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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

Mar 21 Run: Hot Metal Bridge for a SSide Run

It must have been the time change because there were only 7 runners at the Coffee Tree yesterday morning, a surprise after two weekday runs with10 people. Since it was a small group we decided to venture out and pay visit to the shrine of the Blessed Virgin that overlooks the Parkway - fortunately Elaine had just looked up the route and guided us through the back streets of South Oakland. It is difficult to describe this very Pittsburgh place - for me it always stirs up memories from my catholic childhood. The last time we were there, over a year ago, it was summer and you did not get the full impact of the views over the city. It was quite a run!

Here is web reference I found:

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/9433

And coincidentally (or is it fate?) from the WQED Web Site (note we have been to two of these sites):

Sunday, April 4, 2010 at 5:30pm
OnQ: Viewers Request: Unique Places of Catholic Worship in Pittsburgh
The theme is "Unique Places of Catholic Worship in Pittsburgh" and we've chosen three stories from our archives: 1. Maxo Vanka Murals at St. Nicholas Church in Millvale 2. Parkway Shrine (it's an outdoor "grotto" on a hillside near Bates St. in Oakland) 3. St. Anthony's Chapel in Troy Hill (Experts believe this church houses more catholic relics than anywhere in the world except the Vatican).

March 14: Guess where: The Coffee Tree - REMEMBER TO TURN YOUR CLOCK FORWARD

Because quite a few people will not be here next Sunday and because next Sunday it will be dark again (sigh - who are these people who make the daylight savings rules????) we defaulted to the Coffee Tree again.

As all of you here in Pittsburgh know, it was a gorgeous morning. Tom said it reminded him of the mountains in the summer - full sun but snow on the ground - which makes everything even brighter. We ran in the cemetery again but it looked quite different from last week - most of the roads have no snow on them now. It was so clear that at we could see East Liberty Presbyterian Church from one vantage point. Wendy missed the run but joined us for coffee which was raucous as usual.

Pam suggested we all attend this event: http://www.frickart.org/programs_events/specialevents.php

Film, Friends and Drinks with LUPEC:
It Happened One Night
Tuesday, March 23
7:00 p.m.
The Frick Art Museum

But get your tickets now - it sounds like it could fill up quickly.

March 7 Run: Coffee Tree AGAIN!

Hoping that if we continue to be cautious with our run choices, winter will melt away to spring, we are sticking with the Coffee Tree again.

Only six of us ran this Sunday despite the clearing roads. I think several people were off visiting family - making it sort of a running group parents' weekend. We did one of my favorites - a pass through Homewood Cemetery. It still looks lovely in the snow - like a black and white photo as Cheryl aptly described it.

Only 3 of us were left to look for Hamantaschen to have with our coffee. The ones we found at Allegro Hearth bakery were tasty but too small and not quite right but there were no others to be found in Squirrel Hill - nevertheless, Happy Purim to all.

2/28 Run: Coffee Tree Again

Because weather, roads and trails are unpredictable these days, we are going to stick with the safe choice and meet at the Coffee Tree in Squirrel Hill next Sunday. There is definitely a pent up demand for more interesting runs but they may have to wait for a few weeks....

The roads were clear enough for us to run through Chatham and Shadyside this morning with only a few encounters with ice. A fair number of people turned up, consequently coffee hour was rather loud but entertaining as always. One side of the table discussed the very Pittsburgh comment: "Kennywood is open", discovering that several at the table had no idea what it meant. With travelers returning from the UK and Austin, a daughter trekking in Thailand, new job possibilities on the offer, healthcare options for older children now available - there was not just not enough time to hear it all!!

Feb 21 Run: Coffee Tree in Squill again

For lack of any other ideas and in deference to crazy weather, next Sunday's run will start at the Coffee Tree again.

I was running a bit of the Austin Marathon course this past Sunday - sunny and cool - perfect for marathoners and slackers like me. This being the case I do not have a report on last Sunday's run but I am sure it was wonderful as always!

Feb 14 Valentines Run: Coffee Tree or ?

After our epic trek in the park we regrettably forgot to pick a site for next week's run so I am selecting the Squirrel Hill Coffee Tree default meeting place. If someone wants to volunteer to lead a run from somewhere else please let me and/or the group know.

You can see from Roye's photos that four of us (Roye, Virginia, Karen and I) showed up for a cold but wonderful run/walk in Frick Park. Surprisingly we saw no one until close to the end of our run so it felt as if we were trekking deep in the woods - quiet except for the occasional bird song - well OK, we did hear the cars on the Parkway when were on the Braddock trail but we left them soon enough. As you can imagine the park was beautiful, each vignette a classic winter scene from misty frozen streams to paths framed by snow ladened trees.

Thanks to Virginia who drove, we were still able to enjoy a coffee visit, although it was shorter than usual because we had already been out for long time.

Feb 7 Run: Entrance to Frick Park at S. Homewood and Reynolds

Roye will lead us around and/or through Frick Park depending on the weather - which will be gorgeous.

Despite several suggestions to skip the run and just have coffee we ventured out into the crispy cold morning and in the end were glad of it. The sun was rising and the mostly full moon (96%) was still large and luminous as we traveled over the snow covered river path at the Waterfront. We found the labyrinth and walked some of its path. It is perfectly placed framed by a rail road bridge with the old Carrie Furnace hulking in the distance - well worth a visit. On our way back we chased a barge down the river. It was cold but it was worth it.

Over a cozy coffee session we discussed anaerobic vs aerobic exercise (excuse the use of Wikipedia it was the most targeted reference I found) as well as the new art exhibit at the Frick Art museum, 1934, which was highly recommended by Wendy and David. You can find a nice article about it in today's Post Gazette. We also welcomed back Aimee!!

Jan 30 Run: Starbucks at the Waterfront for a Find the Labyrinth Run

Elaine will lead us on a run to have a look at the Labyrinth that was build at the Waterfront sometime last year. Meet at the Starbucks at the Waterfront at 7AM. Here is some pre-run reading: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09165/977328-437.stm

Those who want to run to the run meet at Colfax School at 6:20 AM - this assumes running down Beechwood which is 3.3 miles to the Waterfront and allowing a little fudge factor. It could be less if Sommerset is still passable. Comments on this are welcome.

I will drive and probably arrive 20 mins earlier to get in a bit more of a run. Please let the group know if you are going to drive so we can be sure there are enough cars.

Our run through North Point Breeze turned up some surprises as always. We managed to find East End Brewing (http://www.eastendbrewing.com/) whose business model does not include advertising its location and investigated the new site of Burg Bee's apiary which is just across the street (http://www.burghbees.com/index.php). We ran on some back streets in Homewood and on a great land bridge over the busway checking out a little bit of suburbia built just by the busway.

But the highlight of the run was a coffee and knitting session at Terri's. Terri generously provided not only coffee but breakfast too!! While we sat chatting Roye gave knitting lessons - what a wonderful way to spend a gray morning in Pittsburgh!

Jan 23 Run: Linden School for an East End run really

Meet at Linden School (on Linden Ave just up from Beechwood). This time we will run through the East End past sites like Westinghouse Park, East End Brewery, Construction Junction etc. Last time we planned this it was just too tempting to run through Frick Park and if the weather does a complete change about we could do so again but looking at the forecast that seems unlikely.

Our run today continues to be one of my favorites - it is mostly flat, has spectacular views, travels near water, touches on downtown and ends up with warm pastries at La Prima - what could be better! The view from the 31st Bridge was just breathtaking this morning - the river was calm, reflecting the banks, the city seemed to appear out of the water in a amethyst haze. We had a good size group and practically took over La Prima. Cheryl graciously fed the group on out of the oven pastries hand delivered from Enrico's - yum!

Here is a map of the route: http://www.mapmyrun.com/view_route?r=176126373825950664

Roye, Paula The Brit and Iain had a longer than I would expect (but I obviously underestimate hedgehogs) conversation about hedgehogs while running and PtB sent the following link so all of us can learn about them too:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedgehog

I've never eaten hedgehog but the crisps (chips) were good.....

Finally watch your email for details of a EE Runners cross-country trip on Saturday, Jan 30 (if there is snow).

Jan 17 Run: Parking Lot @ 21rst and Liberty for a Strip/downtown run

Meet in the parking lot at 21rst street and Liberty Ave (I think it is called Liberty Commons) for a loop around the Strip/Washington's Landing/Northside/Downtown and back - perhaps coffee and pastry after at La Prima, so bring some $$.

We could carpool from the Coffee Tree in Squirrel Hill if people felt so inclined. Send email if you are willing to drive down.

Since our luck with out of neighborhood runs has not been good lately, please check your email on Saturday evening if the conditions look dicey.

Amazingly 12 runners turned up for a very wintry run this morning. Despite the frigid temperatures we headed into Frick Park, which was snowy and empty. The sun was rising as we ran along the trails and it almost was as if we were cross country skiing - until we hit the long uphill to the Nature Center. But at least it warmed us up!

It felt like we took over the Coffee Tree especially when Iain and Paula joined us. As we sat big fat flakes of snow began to fall covering up the dirty slushy bits and making the walk home just a little magical.

Jan 10 Run: Linden School for an East End Run

We did not talk about a run for next week but sticking with the "close to home" theme how about a run on Meade Street and its environs? Let's meet at Linden School (on Linden Ave, just up from Beechwood). People can choose to run directly back to the Coffee Tree or Linden School to pick up cars. If someone has a grander idea, just let me know.

A solid number of people turned out this morning including a new runner (welcome Jean!), despite it being 8 degrees not counting wind chill! Roye provided a very applicable saying: "There is no bad weather, just bad clothing" - I hope I got that right. I confess I was more focused on my footing than the scenery as we picked our way through the semi-icy roads in the cemetery. There were no deer or fox sitings but it was peaceful as always.

Coffee was particularly welcomed this morning with the cold making it difficult to leave. Food played a big part in the conversations with strong recommendations for buying meat at the East Liberty Farmer's Market - the one by Home Depot that runs year round.

It was requested that I add a link on the blog for eBook recommendations - it is now in the list of the links to the right of the main page. Here is the direct link: http://eastendrunners.blogspot.com/2010/01/ebook-recommendations.html You can add recommendations via comments. I admit I almost called it Books on Tape Recommendations but luckily caught my now-obsolete reference.

eBook Recommendations

This is a placeholder for recommendations for books on some electronic format

EE Runers at the 11/1 Half Marathon

Crossing the Line at the 11/1/09 Pgh Half Marathon
L to R Wendy, Sharon and Teri