East End Runners

So many decisions could have been bad!

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Apr 6 Run: Linden School

Everyone took off this morning before we decided on next week's run since I will be gone for quite a few of the upcoming weeks I volunteer to lead another East End Run. Meet at Linden School at the usual time, 7 AM.

The warming weather brought out a few more runners this week and we are ever hopeful for even greater numbers as the mornings get lighter. Today Chip lead us on what turned out to be the Wendy Bennett Trail (he called it the upper Schenley loop). It looks a little dowdy this time of year but without the summer canopy of leaves you can see the bones of the surrounding hills and a few glimpses of spring greenery emerging. People had things to do but a few of us enjoyed "the best part of the run" chatting at the Coffee Tree.

I got some good recommendations for Tree Trimmers which I will include in the "The EE Runners Recommendation List" which can be found on the right-hand list on the Blog or at http://eastendrunners.blogspot.com/2007/05/ee-runners-recommendation-list.html

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Mar 23 Run: Coffee Tree Redux

Only two people turned up for last Sunday's run and since neither of them will be here this coming Sunday, they chose the Coffee Tree in Squirrel Hill again. Hopefully the weather will be more spring-like and people will feel like getting out for a run.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Mar 23 Run: Coffee Tree

Because some of our group will be celebrating Easter or taking advantage of the holiday and traveling, we thought a run from the Coffee Tree in Squirrel Hill would be the easiest. Meet there at 7:00 - those who turn up can determine the route.

Today was one from the Tom's Classic Run Series. Even though Tom was making the route up as we traversed Oakland, he still managed to fit in quite a few informational gems such as: where the Luna Bar got it's name (there used to be an amusement park on that site from which a tiger once escaped); a short discourse on Schenley Farms with contributions from the group; that extra palms from the Catholic celebration of Palm Sunday are burned to make ashes for Ash Wednesday (my husband also knew this tidbit of Catholic lore); the is the first year since 1940something that St.Patrick's day fell in Easter week; and where to find the home plate from Forbes Field (ask Tom). Although it was dark when we started, Oakland sparkled as we crossed the Panther Hollow Bridge and at the end we all were glad we spent 50 minutes learning a little bit more about our lovely city.

One question asked on the run but not answered was how is the date for Easter calculated. My husband,Dave, provided the answer: it falls on the first Sunday, after the first full moon after the Vernal Equinox. The Vernal Equinox is this Thursday and the full moon falls on Friday.

Here is an article that relates to the very topical Coffee Tree discussion: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/16/nyregion/16towns.html

For those interested in summer rowing possibilities check out the TRRA webpage: http://www.threeriversrowing.org/

Monday, March 10, 2008

Mar 16 Run: Anderson Playground

I got this email about next weeks run written in Tom's inimitable style:

Anne Jane, When I arrived at the coffee tree at 7a.m. I was the only one there for the run. I have been unable to agree with myself about next week's run. However, I would be willing to lead one. Meet at Anderson playground in Schenley Park. I would have said Phipps but I think CMU will be having practice runs of their little cars. Let Me know. Tom

We would be foolish not to take Tom up on his offer :-)

Sunday, March 02, 2008

Mar 9 Run: Coffee Tree, Squirrel Hill - TURN CLOCKS FORWARD

Next week the run will start at the Coffee Tree in Squirrel Hill so that people do not have to think too hard after missing that extra hour of sleep the night before. Daylight Savings begins at 2 AM on Sunday, March 9 - remember to turn your clocks forward before going to bed.

Joanne did indeed turn up to lead us on the beautiful but hilly run through Highland Park. We seem to be hitting this run each season (the last time it was Fall) and each time it reveals another set of charms. Today it was a huddle of ducks sleeping in the half frozen pond and a long stretch of snow covered path. And of course there is the enhanced views over the river due to the leafless trees. At the end there was coffee, warm cinnamon rolls and good company at Tazza D'oro.