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.