Labor Day Weekend Runs

There are several opportunities to run this upcoming holiday weekend:

Saturday, September 5: 7AM North Park Boathouse for a longer run around the Lake (7- 10 miles)

Sunday, September 4: 7AM Wendy Bennett Trailhead for a regular Schenley Park run

Monday, September 5: 7:30 AM <- Note the slightly later time - Coffee Tree in Squirrel Hill

Although the saying is "Fall is in the air" it was more like "Fall is in the light" this morning - true it was cooler but as Roye pointed out there was a subtle shift in the quality of the light - slightly muted, not that summer brassy yellow. We ran on some of the less traveled (at least by me) trails in Frick Park where everything is still very green and overgrown. People joined us at the Coffee Tree making for a large crowd - we took over the outside tables and an inside table just inside the open window frame - making for an interesting conversation exchange.

visuals for Aug. 23 run

Aug 30 Run: Reynolds St Entrance to Frick Park

We thought it was time to return to the East End after all these designer runs so Karen will take us through Frick Park and 9 mile run. Meet at the entrance to Frick Park across from the Frick Art Museum and on the traffic circle (or round-about) at Reynolds and S. Homewood. This will be the last run in August!

I admit that today's run is one of my favorites - I love the variety: the strip, the bridges, the rivers, wooded/wild areas, the city, the trails - it really has it all. Plus what better way to end it than sitting outside at La Prima eating melt-in-your mouth warm pastries and drinking superior coffee. We even took a jaunt around Herr's Island to see the Quantum Theater set up and while there found a lovely frog - I believe frogs bring good luck. I think we should take the G-20 leaders on this route since it shows off the city so well ;-).

To view 08/23/2009 The Strip - Washingtons Landing - 9th Street, follow the link below:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/view_route?r=666125103840531872

Aug 23 Run: Parking lot at 21rst and Liberty for Strip/Washington's Landing/Downtown Run

Meet at the Parking Lot at the corner of 21rst and Liberty Ave in the Strip. The lot is on the bus way side of the street. We will make a big loop - crossing the Allegheny to run on the River Trail and across again to pass by the Convention Center. Coffee and melt-in-your mouth pastries after at La Prima so bring some $$$.

The group broke in a new route today and explored a truly hidden part of Pittsburgh. We ran from the Waterfront, across the Gray's Bridge then down to Duck Hollow where we picked up the Steel Valley Heritage trail going toward town. This shaded trail took us to the Glenwood Bridge where we crossed and thanks to Yale, picked our way through some pokey streets (OK there was a sign.. but it seemed mysterious) to Sand Castle and back to the stacks. It was definitely a keeper - plus there are other runs waiting for us - connecting to the South Side Trial, going toward the Rankin Bridge and checking out the new Labyrinth at the end of the Waterfront Trail.

We had a classic coffee chat today demonstrating the depth and breadth of the group's knowledge. Topics covered included: suggestions on where take the visiting Japanese Ambassador to dinner, description of bialys (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bialy), suggestions on how to make and freeze your own pizza shells, Chicago or NY - which is your favorite city?, H&H bagels (there was definitely a food theme) and much more.

To view Stacks-Duck Hollow-Glenwood Br (from Crazy M), follow the link below:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/view_route?r=406125043157742941

Aug 16 Run: Waterfront for a still developing route

Meet at the big smoke stacks in the Long Horn Steakhouse parking lot at the Waterfront for a route that will include the Waterfront trail and perhaps a visit to Duck Hollow - if we can figure that out.

Today was Elaine's famous and fabulous Three Bridges, Three Rivers run. The air was heavy and hot but we slogged on buoyed by downtown vistas and interesting sights not to mention the 8th floor flasher in the Hilton Hotel! It was good to see that the riverfront trail is finally open in front of the Casino - which was fairly quiet even though today was its opening. Perhaps it was the sultry weather but we lingered for quite a while at the Coffee Tree or perhaps we were, as Paula the Brit might say, knackered! Still there is no cause for complaining since our summer has been so mild up until now.

To view 3 B&R Duquesne Bridge, follow the link below:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/view_route?r=140124982670929916

Aug 9 Run: PPG Place for a Three Rivers Casino Run

Next Sunday the new casino opens on the North Shore. We will use this event to revisit the Three Rivers Downtown Run, Meet at PPG Place (glass buildings, fountain, Tomb of the Unknown Bowler) at 7:00. There is free metered parking around there on Sunday.

For those wanting to run to the run, meet at Phipps Conservatory ready to take off at 6:15 AM (as I recall it takes all of the 45 min to get downtown).

Paula the Brit summed up today's run for which I was not present (I only showed up for the coffee):

This is the route:

http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/pa/pittsburgh/229124921920824075

I'm sure someone more eloquent than I will comment on the route but I think we had 9 people, cool with a little rain but more humidity. Quiet, nice run. Saw a deer at Schenley Park bridge who didn't know quite what to make of us but clearly no threat. Talk of training for the 1/2M in November. Ran along Darlington to view rarely seen beautiful houses.

You and David Coulson joined us at Goat Coffee after. Over to you...

Reviews of the new coffee shop were mixed:

Plus: Lots of seating space with doors to the outside

Minus: Decaf coffee had lots of grounds at the bottom of the cup

Plus: Across from Allegro Hearth Bakery

Minus: A good walk from the usual bagel places - although Elaine was off to see if Kazantsky's had bagels