Frick Park: Blue Slide

2011-10-07T19:10:00.000-04:00

Since this past Sunday's run was rained out there will be a re-try of that run. Meet at the Blue Slide Park on Beechwood Boulevard for a run to Duck Hollow and back. Note that it was not clear who is leading so it might end up being a jaunt around Frick Park and its environs.

Oct 2 Run: Blue Slide Park on Beechwood Blvd

2011-09-25T15:24:00.000-04:00

This is getting to be too easy for me! I opted to take advantage of the decreasing number of warm mornings and take a single out on the river but the trusty reporters came through with the information you need.

From Virginal Linn (who has a very nice article in the Post Gazette this morning):
We are meeting at Blue Slide Park to do a loop through Frick Park that will take us to Duck Hollow and back through Somerset to Blue Slide Park.

Also, could you send out an alert that sign-ups open on Tuesday for the 2012 Pittsburgh Marathon/Half Marathon (will be held first Sunday in May 2010) and that for Tuesday only the registration fee will be the cheapest ($65) for the half marathon. On Wednesday, those fees jump to $75. Thanks

And from Paula the Brit:

A grand turnout of Great Racers (Racers of Greatness or Racers of the Great Race??)

Cheryl and her brother Paul, Keri, Karen, Richard (of yoga), and Wendy gathered at the pre-race sanctuary of Pam and Chris' beautiful, Beechwood Blvd home. Sarah and her husband Jason and Tom were met out on the starting line.

A little warm for me but almost perfect conditions reminded us (I hope) that Pittsburgh is a Great city to live in or near, and Squirrel Hill (sorry but I am unashamedly biased) is a Great neighborhood to launch almost 8,000 runners towards their goal of the downtown. Of course if the PAT cuts hadn't been so severe we might simply have been able to take the 61s to the downtown instead of having to run.

Results are already up:

http://results.active.com/pages/page.jsp?eventLinkageID=2949

Thanks must go firstly to Pam and Chris for making welcome the random ealry birds who need the loo.

Then to all those souls who line the route and cheer, the police and crossing guards who offer enthusiasm not just thinking of the overtime, the college bands, the water stop teams, and those runners who allow slower beings to tag along, dragging them across the finish line - they know who they are.

I read an interview once with an Olympic athlete. He was asked what made an athlete as opposed to just a recreational sports person..... those that keep going despite feeling sick, tired, cold etc. he replied. I was delighted to point out to Iain that I am.... ergo.... an athlete, as I feel sick right from the get go but keep going. Iain kindly pointed out that perhaps the Olympian was referring to more than the nausea of unfitness and hitting the 0.01mile wall. Oh no I don't think so....

So here's to all those athletes in the EERs (lurkers included)!

Sep 25 Run: Great Race or Common Place

2011-09-19T19:11:00.000-04:00

Thank-you to Paula the Brit who is doing a cracking job of documenting the runs while I am off rowing.

Sunday 25th is the 32nd Great Race - please do cheer on EERs in the race and for those not running TGR there will be the usual meet at The Common Place 7am . In fact you really could do both.....

http://www.rungreatrace.com/10k_run.htm

Weather was perfect (for me at least) cool, a little cloudy. A game troupe assembled at the Hot Metal offices' car park for one of my favourite (today is a British spelling day) runs. Judy Vernick joined us finally. Judy is a long time, not quite "lurker" as she replies to emails about advice but has NEVER run with The Pack. Point of (useful) info - her husband is a notary. And unlike UPMC who wanted to charge $50 PLUS a per page charge PLUS a mileage charge to visit someone in UPMC where this thing (blue badges) must be wickedly common - Lloyd charged the PA legal costs (interestingly nowhere near the UPMC costs) and came to our house. So you now have a notary contact.

Guided deftly by Jonathan we found this week's entrance to the still-under-construction Bates Street intersection with the Jail Trail and The Pack set off at a cracking pace. Judy, Sharon and I followed at triathlon training pace. Pittsburghers are so very lucky with these riverside trails - support them!

http://www.friendsoftheriverfront.org/

We tried to make it a bit illegal as we hopped over the barriers and ran across the far side of Smithfield bridge. But the traffic stopped and honked in support - "NO you don't get it - we are trying to be naughty!" Ah well....

So back up the Monongahela with lovely sun across the river. Steady pace, breeze for the virtuous, til we landed home to roost in the car park again. Given that some of us were triathlon training we missed the conversation - erudite as it will have been but off to coffee.

Elaine with new improved arm joined us, and Jan and another Judy (Shimm ) which is why I get confused. Conversationturned often to books. The Game of Thrones (again - just give in and read the bloody thing) echoes of the Thomas Covenant which I highly recommend. As our TV package seems to cover just Steelers games and 5 channels of the City Chambers I will not get to see the HBO version until it's Netflix-ed.

http://viewers-guide.hbo.com/game-of-thrones/

Sep 18 Run: Hot Metal Bridge for S. Side Loop

2011-09-11T12:20:00.002-04:00

Cheryl offered to take us on her South Side/Jail Trail Loop to get us ready for the Great Race the following Sunday. Meet at the parking lot just by the Hot Metal Bridge. You enter at Bates Street and head down toward the bridge. There will likely be a run to the run from Squirrel Hill.

I am sure the exotic name (who can resist a beach in Lawrenceville?) was partly responsible for the big turn-out for today's run. We had close to 20 runners, including Sharon returning from an injury, the occasionally seen Michael from Regent Square and a guest Pittsburgh celebrity. The run was worth it - yes we saw a beach of sorts, right by the 40th Street bridge but we also traveled a hidden wooded trail by the river and through some rarely seen Lawrenceville streets. There was much to see: ducks and rowers on the river (yay!), geese flying in V-formation overhead, bright wall murals, sunflowers shooting up in a very small patch of dirt in front of a house, several recommended restaurants and bakeries, open lots that looked like meadows, newly rehabbed houses and more.

We had coffee at Expresso a Mano which could easily be a "sister-shop" to Commonplace - its vibe and dedication to great coffee was very similar. Hopefully our numbers and combined noise did not discourage the regulars.

Run Map from Aimee's iPhone:
Date: Sep 11, 2011
Distance: 4.74 mi
Duration: 50:45
To view 'iMapMyRUN: Sep 11, 2011 8:03 AM', follow the link below:http://www.mapmyrun.com/view_workout?w=743131574262235668

Run Map from Elaine Mormer who created the great run:
http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=451028

Sep 11 Run: Expresso a Mano for a Laurenceville Beach Run

2011-09-05T15:49:00.000-04:00

In my absence Paula the Brit took up the pen with admirable results:

Next week will be a Laurenceville Beach Run details to be unveiled and coffee at Espresso a Mano: between 36th and 37th Streets on Butler.

Today's (Labor Day) report and route:

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/49244928

A chipper group assembled in the rain for the holiday run. Remember we have a standard with rain on runs - pointed out Roye - oh no pressure - us against the summer storms. But we held to at least a "soft" rain reminiscent of a British bank holiday - to allow that great British tradition of barbequeing whilst under an umbrella.

A flock of young antlered bucks watched us unperturbed in Homewood Cemetery.... clearly the damp, chattering Pack were no threat. Where were the young does we wondered? It seems that young bucks do form groups:

http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/white-tailed_deer.htm

Jan joined us for coffee along with Paula the Brain, Jonathan and Tom. Topics meandered from "running" wives and husbands a la "work" wives and husbands which led obviously to polygamy to books (Under heaven's banner) to TV (Big Love) to MadMen (yes series 1-4 now on Netflix streaming)

http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/Mad_Men/70136135?trkid=2361637

MAKE YOUR NETFLIX DECISION NOW IF YOU HAVEN'T DONE SO!!!!!!!

Hidden costs of food and dietary fads to Boon County West Viginia and The Whites and four laners to Cabelas not Madonna's cult but a monster hunting, shooting and fishing store in Wheeling:

http://www.cabelas.com/ghome.jsp?WT.z_mc_id1=43000000135012751&pcrid=6866394984&WT.srch=1&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=google|Brand+Geo_Wheeling+WV+Misspell|USA&rid=20

Makes Dicks look like Tiddlers - but do they have the early fall colour camo outfits which so bring out my eyes I wondered?

Sunday's Report:

Not sure who is doing what to whom etc but here is today's route:

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/49100498

I'm sure someone else will wax lyrical but some notes from today for someone to use as an aide memoire - a large cheery crowd celebrating the holiday weekend headed out through the roads to do 1/2 the Wendy Bennett and then skipped up onto the golf course to run back up Forbes to particularly wonderful coffee.

Overheard on the run were conversations about some online scrabble thing, e-books vs. books, social networks... but here's my thought.... wonderful as FB-ing long lost or distant friends is - what happens to those more local? In the time one might spend in a virtual world of socialising one could see some people in the flesh. Is there a risk of preferring the non face to face? And for what reasons..... whilst claiming we are being "social"? Just a mull.

Why do phones need their batteries taken out once a week?

Is Costco open tomorrow.... no!

Despite it being sticky - how I long for the day one sweats into the run or after as opposed to immediately getting a sweaty sheen as soon as stepping out of the door - it was a nice run in one of our beautiful parks and our beautiful streets. The EERs are really very lucky with all that is on their doorstep.

And today's quote:

from Elaine "there is tomorrow"

indeed there is.

Sun Sep 4 & Labor Day Runs: Commonplace Coffee

2011-08-30T08:49:00.001-04:00

It is an old refrain but really where has the summer gone? This coming weekend is the Labor Day Holiday and the runs will stay close to home base: Sunday 7AM @ Commonplace Coffee in Squirrel Hill,

Monday 7:30 AM @ Commonplace Coffee (Holiday = sleep in).

Teri organized a complete Sunday morning event for us this past week. It began with a run through Frick Park during which she introduced us to Geocaching - a fun activity for all ages complete with prizes! Back at her house she fed us a scrumptious breakfast complete with homemade scones and muffins. If that were not enough she also hosted a book swap - I saw quite a few people walk away with new reading material. It was a pleasant way to start the summer to fall transition.

Aug 28 Run: Terri's house for run and book swap

2011-08-21T17:24:00.000-04:00

Next week Terri Malmstrom has graciously offered to lead a run and host an end of summer book-swap. Terri lives at the Wilkins end of Severn Street in Squirrel Hill. If you are not sure where it is, just park on Wilkins or at the foot of Severn where it intersects with Wilkins. You will be sure to find the group by the chatter!

Bring any books you'd like to "swap." Those that are leftover, will make their way to the library or other worthy cause. This is the second time we have done this and last time I got some great reads so give it a try. Terri is also providing coffee (thank-you!).

We had a new twist on a familiar run today. Elaine led us down Carson Street, which had more foot traffic than I remember from previous Sunday mornings. Tom introduced us to the The Milkshake Factory which in addition to drinks also makes chocolates - sadly it was not open at 7:20 AM on a Sunday morning.
But the real jewel of the run was the The Riverwalk Corporate Center formerly the Terminal Building. It's brick facade has been cleaned, windows replaced and it is now inhabited by small business, such as the embroidery shop that led Elaine to this discovery. We were all taken by the period lettering on the facades and the feeling we had been transported to another time or place. But - that was not all - at the end of the building was a sweeping overlook of the a side of the city we rarely see (not to mention the jail). From there we took the riverside trail back to the Hot Metal bridge. It was good to see the occasional flock of runners and bikers starting to take advantage of this Pittsburgh perk.

Aug 21 Run: Hot Metal Bridge

2011-08-17T17:19:00.000-04:00

Elaine Mormer has dreamed up an intriguing sounding run for this coming Sunday:
Meet at the Hot Metal Bridge for a run on the flat South Side trail and neighborhood, with a new side street and staircase.
Note there is a parking lot just beside the bridge - you enter at the foot of Bates Street.

I was not on last Sunday's run and did not get an update but I am sure it was a fine one.

Aug 14 Run: Phipps for a Tom's Special

2011-08-07T16:45:00.000-04:00

Tom has offered to lead the run next week which means it will be interesting. Meet at Phipps.

Today's run ended with a story and a metaphor: "Don't drive the wrong way on a one way street" which apparently applied to several of the on the run conversations. Roye claims the group has now reached a new level although it may be that we were all just suffering from the heat. In any case our tour of many of the trails in Frick Park, while hot, was distracting and shady.

Most of us on the run could not go to coffee but apparently several people came by to fill in the gaps.

Aug 7 Run: Entrance to Frick Park at Reynolds St

2011-07-31T19:32:00.000-04:00

Meet at the entrance to Frick Park at Reynolds and S. Homewood Ave for a trek through one of our lovely parks.
I am sure there will be a Run to the Run from the CommonPlace - watch your email for the exact time.

It was slightly cooler and certainly clearer this morning for the Strip district loop. It lived up to its reputation as a favorite: lots of river views and now a stunning new trial connection by the convention center which offers direct access to the wall of water feature, no more climbing over fences. We waited to see if we could catch a glimpse of triathletes but our timing was off.

The warm weather did make sitting outside of La Prima a treat. The only disappointment was the usual mele supplier was late and the ones from Enrico, while they did have fresh fruit filling, did not quite live up to the melt-in-your-mouth ones.

Jul 31 Run: Parking Lot at Liberty & 21st in Strip

2011-07-28T10:00:00.000-04:00

Meet at the Liberty Commons parking lot at 21st Street and Liberty for a favorite loop around the Allegheny River. We may even catch site of a few Triathletes on the way. Coffee and meles at Enrico afterwards - yumm.

I was away again but I am sure last week's run was entertaining given the Vintage Grand Prix centered course. Here is the map of the run (thanks PtB):

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/41965606

Cars and cantering.

If you remember, I asked for recommendations for a computer repair shop and every recommendation I got, but one, was for the same place (which I find is unusual) so I thought I would pass it on:
Kevin's Computers at Hobart and Wightman:

http://www.kcponline.com/

Jul 24 Run: CommonPlace Coffee in Squirrel Hill

2011-07-18T16:44:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Paul the Brit for taking up scribe's duty while I was rowing away in Boston:

Next week we will do something involving the cars. PtB will lead. Meet at The Common Place. And in an unusually organized fit we planned the week after's run which will be something across the Allegheny around Washington's Landing/boat houses ???? to catch Aimee's husband emerging majestically, from the river to do stage 2 of the triathlon. Not sure he will be wearing a bikini, singing about mango trees, so sadly Sean Connery is unlikely to be present.

Not sure who agreed to do the writing but words that spring to mind are:

Welcome to Sarah Ross our newest member.

The hat of birthdays was worn by PtB and passed on to Sarah who's birthday is SOON but not as SOON as Dr P's (Pam) who won't be with us next week.

Wonderful clear day and views of the downtown and rivers from the dizzy heights of Greenfield. Aimee did a sterling job of guiding us round hills (but not too many to be honest) to catch these views frequently. And then to finish off with some secret city steps.

We saw a cutie house where Teri grew up. Tom may also have grown up in Greenfield but I missed that bit. Tom did tell us a tale of the Pittsburgh defenders setting up artillery bases high up on Bigelow in case General Lee paid a visit. I am not up on my american history so forgive me. I suspect General Lee took one look at the hills (and in those days the lack of IKEA or Crate and Barrel) and went off somewhere flatter.

Talk at coffee was of..... I arrived a little later with Karen so fill in the blanks but the Race Around the Square was mentioned, the Great Race, Harry Potter and the costume of lipliner (Teri took her daughter's to the showing at midnight and everyone was in costume). A spontaneous, minimalist affair that Jean Muir would have approved of, and Teri's daughter's were envied of.

That is all I can remember.

I am pretty certain this is it:

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/41931450

July 17 run - from Wendy Bennett Trailhead in Schenley Park through Greenfield

2011-07-11T12:20:00.002-04:00

Next Sunday is a Greenfield run led by Aimee, starting at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead.

This Sunday’s run gave a bleakly hot summer day a cool and refreshing start at least. Wendy and I, leading from behind much of the way in time-honored tradition, brought our sizeable group down a newish cool and shady path through Frick Park, zigzagged by cute hopping bunnies and misty slanted rays of sun. We crossed over Commercial St., and followed another newish path to the Monongahela dock where a day of fishing and beer apparently starts early. Nobody defected at that point however. Detour to adorable Duck Hollow and an analysis of its tiny ceramic animal shrine in relation to the Blessed Mother one. Climbed the killer hill back up to Summerset, where we marveled at its resemblance to a set for The Truman Show. We considered leaping over the gate into the pool, the second time on the run we were almost seduced into our habitual brush with the law, the first being the earthmoving equipment whose gigantic seats and shovels were just perfect photo ops. Oh well - maybe next time. Coffee was delightful as usual enhanced by a super pumpkin bread made by Carrie (maybe this is the one) and talk of summer weekends away. This led to endorsements: The Cambridge Suites in Torontowhich provides free bicycles, and Jeni’s ice cream in Columbus which is also available at ruinous (but maybe worth it) expense at Whole Foods.

Jul 10th Run: Blue slide playground for a Duck Hollow run

2011-07-05T10:36:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Wendy for leading next week's run as well as her recounting of the holiday runs:

Roye and I will co-lead from the Blue slide playground. We'll head thru Frick Park down to Commercial and across Nine Mile Run to Duck Hollow.

Heads up to runners: It might be a somewhat longer than usual route.

It was an especially steamy couple of runs, Sunday downtown over bridges and Monday locally thru Murdoch Farms. Both outings concluded with Commonplace Coffee gabfests with subjects ranging from Haikus for Jews, why there is no Nobel Prize award for math, why it's not a good idea to wear a Pirates cap in Red Sox country, the difficulties of searching for alcohol on an early holiday morning and guilty pleasure books like Game of Thrones. We welcomed Bud and Susan Hunt at the Monday run and PtB shared some scrumptiously patriotic cherry/white choc chip/blueberry shortbreads, representing her maiden voyage as a cookie baker. Believe it or not!

http://jewishjokes.tripod.com/haikus4jews.htm

http://nobelprizes.com/nobel/why_no_math.html

http://www.foodster.net/2011/07/july-4th-cookies.html#tp

http://www.amazon.com/Game-Thrones-Song-Fire-Book/dp/0553573403

July 4th Run: Commonplace Coffee at 7:30AM

2011-06-30T16:19:00.000-04:00

After consulting with PTB we arbitrarily decided to go with the usual Holiday Run - so meet at Commonplace Coffee in Squirrel Hill at 7:30AM and participate in a run chosen by the majority of attendees in celebration of the democratic process.

July 3rd Run: PPG Place, July 4th Run TBD

2011-06-27T19:17:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Elaine Mormer for capturing this past Sunday's run:

We decided to embrace the fourth of july festivities and Regatta by taking in River views of the preparations. ….Meet at PPG place for a rivers and bridges run, with views of the sand sculpture at Point Park.

Sunday’s run took a leafy course skimming the upper trails of Frick Park. We visited a robust tree planted by Iain in the Frick Park basin. The group was relatively small, but boldly faced the wooded hilly trails for a 5 mile loop back to coffee.

Thanks to Paula tb for mapping the route…http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/38891580

Watch this space for information on a July 4th run.

Jun 26 Run: CommonPlace Coffee

2011-06-19T20:29:00.000-04:00

After two "designer" runs, next week will be local. Meet at the CommonPlace Coffee shop for what will likely be a Frick Park run.

Today we ran on the newest portion of the trail connecting Pittsburgh and Washington D.C. It was classic Pittsburgh: steep wooded hill on one side, on the other a little more greenery, train tracks, the river and Steel Mills on the far bank - that Western PA mix of nature and industry that surrounds us. We ended up on the backside of Kennywood, looking at the abstract sculpture that two of the roller coasters make and wondering if we could easily sneak into the park (we did not).

More iPhone chat at coffee, along with all the other usual diverse topics such as reading cookbooks on the beach.

Jun 19 Run: Lowe's in Waterfront

2011-06-12T12:38:00.000-04:00

Meet at Lowe's in the Waterfront for a run somewhere near there that may or may not include Kennywood (discussion over coffee was raucous and I did not catch all the details!). Park in the Lowe's parking lot but close to the road not the store.

Run to the run: 6:15AM at the CommonPlace Coffee Shop in Squirrel Hill.

It must be summer:

Many people were there
We hosted out of town guests both at the run and after
We diverted from the original run plan (a sign of vacation laxness creeping in)
It was hot and humid
We saw an exotic flower in Panther Hollow
We took up all of CommonPlace's outdoor seating and more (it was a little street party)
Great enthusiasm was showered on a father and daughter who were promoting an Urban Chicken Coop tour
Two members have children graduating from high-school today (congratulations Wendy and Virginia)
Map of the challenging and impromptu run: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/37279906

News of Note:

Our own Virginia Lynn writing in the Post Gazette: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11162/1152816-109.stm

Texture Contemporary Ballet Company Performances: July 8th @ 8pm, July 9th @ 2pm and July 9th @ 8pm

Get tickets at: http://www.showclix.com/search/Texture%20Contemporary%20Ballet

This is the group my son, Edward, will be dancing with.

June 12 run: Schenley Park starting at Wendy Bennett Trailhead

2011-06-05T22:58:00.001-04:00

Next week’s run through the leafy environs of Schenley Park, starting at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead (entrance to Schenley Park below the Oval).

So gather round to hear the Legend of the Founding Mothers! Handed down to us today by Elaine, who conferred with her fellow FM, Susie Hall, on Friday night, and hereby confirmed: It was a day in 1992 at the Toy Lending Library, when she, Susie, and Bobbie K. decided to overcome the obstacles to running presented by their young families, and pledged to head out every Sunday morning at 7 a.m.– and soon thereafter were joined by another Susan H., and then Elena, and then Tom, and ultimately… everyone else. And so it began, the Running Group, soon to reach its 20th anniversary! We need to start planning an event: direct flight to Paris, anyone?

That history culminated a delightful though slightly muggy run through the strip, over to Herr’s Island and back, where we ran by, among other things, a leaping woodchuck/groundhog (not sure), the cheery blue and yellow Gran Chapiteau of Cirque de Soleil, and the new path along the river past the Convention Center – at which point we glanced up beyond the eerily dark underground water path to catch sight of more cheery blue and yellow - the Megabus making its stop.

Coffee at La Prima was in fact primo due to the conjunction of: lots of us, coffee aromas, balmy outdoor temperature, and fresh out of the oven meles. And, of course, the Legend.

Endorsements:
 Glass blowing classes at the Pittsburgh Glass Center: http://www.pittsburghglasscenter.org/classes/classes-page.aspx
 Trader Jack’s Flea Market in Bridgeville: http://traderjacksfleamarket.net/ - they have plants! But according to many of us, it is practically in West Virginia.
 Rosemary olive oil cake – not sure which recipe was referred to but this one looks pretty good! http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/rosemary-olive-oil-cake-recipe.html

Jun 5 Run: 21st and Penn for a Strip Run

2011-05-30T13:00:00.000-04:00

Meet at the Liberty Commons Parking lot at 21st and Penn for what should be a fun run in the Strip. The section of the trail by the convention center is complete and it is the last day that the big Cirque du Soleil tent will be up so lots to see. I am sad I won't be there (first sprint race of the season) so take good notes!

Sunday's run was a fine one - through Frick Park, the community gardens and the cemetery. The cemetery was all decked out for memorial day making the run holiday appropriate. We lingered long over coffee feeling those first drowsy days of summer approaching. The anticipation of vacation dies hard even after years of being away from school.

Some recommendations for area nurseries:

Brenkles Farm and Green Houses in Troy Hille: http://www.brenckle.com/

Amazing variety of annuals, perennials and vegetables spread out over lots of green houses. The plants are very healthy and the prices reasonable. Plus it is worth the little drive to get there - a bit of the country in the city!

McTighes Nursery in Glenshaw (up route 8) - it has a beer distributor attached so you can kill two errands at the same time!

May 29, 30 Runs: Commonplace Coffee

2011-05-22T13:30:00.001-04:00

With all this cool, wet weather it is difficult to believe that next weekend is the Memorial Day Holiday. Since many people will be traveling we will save all the interesting runs for later in the summer: meet at Commonplace Coffee on both days for close to home runs.
On holidays we let everyone sleep in so Monday meet at 7:30AM.

As usual, Tom lead us on a thoughtfully planned run - this one was in retaliation for the stadium run that never happened - baseball was the link that tied the various stops. While it was outrageously hilly, it did mean that we could pause for moments to check out the view or the point of interest. Plus we found some new hidden parts of Oakland that were worth the climb. Here is the route from PtB:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/35068694
As she said it seemed a lot longer than 4 miles!

Jan's Chiropractor, Bill Marino, stopped by for coffee. He is a runner and is recommended by Jan so if you are looking for this kind of help check him out at 412.421.0783.

New iPhone tip for actually closing applications you don't want running in the background (these would be the ones you don't use often):
Removing the Application from the Recents List There's actually a much simpler approach for quitting apps, and that's to use your recent app list. Double-click the home button to display the recently accessed applications. Press and hold any of the icons shown, then navigate to the application you want to quit and tap the red circled minus button. This sends a signal to the application in question that allows it to quit. The application will be re-added to the recents list the next time you launch it.

May 22 Run: Phipps for a Tom's Special

2011-05-15T12:34:00.000-04:00

Meet at Phipps for one of Tom's specialty runs - or at least something mildly interesting.

I got this quick report from Pam Murray about today's run:
we four did the Chatam drizzle to the rock band
Which sounds both cryptic and interesting!

For those of you running the 1/2 marathon - I looked very hard at 32nd and Liberty and missed most of you (I did however see many rowers - strange)! I guess this is not surprising given the amazing number of people that were running at the 2 mile mark. It was inspiring and humbling to watch those waves of people stream by. I hope you all had the race you wished for.

May 15 Run: CommonPlace or something else

2011-05-10T19:55:00.002-04:00

The regular run will meet at the CommonPlace coffee shop for a group selected run.

Note that it will be Marathon Sunday and many in the group are participating. A few of us (well two of us) were thinking about ways we could intercept the 1/2 marathon and cheer everyone on. Unfortunately the 1/2 marathon starts at 7AM making it difficult to run to the course and leave at the regular time. So if you are up for an adventure and an earlier start, meet at the Morewood street parking lot at CMU (one of the few places you can drive to and still be able to get back to the East End) at 6:30AM and we will run down to 32nd and Liberty. This is the 2 mile mark so everyone will be perky. It will be about 5 miles from start to finish but of course the return will be all up hill :-(. Please send email to me (Anne Jane: annejane@gmail.com) if you think you will be there.

The Race for the Cure was last Sunday so only 5 of us showed up for a quieter but still supportive run. We took a pleasant loop hitting many Squirrel high points (literally - there were lots of hills!), including Frick Park and the cemetery. It really was a lovely spring run with a pleasant chat over coffee where we only talked about 1 iPhone app.

May 8 Run: CommonPlace Coffee or Race for the Cure

2011-05-01T12:49:00.000-04:00

This coming Sunday, Mother's Day, those not running in the Race for the Cure will meet at our default event location, CommonPlace Coffee for a "whatever we choose" run.

While today was not meant to be an adventure run it turned into one. It started out innocently enough, we ran through Squirrel Hill all decked out for spring and down into Panther Hollow to Greenfield. As always we blithely ignored the "Stairs Closed" sign at the foot of the very long staircase (good exercise for the quads and butt) up the hill to St. Rosalia's Academy. About 1/2 way there were no more stairs! Granted the steps that had been there had some gaps but they were still claimable. Faced with retracing our route (yuck) or moving forward, this intrepid band scaled the very steep hill-side studded with glass with not one injury or pulled muscle. Look for a link to photos commemorating the climb.

Sharon, PtB and Iain joined us for the usual rowdy coffee hour. Discussion topics ranged from the Royal Wedding to a recommendation for the very long series of novels, Game of Thrones: enough reading (or listening) to last a long time.

Finally a reminder that Sunday, May 15 is the Pittsburgh Marathon. Quite a few of the members are running some or all of it.

May 1 Run: CommonPlace for a Panther Hollow Greenfield Run

2011-04-24T12:29:00.000-04:00

Meet at CommonPlace Coffee in Squirrel Hill for a longish run through Panther Hollow, Greenfield lower and upper (we will climb those fun steps by St. Rosalia's) - our first run of May!

We dithered around enough this morning that the rain stopped by the time we finally set out, pleasing those who had considered going home and running later (or not). It was a Chatham, dead-end, all uphill, really spring run. Yes we ran through Chatham and explored several dead-ends including one above 5th Ave where we stopped to admire the Mansion at Maple Heights. We ran back up lovely Murray Hill Ave, deciding beauty trumped our desire for a more gradual up-hill route. Trees are now in full flower and we even spied a dogwood starting to bloom. It was an appropriate run to welcome spring.

CommonPlace was closed for Easter so we once again invaded the Sunday morning quiet at Coffee Tree. At one point there were at least 3 discussions happening at one time several across the tables - amazing!

In a blatant display of parental pride I wanted to let the group know that my son Edward will be here this summer to dance with Texture Contemporary Ballet Company. This is a summer company comprised of current and former dancers at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre as well as former and current PBT grad students several of whom are now dancing professionally with other companies around the US. They will be performing July 8,9 at the New Hazelett Theater on the North side. They don't have a website but you can find them on Facebook. I will send out more information as the time gets closer.

April 24 (Easter Sunday) run: Commonplace Coffee to start

2011-04-17T23:42:00.002-04:00

Next up: April 24, Easter Sunday – will start at Commonplace Coffee and go somewhere, depending.

Today’s running weather was like Baby Bear’s porridge – not too cold, not too hot – and the route took us from Pt. Breeze to Regent Square – almost close enough to Virginia’s house to smell the coffee – and then back again through Frick Park and the cemetery, where the new leaves are just a green haze in the distance. Continued grumbling was overheard regarding the failure several weeks ago to circle PNC Park on Opening Day – it’s clear it won’t stop until we correct this outrage - and some more, though not nearly as much as you would expect, on the seemingly endless uphill stretches. We asked group scientist Jan how it is possible to go up so much more than down, and she assured us that Pittsburgh geological conditions are unique in this regard. However, she was adamant on the point of handwriting analysis, which is COMPLETELY unscientific. By the time we got to that, we had settled down to coffee, where – probably to make up for last week – iPhones were laid down on the table like revolvers in a John Wayne film, and the tip of the week is: use some app (ask Aimee) to let you read .pdf’s on it, and then transfer all your recipes! You can also see the Taylor Allderdice yearbook for Max’s Dad’s class (he is 95) from cover to cover. BUT can you watch Breaking Bad on it? More grumbling surfaced about how you can’t do anything these days that doesn’t involve Facebook or Groupon – but then it became clear that the latter was instrumental in getting some of our runners into rowing, about which they are pretty psyched, so hey, it’s not all bad. Just so they don’t jump ship!

Apr 17 Run: Entrance to Frick Park at Reynolds and S. Homewood

2011-04-10T12:17:00.000-04:00

Hoping that the warm weather brings out the leaves, we will run in Frick Park next week. Meet at the entrance across from the Frick Art Museum at the junction of Reynolds and Homewood Avenues.

Today felt like the first official Spring run of 2011. There was a slight mist on the river, the air felt milder and daffodils were blooming along the S. Side trail - it was a welcome change after what seemed like endless gray days. We ran a big loop along the Mon: down on the Jail Trail, across the Smithfield Street Bridge, up the S. Side Trail and then back across the Hot Metal Bridge - a route full of scenic views and interesting sites. We even raced (well race might be too strong a word) a barge up the Mon and beat it before we had to turn off.

As a sign that Spring has come, talk at coffee included gardening but also consignment stores. Wendy recommended: Designer Days Boutique on Ellsworth Ave. And because we can't go too long without discussing iPhones, Teri captured our attention on the run with her experiences at an iPhone workshop at the Apple Store.

Today's route, thanks to PtBrit:

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/31385554

April 10 Run: Jail Trail/South Side from Hot Metal Bridge/2nd Ave. side

2011-04-03T22:34:00.001-04:00

Meet at the parking lot near the Hot Metal Bridge - 2nd Ave. side - for a Jail Trail/South Side run. Coffee place TBD - Big Dog on Sarah St.?

It was a grey day later on today, but not for our valiant and irrepressible band (many of whom awesomely started in Squirrel Hill) who got the benefit of a glowing sunrise over misty rivers from three (count 'em!) bridges this morning. This had apparently been billed as an Opening Day run, and since we only got a distant glimpse of PNC Park, we heard some grumbling from Tom about being brought to this run under false pretenses. We hope there will be no legal action. Speaking of which, we once more were guilty of flouting the law as we slinked past and clambered over various barriers trying to reach Pt. State Park but were turned back as the City Works employee drove his truck directly at us making threatening hand gestures. This did allow us to give a second greeting to a friendly man camped out overnight on the overpass - he was rather forgiving of our disturbing him.
Other things of note: three spots where we were provided with some decent party music; patterned river sludge on the Mon Wharf; special appearances of Virginia's lovely daughter Abby and of Sharon who is in between trips to Africa. And nobody looked at their iPhone during coffee!

Now this from our foreign correspondent: PtB:

"For Tom we were looking at flotsam and jetsam and there is a difference - a legal difference - so Tom worthy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flotsam_and_jetsam

And I came across a recipe for a British fruit jelly which is different to a jam but reminded me of that great evening at Wendy's when we were "canning". And what to do with windfall apples. Rose Prince wrote a great book called /The New English Kitchen/ which looks at what we buy, cook etc and being more careful, having less leftovers, what to do with the leftovers, buying different things to create good meals, with less money etc. So a recipe specifically for windfall in the book she talks of adding a teaspoon of chili to one jar for with sausages (ask Paula & Jonathan about good British Bangers). Or spreading the basic jam with blue cheese in a sandwich....mmmmm: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/recipes/3346058/Cooking-with-apples-I-demand-a-windfall-tax.html#
Please don't judge me by the google-pages I find.... The Telegraph is the most right wing of British papers but c'est la vie - apples is apples."

Apr 3 Run: PPG Place for Three Bridges Run

2011-03-27T12:16:00.000-04:00

In celebration of baseball's opening day, meet at the Tomb of the Unknown Bowler (the plaza at PPG) for a run around downtown that will pass the stadium and as the title says cross three bridges.

Run to the Run starting at 6:15AM at Phipps - it's all downhill to downtown.

It was not exactly spring weather but it was sunny and fairly dry making us glad to have an excuse to be out on such a lovely morning. We ran through Schenley Park and at several points happen to see the very place, Oakland Square, we stood last week looking out over the pond. In fact because of the lack of leaves we often were looking at where we had been or where we were going - I wish life was that clear!

I am not sure if it is just me but our coffee gatherings have been particularly enjoyable these past weeks. Perhaps it is the CommonPlace vibe, the shared bake goods, or the larger than usual group that showed up today but the rich conversations make it difficult to leave and get on with the day.

Thanks for Paula the Brit, who rejoined after her travels, for the route map:

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/30414336

Mar 27 Run: Wendy Bennett Trail Head

2011-03-20T16:42:00.000-04:00

We will look for signs of spring in Schenley Park next week - meet at the Wendy Bennett Trail Head (aka entrance to Schenley Park below the Oval) at the corner of Bartlett and the Boulevard.

People who would like to run to the run and a little more should meet at CommonPlace Coffee at 6:15AM.

Aimee led us on a tour of North Oakland this morning that included places we had been before but not in that combination. We took a longer look at Oakland Square than usual and for the first time noticed it looked out onto Panther Hollow. Then on to the Parkway Shrine, which we have not visited for a while. It looks like it has been lately renovated with new benches and a little grotto. All of this was tied together with a few jaunts into Schenley Park. Aimee used the neat iPhone App from MapMyRun to track it so you can see our exact route here:
Here is the route. It starts at my house, so the group run part would be 0.5 miles less. Next time I'll start it from the coffee shop.
I thought you'd like this:
Click here

Those that were left after this lovely but longish run, enjoyed a leisurely coffee which included an iPhone app session - something that is becoming a regular part of our discussions. The fear is we might abandon conversation and just check out our phones - not really! But it is fun to find new tools. Along with the afore mentioned MapMyRun app, two food apps were recommended: Cake Love and Mark Bittman's app.

Mar 20 Run: CommonPlace Coffee for a S. Oakland Run

2011-03-13T13:14:00.000-04:00

Next week Aimee will lead us on a new run that will include the Parkway Shrine, Oakland Square AND Schenley Park - sounds great, yes?

The time change got in the way of several people's run this morning, leaving Wendy to run solo to the S. Side and shiver while she waited for 5 more of us to show up. With a few clothing additions, Wendy was good to go and we had a calming run along the river-side trail past UPMC, toward Sandcastle. I think it was the lack of other runners, the flat trail and silvery/gray/brown landscape that felt soothing. Roye and I saw and heard seagulls, a summer sound in a winter scene...

Some of the late sleepers joined for coffee and chat. Today's topics ranged from iPhone apps, dress size expansion, personal shoppers, gift giving strategies (or how to get what you want) and a place to stay on the Island of Vieques where we all immediately wanted to go: Sea Gate Hotel.

Mar 13 Run: Hot Metal Bridge for a S. Side Trail Run - Again

2011-03-06T19:28:00.001-05:00

*Editing this note to remind everyone that this Sunday starts Daylight Savings Time. Don't forget to "Spring ahead" or you will miss the run (but get a little extra sleep)!

Since the weather kept almost all be 3 hardy souls (who opted out also) from showing up for the run today we will do a repeat - but hopefully not the rain/hail/snow part. So meet at the parking lot next to the Hot Metal Bridge (on the downtown side). The entrance to the lot is at the intersection of Bates and Second Ave.

There will be a run to the run starting at Common Place Coffee at 6:15am.

I did manage a run in the snow a little later in the morning and saw 11 deer in the cemetery - amazing.

March 6 Run: Hot Metal Bridge for a run down the trail to Sandcastle

2011-02-27T13:57:00.000-05:00

Hopefully the trails will remain clear next Sunday as we head away from town on the South Side Trail. With no leaves on the trees it should provide many good views of the river. Meet at the parking lot next to the Hot Metal Bridge (on the downtown side). The entrance is at the intersection of Bates and Second Ave.

There will be a run to the run starting at Common Place Coffee at 6:15am.

While I was not on the run today, I did meet up with the group for coffee and heard it was good, as always - the group did the "bird run" meaning lots of hills. Most impressive were the runners that met at 6:15 to do additional miles! As a treat, Paula the Brit brought English digestive biscuits to coffee - the chocolate kind - yum!

Feb 27 Run: Commonplace Coffee - unless someone has a better idea

2011-02-20T12:36:00.000-05:00

We were all so stuffed on pastry and coffee this morning that no run was set for next week. Given that, I am going with the default meeting place from which we could go to the cemetary, Chatham, Frick Park or any number of East end destinations. After several weeks of designer runs, it might be nice to stay close to home, so meet at Commonplace Coffee in Squirrel Hill. Of course, if someone has another run they want to lead please feel free to send mail - we can be flexible.

We had a good group and a nice morning for the "President's Day" Loop - the upstream version of our downtown run. While there are no big buildings and dramatic vistas - this run has its own points of interest - notably: the nice bit of new trail along the channel, a chance to see both TRRA boat houses, the 40th Street bridge*, and Butler Street in Lawrenceville. Of course the very best part of any run that starts in the Strip is the coffee and Meles at La Prima. Today we hung around salivating as we waited for the pastries to come out of the oven and they were worth every minute!

* Here is the bit about the seals:
The balustrade which runs the length of the bridge includes metal reliefs of the Great Seal of each of the 13 original United States plus the County of Allegheny. Each measures approximately 2 ft wide by 3 ft high. They appear in the following order (north to south): Allegheny County, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia. This order is roughly the same order as the states appear in the map from north to south, with Allegheny County providing a divider to restart the series. The series repeats just over 10 times per side with a total of 290 seals on the bridge. Photos

And here is the map of the 5.3 mile run:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/view_route?r=477129821334839961

Feb 20 Run: Parking Lot at 21st & Liberty for a Presidents' Day Run

2011-02-13T12:07:00.002-05:00

Meet at the parking lot at 21st and Liberty Ave in the Strip for the usual Strip Loop which includes crossing onto Washington's Landing or maybe we will head up the the 40th St Bridge which actually is the Washington's crossing bridge (check out the link) - you get the idea. Wherever we run we will end up at La Prima for coffee and pastries.

There will be a run to the run starting at Common Place Coffee at 6:00 AM (previous starting times have not been early enough).

Note that I have also finally created a googlegroup for this list. This will make it easier to manage and also preserve the privacy of group member's email addresses. You can use the group name to send email to everyone in the group:eerunners@googlegroups.com

Today's run was full of small treasures from the Center for Imagination and other interesting Garfield sites to the musical cherubs on the restored fountain in Mellon Park. It helped that the weather was comparatively mild and the pavements were mostly clear. Thanks to Roye for introducing us to yet more of our city's fascinating neighborhoods.

I think that our coffee sessions are starting to last longer than the runs themselves (and the runs are not getting shorter) - which is a real treat. As always the topics were far ranging and I was at only one end of the table. Here are links to some of the information shared:

On the subject of how do you organize the notes you collect at work - online or on paper, Pam Murray introduced us to these notebooks:

Circa Notebooks:

http://www.levenger.com/pagetemplates/navigation/prdpreview.asp?params=category=326-339|level=2-3

http://www.diyplanner.com/node/2751

Sharon, who is cautiously coming back from an injury, joined us for coffee with a "right-sized" bag from Baggallini that she bought at Newmans but you can also order them from Amazon:

Baggallini

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=baggallini&tag=googhydr-20&index=apparel&hvadid=4928220417&ref=pd_sl_62vwd4rloo_e

Two recommended Audrey Tautou movies:

Priceless

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0482088/

Cooco Before Channel

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1035736/

While we were discussing movies this podcast was recommended even though they did not like "The King's Speech":

Slate's Culture GabFest

http://www.slate.com/id/2119317/

Feb 13 Run: Coffee Tree in Bakery Square for a run to the Center for Imagination

2011-02-06T13:17:00.000-05:00

Roye will lead us on a Penn Ave run that takes us to/by the Center for Imagination. Meet at the Coffee Tree in Bakery Square for this intriguing sounding run.

While we may look innocuous, our running group seems to be on a crime spree. This time we were stopped while looking at the new performance space next to Heinz Field. Who knew that this was the parking lot where many of the Steelers and city officials left their cars while they were in Dallas, or that a group of people posing as runners (which we kind of do) had stolen 16 cars last week from a near-by lot?! The security person, driving a bright gold car and in Steeler garb, said the security cameras had picked us up as we ran around Heinz Field. Somehow I can't imagine that we looked suspicious but maybe those other car thieves we imitating us. This incident just added to the general hilarity of today's run for which many turned out in Steeler colors. There were a few "Go Steelers" moments and even someone blowing what looked like a mini-air horn as we toured around downtown looking for Super Bowl related sites. We repeated the photo from 2 years ago in front of the Steeler Tree in the Courthouse courtyard. I admit a few of us shrunk down a little when a security guard approached even though the gates were wide open. My personal favorite was the big dinosaur in front of the Art Institute which had a piece of cheese in his mouth and Troy Polamalu hair.

A large number of runners, including Tom! returned to CommonPlace for coffee, disrupting the quiet but having a great time. Wendy's friend Anat was in town, making the run and coffee a little more special. It was a good start to a gray Sunday in February.

To view Go Stillerz!, follow the link below:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/view_route?r=972129700823711388

Feb 6th Run: PPG Place for a Steelers Run!

2011-01-31T19:41:00.002-05:00

A busy (but not bad) week for me kept me close to home on Sunday but others had a good but challenging run by the Waterfront followed by a birthday breakfast. Here is Roye's report:

Thank you to Jan who led with verve and cheerfulness (and in fact it really wasn't as hard as it sounds, especially as we were distracted the whole time by stunning wintry river vistas) and who shared a lovely birthday brunch that has changed my mind about the virtues of champagne first thing in the morning.
And yes - OF COURSE A STEELERS RUN next week! What else could we possibly do? Heinz field must be circled. The plan was to meet at the ice rink, aka the tomb of the unknown bowler, at PPG and go from there. Not sure about the RTR.

Jan 30 Run: Meet at IHOP on Brown's Hill Road

2011-01-23T14:48:00.002-05:00

With a busy and demanding week coming up I chose to run local but Elaine Mormer sent this stellar write-up:

Next week we get to watch Jan wear the birthday hat! We will meet at the iHop on Brown’s Hill road and the birthday girl will lead a run involving the Waterfront, trails, and Homestead. Coffee and goodies at Jan’s house after the run.

Today’s run included a wintry chill of nearly arctic proportions. Despite the low temperature, a hearty group of intrepid runners followed Virginia along the snow covered trails of Frick Park. The pallid surroundings of the park offered ashen vistas across the hollow, against the backdrop of an icy sky. We warmed up back at Common Place for the usual coffee and chat.

Jan 16 Run:Tazza D'Oro for a Highland Park Run

2011-01-09T13:01:00.000-05:00

Next Sunday meet at Tazza D'Oro for a run created by Joanne (the last one she took us on was quite remarkable). Bring some $$ to buy luscious cinnamon rolls and coffee at Tazza D'Oro.

One thing I learned about "leading" a run, it is difficult to be as attentive to my surroundings as I usually am. Still, despite the cold, it was a nice tour of the East End. It included my favorite cemetery, the odd dead-end on Meade street and thanks to Pam Murray a look at the new Burg Bees' Apiary. Thanks for all the birthday wishes - it was certainly a memorable way to start the day!

Jan 9 Run: Linden School for an easy East End Run

2011-01-02T14:34:00.000-05:00

Next Sunday meet at Linden School for a leisurely tour of the East End. I am hoping the weather will be as nice as today's!

I was sweating with fellow rowers this morning and so did not run with the group. I am sure whatever route was chosen it was interesting and certainly the company would have been entertaining!

For all those new runners who have been added to the list during these last months here is a link to our blog: http://eastendrunners.blogspot.com/

All the runs are posted there as well as an FAQ page: http://eastendrunners.blogspot.com/2007/11/east-end-runners-faq.html

Jan 2 Run: Common Place Coffee, Jan 1 Run: same place at 7:30 AM

2010-12-26T12:18:00.002-05:00

Continuing the holiday run theme, all runs will start from Common Place Coffee. The New Year's Day run will start at 7:30 AM so everyone can sleep in ;-)

A very few of us had a lovely snowy Christmas run through Homewood Cemetery on Saturday, complete with deer - it was a beautiful morning. Today a different few people showed up for the hilly "bird" run - a good calorie burner after the holiday excesses. But, despite the indulgences (or perhaps because of them) we continued the food theme in our coffee chat. A day trip to Cleveland's West Side Market (http://www.westsidemarket.org/) was considered after Elaine's enthusiastic description. The virtues of butter; bacon Brussels sprouts and figs; as well as Indian spiced okra were discussed.

But here is the secret to our ability to consume and a good reason to keep getting up early to run!

HEALTH | December 15, 2010
Well: Phys Ed: The Benefits of Exercising Before Breakfast
By GRETCHEN REYNOLDS
A new study suggests that exercising on an empty stomach can combat a high-fat, high-calorie diet.

Dec 26 and other holiday runs: Squirrel Hill

2010-12-19T10:13:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe that we have just a few more runs left in 2010! Here is the schedule:

Fri, 24 Dec: The usual 5:45 AM run (Tom will be there)

Sat, 25 Dec: 7:30 AM at Starbucks, Forbes and Shady (it is the only place open)

Sun, 26 Dec: 7:00 AM at Common Place Coffee

Routes will be improvised based on the group will (except of course for Friday) but may involve Homewood Cemetery, Frick Park or Shady Side.

Although it was cold there was no snow or ice curtailing the run this morning. We were able to see the panthers with their hats as well as Dippy the dinosaur keeping warm with a red scarf. A red-tailed hawk surveyed nonchalantly us from its perch over the Panther Hollow Bridge without the red jacket that Tom said he was meant to be wearing. We got a little taste of Schenley Park in the winter before heading back to Squirrel Hill where we had to imagine a very elaborate inflatable display (it was Tom's run - you knew there were be at least one inflatable) on Marlboro Ave - unfortunately the owners had not anticipated early morning gawkers.

Several runners on the injured list joined us for coffee and Pam provided ginger bread making it even more festive than usual.

Dec 19 Run: Tom's House for the Holiday Panther Run

2010-12-12T16:13:00.002-05:00

Another run that is sure to bring bad weather: meet at Tom's house (5434 Ayesboro - about a 1/2 block from Forbes) for a run to see the Panther statues by Phipps with their holiday hats on. I am sure there will be additional visual treats, knowing Tom.

I admit, I was thinking of staying in bed this morning, but as I have recently learned, 40's and light rain is really not bad running weather, so I drove downtown and of course was glad I did.

Despite having the role of run leader thrown at him with no warning, Tom took us on a comprehensive tour of the city's holiday displays, with a few historical facts thrown in for our learning pleasure. One of the first stops was at, what I always thought was a mural, of Pirate players throughout history displayed at the juncture of Second Ave. and the Boulevard. It is not a mural but a painting on canvas. Our enthusiastic pointing and touching caught the attention of a near-by police person who turned on his siren and gave us a stern hands-off warning. We have done unsanctioned things in the past but this was the first time anyone noticed! Luckily this did not set a precedent and we managed to restrain ourselves for the rest of the run - although I was sorely tempted to have us all climb into the the life-size nativity scene at the Steel Building (we decided it would be safer to Photoshop our faces onto the statues given our earlier run in with the law). Despite some who did not find the Macy's windows attractive, I and a few others found their detail and execution entrancing. We also saw many well-decorated trees and had a discussion about the proper display of Menorahs but the big finale was an amazing display of ginger bread houses at PPG place (http://www.ppgplace.com/gingerbread.php). There were many ingenious subjects and artful touches to capture your attention! Among others there was a pyramid made of Matzo crackers, a church made out of gum, a rendering of the civic arena, a swiss chalet with little hearts on the shutters, a remarkable likeness of St. Bernard's Church in Mt. Lebanon made by pre-schoolers and more. We discussed these and lots of other topics over coffee and donuts at Dunkin Donuts in the all new Market Square - continuing the new random practice of having coffee where we run. This also made it easier for Louise to get to know us. She a long-time lurker now made famous as part of the dining table relay.Welcome!

Oh and for those who are looking for new dinner ideas, here is a site with an intriguing name but delicious recipes: http://cooktobang.com/

Dec 12: PPG Place for a Holiday Run

2010-12-05T19:05:00.000-05:00

Assuming the roads are passable, next Sunday we will meet at the Tomb of the Unknown Bowler - aka PPG Place for a tour of the city's holiday sites - a classic run, not to be missed.

Run to the Run starts at 6:15AM from Phipps (not Squirrel Hill).

Hello winter! Cold winds and snow did not prevent a good showing for a scenic and adventure-full run this morning. We headed out from IHOP and after a few downhills and turns the road opened up to a snowy post-card view of the Mon - it was a run stopper! We were the first to make a mark on the river trail on our way to the Glenwood bridge and by this time big fluffy flakes were adding to the holiday feel. Many thanks to Roye who remembered the little tricks for getting on to and off of the bridge! Unfortunately the were big gates across the entrance to Sand Castle which were not closed the last time we did this route. After some discussion and a pause to let a train go by we opted (well, I started running) to take the tracks. Luckily no other trains came and we were able to pick up a road very quickly. After that it was back to the stacks, up to the Homestead Grays bridge where a flock of birds and a hawk greeted us then across the river where we got a good view of where we had just run. Those who did not have to head home (this turned out to be a longer run than expected) stayed for a big enough breakfast to feed even those who did not order!

Dec 4 Run: IHOP on Brown's Hill Road

2010-11-28T18:19:00.002-05:00

Continuing the tradition of welcoming breakfast related places to the neighborhood, we will meet at the new IHOP on Brown's Hill Road next Sunday. It is a convenient starting point for an Allegheny River loop: down river to the Glenwood Bridge, across the bridge, weave through Sand Castle, then back over the Homestead Grays bridge. I am hoping that others that ran this route last summer will help me remember the tricky parts. If you like you can stay for pancakes after the run.

I am sure there will be run to the run, probably from Common Place - it is about 2 miles from there so I will say starting at 6:35 AM.

Clear skies and a bright sunrise was a good way to finish off a Thanksgiving weekend and a nice start to the holiday season. We ran through one of my favorite (are you thinking that every run is a favorite of mine? I think you might be right!) cemeteries: Homewood. I love that this little piece of quiet is right in our neighborhood. Today we saw 5 deer but no other humans. It was a soothing run - I suspect we will all relish these breaks as we rush toward the end of 2010.

Nov 28 and Holiday Runs: Common Place Coffee - but check the times

2010-11-21T17:31:00.002-05:00

Virginia will lead a 5 - 6 mile run from Common Place Coffee on Thanksgiving Day starting at 7:30am.

The day after Thanksgiving the run will leave Forbes and Murray at the usual 5:45AM time - ask Tom for details.

Sunday Nov 28, the run will start at Common Place Coffee as well at the regular 7:00am start time.

Mist in the morning makes everything look ethereal, picturesque,[fill in your favorite adjective here] as we saw on the spectacular run that Joanne led this morning. We climbed up and up through Morningside to Stanton Heights catching glimpses of Highland Park, both the neighborhood and the park, as if we were in the clouds looking down. The sun coming up through that veil of mist stopped us mid-run - a bronze globe peering through the lacy black trees. If that were not enough, we saw sights along the way: the first crèche and inflatable of the season (not in the same yard); numerous small cement statues and other elaborate house decorations; a survey of Mildred's Daughter's Farm, perched improbably at the top of a hill in Morningside; the empty building that will be the new Park Brugge and on a more somber note, the block where the three police officers were killed a few years ago as well as the ball field that was named after one of them. A most satisfying run, completed with coffee, cinnamon rolls and apple tarts.

We have a lot for which to be thankful!

Nov 21 Pre-Thanksgiving Run: Tazza D'Oro for a Highland Park Run

2010-11-14T14:23:00.000-05:00

Next Sunday meet at Tazza D'Oro for a run through Highland Park. We are hoping Joanne will be lured out to lead us. Bring some $$ to buy luscious cinnamon rolls and coffee at Tazza D'Oro.

Run to the run will leave at 6:30 AM from Common Place Coffee - please pass by Shady and Wilkins to pick up any locals.

Not sure why this run felt like a special one but there were certainly many contributing factors:

One of EE Runners's favorite routes as evidenced by the 17 people who showed up! (see photo)
Stunning views of the city and the river from the 31st bridge (see photo)
Drop in visit from someone from my rowing team - I love it when groups collide!
Enough leaves on the trees to create a golden corridor on the River Trial
Painted stone duck at the new trail construction site and enthusiastic new member (see photo)
Return of Carrie after her ankle twist, of Pam who has been busy with a new job and of Carol who paid us a visit from up North
Melt-in-your mouth meles and smooth coffee at La Prima
A longer than usual post-race conversation during which I learned that the phones in elevators are linked a central service center not someone in the building and that the close door button on elevators is there only for show

Thanks to PtB for the photos!

Nov 14 Run: 21st & Liberty Ave for a tour of the Strip District

2010-11-09T19:12:00.002-05:00

Many thanks to Virginia for capturing this past Sunday's run:

Even though it was 32 degrees, we drew a nicely sized crowd this morning and had a newcomer -- Janet Waldeck, aka, Dr. Waldeck, Allderdice High School physics teacher. She has taught (and is teaching) many of our children. What fun! She worried about trailing the group in her inaugural run with us, but was clearly one our stronger runners as we ran through still-beautiful Frick Park. We hope she returns! Karen reports that Carrie (sorry if I'm misspelling your name) is recuperating with a sprained ankle after her stumble in Homewood cemetery in the darkness of early Halloween last week, and was planning on joining Karen after the run for a gentle walk.

Next week, one of our favorites:-- 21st Street in Strip District. We meet at the parking lot at 21st Street and Liberty.

Run to the Run begins at 6:20 a.m. in front of Commonplace Coffee. I'll be thinking of those luscious almond pastries all week! Cheers

Nov 7 Run: Colfax School for a run in Frick Park

2010-10-31T17:17:00.002-04:00

Hoping to catch the last bits of fall colors, next weeks run will be in Frick Park - meet at Colfax School on Beechwood Boulevard.

Today being Halloween we ran through Homewood Cemetery - always a favorite route of mine. On our way there we admired an elaborately decorated yard complete with a miniature haunted house and eyeball lights. This, as well as our mini costumes, put us in spirit of the holiday. The cemetery was peaceful as always and even in the early morning light you could catch glimpses of the bright leaves. The cemetery deer were out - we saw at least 5 of them. I know they are quite common now but it there is still a little magic in the moment when both human and deer pause to look at each other. On our return we took a quick tour through Smithfield Cemetery as well. See the attached photo of us In Homewood Cemetery - thanks to PTB for providing this archival worth photo.

We send her lots of healing wishes out to Carrie who early in the run turned her ankle and had to return to Squirrel Hill.

Halloween Run: Common Place Coffee for a Cemetery Run

2010-10-24T17:40:00.002-04:00

Since next Sunday is Halloween we thought it would be appropriate to run in our local cemetery, which should be decked out in fall colors. Given the holiday everyone is requested to wear a costume related item (or two) to celebrate. So dig out your boas and cowboy hats....

Tom took us on a truly diverse run today - from the back alleys of Oakland to the leafy alleys of Schenley Park. He ran us by a newly painted mural that was right next to the building where several runners work. While there Tom claimed that cathedrals had two steeples - which is why the church in mural had to be Heinz chapel even though it looked like St. Paul's. The hill-sides of Schenley Park looked somewhat muted - not the blaze of color I expected but there were some moments where runners ahead were framed in gold and the scene looked like a photo from a running calendar. Unfortunately we saw no inflatables - maybe next week!
Coffee discussion was entertaining as always and Sharon, who is on the injured list, stopped by for a visit.

Oct. 24 run: from Tom's house on Aylesboro near Forbes

2010-10-18T22:14:00.001-04:00

This Sunday’s run will be led by Tom from his house on Aylesboro almost at Forbes. No clue as to theme, though there could be a tribute to Paula and Jonathan’s anniversary which they celebrated last Sunday, starting out with our run.

After sending a shoutout to group members running in Central Park this a.m., our little band decided to go for tradition and take the “Bird Run” down Wightman and up Beechwood – though come to think of it, none of us could remember the route except for Tom, who was a bit evasive when I asked him where the birds were. What we did see was the first inflatable of the year – a giant Frankenstein? – and are eagerly anticipating the long march of puffy Pilgrims, Santas, and Easter Bunnies.

Oct 17 Run: Wild Card run from Common Place Coffee in Squirrel Hill

2010-10-11T19:45:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Elaine Mormer for her recounting of this past Sunday's run.

Today’s group agreed to make next week (this coming Sunday) a “wild card” run to meet at Common Place Coffee.

This morning’s run had a small but enthusiastic group (only 5 ) looping the Allegheny River from the Hot Metal Bridge to Station Square. After soaking up the expansive views from the Hot Metal Bridge, we headed west towards town. We were greeted by a young couple, just married last night, taking in their first sunrise as husband and wife. Passing through the Southside Riverfront Park we found ourselves surrounded by an enormous gathering of camo-clad pick-up truck drivers, towing outboard motor boats…was it for racing or fishing..? Approaching Station Square, close to the Sand and Gravel plant, we encountered a movie crew wrapping up filming of scenes for the upcoming “A New York Heartbeat”http://www.pghfilm.org/hotline/hotline_jobs.jsp. Crossing over the Smithfield Street Bridge we admired the still low but blazing sunrise, when once again we encountered those same newlyweds- looking for yet another angle from which to view this first sunrise of their lives together. Below us, along the Mon Wharf, we viewed what appeared to be a ritual gathering of homeless folks. As we headed east on the Jail Trail, we noted that the gathering of boats in the Southside parking lot had transformed into a flotilla of impressive size in the river. This run was certainly eventful and Kate aptly summarized the joy of the morning when she exclaimed: “This is the besssst way to start the day!” (or something to that effect).

Also for those interested in picking up trash (as I always am):
PLEASE NOTE that there will be a SQUIRREL HILL CLEAN-UP DAY on OCTOBER 17th
9am-12noon
Meet under the awning at the corner of Forbes and Murray.
If you have any questions please contact Bicky at BIckylouinpgh@aol.com

Oct 10 Run: Hot Metal Bridge for a South Side Run

2010-10-03T16:16:00.000-04:00

Next Sunday meet at the parking lot right next to the Hot Metal Bridge. You can get into the lot by crossing Second Ave at Bates St. into the industrial park and turning left. We will probably run on the trail towards Sand Castle although we have been known to switch at the last minute...

Meet at the Common Place Coffee Shop at 6:30AM for a run to the run. If you need a ride, send a note to the group.

Three new runners showed up this morning for the Wendy Bennett Trailhead run - a great way to start off the Fall season! Despite overcast skies and a few sprinkles the magic of the run held off any significant rain. The trees in Schenley park are a more subdued shade of green but bright touches of red are starting to appear. There are still wildflowers blooming on the side of the trails marking the transition from summer. All told it was a good solid regular run followed as usual by lively conversation and coffee.

Oct 3 Run: Wendy Bennett (not Memorial) Trailhead

2010-09-30T19:13:00.002-04:00

As I understand it this coming week's run was chosen by default but it could be a good one as we can look for the first signs of Fall. Meet at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead aka the entrance to Schenley Park at the corner of Bartlett and the Boulevard - just at the foot of the road going up to the Oval.

I hope everyone had a great time at the Great Race or running around Squirrel Hill. Dave and I jumped in for part of the Austin Marathon and 10K thinking of all of you in Pittsburgh.

Sep 26 Run: Common Place Coffee or Great Race

2010-09-19T11:34:00.002-04:00

Next week is the Great Race - for those not running this iconic Pittsburgh race, meet at the Common Place Coffee shop to create your own memorable run.

Speaking of iconic - or not - we were to run one of the well-loved routes in our repertoire today but ended up on another that was just as interesting. We started out at 21st street in the Strip running up river to the 31st bridge as usual but Eric reminded us that a substantial part of the new trail between Herr's Island and Millvale had just been opened. In a move that would have shocked Tom and did confuse those running just out of earshot of the discussion, we veered from our regular course onto this new trail. While parts are still being finished the middle of this trail is a wonder of cement - it is its own little bridge between what will be the newly re-located rail-road tracks and the channel between the Island and the shore. Since we were running that way we kept going up river past the very lovely Millvale Riverfront Park, which has sweeping views of the 40th street bridge and the serene morning river. Then we headed back up to and across that same bridge. It was difficult to not stop and window shop at all the quaint and interesting shops on Butler Street - and at the end we found the almost hidden Roberto Clamente museum. After that it was a somewhat long slog back down Penn but of course meles and coffee were waiting at La Prima - always a welcome reward!

To view 09/19/2010 River to Millvale Jn, follow the link below:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/view_route?r=587128490097640791

Sept. 19 run - Strip from parking lot at Liberty Ave. and 21st St.

2010-09-14T18:49:00.001-04:00

Excessive talking at coffee resulted in no plan for the next run, so we are going for, via email suggestions, the "Coffee and River from the Strip" run (note which word precedes) which meets at the parking lot off Liberty Ave. at 21st St., to be led by: group consensus (sorry, Tom!)

Report: The rain that had been falling all night held off for the run, as it always does, and we had deliciously cool sailing all over Frick Park, led by Karen. At the end of it, diehard runner Eric was seen taking off back down the trail to do it all over again. Somewhat less diehard runners headed up to Squirrel Hill for our customary coffee chat, which ranged over lingerie-themed wedding showers, comparative synagogues, and the plague of bedbugs in NYC. (Should we go? If we do, will anyone let us in their house when we get back?) Also, if you happen to be in a bar or coffee shop and notice a young person staring at your throat, PtB may be responsible.

Endorsements: Mad Men Season 4, and CastTV - www.casttv.com - where you can watch MMS4 without cable!!

Sept. 12 run - Frick Park at S. Homewood and Reynolds

2010-09-06T14:01:00.001-04:00

Next Sunday: a Frick Park run - easier on the joints - starting at S. Homewood and Reynolds entrance to the park.

Two runs in succession in cool sparkling weather conditions this holiday weekend. First, led by Virginia, through Edgewood and Regent Square, exclaiming over beautiful old Pittsburgh houses, leafy streets and gigantic hills (the latter was of course cvetching.) Some of the group followed up with the gorgeous breakfast at the Square Cafe - where they have square coffee cups - and I just now figured that out. Our Labor Day run began at Commonplace Coffee (we're not even starting at CTR anymore??) and perhaps because of that, in a startling break from precedent, Tom (Esq.), and "Respect the Run" enforcer Elaine both instigated and allowed multiple diversions from the initial plan, and as a result we were able to Salute Labor at the entrance to Magee Hospital, and see the grand vista over the top of the golf course behind CMU. Coffee did have us back at our old table outside CTR but only because CC was closed. Joined delightfully by a new runner who found our blog and was attracted by our apparent attention to coffee (plenty of evidence here.)

Endorsements: One Thousand White Women, and The Secret Scripture (books); breakfast at Square Cafe; The Moth Radio and Podcast; Lady Gaga; the weird, fascinating homemade fence of motherboards, ancient bikes, vintage vinyl records spotted somewhere in Regent Square; free trips. And coffee, wherever.

Sep 5th: 7AM Tennis courts on Braddock Ave, Labor Day: 7:30 AM Common Place Coffee

2010-08-29T11:01:00.000-04:00

End/decline of summer runs this coming weekend: 7AM on Sunday, 9/5, meet at the tennis courts on Braddock Ave. for an Edgewood run. Bring a few extra $ if you want to eat breakfast afterwards at the Square Cafe (highly recommended). Sleep in on Labor Day - meet at 7:30AM at the Common Place Coffee shop in Squill for a runners' choice route.

We had a pleasant summery run up (and it is UP) to the top of Oakland to visit the park and water tower that looks out over what seems to be all of Pittsburgh. Because of the trees, it was not possible to see as much detail as in past visits, but the view clearly illustrates why Pittsburgh is a green city. The neighborhoods look so different from above, like you had been plopped down in another city, making it fun to guess what you are looking at. Our run down once again took us past places I had not seen before - so typical of Pittsburgh where you can take 5 different routes to get to the same place, each taking you past something interesting!
We welcomed back Janet, who seamlessly joined in as if she had never been gone - a true virtue of this group, you can move in and out with ease.

Aug 29 Run: Phipps for a run up to the water tower in Oakland

2010-08-22T12:29:00.000-04:00

On the last Sunday of August 2010 (!) meet at Phipps Conservatory for a run up, up, up to the water tower on Heron Hill with the 360 degree views of Pittsburgh. I am hoping it is an uneventful run so I don't have to write so much....

Dr. Murray Pulls Out Another Corker*
With pamphlets in hand but with no particular route planned, Pam Murray led us on another rewarding Pittsburgh neighborhood discovery tour, this one in Homestead/ Munhall. We began on the always favored Waterfront trail with stops at the Pump-house and the Labyrinth (where people traveled the paths discussing cell phone plans - not sure this constituted meditation). These were once destinations in of themselves but today were only appetizers.

Crossing the rail-road tracks and climbing barriers we headed up into Homestead, which according to Wikipedia is comprised of the boroughs of Homestead, Munhall and West Homestead - thus the source of the Homestead vs. Munhall confusion - it was both Homestead AND Munhall. We were all surprised at the beautiful Victorian mansions perched on the hill overlooking the river where likely all those mill managers lived to escape the polluted air. While some are slightly (well, more than slightly) shabby there are a number that have been kept up and are surrounded by colorful gardens and ornate iron fences. Of course we paid to visit the beautiful Carnegie Library which is finding new life as a concert venue and still houses a swim club - an odd combination.

Then onto churches and funeral homes - on one street there were 3 funeral homes and I think 3 churches - one of which was/still is? a synagogue. Around the corner we stopped to admire St. Nicholas Orthodox Church and a deacon who was on his way in told us it was open. Of course we took this as an invitation to go in. The church was in beautiful condition, all glowing blue and gold murals of patron saints and other religious scenes. Feeling inappropriately dressed and quite sweaty we were creeping out when what I think must have been the pastor dressed in robes that were equally stunningly blue and gold came to speak with us. He told us about the church itself (75 years old, 500 parishioners, the history of the orthodox religion and gave us a short lesson on the source of light in the icons painted on the back of the church. What a serendipitous encounter!

The run did not end there - we checked out the stores on Eighth Ave including the The Annex, once located in Shadyside and its companion vegetarian restaurant. Then it really was back to the stacks with a short stop at Blue Dust which Pam called a "gastro pub" - great beer, good food.

There was too much fun on the run so coffee hour was very limited. But here is the link to Slow Food Pittsburgh:
http://www.slowfoodpgh.com/aboutus.html for those who would like to get on their mailing list ad find out about their events which are open to all - well worth it!

* I don't plan on making a habit of appending titles but this one was well deserved

Aug 22 run: Waterfront for some kind of a run

2010-08-15T12:41:00.000-04:00

Meet at the big stacks at the Waterfront (lots of easy parking) for either a Homestead run by Pam Murray or a Duck Hollow/Glenwood Bridge run by those of us who can remember what we did last time.

Vacation in Your Home Town
This morning Cheryl took us on a stellar tour of Mount Washington and although there were quite a few more hills than were originally advertised, they were worth it. We ran through sections of Mount Washington that most of us had never seen before: a quaint looking business district, that included a working grocery store and an cozy family-owned breakfast place; tidy streets of sedate brick homes next to architectural digest worthy new ones and best of all Grandview Park with its lush greenery , "California without the eucalyptus." We ended the run with the classic Grandview Ave tour where we learned there will soon be a new restaurant and hotel complex. Of course we were accompanied all along our route by the sky-high views of our beautiful city and its rivers - sometimes a sneak-peak through a gap between houses, sometimes the full-on blast of a meant to be looked at view enjoyed by pricey residences sitting next too more modest ones (thousand dollar houses, million dollar views).

As if this was not enough, Cheryl provided us with coffee AND breakfast where we had the luxury of staying later than usual to discuss all manner of interesting things (at least to us).

Here is a nice story about Grandview Park: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09271/1001344-53.stm

Aug 15 Run: Chatham Village for a Mt. Washington Run

2010-08-08T17:04:00.000-04:00

Cheryl Levin generously offered to lead us on a running tour of Mt. Washington and give us coffee afterwards at her lovely apartment in Chatham Village this coming Sunday! Meet in the vicinity of Little's Shoes at 6:40 AM to car pool to the run.

It was a perfect mid/late summer morning for a run - cool but bright, streets very quiet thanks to vacations and schools still out on break. We took a dive into the greenness of Schenley park, running to the pond (wittily observing the No Skating signs), across the tracks, past the soccer fields and into the bottom of Greenfield. True to its Italian roots, there were squash, corn and tomatoes growing along the streets. Defying the "Steps Closed"sign we scaled the very steep stairs next to what I think is St John Chrysostom Byzantine Church (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._John_Chrysostom_Byzantine_Catholic_Church_(Pittsburgh)), which included quite a few gaps and wobbly steps, up into Greenfield proper. I think this is the third time we have done this climb, but I am always amazed at how far down the bottom is once arriving at the top. From there is was back to the start over the Greenfield bridge and on to a raucous coffee gathering.

It appears we have officially made the switch to the "new" coffee place, Commonplace Coffee, at least for Sunday gatherings. We had a guest on today's run, one of Wendy and Max's wonderful set of friends from school, who was given the full immersion treatment in the running group's coffee conversation extravaganzas. As always topics were diverse but somehow veered into body hair and odor which made for some spicy conversation. To off set the frivolous nature of that thread, Roye gave us a glowing recommendation for the book Cloud Atlas (http://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Atlas-Novel-David-Mitchell/dp/0375507256/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1281300965&sr=1-1) by David Mitchell.

August 8 run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead/Schenley Park

2010-08-02T22:37:00.001-04:00

Next Sunday's run will meet at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead at Schenley Park, but will surprise you by NOT taking the usual route, courtesy of Elaine.

Yesterday's run traversed a leafy and somewhat dusty Frick Park, and Karen thoughtfully devised a route that was somehow almost all downhill. We were delighted to be joined by celebrity alum, Janet, and marveled at how our conversations over the years have spanned magnet school and career choices, often for the SAME kid. Post-run, we find ourselves now ineluctably drawn toward Commonplace Coffee; and I've let too much time go by to remember our conversational gems, but we continue to add to our list of recommended workpeople (take that, Angie's list!), Pittsburgh's wedding venues can involve large retired Steelers, and there were mixed reviews of the Megabus, but you can't beat a $15 roundtrip ticket to NYC.

Aug 1 Run: Entrance to Frick Park and Reynolds and Homewood

2010-07-25T15:22:00.002-04:00

Next week really will be a run in Frick Park - unfortunately I won't be here to enjoy it! Meet at the entrance by the traffic circle at the end of Reynolds.

Despite it being cooler it still felt sticky this morning - a little like moving through molasses. But good company and distracting scenery made the run palatable. We took a tour around car history, displayed on the little loop (known by various names) at the Hobart end of Schenley Park then headed down to the Wendy Bennett Trailhead. The Vintage Grand Prix workers at the intersection with Bartlett were a lot more spunky than I was feeling and were surprisingly nice - I seem to recall other years where there was far more stern warnings to get off the course. A dive into the cool green of the park did feel better and causing us to marvel once again about how beautiful these city trails are - almost as good as Alaska! Then up over the golf course and all the commercial hubbub around the race.

July 25 Run: Common Place Coffee on Forbes for Vintage Grand Prix Run

2010-07-18T12:54:00.003-04:00

Officially changing the run so we can check out the cars at the Vintage Grand Prix. Meet at the "new" coffee place on Forbes.

On Wed, Jul 21, 2010 at 7:26 AM, <theresa.malmstrom@pnc.com> wrote:

At the risk of really messing everyone up, I thought I'd point out that the Vintage Grand Prix is this weekend and we usually try to take the run over into the "Fruit Loop" (as Elaine reminded me that it's called this morning) to see all of the cars and then down through Schenley. Do we want to meet at TCT or Commonplace to start and head over that way instead this Sunday?
-Teri

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our run was so absorbing today that we forgot to choose a place for next week. Given that we have limited access to the parks once the days get shorter, I am proposing we meet at the entrance to Frick Park by the Art Museum and then take the trail down to Nine Mile Run and return - either to the Coffee Tree or to the start. Please suggest an alternative run if you have been desperate to see another part of Pittsburgh.

Today's run to the run turned out to be THE run when no-one showed up with a car at Tazza D'Oro. Luckily we were greeted there by Joanne who kindly modified the route to our wishes. We took a quick pass around the always refreshing Highland Park reservoir then circled back up (and it really is up!) the ever changing face of Negley Ave - from leafy green Highland Park, to more industrial although improving E. Liberty, to the foot of the Negley Hill. Given the heat and humidity, there was quick agreement to walk up the hill (no secrets between us). Just up the second rise a man was watering his garden. Elaine asked if he would turn the spray on us and that bit of water was all we needed to get us back to the Common Grounds Coffee House, which may be the new Sunday gathering place. The coffee is delicious and the shaded outdoor seating area is perfect for sitting and solving all problems, or at least discussing them, on these lazy summer Sundays.

Our Schenley run mapped

2010-07-12T09:52:00.004-04:00

PtB kindly sent in the map of our run that starts at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead:
Now a historical document!

July 18 run - Tazza D'Oro - Highland Park

2010-07-11T20:48:00.002-04:00

Next week we are going back to the Highland Park run, from Tazza D'Oro at 1125 N. Highland Ave. Not sure who's leading, but all will be made clear by 7:05 a.m.
Virginia says that the run-to-the-run will leave the Coffee Tree on Forbes at 6:25 or so.

Our run today was the tried, true, and lovely Schenley Park run on one of its most pleasant mornings - leafy, fresh, and bright. Various mysteries were solved or proposed: Luckily Tom showed up just before we set off, to clear up the one concerning whether or not he has a beard. A shoutout to Elaine in AK, who will have to help us with our puzzlement over how bear spray works. Also, why was the model #14 Mizuno Wave Rider such a dud when all the other years were great? And high fives for the new movie The Square, mysterious and thrilling. Finally, what is the inexorable force moving us from Coffee Tree to Commonplace Coffee across the street? From where we sent another shoutout to Cheryl - no mystery there, but a request for an email from Italy just for the fun of it.

July 11 Run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead

2010-07-08T17:49:00.002-04:00

I have been remiss in my scribe duties due to a very long holiday weekend and a busy work week but Paula C (the brain) sent this nice recounting of last weekend's runs and proposed the Wendy Bennett Trailhead run for this coming Sunday. I am taking her up on her offer. Alas I won't be there but will be thinking of you as I prepare for yet another regatta in Washington DC.

It has been a nice couple of days of runs. Roye's run starting at Bakery Square had numerous points of interest winding through East Liberty redevelopment and Friendship. I didn't stay for it, but the Bakery Square CTR seemed to get a thumbs up from the running group. Today we had a pleasant run down through Chatham College campus and circling back along Beechwood, up to Linden Ave. We stopped to admire Wendy's impressive garden and then had coffee and conversation at the Common Place coffee shop in Squirrel Hill. We covered many topics including strategies for insuring teen-age drivers and providing them with wheels, Indian weddings and breast milk--just the usual narrow set of topics!

I don't think that we decided on a run for next week. Unless someone else tells you otherwise, I propose the Wendy Bennett Trailhead run.

Jul 4th Run: Coffee Tree at Bakery Sq, Jul 5th Run Coffee Tree in Squill

2010-06-27T15:57:00.000-04:00

On Sunday July 4th Roye will lead a preview run starting at the new Coffee Tree at Bakery Square (the old Nabisco building). Since many of us will be out of town, she agreed to host the "real" run later in July.

Monday, July 5th being a holiday, there will be a run starting at 7:30 AM from the Coffee Tree in Squirrel Hill - destination to be determined by whoever shows up.

There is no way around it - today's run was a bear (nod to Elaine who is going to Alaska soon) - hot, humid, sweaty, energy draining, despite being a flatish route through the strip and along the river that we all enjoy. We lost runners along the way despite a break to walk a bit up hill to the 31st bridge.There were diversions such as the TRRA rowers rowing smooth long strokes and the Mega Bus stop but mostly it was all about getting back to La Prima for coffee, which thanks to us running more slowly than usual, was open. Pam Murray treated us to cheese cake, still some of us could not resist those meles. It was pleasant for sitting outside and watching the Strip gear up for another shopping day - it was busier than usual.

June 27 run - Strip and environs from parking lot at 21st and Liberty

2010-06-21T09:25:00.001-04:00

Elaine will lead the next run, one of our favorites, from the Strip over to Herr's Island and back on the North Side, ending at La Prima for coffee. Hopefully I'll remember to contact Sam Patti about making sure the almond meles are there in time.

Our run today was another old favorite through Schenley Park, starting at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead, and fortunately including Wendy Bennett herself back from a bad laryngitis episode. The warm and heavy air made running a bit hard but also gave us vivid green views with sunlight slanting through the trees. Coffee had us back at the new place on Forbes (formerly Arefa's) where we now found more to admire and of course, discuss. Zoning was key, as was Scotland, journalism, alternatives to war, and moving, and I think in that order.

June 19 run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead

2010-06-13T13:49:00.000-04:00

Those of us left at coffee could not make up our minds about next week, partly because several of us won't be in town so I arbitrarily picked the Schenley Park run. Meet at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead aka trail entrance near the corner of Bartlett and the Boulevard. Since all of us are familiar with the route, who ever feels like leading can do so. If someone had a better idea send it to the group.

This morning's run was about as good as it could have been on such a hot, muggy morning. We stayed in Shadyside so there were houses and gardens to provide momentary distractions from our sweat. Although it seemed like a flat run, our route home on Ellsworth told the real story - we ran slightly downhill on the way out but uphill on the return - which normally would not have been very noticeable but given the conditions, felt like we were climbing mountains (or at least foot hills). Tom even broke off and led a contingent on a short cut across a parking lot - which for Tom, strong believer in the rules of the run, was a desperate move ;-) We did get to check out the new Bakery Square complex. Looks like there will be a very spacious Coffee Tree space which we will check out once it opens.

Speaking of coffee we tried the new coffee place across from the Coffee Tree (old space, new management). It poses a difficult choice - the espresso is got high marks and the outside seating is sheltered but of course we have a long history with Coffee Tree. We may have to split weeks.

June 13 run: Mellon Park at 5th and Beechwood for a Shadyside run

2010-06-06T17:21:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Virginia for the Sunday report - After Dave's bird walk was cancelled due to tornado warnings, Teri, Dave and I decided to stay closer to home. Glad to hear you had enough cars for the return.

Here's Sunday's report. I'm not aware of anyone suggesting a run for next week, June 13, so if no one else comes up with a route, I can lead a run in Shadyside. Flat run, starting at the Mellon Park parking lot on Fifth Ave., at the end of Beechwood Blvd.

We had a collection of adventurous souls turn out under threatening skies this morning, with 5 of us running to the run and three others -- Tom, Carol and Cheryl -- meeting us at the PPG Plaza fountain to start the water-themed run. With the Point State Park fountain turned off until 2011, we took a tour of 15 other fountains around Downtown, at Station Square, and next to PNC Park on the riverwalk. Some of them were on, some were off, and one was hidden in a building. Our tour also included soda fountains and the water fountains at Tom's office. We didn't exactly get the view we were expecting of the Andrew Carnegie inflatable in the middle of the Allegheny River. Apparently overnight they moor it along the walkway in front of PNC park, so it was a sad sight with his face partially submerged under water.

Memorial Day, and June 6 runs

2010-05-30T18:12:00.000-04:00

First the meeting places:
Tomorrow's Memorial Day Run at 7:30(!) at the Coffee Tree - a replay of an old favorite to Greenfield, up hills, over bridges (what else is new?)

Next Sunday's run on June 6 is being planned by Elaine and will leave from the Tomb of the Unknown Bowler downtown (i.e. PPG Place fountain area) and will visit many fountains!

At Jonathan's excellent suggestion we are calling our adventure today a real Nine-Mile Run, since not only did it trace that watery trail but it may have covered 9 whole miles (at least it felt that way.) Now, if you don't want a long and involved (but worth it!) story, you can stop reading here.

So it all started with a mysterious and suggestive map that appeared on Elaine's kitchen table this morning indicating that a path could be taken deep into Frick Park leading to an unknown new footbridge. And so we followed it (mainly) and lo and behold, beyond Commercial Street and the Irish Center, heading toward the river - an adorable spanking new footbridge (sort of Japanese looking) and new path beyond. Which we followed quite to its end, and further into Duck Hollow - a tiny hamlet tucked away with a handful of picturesque little houses and gardens, one of which was chock full of fascinating objects, reminiscent of the Shrine of the Blessed Mother, but without the Mother. At one point one could look up into the woods and see the "city peeking over its brow" (Jonathan's fine phrasing again.) There a kind denizen stopped in her car and tried to help us find a new trail back, but to no avail, so we wandered up the endless hills through exquisite wildflower fields, rubble-strewn construction sites, a fortunately placed port-a-potty, and finally the Truman Show-like Summerset neighborhood, where we longed desperately to jump into their giant sparkling swimming pool. So - 9 miles? We're saying so.

Coffee tree items:
The term "rurban"
New stretch fanny pack at REI that is not dorky
The annual 500-person bike ride with beer - the Pedal Pale Ale Ride - which sadly was 2 weeks ago, but we will try to remember next year
There is an amazing ceremony at the nightly closing of the India-Pakistan border: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ0ue-XGl9c
WE WERE IN THE PAPER last month -
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10125/1055541-51.stm

May 30 and Memorial Day runs: Coffee Tree. Memorial Day -> 7:30AM

2010-05-25T20:40:00.000-04:00

This Sunday and Monday (Memorial Day) will be Coffee Tree Runs. In honor of the holiday, Monday's run will begin at 7:30AM

Thanks to Wendy this account of last Sunday's Run (which I am sorry I had to miss!):

Virginia, Elaine and I were running late from the Squirrel Hill CT and so were happy to see a large group of familiar runners coming toward us on Liberty.

I was so engrossed in conversation that I can't tell you exactly where we went but the weather was fine and we ended up passing by the new Flea Market in the Strip and finally to our destination, La Prima Espresso.

Terry, Karen and I convinced the not-yet-open Enrico's to sell us a bag of fragrant pastries which tasted wonderful with our freshly roasted coffee. We learned that Cheryl will soon stay at an Italian villa near Florence, that Karen and her family will make an extended trip to Barcelona, where they'll be joined by Carrie, and that Pam just won a free two week trip to Europe!

Next Sunday's run will commence at the Coffee Tree. I will be away then too, so don't have any details about Memorial Day run.

I will still be MIA this weekend (my new rowing team actually gets out on the water on Memorial Day!) but hope to see everyone again the following week!!

May 23 Run: Parking Lot at 21rst and Liberty in the Strip

2010-05-16T15:35:00.000-04:00

Having gotten to bed around 3AM (!) after a night of fast Bulgarian dancing, I slept right through the run. Thanks to Elaine for providing a wonderful review. Sad to say I have to miss yet another great run as I will be out of town next Sunday so if someone can do the honors, I will be most appreciative.

We had a stunning run through the sylvan depths of Frick Park. We headed down the recently refurbished Riverview Trail, crossed the valley, and climbed the Braddock Trail back to Forbes Avenue and on to Coffee. It was another delightful run as the temperature was ideal, trails were perfectly groomed, and the dappled sun through the trees gave us comfortable morning light.

To view 05/16/2010 Route, follow the link below:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/view_route?r=550127401568027458

Next week’s run will leave from the parking lot at 21^st and Liberty Avenue in the Strip. We will run across the Allegheny to the North Side.

Run to the Run meets at 6:20 AM at the Coffee Tree on Forbes.

May 16 Run: Colfax

2010-05-09T14:10:00.000-04:00

Paula Leslie kindly sent this along about today's run:

A small gathering (Roye, Wendy, Jonathon, Sharon, Roye's daughter who's name I can't remember sorry!) and me. I'm sure the others will update better. Cold but pleasant. Through Chatham, Shadyside and then on the "secret lane" to Devon Road. Through the gathering throngs of Komenites. Didnt' stay for coffee so there is more to tell. Next week meet at Colfax.

To view EER 05/09/2010 Route, follow the link below:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/view_route?r=502127342097299460

Race for the Cure was good for running but cold for walking home. I saw Teri and Kate as well as Tom but I am sure there were other EE runners there. It has been several years since I have run and was pleasantly surprised to see it is now a DIY run - you can just start any old time. You miss that big burst of energy and noise at the start but you also miss the crush of runners (this was for the un-timed 5K).

May 9 (Mother's Day) Run: Coffee Tree

2010-05-02T12:09:00.000-04:00

Race for the Cure is next Sunday. If you are not running in the race, meet at the Coffee Tree for an improvised run. For those running the race, Tom offered his house/driveway as a meeting place. The race starts at 8:35 so I guess meet any time after 8AM (we did not clarify those details). I will be at the RftC - could those on the regular run please choose a run for the following Sunday?

Hope everyone who ran in the 1/2 marathon enjoyed their race, despite the rain. We thought of you!

A small group of us had fun running through the back streets of Shadyside and then returning on the race course, which had been closed off by that time. We were cheered on by volunteers and serenaded by a band that was warming up - it was a small sample of what awaited the runners although we were in less pain (I think). Today was also what might have been a running group first: no-one stayed for coffee! Instead many of us grabbed coffee and went off to cheer the marathoners who I have to say were more appreciative than I might have been at the 16 mile mark.

May 2 Run: Mellon Park - corner of 5th and Beechwood

2010-04-25T14:16:00.000-04:00

Those not running the Marathon or 1/2 - meet at the little play park where Beechwood meets 5th. We can participate vicariously by running on the course :-) For those driving to the run, I would suggest parking on Beechwood or even Reynolds.

It was another run just made to vex Tom right from the beginning when Wendy offered the group a choice of routes and it only became worse when a breakout group offered yet another choice later in the run - way too many decisions for one run! Still he seemed if not not happy at least resigned to his fate :-) All of this indecision was off-set by the beautiful morning. It must have been the rain the night before that cleared the air because the sky was bright blue and sunlight filtered through the new leaves in Schenley Park in an especially pleasing way. The runners ahead of me on the trail were framed in leaves and streaming sunlight, making a picture worthy of an ad/magazine. Perhaps because we all expected storms the lovely morning seemed like an unexpected gift. As we sat outside for Coffee and that old summer vacation feeling crept up on us and we lingered longer than usual.

April 25 - Wendy Bennett Trailhead

2010-04-18T15:45:00.004-04:00

Missing Anne Jane today! So yours truly reports:
Next up: Wendy Bennett Trailhead (Schenley Park, beginning of Overlook Drive where it heads up to the Oval) at spring blossom time.
Cold and blowy this a.m., but we got warm fast, running practically straight uphill to the fantastic lookout at Herron Hill Park above Oakland - a neighborhood that I have just discovered is also picturesquely known as Sugartop (also the site of a murder last summer, but never mind...) We could see that the UPMC sign on the USX building towered over everything - it was noted that 1. it is higher than Mt. Washington 2. against a grey ominous sky like today's it can be compared to the Eye of Sauron and 3. David Bear deserves kudos for his idea of turning the top of it into the next urban park (http://highpointpark.org/). On our much easier downhill return to Phipps, we stopped to contemplate the arrestingly metaphorical red hands recently painted on the statue of Christopher Columbus, and also everyone's experience of Latin, which was not quite enough to translate Non Nobis Solum Sed Toti Mundo inscribed on one of the many majestic classical buildings on the way (easily googled, however: Not For Ourselves Alone But For All the World - I should have got that!)
Coffee was so relaxed that, without Anne Jane there to keep us on track, we forgot to come up with a run for next week, so Wendy and I just assumed the power. Runners to the run - any additional instructions?

Apr 18 Run: Phipps for a run to the top of Oakland

2010-04-11T11:51:00.002-04:00

Hi All

Meet at Phipps for a run up the hills behind Oakland to the Water Tower and the Robert E. Williams Memorial Park.

Run to the run starts at 6:40AM at the Coffee Tree.

It was Tom's least favorite kind of run - leaderless and meandering fraught with indecision - but it was a beautiful morning to be wandering through Allegheny Cemetery, even if most of it was uphill. The cemetery is big enough to rank right up there with our city parks - it is 300 acres big ( Frick is 561, Schenley is 456 and Riverview is 287). Many of the trees are in bloom and starting to leaf out, the grass is bright green and the vistas from those big hills are pastoral and soothing. We did manage to stumble into an area that was clearly undeveloped (part of the 100 acres that is still waiting for occupants) - Johnathan called it the wilderness version of the cemetery run. Roye and I did another small loop after everyone left looking for Stephen Foster's grave - we did not find it but did see Lillian Russell's mausoleum that was near another with a very interesting Egyptian theme. Apparently there are also 16 previous mayors of Pittsburgh buried there as well.

http://www.alleghenycemetery.com/

http://www.pittsburghparks.org/

Apr 11 Run: Allegheny Cemetery - Penn Ave entrance (near Children's hospital)

2010-04-04T16:34:00.000-04:00

Since we did a park run today, we thought Allegheny Cemetery would be a good choice to view spring blooms. Meet at the entrance on Penn Ave which is about 1.5 blocks from Children's hospital - toward E. Liberty. We will just canoodle our way around this very big urban green space.

For those training for the 1/2 marathon, add 3 miles to your run by starting at the Coffee Tree at 6:20 - 6:25AM (it is about 3 miles).

As might be expected, there was a small group this morning but we had a sweet Easter Sunday run starting in Homewood Cemetery and then winding through Frick Park. There is a dusting of green on the trees and many are starting to flower add to that a sunny morning for a fit start to the Spring season. It was warm enough to sit outside at the Coffee Tree which always makes it feel just a little like a vacation. Roye rode up on her bike, joining in on conversation topics that included librarians, giving blood, gray hair becoming fashionable and fish stew.

Apr 4: Spring Holidays Run: Coffee Tree

2010-03-28T12:39:00.000-04:00

Since many people are away next weekend we will meet at the Coffee Tree in Squirrel Hill for whatever kind of run we want to dream up - it should at least include looking for lawn decorations.

Today we ran on one of the newly surfaced trails in Schenley Park on our way to Greenfield and a set of steep and often missing steps - you can see these from the Parkway if you look fast. It was a shortish but pleasant run that took us to a part of Pittsburgh we rarely see - so much so that Eric chose to do another loop! Many of us ran back to the Coffee Tree where I got a tip on a cell phone and learned about how wonderful Costco was from Elaine and Wendy. I am sure other conversations were just as productive!

Mar 28 Run: Bartlett entrance to Schenley Park

2010-03-21T13:56:00.001-04:00

Next Sunday we will run through Schenley Park to find the crumbly steps up to Greenfield and loop back to the starting point: the Bartlett entrance to the Park. This is across the road from the Wendy Bennett (not Memorial) Trailhead - at the corner of Bartlett and what I thought was the Boulevard but at that point is Hobart, turning into Panther Hollow Road - whatever... You can find it on this map: http://www.pittsburghparks.org/schenley-directions

It was a big group, longer distance, beautiful morning kind of run today. There were close to 15 people who turned out for one of the group's favorites - the South Side. We ran down river accompanied by birds of all sorts to the Smithfield Street bridge - turned around and ran back via Carson Street which had the atmosphere of a vacation town in the off-season feel - good times supplanted by an early morning quiet. I found two pennies and ran over a patch of glitter - what could be better!

Even with a few people not coming to coffee (although Pam Murray showed up) it was a big and noisy coffee group.

To view 03/21/2010 River Route, follow the link below:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/view_route?r=776126917915878756