Dec 4 Run: By the tall smoke stacks in the Waterfront Parking Lot

Pam Murray is going to lead another Homestead Church run to start off our month of holiday runs. Meet at the tall smoke stacks in the Waterfront parking lot between Costco and the movie theater (near the Longhorn Steakhouse).

We caught the sunrise in Homestead Cemetery this morning but it was the red/blue/violet sky leading up to it that was the real show. And as often happens in this Cemetery we saw a few deer to add to the bucolic atmosphere. The temperatures were mild making for a pleasant post-Thanksgiving run which seemed to include a few extra hills.

Many stayed for coffee and a few joined, filling up Commonplace with convivial chatter. I noticed that there were no treats bought or brought - perhaps a residual effect from Thanksgiving overindulgence. Despite the lack of carbohydrates we hung out until 9AM, discussing politics, iPhone apps, Thanksgiving adventures, and more.

One of those who stopped by was Max Plotkin. Don't forget that she is hosting an expanded jewelry party this -there will be 6 other displaying their ways artists including herself. All runners, lurkers, friends and family are invited:

Sunday, December 4th, 12:00 - 8:00 PM

1411 Severn Street, 15217 (Max's home)

Alternate parking on Wilkins and Beechwood 

Refreshments will be served

Thanksgiving Runs: Commonplace Coffee

We were having such a good time this morning we forgot to choose a meeting place for next  Sunday's run but given the holiday, I am arbitrarily selecting Commonplace Coffee in Squirrel Hill - the usual holiday default location.
I know most people are either out of town or running the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day but you can take your chances and show up at Commonplace on Thursday at 7:30AM (note the slightly later holiday time) and see if any like-minded runners appear.

Only a small group began this morning's run but slowly picked up members, first Michael running down Liberty, then Sharon arriving in her car and finally the run to the runners - in the end it was a fair size group augmented by Jan who seemed to turn up magically everywhere we went even though she was walking (how DID she do that?). On this twist to our usual downtown/ river trail route we started at 21st and Liberty, ran down Penn Ave to the Point - unfortunately we could not quite get there as the fountain is fenced off, although in true EE Runners spirit, we tried - and returned on the trail by the Allegheny all the way to its almost end at the Cork Factory (as Cheryl commented: it's all about beginnings and endings). Along the way we took in the many sites on Penn including the "Horne's" Tree and the Violin Shop. The plantings on the river trail were still attractive in their autumn colors and the river, as always, remains such a strong element of our city's landscape. We ran up and back on the pathway at the Convention Center, although it was slightly disappointing that the water feature and lights were not on. We admired the finials on the 16th Street Bridge while expanding our vocabulary and finally remarked on the currency of the historical marker ("Desperation and Decadence") describing one of the union stand-offs. It was a rich run!

Despite overwhelming the server at La Prima and getting apple instead of almond meles we experienced the usual coffee chat rejuvenation that included a quote about being responsible for the energy you bring to places and a unique display of useless but interesting talents.

Nov 20 Run: 21st & Liberty for a Downtown Run

Meet in the parking lot at 21st and Liberty (on the left as you look downtown) for a run down to the Point then back on the trail by the river - it should be flat and fabulous. Oh and of course there is La Prima and pastries waiting at the end....

Today's run combined a set of misadventures into one nice adventure. A few of us (ahem) did not carefully read the run directions and were waiting at the wrong entrance to Allegheny Cemetery. Thanks to smart phones we discovered the mistake.The run to the runners just fit into my Fit and we zoomed to the start on Butler Street where we found the pack musing about how to get around some dogs wrestling with their owner at the only opening to the cemetery. It was decided to head uphill, and it was very much uphill, away from the dogs in hopes of finding another entrance. That entrance was to St. Mary's Cemetery where we had never been before - always a treat to admire another Pittsburgh landmark. We did find our way to Allegheny Cemetery where we explored the perimeter and despite traveling some unknown trails today there are still more waiting for us in this beautiful park-like cemetery.

Coffee conversation was raucous and delightfully long. Topics covered were delicious chickens from the East Liberty Saturday Farmer's Market  as well as from the Crested Duck at the Pittsburgh Public Market , Mark Bittman's lecture and eating habits, upcoming trips to CA by a trio of runners, possible future runs, taking charge of your own health and more....

Nov. 13 run - Butler St. entrance to Allegheny Cemetery

Next up: a run through Allegheny Cemetery and environs, starting at the Butler Street entrance (around 47th, there should be on street parking around there) – we may return to the Espresso a Mano café afterwards, or else the usual Commonplace – group will decide.

Taking advantage of the added hour and more daylight, our Schenley Park autumn run was a classic: cool, colorful, and bright with a sizeable crowd. Two new runners joined us, and we had a visit from Ian! Après-run discussions were lively as usual: we seem to be getting louder and louder, and hopefully they won’t throw us out any time soon. Apps, movies, biking, books (GoT of course, and I promised I would mention Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy, a marvel for young teens and everyone else.) Also endorsed: Terra Cafe around Morgantown WV near a great bike trail. I can’t recall much else mainly because I have been distracted by this article in yesterday’s NYTimes that will have us talking for months – suffice it to say that we have some running pioneers among us.