August 30 Run: meet in Regent Square at 61B Cafe on Braddock

Sorry it's late!  A busy week - so just the location this time:
We're meeting in Regent Square at the 61B Cafe on Braddock Ave.
See you there!

August 23 Run: Start at Costco parking lot in the Waterfront

Next week we thought it would be fun to return to the Waterfront and run on the path along the Mon - stop at the labyrinth, ponder the Carrie Blast Furnaces, and reach the rear end of Kennywood - maybe head back through Homestead.  Not sure about coffee - possibly at the Starbucks right in the Waterfront - or is there someplace in Homestead?  We'll see.

Last week, a summery experience of Frick Park while it was still cool, taking us from the depths to the heights and then a lovely downhill back to the start, at the Five Points Bakery, which as a bakery is simply awesome, but for our largish group on Sunday, a little slow on the coffee and short on the chairs.  Not being good at writing while standing up, this is all I've got:

• We are just as good as The Ethicist when determining the rights and wrongs of baseball ticket distribution.
• Everything inside 5 Points Bakery is marvelous - particularly recommend the Tahini Cookies.
• Vermont Bike Tours are great, even outside of Vermont.
• So is Costco - stay tuned.

August 16 Run: Five Points Bakery at 6520 Wilkins Avenue

This Sunday, let's start and end at the yummy Five Points Bakery at 6520 Wilkins Avenue (near Wilkins and Beechwood intersection).  There was some talk about running to Frick Park-- we'll see!

Last Sunday, I brought the group around to a less traversed section of Garfield near the water tower that  boasted some new housing, several community gardens, an old closed school with lots of potential, and tons of city steps.  Despite my reputation for taking the group on hilly runs, there was only one steep uphill, and it was worth it for the views.  We could see the Downtown and Oakland skylines!  I told people it was only 3.75 miles, but they were "vertical miles" for the elevation.  Let's embrace this beautiful topography!

I didn't stay long at coffee, but there was a coffee cocktail of the day as well as talk of frozen cocktails to make at home.  Both refreshing.

August 9 Run: Start at The Commonplace at Voluto Cafe, 5467 Penn Ave., Garfield

For this coming Sunday, Aimee has a plan, starting and ending at the Commonplace at Voluto Cafe in Garfield, 5467 Penn Ave., sort of across from the Pittsburgh Glass Center.  New sights in store!

Last Sunday the air was cool, the sky was clear, the river was sparkling as we crossed the bridges to and from Washington's Landing, the coffee was strong, the meles were still warm - what more could we ask for?  Am including 3 photos so everyone is accounted for, including Sid and Cutch, vividly executed but never seen when the store is open.  Another reason to be up and about at 7.

Delightful coffee at La Prima, naturally, with various endorsements:

• Traveling without the family - what conferences were invented for -
• The Fort Pitt Museum
• Birdman the movie, and also the documentary about casting by the famous Marion Dougherty 
• a run in Troy Hill with a visit to the famous church with relics
• Lake Arthur and its 14-mile bike route as well as pontoon boats

And best of luck to Gretchen's daughter who made it to the WYEP Singer/Songwriter Competition finals on August 24!