Sept. 30 Run - Either Great Race, or Commonplace Coffee - your choice

Next week is the Great Race, which will include a good portion of our group, but those who are not racers will start at Commonplace and figure it out from there.

Racers are invited to Pam’s house from 8-8:30 for coffee and sustenance, since it’s conveniently located right at the start of the 10K – address: 2200 Beechwood Blvd.

Last week, Aimee showed us how the riverfront construction on the South Side Trail has been gorgeously finished, with terrific architectural details  - and also continued Tom’s tradition of run-related storytelling, with some amazing tales based at the Terminal Buildings, at the turnaround point.  Aimee has really investigated this one, and sends the following:

·         The stories, with information on GBA's HallowGreen event

·         A link to the new revamped South Shore Riverfront Park

·         And Raising the Roof of the railroad at South Side Works

Suffice it to say that fur coats were involved, which brings us to another RG favorite: Dress Designer Days - NOVEMBER 8-11, 2012 – mark your calendars!

So many runners were at coffee making a raucous hubbub that nothing survives, save one endorsement:  Wild Purveyors Market on Butler Street for things from Pennsylvania farms and forests.

Roye

Sept. 23 Run: Hot Metal Bridge - parking lot on 2nd Ave. at Bates

We’ll meet at the Thermo Scientific parking lot this side of the Hot Metal Bridge, and Aimee has offered to show us:  "the new segment of the South Side trail, which goes behind the Hofbrauhaus and American Eagle.  I thought we'd check out the new amphitheater there, the historic steel mill remnants they put there (really cool!), and then run along the South Side trail to the Terminal Building (where I have discovered some interesting stories to share), then head back along Carson Street.  I also wanted to show everyone the railroad tunnels that are exposed at the South Side Works (also really cool)."  

Last week we had twin runs: North Park and Oakland – in clear cool perfect weather – many runners in each and even more as we converged afterward at Commonplace.  Though there was talk of phantom Wednesday-Friday 5:45 a.m. runs – are we going soft?   Also some party planning (an RG specialty) – really, how many weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, graduations have we given collective advice on?  We could be consultants!

Sept. 16 Run: North Side (pickup at 6:30 at Commonplace); Alternate: Tom's House

Elaine – a welcome sight! – has offered to lead the long-anticipated North Park run, which I think is this one – and which has evidently been refurbished and beautified.  So we are bravely venturing into the suburbs, and hoping not to meet up with any bears.  Please reply to the list if you can offer a ride so we know there will be some – and if you are giving a ride or need one, please show up at Commonplace Coffee at 6:30 a.m. where the caravan will begin.

Also an auxiliary run for those needing to be back early – start at Tom’s house again.

Last Sunday’s run was a fascinating trek down little-known Oakland streets and Tom’s youthful haunts, where we learned he had often been discovered in unexpected places.  Elaine channeled Rick Sebak in giving us the lowdown on Groceria Merante, and the view over Junction Hollow was crystal clear.  Later we discussed some horrifying infectious diseases with our local expert specialist and a heroic sufferer, and the upshot was:  try not to spend a long plane trip next to a 3-year-old unless it is yours.

PtB has provided the route and the title (which can be explained on request):
The Dark Knight and the Tall Mexican

Sept. 9 Run: Tom's house, Aylesboro near Forbes

Next week’s run has been devised by Tom and will start at his house.  Sure to be creative!  Also maybe he will reveal what has been built underneath the pavement.

Last Sunday we hit the trail from the Waterfront along the river towards McKeesport, over that cute pedestrian bridge, and stopping and reversing direction when we saw the back of a  Kennywood roller coaster looming over us.  We agreed it was way more interesting than those somewhat boring suburban trails, keeping in view of the smokestacks and barge traffic of our steel industry past.  About Monday I only know about the coffee part, which, like Sunday, was as usual filled with good ideas and

Endorsements: 

·         Stylish yet comfortable shoes:  votes for Rieker (the one I couldn’t recall), Dansko, Aerosoles, and the NYT article interviewing flight attendants.

·         The “Bob” stroller and midwives – OMG, we are now talking about pregnancy and baby accoutrements.  MUCH advice to be handed out.

·         Born To Run and the new Newtons

·         The new little citrusy olive oil cakes at Commonplace

·         A Women-only 10K in Glasgow – now that would be a great RG trip.  Shout-out to Anna – we miss you!  

Non-endorsement: 

·         Doctors who don’t listen (unlike the doctors in our group, who could teach them a thing or two.)