Tom kindly agreed to lead the first Sunday run of 2008. Meet at his house: 5434 Aylesboro - near Forbes Ave, at the usual time (7 AM).
Yesterday morning was surprisingly pleasant - calm, not too cold - perfect for a winter morning run. Susan Hunt's route was a nice mix of city and park. It was a good day to see our neighborhood in its muted winter colors - a restful anodyne to holiday extravagance.
Happy New Year to all of the group. A toast to many runs filled with friendship and the beauty of our city in 2008!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Dec 29 Run: Susan Hunt's House/ Dec 25 Run: Coffee Tree
There will be a Dec 25 holiday run starting at 7:00 AM from the Coffee Tree in Squirrel Hill for those who don't have family/church commitments. Note that the Coffee Tree will not be open.
Poor Tom tried valiantly to lead the run this morning but his plans kept being disrupted by various requests from the small but demanding group (We have to run by the wind tunnel!, What about Macy's windows? But we can't see the Duquesne Light Display from this side of the street! etc). Of course, Tom bore this yoke lightly and soldiered on to show us the city lit up for Christmas including a dinosaur dressed like an elf. The running group magic returned and we missed the rain but the silver gray sky created a dramatic setting for the city as we ran across the 9th street bridge. Church bells chimed just as we returned to PPG place adding to the festive feeling.
Ally provided a good tip for future downtown runs - you can get to the restrooms in the Hilton from the doors on the backside of the hotel. These are far nicer than those at McDonald's, where Wendy and I had to resort to civil disobedience to use them.
Poor Tom tried valiantly to lead the run this morning but his plans kept being disrupted by various requests from the small but demanding group (We have to run by the wind tunnel!, What about Macy's windows? But we can't see the Duquesne Light Display from this side of the street! etc). Of course, Tom bore this yoke lightly and soldiered on to show us the city lit up for Christmas including a dinosaur dressed like an elf. The running group magic returned and we missed the rain but the silver gray sky created a dramatic setting for the city as we ran across the 9th street bridge. Church bells chimed just as we returned to PPG place adding to the festive feeling.
Ally provided a good tip for future downtown runs - you can get to the restrooms in the Hilton from the doors on the backside of the hotel. These are far nicer than those at McDonald's, where Wendy and I had to resort to civil disobedience to use them.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Dec 23 Run: Downtown Holiday Run: Tree/Ice Skating Rink at PPG Place
Next week, weather permitting, will be the annual downtown holiday run. Meet at the ice skating rink in PPG Place. In the center is the big Christmas tree disguising the Tomb of the Unknown Bowler. Past highlights have included the Pittsburgh creche and the windows at Macy's.
If anyone is interested in a run to the run, let me know. We can meet at Phipps Conservatory in time for a 6:15 AM departure.
Since we really do seem to be getting a winter this year let's have a backup plan: if the weather is horrible enough to make driving uncomfortable lets meet at the Coffee Tree at 7:00 AM.
Tired of Nordic Traking and lulled by stories from previous runs that the rain had not really been that bad, I joined Terri, Karen and Tom for what turned out to be a pretty soggy Sunday run. But, as always, Tom put thought into this holiday run, showing us examples of other religions (home of Art Rooney Jr.) and the promise of re-birth (Paula's new family room and kitchen). We were also cheered by those nice folks who left their holiday lights on lighting up the dreary morning. As an added bonus, the coffee and camaraderie at the Coffee Tree seem especially fine after being out in wind and rain. Finally Happy Birthday to Karen whose special day is today!
If anyone is interested in a run to the run, let me know. We can meet at Phipps Conservatory in time for a 6:15 AM departure.
Since we really do seem to be getting a winter this year let's have a backup plan: if the weather is horrible enough to make driving uncomfortable lets meet at the Coffee Tree at 7:00 AM.
Tired of Nordic Traking and lulled by stories from previous runs that the rain had not really been that bad, I joined Terri, Karen and Tom for what turned out to be a pretty soggy Sunday run. But, as always, Tom put thought into this holiday run, showing us examples of other religions (home of Art Rooney Jr.) and the promise of re-birth (Paula's new family room and kitchen). We were also cheered by those nice folks who left their holiday lights on lighting up the dreary morning. As an added bonus, the coffee and camaraderie at the Coffee Tree seem especially fine after being out in wind and rain. Finally Happy Birthday to Karen whose special day is today!
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Dec 16 Run: Tom's House for the Panther Hat Run
Meet at Tom's house (5434 Aylesboro - near Forbes Ave) this coming Sunday to see panthers in Holiday attire. I must have missed this run in the past because others were not as mystified by the theme as me. Turn up to satisfy your curiosity.
Today was the Run of the Seven H's: Happy Holiday Huffy Hilly Hanukkah Run - OK only 5, but I could not resist the reference to the feast of the seven fishes. Julie led us on a roller coaster run (hills are good, hills are good....) through Squirrel Hill where we saw at least seven Menorahs and found out that there was a Hanukkah Parade being held today. Although it was overcast it was a pleasant day to see our neighborhood wearing the trappings of various holidays surrounded by the last patches of our first big snow.
A few of us extended the camaraderie over coffee at Julie's beautiful house. Topics of conversations ranged from teen-age daughters ( those of us with boys can only wonder how different that experience is) to recommendations for carpet installers. I am continually grateful for the knowledge and depth of friendship freely shared by this group with so little demanded in return.
Today was the Run of the Seven H's: Happy Holiday Huffy Hilly Hanukkah Run - OK only 5, but I could not resist the reference to the feast of the seven fishes. Julie led us on a roller coaster run (hills are good, hills are good....) through Squirrel Hill where we saw at least seven Menorahs and found out that there was a Hanukkah Parade being held today. Although it was overcast it was a pleasant day to see our neighborhood wearing the trappings of various holidays surrounded by the last patches of our first big snow.
A few of us extended the camaraderie over coffee at Julie's beautiful house. Topics of conversations ranged from teen-age daughters ( those of us with boys can only wonder how different that experience is) to recommendations for carpet installers. I am continually grateful for the knowledge and depth of friendship freely shared by this group with so little demanded in return.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Dec 9 Run: Intersection of Willard, Dallas, Wilkins in Point Breeze
Julie Meder will lead the run on Sunday from the intersection of Willard, Dallas and Wilkins - right near St Bede Church.
I confess I opted out of Sunday's run - even a possibility of ice is enough to send me to the Nordic Trak. But a hardy group did show up and I hear that the rain stopped just for the period of time that they were running! Elaine Mormer had this to say: "The run was fantastic- the views from the bridge were suitably spectacular and the trail along the river gave us great views of all those recently rehabbed downtown condos and apartments." I am sure this run will be repeated sometime in the near future.
Don't forget the jewelry party on Friday night December 7th. It is a great opportunity to pick up holiday gifts for family, friends and for yourself plus you get to see your running friends wearing their "real" clothes. Virgina provided these details:
Party starts at 7 til whenever.
My house is at 1200 Lancaster Ave., 15218 (corner of Lancaster and Sanders) in Regent Square.
412-371-8946.
I confess I opted out of Sunday's run - even a possibility of ice is enough to send me to the Nordic Trak. But a hardy group did show up and I hear that the rain stopped just for the period of time that they were running! Elaine Mormer had this to say: "The run was fantastic- the views from the bridge were suitably spectacular and the trail along the river gave us great views of all those recently rehabbed downtown condos and apartments." I am sure this run will be repeated sometime in the near future.
Don't forget the jewelry party on Friday night December 7th. It is a great opportunity to pick up holiday gifts for family, friends and for yourself plus you get to see your running friends wearing their "real" clothes. Virgina provided these details:
Party starts at 7 til whenever.
My house is at 1200 Lancaster Ave., 15218 (corner of Lancaster and Sanders) in Regent Square.
412-371-8946.
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