Mar 1 Run: Hot Metal Bridge for a longer Jail Trail/South Side run

Hi All

For the first day of March we are going to try a longer run to help those training for the Pittsburgh 1/2 Marathon. The run is about 6 - 7 miles but with options to make the run shorter for those who don't want to go the whole way. We will follow the jail trail to the Smithfield Street Bridge then pick up the South Side trail back to the Hot Metal Bridge.

We will meet at the parking lot right next to the Hot Metal Bridge on 2nd Avenue. This is the same parking lot we've met at before to do South Side runs -- it is on the Oakland side of the Hot Metal Bridge, not the South Side Works side; Drive down Bates to 2nd Ave., turn right and take the first entrance into the parking lot and swing left to park near the bridge. There is a ramp from this parking lot that will connect us to the Jail Trail.

For those wanting even more miles, meet at the Coffee Tree in Squirrel Hill at 6:35 a.m. for the run to the run. It is a 2.9 mile run from there.

If you would like to get a ride to the run, meet at the Coffee Tree in Squirrel Hill at 6:45 a.m.  I am assuming a few people will turn up with cars.

Although the roads were "slippy" this morning, the trails in Schenley park surprisingly, were not. It was a steely gray winter run through the park,  which does have a certain stark kind of beauty at this time of year. While the run was pleasant enough, it was the rambunctious discussion over coffee that made getting out in the biting cold worth it.

I promise I will send a note about the Pittsburgh Marathon options this week!

Feb 22 Run; Wendy Bennett Trailhead

Thanks to Paul C (the brain) for the excellent report from this past Sunday's run. Funnily enough (well to me anyway) the last time the announced run was on the Wendy Bennett Trail, Paula was the back-up recorder.... we will see if a pattern emerges.

Next Sunday the run will begin at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead (Overlook Drive entrance to Schenley Park). We will take advantage of the 7am light skies before we lose them to daylight savings time. Meet at the Coffee Tree at 6:45 AM to run there (it is 1 mile).

 

Report on last Sunday's run in Highland Park: Despite the absence of an announcement of a run-to-the-run, a few creatures of habit showed up at the usual place at the usual time anyway to enjoy the pre-run. Impressively, Cheryl, arriving late, successfully intercepted the run-to-the-run and ran most of it. Deftly brought out by Anne Jane's email the week before, Joanne led a delightful run through Highland Park. During coffee at Tazo D'Oro after the run we learned yet another talent of Molly's - playing the fiddle. Better yet, we learned that the group she plays with will play at Murphy's Grill at Forbes and Braddock on March 14th 'all evening' (more precise times may be forthcoming). However, the report that Murphy's allows smoking was met with a spontaneous group groan.

 

Paula

While you were enjoying the charms of Highland Park, Dave and I slipped into the back of the pack in the Austin Marathon. We took guilty pleasure in the cheers and the many bands along the part of the route we ran. This reminded me that I have been remiss in finding out the details about teams and relays for our own Pittsburgh Marathon and will do that soon.

Feb 15 Run: Tazza D'Oro for a Highland Park Run

Meet at Tazza D'Oro Coffee Shop near the corner of Highland Ave and Bryant St. for a Highland Park run. We are hoping Joanne can lead the group but if not I am sure it will be interesting!

It was an "R" run through North Point Breeze this morning:
Reunion - to everyone's delight, long-time but busy member, Julie Meder, joined us for the run and coffee

Relief - it was a relief not to have to wear your whole closet full of running clothes on this almost warm morning - some people, besides Tom, even wore shorts!

Recycle - we observed those big recycling bins at Construction Junction

Resolve - Pam Murray showed us where to go in case of a mental health emergency :
http://www.upmc.com/Services/resolvecrisisnetwork/Pages/default.aspx - it is tucked away just a block from the Food Co-op

Revealing - Pam Murray stumped Tom with this historical fact - the bathrooms in Westinghouse park are all that is left of the former Westinghouse Mansion: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westinghouse_Park

gRowlers - (OK that is a stretch) - once again we checked out the incredibly hard to find East End Brewing Company: http://mail.google.com/mail/?zx=16jsa3uqq3s6j&shva=1#compose

Renewable - we saw a car powered by vegetable oil

Relay - we are thinking of putting together at least one relay team for the Pittsburgh Marathon. There are already a few people who have committed to running the 1/2 Marathon

Restorative - as always the run and the discussion over coffee provide a much welcomed lift of the spirits not to mention some very interesting ideas for unusual jobs

Anne Jane

Feb 8 run: Linden School for a Point Breeze (North and South) run

I knew it was going to be a good run when more than 7 cars were waiting in the Strip District parking lot as we pulled in. Even the North Hills branch of the running group was there and most everyone was decked out in their black and gold for this Super Bowl inspired run. Despite Roye and Wendy falling on ice just as we were starting out, we continued on through slush, pot holes and more icy patches to view the city decked out for their beloved Steelers. Highlights included the Terrible Tree, Heinz field, sea gulls watching us from their floating ice blocks, a very large sculpture composed of replicas of Pittsburgh bridges, the city painted gold by the morning sun (finally some sun!) and the strip merchandise vendors already setting up their tables at 8AM! Plus there was the added uplift of people cheering us as we ran by: "Go Steelers!!" Roye chronicled this memorable run and will post the photos on the group's facebook page (a hot topic of conversation).
It was also decided that standing while drinking coffee at LaPrima was perfectly fine - particularly while eating those melt-in-your-mouth pastries from Enricos.

As promised here is the link to "Ten Reasons to Like the Pittsburgh Steelers" from the NYTimes: http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/ten-reasons-to-like-the-pittsburgh-steelers/