Thanksgiving Day run: Commonplace at 7:30 AND November 30 Run: 61C Cafe on Murray at 7

First, Thanksgiving (in 2 days!) - Virginia will "lead a Thanksgiving morning run (for anyone not doing the Turkey Trot) that starts at Commonplace Coffee at 7:30 a.m.  It is a 6 1/2 mile run that goes thru the golf course, around Schenley Plaza and around Cathedral of Learning, back thru Shadyside and Point Breeze to Squirrel Hill." 

Second, next Sunday - we didn't really settle on anything special, so we will start at our new home at 61C Cafe on Murray Ave., and will be surprised.  However some plans are being made for a Troy Hill run soon, to pay homage to the largest collection of relics outside the Vatican, and probably also outside of the early bird movie at the Manor. (I can say that because I have been known to be there myself and actually fit in pretty well.)

This past Sunday was delightful, as the frigid temp had finally fled, and Frick Park was almost bare so that you could easily see the tiny fairy doors in the tree trunks, that we looked for as we ran through. Looming hawks and atmospheric crows brought Audubon to mind - evidently the Univ. of Pittsburgh has one of the few remaining sets of original prints.  But even more delightful was coffee at Wendy and David's house afterwards - we didn't want to leave, even after the fabulous treats from the hot new bakery across the street had dwindled to crumbs on the plate.

Endorsed:  
The aforesaid bakery, 5 Points, on Wilkins!
Whidbey Island and Deception Pass near Seattle
Friendsgiving - escaping from the family mishegas
Book:  Michael Chabon's Telegraph Ave. - almost as good as his Kavalier and Clay

November 23 Run: Meet at the Frick Park gatehouse on Reynolds Street for an enchanted run through the woods.

Next Sunday, meet on Reynolds Street at the Frick Park gatehouse for a magical, enchanted run led by Wendy to search for the "fairy doors" and "gnome homes" hidden within trees along Tranquil Trail.  This is a run not to be missed!  Wendy is also kindly inviting us all to her and David's home afterward for coffee (6425 Wilkins at Beechwood; park on Beechwood).  We're hoping the new Five Points Bakery next to Wheel Deliver will be open for us to purchase treats, but if not, Wendy will have backup treats.

Last Sunday, we met at Riverview Park for a combination trail-road run led by yours truly.  We began at the Allegheny Observatory and took in the views of the Downtown skyline (unfortunately the Observatory is closed for tours for the season), then circled back to the trails.  We explored the winding trails and steep topography of the park, blinking off snowflakes from our eyelashes, and stopped to check out some ruins (Watson's Cabin, behind the group in the photos, on the "to-be-refurbished" list).  We then admired the beautifully restored Chapel Shelter (nice spot for a wedding!) and the Bear Pit, which is now a Public Works storage shed, but once had actual bears living on the ground level while spectators could watch from above on the next floor (!).

Endorsements from during the run: Orphan Black now available on Netflix; also Twin Peaks' reunion coming up!  Coffee was back at 61C, but I didn't write down any further endorsements on a napkin (still Roye's domain!), so I will leave it at that.

November 16 Run: Meet at the entrance to Riverview Park (near Riverview Avenue and Rt 19-Perrysville Avenue)

Next Sunday, we will explore--for the first time, I believe, in EERunners' history--Riverview Park, one of the City's beautiful parks and home to the Allegheny Observatory.  I think the leaves on the trees may have fallen enough for us to catch some great views of the City as well as the surrounding hillsides.  I will lead us on both the trails (weather- and light-permitting) and the roads, to show the group some of the secrets the park has to offer.  Park along Riverview Avenue (near Perrysville Avenue) near the entrance to the park.  From Squirrel Hill, it's about a 15-20 minute drive.

I don't have a summary for last Sunday's run because I wasn't there, and many others were running various races.  The EQT 10-Miler, Clarkston Backroads Half Marathon, and I believe a Chesapeake Bay Bridge race were all represented by EERunners!

I hope we can all reunite soon, including Roye (I think she's returning stateside soon!!!) and those on our injured list.  Hopefully my well-researched Riverview Park run will be just the ticket to bring everyone out.

November 9 Run: Meet at 61C Cafe- Someone will have an idea

Next Sunday meet at our NEW default location, 61C Cafe, and hopefully someone will think of somewhere fun to go. I will miss the run (free RAD day at the zoo, oh the life of a toddler mom!), plus it's the day of the EQT 10-Miler (not sure who will be running that), so plans for a run were not made.
Speaking of the EQT 10-Miler, Virginia has announced that she will no longer be needing her bib and wants to offer it to someone for free:

...please see if anyone wants a free entry for the EQT 10-miler. Rather than formerly transfer the number, which is hassle, I'll just pick up the T-shirt and bib and deliver it to the home of anyone who wants this. It's a $60 value -- for free! -- Thanks, Virginia

So, we had a large-ish group meet up at Tom's house for a pleasant jaunt through Oakland, CMU, and Schenley Park. Beautiful, perfect running weather! We welcomed new and old runners (so good to see alternate run runners Tom, Jonathan, and Paula!) and we continued to wish those on our injured list to get well soon-- we miss you!

Stay tuned for a new upcoming run I will lead the following Sunday-- no spoilers, but I'm going to do some reconnaissance tomorrow to check mileage, views, points of interest, etc.!