January 1 and 2 Runs! 61C Café on Murray at 7 (Jan 1) ; then Blue Slide Park on Beechwood Blvd at 7:30 (Jan 2) What better way to start the new Year!!

61C says Yes, they will be open on News Years Day at 8 a.m. (thank you for checking, Cheryl), so we’ll start the year off with that weather friendly location at 7.  Then the extra holiday run will take place in Squirrel Hill South, starting at the entrance to Frick Park by the Blue Slide Playground on Beechwood Blvd at 7:30.  If the weather cooperates and we have some morning light (sunrise is scheduled for 7:43 a.m.) we can get in some wooded trails and the usual spectacular park views…   

How is it that we failed to take even one photo on last Sunday’s Christmas morning run? Must be that Sarah W was away and the rest of us fell down on the job. We had an enthusiastic group, heading through Chatham and then Shadyside, climbing back up to coffee at Starbucks in Squirrel Hill.  

Monday’s holiday run started in Shadyside, where we welcomed back Cheryl and a new friend, Jan. We ran through Oakland passing the giftwrapped house on Fifth Avenue and visiting the Shrine of the Blessed Mother, before returning for coffee at Coffee Tree on Walnut street. Coffee highlights included Cheryl pulling a mystery item out of her running tights…the hysterical laughter seems to have wiped out any other memories of that coffee chat.

Posted by Elaine (thank you!) - now endorsements from Sunday being added by Roye:

• Crows - greeting the group every week with the "sound of the winter run" and their general amazingness
• Coffee made with the "Clover" machine at Starbucks, and also the Aeropress in anyone's kitchen.  Ask David for tips on how to use.
• Nigella's Almond Clementine Cake - make one or beg PtB for some
• Shows:  Mozart in the Jungle (season 3 is out! perhaps mentioned before but can never be recommended enough), Project Runway Junior, (perhaps negated by) The True Cost of Clothing, Raiders of the Lost Art, Shameless
• Running up 34 flights of stairs multiple times (and taking the elevator down to spare the knees) seriously there was a guy there who does this once a week.

December 25 and 26 Runs: Starbucks on Forbes at 7; then Coffee Tree on Walnut Street at 7:30

This holiday posed a new dilemma: is the Christmas Day run at holiday-time or regular time?  This required no less than a group referendum. And, planned locations have been switched, by me.  After checking with the usual coffee haunts, (apparently the ONLY coffee place open on Christmas Day is Squirrel Hill Starbucks,) we'll start there on Sunday at 7.  Then the extra holiday run on Monday will take place in Shadyside, starting at the Coffee Tree on Walnut at 7:30. Did I make that confusing or what?  Sorry - just look at the title of this posting, it's all there.

Last Sunday, what looked like it was going to be a miserable freezing rainy run kept all but a valiant two of us in bed, but then the attraction of visiting Cheryl in her new Cork Factory apartment made the rest of us hop out and get there in time for coffee. Stunning views (picture doesn't do it justice,) elegant coziness and terrific company of course made it hard to leave.
Just some of the endorsements that surfaced:

• The gorgeous dogs at the Cork Factory - perhaps more gorgeous than the people (excepting Cheryl)
• Gel shots for knees - also possibly spirinolactone (Pam spelled it for me) - but what to do about yoga butt?
• Meraki exercise studio - something new again
• Blue Apron cooking ingredient delivery
• Or, just go out to:  B52 in Lawrenceville, Di Anoia's Eatery, Smallman Galley
• Best idea yet:  "In bed by 10" dance party.  Hope to see you there!

December 18 Run: Start at the Cork Factory (Apartments), 2349 Railroad St. in the Strip

(Thanks to Elaine, this week's communicator!)

December 18 Run: We'll start at the Cork Factory to join Cheryl, have a strip district run, and she'll treat us to coffee in her new apartment. Meet at: the Main building of the Cork Factory 2349 Railroad St. in the Strip.

Sunday’s run was the annual tour of downtown holiday decorations…The new “neighborhood” Christmas tree at the City/County building was delightful and alas, no PVC pipe menorah in site. The Christmas windows at the former Kaufmann’s department store have been replaced with photos by Teeny Harris (of Pittsburgh Courier fame). The tour included a few gilded and marbled lobbies in downtown buildings (Koppers, Gulf, William Penn Hotel). Oh, and we found a note in the snow welcoming us to the Christmas tree at Point Park (see photo)….maybe Santa left it? (or someone else whose name starts with San….?)  
Coffee at Market Square Starbucks included endorsements for:

·        All things cat…including cat Instagram accounts and cats in the bathtub

·        Drunk History on the comedy channel

·        Luther- on Netflix

·        Flying Falcon with prey vs driver in Oakland

David Adler’s History books for grown-ups who want to read books written for young readers

·        Congrats to Aimee on the birth of baby boy Alexander Conrad! We all look forward to meeting him and seeing you back on the streets…

December 11 Run: Annual Holiday Run! Starts at PPG skating rink downtown

On Sunday we're in for the annual Dahntahn Holiday Run, starting at the PPG ice rink, where we go from one festive site to another, and comment on what's new, what's old, and whether they've finally replaced that wretched PVC pipe menorah with a decent one. But what will replace the Kaufmann's windows?  I won't be there, so please report.  (Speaking of which, thank you in advance to whomever takes over this message next week.  Special treat to announce:  on the 18th, we'll start at the Cork Factory to join Cheryl, have a strip district run, and she'll treat us to coffee in her new hip apartment!)

Last week's trek through Frick Park was just right, and we did find the secret rope ladder entrance, and also a truly impressive inflatable Hanukah scene - rivaling the awesome inflatable Mary on the North Side, which we really must revisit one of these days.

Endorsed:

• Burgatory burgers
• Hot toddies as the best winter medicine
• Tile wireless trackers for finding anything. Easy to use?  "I don't know - my daughter set it up."
• Strange mysteries emanating from baby monitors
• Uncle Tungsten by Oliver Sacks
• Moonlight the movie
• the Cheswick Goodwill as a source for more cashmere

December 4 Run: Colfax School on Beechwood Blvd.

On Sunday we'll meet at Colfax School on Beechwood Blvd. Maybe we'll revisit the new Frick Environmental Center?  Or the secret entrance to the park via rope line? Plans were sketchy, in fact I'm not even sure this was the locale, but we'll go with it.  Coffee most likely at 61C.  Coming soon: annual holiday run downtown!

Last week we ran at dawn, and tweaked a familiar route along Penn Ave in East Liberty - first paying respects to the once hopeful Democratic campaign HQ in Bakery Square (alav hasholom) and then heading up into high Garfield where Pam posed with an alarming crocodile and we encountered a bunch of whimsical decorations and a terrific view.

At coffee by the fireplace, we were treated to a celebrity visit by the adorable Iggie (his grandparents came too) and heard about the new Quantum Theater opera, wedding wardrobe malfunctions, and families and their mishegoss.  (All this Yiddish - must be the holidays!)

Thanks to group photojournalist Sarah for the photos!

November 27 Run: Mellon Park parking lot where Beechwood meets Fifth Ave.

This week has been a bit crazy, so no news (also I lost the napkin.)  Let's just say we'll meet at the Mellon Park parking lot where Beechwood ends at Fifth Ave.   Coffee most likely at Bakery Square Coffee Tree, and we'll probably head up Penn Ave. to Allegheny Cemetery and try to run off some of that butter-laden holiday.  Though feel free to invent something new!
Roye

November 20 Run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead - the Last Leaves of Fall Run

We'll meet up at 7 am (actually 7:05) Sunday at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead - where Bartlett meets Hobart in Schenley Park (map) - and hear the crunch of dead leaves underfoot surrounded by a brown and yellow haze, hopefully missing the rain.  Can you tell I'm depressed?  It's been a tough week.  I'm sure the run will be great.

But last Sunday was lovely - right at the border of 2 seasons with a red sun rising and white frost on the grass.  Also the deer (photo credit: Lainy) at this point are looking at us the same way teenage kids do - "oh, not you again."  And the season is already getting busy, so most had to run off before coffee - but we did get this endorsement:

Annual Harvest Dinner at the Jamison Farm, famous for its lamb - but you REALLY have to like lamb.

November 13 Run: Blue Slide entrance to Frick Park on Beechwood Blvd. opposite Nicholson

This Sunday we’ll meet at the entrance to Frick Park by the “Blue Slide” playground on Beechwood Blvd, so we can enjoy the sight of brilliant fall colors and the sound of fallen leaves crunching beneath our shoes.

During last week’s run Teri took us on a whimsical tour of little free libraries sprinkled about Squirrel Hill. The photo tells it all. Happy Birthday to Teri!!!

(Thanks to Elaine for posting)

November 6 Run: 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill again

There was some talk of next week's run being a Little Library tour, but without a particular zone - so we might as well meet at the old standby, 61C Cafe, and see what little libraries we can find from there.  We'll at least find the Big Library at the corner of Forbes and Murray - where, we are reminded, there is still the infamous weekday run that starts every Wednesday and Friday at 5:45 a.m.!

In a hurry again (still looking for some other bloggers to take a turn or two) so not reporting a lot about last week - luckily Sarah sent this photo.
We saw some pretty impressive Halloween displays, including a giant mobile cat head, and a yard full of creepy ghosts at Aylesboro and Murray.

Endorsements:

• Annie Proulx's Barkskin and Accordion Crimes
• Attack Theater
• perhaps Mall Cop
• BodenUSA Liquidation Sale at David Lawrence Convention Center Saturday Nov. 12
• NCJW Designer Days - evidently up and running - though described as "not as good as it used to be, just like life itself" - still worth a try, at Lawrenceville location.
• not taking your Samsung phone on a plane
• Shmatas and their interventions - ask at the next coffee

October 30 Run: Start at 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill for Halloween Theme Run

Short and sweet - courtesy of Elaine:

Next week’s run meet at 61C in Squirrel Hill for the annual Halloween Inflatables tour!

Last week’s run took us on a spectacular sunrise loop around North Park Lake. Coffee was at the North Park Boathouse lakeside restaurant.

Photos tell more - courtesy of Sarah and Teri:

Teri: "If we could we would run about the earth seeking the successive autumns. (With apologies to George Eliot)".

October 23 Run: North Park Boathouse parking lot

(Further update:  if you want to carpool to North Park, be at 61C Cafe at 6:30)
(Thanks to Elaine for this update!)

NEXT WEEK: FIELD TRIP TO THE NORTH! We’ll welcome in the fall colors with the 5 mile loop around North Park Lake. Meet in the parking lot of the North Park Boathouse (here's a map.) If that lot is closed off for an event, park across the street at the Rose Barn lot.

We had a hearty group of runners and walkers this week, heading out under the light of the Hunter’s Supermoon. We ran from the 61C to and through Schenley Park, thanking Mary Schenley for her kind gift of this spectacular wooded haven.  The trees are showing fall colors and a friendly deer unflinchingly  greeted us along the trail.   Coffee was boisterous and we were glad to see Audrey to wish her a fond farewell.

Endorsements:

Duolingo- Free app for learning or reviewing a 2^nd language. (Laurie was speaking French before the first cup of coffee was consumed!)

Neutrogena- Rapid Wrinkle repair

Using a napkin to record coffee talk endorsements (which was not done!)

E.

October 16 Run: start at 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill - destination unknown

Next Sunday:  starting at 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill - no particular plan as yet.

Last Sunday - I missed the Highland Park run but made it to coffee - so the photos (thanks, Sarah!) will tell the story and show off the romantic dawn light.  Enrico's Tazza D'Oro continues to be particularly comfy for RG confabs - this time endorsing:

• Warby Parker eyewear
• hot apple cider
• buns as the new hairstyle (yay, librarians!)
• Babysitter Club books, now linking moms and daughters

Much election talk, which continues to amaze, dismay, scare, horrify, and very occasionally uplift - in other words, truth stranger than fiction.  Only 4 more runs before the big day!

October 9 Run: Possible Morningside run starting at Tazza D'Oro on Highland Ave.

Meet in Highland Park at Tazza D’oro Café on Highland Avenue, where we will head towards Morningside (maybe).

Coffee time was short but very sweet…

Major endorsement was sandwich platters that could be ordered from Costco to feed a crowd. And one was ordered as we spoke :-).

Photos tell the story of last week's run:  dawn light at the very top of Oakland, and Tom explaining the significance of historic baseball sites in Posvar Hall.

Thanks to Elaine for reporting!

October 2 Run: Westinghouse fountain in Schenley Park

On Sunday we will start at the George Westinghouse Memorial statue and fountain, right behind CMU (here's a map) which is finally done with its major renovation and is now a sight to behold.  Not sure where we'll end up for coffee.

Walkers ruled last Sunday (runners were probably all doing the Great Race) and we had a gorgeous trek through sun-dappled and somewhat nippy Frick Park, which we entered via a route we have only rarely taken, down the appropriately named Forest Glen Road and then up a rope handrail and over a wooden bridge, etc.  Frick is full of secrets.  Discussion of cashmere mitten-mania, which is planned to start again soon, this time expanding to baby booties - prepare for the booty call.

Endorsement:  conjunction of great events and exhibits and a book signing all about famous Civil Rights organizer and Congressman John Lewis (who will visit) at the August Wilson Center and the Toonseum - details here.  Now I'm off to see Michelle O.!

Sept. 25 Run: Start at Pam's house 2200 Beechwood Blvd. (Check Great Race road closures before you park.)

We're starting (at 7) and finishing (at 8) at Pam's house at 2200 Beechwood Blvd., which is also the starting point for the Great Race (which begins at 9:30), more or less.  So park anywhere in the general vicinity, and it would make sense to check the road closures ahead of time.  Pam has offered to provide coffee (and helpfully, toilets) at her house at 8 (thank you Pam!), for the RG finishers and the Great Race starters. 

Last week was a Frick Park run with a difference.  It was a perfect late summer morning in the park, as we headed in a leisurely way toward the newly opened Frick Environmental Center, which is both a "living building" and LEEDS platinum, also gorgeous. Some of us got a bit verklempt when thinking of that day many years ago when the running group approached this very spot on a Sunday at dawn, to come across the smoking ruins of the old Frick Nature Center:  we've come full circle. This time, seeing it was not yet open for the day, we still tried to get past the gate (in characteristic fashion), and got nervous as a staff member approached us... to offer us a tour! Which was amazing and included the super hi tech basement where the energy to run the place seems to be created literally out of thin air.  Kudos to the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy for putting us on the eco-map.  We were all inspired to make and encourage donations of $$ and also eco-themed gently used or new books, especially children's, which they will place in their adorable family library. 

Coffee at 61C, where we had a welcome visit from Judy, who has become a happy Californian, and where we learned the sad news (for us) that Audrey will go back to being a Virginian soon - now who will help us with Mah Jong?  Stay tuned for news of a post-run coffee at Wendy & David's to bid farewell.

A few endorsements, fairly random:

• Chef's Table TV show
• Old fashioned names - Harriet, Sylvia, and others that I can't remember
• Cemetery plots at Homewood Cemetery - even if you're not really buried there
• Votespa.com - will answer all your questions about voting, i.e. registration, absentee

RG now has 125 people on the list.  We should have a party.

Sept. 18 Run: Colfax School

FOR NEXT SUNDAY:  please meet at Colfax school on Beechwood so we can run up to explore the new Frick Environmental Center, which just opened.

Today, after meeting on Washington's Landing, we had a lovely run up, up, up, up Rialto to the top of Troy Hill (where most of the neighborhood was surprisingly flat) and stopped to admire this house for sale that has a fabulous view. Turns out the PG wrote a story about it.

http://www.post-gazette.com/life/homes/2016/06/17/Buying-Here-Looking-down-from-Troy-Hill/stories/201606190043

We also found St. Anthony's Chapel, (saintanthonyschapel.org) which is supposed to have the largest number of Catholic relics outside of the Vatican. It was closed, but gives tours most days. We returned to Washington's Landing via a different staircase that dropped us on the edge of Route 28, and new bike path that took us back to the island.

I can't report on coffee since I couldn't go, but we'll update next week.

Have a great week. 

Virginia

Sept. 11 Run: Start at parking lot on Herr's Island/Washington's Landing

(Will try not to make this complicated.)  The start of the run is the parking lot across from the Washington's Landing Marina - which you get to by crossing the 31st St. Bridge from Penn Ave., taking your first left on to River Road, taking your immediate next left down to Herr's Island (called the 30th St. Bridge in the map, and then Waterfront Drive), and there it is at the bottom. Here's that map.  Piece of cake!

So the plan was to do a Troy Hill run from there, which would be to go back up to the 31st Street Bridge and cross Rte. 28 (there are crossing signals there) to go up, up, up Rialto Street which leads right into Troy Hill, and is just a few blocks away from the famous St. Anthony's Church and plenty of neighborhood charm.  I was going to lead that run, but now I won't be able to be there - so hopefully someone else can do the honors.  Or change the run altogether - many other possibilities from there!

Now there are 3 runs to summarize, but let's just say that at some point this crazy bike was seen,

and that they were all as fun and uplifting as always.  The last one (Schenley Park) had most of us puzzling over what exactly happened since we were talking so much - though the sudden brilliance of the dew sparkling on that new grassy path by Bartlett finally brought us to attention.  Re endorsements, I've been a bit lax about keeping track, but here are those that survive:

The Year of Mercy - something we could all use - which is going on right now.

The PAT Track app for realtime bus info - getting some love

Also getting more love:  yoga teacher and all-round inspiring person Linda Meacci

Should be getting even more love:  newspapers - we need them!  

Ways to read some newspapers and magazines that need subscriptions:  1. The public library databases, which you can get from the comfort of your home  2.  Your airline miles program  3. The mysterious 3 lines in the upper right corner of your browser that allow you to "go incognito," so they can't count your free articles?  It could work.

"The night of" miniseries on HBO - riveting.

Viking River Cruises - known to all the Downton Abbey fans - actually very nice.

Living in a place where the roaches aren't the size of birds.

Sept 4 and 5 runs: default at 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill

Just a bulletin - will try for more later.

Sunday's run at 7 and Monday's holiday run at 7:30 will both leave from the 61C Cafe on Murray Ave. in Squirrel Hill.  Bring ideas of where to go.

Following week preview:  Troy Hill!

August 28 Run: Start at Big Dog Coffee on the South Side, 2717 Sarah Street

Since we didn't come up with a plan on Sunday,  I've got the controls here.  So I was recently inspired by reports of Pittsburgh's plan for a new giant park in Hays, so let's do a South Side run on the trail, starting at Big Dog Coffee, and heading toward the Bald Eagle nest, which is in Hays Woods.  I don't think there is a trail in from there, but we can look.  We can watch the river along the way, and also hang out on the Big Dog terrace afterwards.

On Sunday we followed Lainy to the hidden pedestrian entrance to the Fort Pitt Bridge (guess what - next to Fort Pitt) and so inaugurated one more river crossing for the RG.  Runners headed down to the West End Bridge to get back; walkers went over the Smithfield Street Bridge, after a detour inside the Grand Concourse which was unaccountably open at 7:30 - good to know when in search of a gorgeous bathroom.   Conversation and endorsements were technology focused:

• Pittsburgh Gigapanorama (thanks, David Bear!) - so you can see what's on top of the downtown buildings.  Sometimes there is a surprise - see photo.
• Cut & Sew classes and workshops (will the cashmere obsession return with cold weather?) Also Lainy mentions: Gloria Horn studio.  This is technology too!
• App-a-rama:
• Life360 tracks your family
• Find My Friends tracks everyone
• Transit will change your non-automobile life anywhere
• PAT Track covers, naturally, PAT buses, in real time
• Target Cartwheel - special discounts 
• GoMobile - will change your automobile parking life
• NoWait gets you seated at restaurants without the lines
• The WSJ weekend magazine shows you what apps celebs are using. 

August 21 Run: Downtown from PPG Place fountain aka Tomb of the unknown bowler

Direct from our leader Lainy: "Downtown.  Tomb of the unknown bowler.  3 Rivers run including running group first... A bridge the group has never crossed on foot before!"
If that doesn't get you there, I don't know what will.

Last week was a North Side tour - starting with the amazing Randy Land.  I can't report for the runners, but the (power)walkers headed up, up, up into Fineview for, naturally, some definitively fine views, and the marvelously named corner of Compromise and Hemlock.  Coffee at the newest
Commonplace Coffee locale, lovely though, due to their exceedingly careful attention to coffee technique, a bit slow.  But nobody cared.

August 14 Run: North Side run - meet at Commonplace Coffee, 1501 Buena Vista

August 14 already!  I don't care how miserably hot and humid it's been (and I'm living without air conditioning) - it's summer, and it's almost over! Well we might as well make the most of the rest of it, i.e. early morning runs that aren't dark, so let's meet this Sunday at the newest Commonplace Coffee - 1501 Buena Vista Street on the North Side.  Lots of possibilities route-wise - bring ideas! Powerwalk option is now a fixture.

Due to my terminal midsummer laziness, last week we had a bulletin instead of a posting, so here's the quick story:  last week, downtown prelude to Open Streets, visiting some riverside spots, including the newly resurrected bronze Manchester Bridge statues on the North Shore (click on that link for cool details!)
and this past week, Highland Park highlights.  I did keep track of endorsements:

• Open Streets was fabulous - new route to the West End snaked around multiple neighborhoods and over 2 bridges in surprising ways - lots of activities involving spandex - last one until 2017 :-(
• Sunday evening Highland Park "Reservoir of Jazz" (5-7) followed by Summer Soul Line Dancing with Roland Ford (7-9)
• Movies:  Bad Moms (stay for the credits) and Lo and Behold from Werner Herzog (many CMU-ites involved.)
• Our CLO - Aida (over), and South Pacific (coming up this weekend)
• Gaucho Parrilla Argentina - someone else recommended it, but I just checked out the menu and am totally psyched about the Choripan, which I had no idea was available in the Northern Hemisphere. Assuming it's made with Argentine chorizo - could be revelatory.
• Kayaking. The Venture Outdoors rentals in Aspinwall and on the North Shore couldn't be easier.   Plus, Pam found a kayak at T.J. Maxx that fits inside a Prius!
• Iceland - Virginia will report back
• Painters - Bill Ervin/Recovery Painting (there was another but I can't find him)
• Quadrathlons - we want to develop one that has Water Aerobics (led by Karen), Zumba (Wendy), Yoga (me) and finishes with the Original Jane Fonda Workout video  (this copy is blurry but it's the whole thing.)  Did anyone else start their journey to fitness with Jane and Leslie "there's so much more to you than meets the eye" Lilien?  They're still awesome!
  

July 31 Run: Back downtown for Open Streets - meet at PPG Place

We'll start our run (and probable alternate powerwalk) at the PPG Place fountain downtown (parking usually available on 4th) and will finish our coffee just as Open Streets will begin downtown at 9 a.m. So you may want to bring a change of clothes, your bike or your rollerblades in the car - this time the new route map expands across two bridges to the West End and the Northside!  Also the video is awesome.

Last week we went in a whole new direction from Mellon Park to Frick Park, where Pam, Wendy, and David revealed a hidden pottery installation which was explained but is still deliciously ghostly and mysterious.  We also initiated a powerwalk group to accommodate those of us on the DL, or who just feel like walking. I went because of my broken toe, but liked it because it's even easier to talk - my primary motivation anyway.

Endorsements:

• Bad Lip Reading  - all of them, especially the latest Cruz Talks Trump
• The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up - has indeed changed some lives
• Busy Beaver in Lawrenceville has a surprisingly generous selection of mousetraps.  Related fact: Asian cockroaches are called "747's".
• The West Wing - decade-old but still inspiring TV series puts some sanity into this scary election season - can watch on Hulu or ??
• Other escapes:  Harper's Ferry WV, Frostburg MD (especially Allegheny Trail House and Shift Restaurant,)  Polymath Park

July 24 Run: Mellon Park parking lot at Beechwood and Fifth

I'm just making this one up because our original plan for Sunday is postponed for a few weeks - so let's meet at the Mellon Park parking lot across from the intersection of Beechwood and Fifth Ave. We can either head up Penn Ave. towards Allegheny Cemetery, or down Fifth towards Shadyside. We'll flip a coin!  And a choice for coffee at Bakery Square:  Panera or Coffee Tree - choose your adventure.

Now returning to this post the following day, after (against my better judgment) watching the end of the Republican Convention, I can no longer summon any lightness, so will just report that last week's run all around Frick Park showed us new ways of seeing it and its neighbors, and the coffee at Audrey's was showed us more of the joys of friendship and of baking.
Two notes:

• If you have had any recent problems posting to the list, please let me know at roye.werner@gmail.com - we're still working on this
• If anyone is interested in learning Mahjong (sort of a cross between bridge and dominoes - RG has numerous fans, most of which are beginners), please contact Audrey at aekane@gmail.com                                                                                                                                                         

July 17 Run: Frick Park run beginning on Kensington St. in Pt. Breeze

On Sunday we have a special treat which will be a potluck coffee at Audrey's, so we'll start there.  It's on Kensington St. (a small street) in Pt. Breeze - off of Braddock (towards Frick Park) between Penn and Forbes (closer to Forbes.)  Not much parking on Kensington, but should be plenty on Braddock. If anyone wants to contribute any goodies, please see Wendy's shared google sheet to see what's already there.

As for Sunday's run downtown, so much transpired that we are letting the photos below do the talking.  In order, side and below: 

• Visit (#1) of our dear friend and fellow runner Jacquie, with husband Tony and new baby Paavo, en route from their home in Iowa to NYC. 
• Tour (#2,3) conducted by Teri of the awesome 33-story new Tower at PNC Plaza with its "state of the art green technology," art everywhere and astounding views.  
• Tour (#4,5) conducted by Virginia of the bright and open new offices, home to all those familiar names that tell us what's new every morning, of the historic Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 
• New art underfoot on Strawberry Way (#6) 

Also the weather was sparkling.



Endorsements: 

• Salted tahini chocolate chip cookies (with heads up to refrigerate overnight before baking)
• Green beans with tahihi from Zahav 
• Hoteling - new workplaces keeping you on the move
• Stamoolis on the Strip - if you haven't been there in a while, or ever, it's had an upgrade, has a terrific selection and is a great way to support the Greek economy
• YogaintheSquare - in Market Square, we saw many yogis gathering from where we were sitting - namaste!

July 10 Run: Downtown starting at the PPG fountain (aka Tomb of the Unknown Bowler)

Next Sunday we'll meet at PPG Place downtown at the usual starting time of 7 (plus 5 minutes) - parking can usually be found on 4th Ave.  If there is anything you want to check out downtown, hold that thought and we'll put it on the route. Like the new installation on Strawberry Way for instance.  Or some Furries still hanging around from last week's convention.

The holiday weekend as usual provided for double dipping, through perfect weather on both Sunday and Monday from the old 61C.  (It's actually not that old, at least for Pittsburgh.)  First run went straight down Murray into Greenfield, where Wendy obliged with the correct pronunciation of B'nai Emunah, and we discovered a new Asian massage place, and then backtracked on Beechwood. Second run headed through Schenley Park and then took a winding route through the CMU campus, where we found a terrace with a great view behind the Potato Chip (aka Scaife Hall) and after finding an open door, did some dubious traipsing around inside, down corridors and through tunnels.

Coffee outdoors at 61C was a treat both days, with just a few endorsements:

• Masters Hardware - just like the olden days - in Swissvale on Noble St.
• The reincarnation of Mr. Rogers (we always knew he had Buddhist tendencies) in Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, and those songs that make us cry
• Imagining alternative futures - mainly the one where Al Gore becomes president - but also
• 11/22/63 by Stephen King (evidently unputdownable)
• The Man in the High Castle (book by Philip Dick and also Amazon Prime series)
• The Plot Against America by Philip Roth
• The Frangipane Tart (via PtB) and also the Gin & Lemon Tart (could we get that one too?)
• Almond Macaroons (via me) adapted from my brief sojourn in Enrico's bakery

July 3: Meet at 61C Cafe for a Runners' Choice Run; July 4 holiday also at 61C

I have been out of town, but didn't want to leave you hanging.  I return early tomorrow morning, so I hope to make it to one or both of the runs this time!

Apologies for not getting this out earlier:

Sunday July 3: 7am at 61C
Monday July 4: 7:30 at 61C

June 19 Run: Meet at 61C Cafe for a Runners' Choice Run

This Sunday, let's meet at our default location, 61C Cafe, for a spontaneous unplanned run. We have a few runners out of town, or on the injured list, so if you come to the run, there's a good chance your route idea will win!

Last Sunday's run started at the waterfront and crossed the bridge over to Duck Hollow, then followed the river for a while.  We still need to do some reconnaissance on how/whether the trail connects with the Glenwood Bridge.

We are all very excited about the Hays woods becoming a city park, so any intrepid runners with a day off wanting to do some exploring for a future run would be welcomed.  There is the question as to where to park/meet, as none of the news articles mentioned specific locations of trailheads.  The Running Group is no stranger to bushwhacking, so this news was very exciting indeed.

June 12 Run: Meet at the Waterfront Starbucks for a Trail and/or Duck Hollow Run

This Sunday, let's start and end at the Starbucks in the center of the Waterfront for a trail and/or Duck Hollow run.  

Last Sunday was full of delights: a nice figure eight through the lush, leafy Schenley Park, then a delicious brunch in celebration of Wendy's birthday, hosted by fellow runner Elaine.  Focusing less on a number and more on the fabulous things that have come to those who have reached said number, it was a lively party that lasted almost until the time when normal, non-morning people have their brunches.  There were too many conversations to post endorsements, but I do recall some baby bump comparisons, the larger of which hopefully doesn't foretell the presence of multiples! More to come... but there are at least two new baby runners in the oven.  All very exciting.  And Elaine's backsplash definitely lived up to the hype!

June 5 Run: Meet at Wendy Bennett Trailhead for Wendy's Birthday

Next week, let's meet at the Wendy Bennett trailhead (intersection of Bartlett, Greenfield Ave, Blvd Allies) for a Schenley Park run.  Elaine will be hosting a potluck brunch/coffee at her house after the run in honor of Wendy's birthday.  Contact Elaine at emormer@pitt.edu if you need her exact address.  Also, feel free to drop off any perishable items at Elaine's house before the run.

Last week was a humid start to the day, as we made our way through the back alleys and train trestles of Lawrenceville.  Open Streets was about to kick off.  Some of us peeled off to do some Open Street yoga; the rest of us went to Barb's Corner Cafe for a delicious brunch.  Although the hipster effect has raised the prices a bit, it was still worth every penny.  Although the conversation was engaging, we didn't really discuss any endorsements per se.  See you on Sunday!

May 29 Run: Meet in Lawrenceville at Barb's Corner Kitchen 4711 Butler Street; May 30 Memorial Day holiday run to meet at 61C Cafe

Next Sunday, let's start and end/eat at Barb's Corner Kitchen at 4711 Butler Street, so we can celebrate the beginning of Open Streets Pittsburgh, where Butler Street and Penn Avenues are closed to vehicular traffic between 9am and 1pm and various events take place (see below). Monday is a holiday (Memorial Day), so we will meet at 61C Cafe for a Runners' Choice run.

Info on Open Streets:

"What better way to celebrate the coming of summer than to close a street from Downtown to Lawrenceville and fill it with family fun? OpenStreetsPGH plans to bring the festivities once again this year and the first one of the summer is on Sunday, May 29. From Market Square to Sixth Street and Penn Avenue then down Penn to Lawrenceville, the roads will completely shut down to motorized vehicles but open up to an array of all different forms of foot/wheel traffic. From walking and yoga, to bicycling and skateboarding, the streets will fill with different activities and events. Be sure to check out the major hubs in Downtown:

Market Square:

• 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. - Zumba and Turbokick boxing
• 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Yoga in the Square Kick-Off
• 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Pure Barre Class
• 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. - Hype-Spin Cycling

28th Street and Penn Ave:

• 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. - Morning Yoga with the Yoga Hive
• 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Chris Anthony Fitness: Bodyweight Cardio
• 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - YMCA Pittsburgh: Soul Line Dancing
• 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. - Shape Training
• All Day - Find Some Flow: Stonehenge and Kinetic Games

23rd Street and Penn Ave:

• All Day - Burgh MAN!
• All Day - Thick Bikes, Butler Wobble and the Wonders Uni-cycling
• All Day - Neville Roller Drome: Skate!

OpenStreetsPGH will also be host to small businesses along the route that will offer deals to all participants with specials available throughout the entire route.

Join in the fun and help to continue Pittsburgh’s streak as one of America’s most livable cities. Did we mention that it’s all free?"

This past Sunday, we ran Downtown, and discovered lesser-known streets like First Avenue, past the old printing presses at the old Post-Gazette building, then on to the Point.  We reached the Point just 10 minutes before they turned it on, and because we were running along the river, we missed the exact moment that it was turned on.  We will have to catch the magic another time!

Coffee in the lovely lobby of the Omni William Penn included the following topics:

Newton shoes purchased via Runners World include a 90 day guarantee, no matter how many times you have worn them!

Itsdeductibleonline.com, which is essential for tracking your donated items and estimating their value for tax purposes.  

Save the Date: Sunday, June 5th post-run coffee/snacks will be at Elaine's for Wendy's birthday.  Potluck!

May 22 Run: Meet at the Omni William Penn Hotel downtown - entrance on Wm. Penn Place

Downtown run next Sunday - starting at our coffee locale, the Omni William Penn hotel at the Wm. Penn Place entrance.  There's usually plenty of street parking on Sunday morning. So many route options - tour of new restaurants?  bridge hopping?  watch them turn on the fountain?  magical luck circle around the Buccos stadium?  What's new dahntahn?  Send in your idea!

Last week we made a new route from the Wendy Bennett Trailhead to take in Our Lady of the Parkway aka the Shrine of the Blessed Mother as well as some of the more eccentric homes and spectacular views from the top of South Oakland.  Chris gave us some impressive data on new ecological feats at Phipps - flower-power!
Over at 61C, a variety of endorsements:

• Adventures in Good Company Tours - Sarah will report
• Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville - themed movies and drink a beer while watching
• Giant Goodwill in Cheswick - apparently the largest of all?  How's the cashmere?
• All-Clad Factory Sale coming up - though Chris says the cookware at the restaurant supply store on Penn Ave. in the strip is superior - he's done some industrial testing on it.
• Fiestaware Tent Sale in WV - this is getting pretty far afield but may be worth it
• Adding one more post-run - The Lion at the City Theater - I just saw it tonight and it's marvelous.

May 15 Run: Meet at Wendy Bennett Trailhead for a Mary Statue Run

Next Sunday, let's do a run in honor of Mother's Day (belated, but without all the Race for the Cure crowds) starting in Schenley Park at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead (Panther Hollow Road/Blvd Allies and Bartlett Street/Greenfield Road is the technical intersection).  We'll run a bit through the park, then on to South Oakland where the constantly changing Mary statue is kept cliffside, overlooking the Parkway.

Last Sunday, a medium sized group of us ran through the beautiful trails of Frick Park, up and around the new Environmental Center (which is really coming along), then winding our way back up.  It was perfect running weather, and Lainy regaled us with the most suspenseful story about her daughter's Mother's Day surprise.

I can't find the link for it, but there will be a hardhat tour of the new Frick Environmental Center.  If I find it, I'll send it along to the group.

 

May 8 Run: Blue Slide Park, corner of Beechwood Blvd. and Nicholson

Next Sunday's run will start at the famous/infamous Blue Slide Park, corner of Beechwood Blvd. and Nicholson St. in Squirrel Hill, 7 a.m., not exactly sharp.  

Last week our hardy little group of non-marathoners skirted the drizzle and the street barriers and headed into Shadyside, past the burgeoning Google complex, and included a special RG first:  a detour through the labyrinthine corridors of Shadyside Hospital, which was very quiet and has exceptional bathroom facilities - good to know!  I envision more hospital detours.

Coffee venues were bursting with runners but we found a windowside table at Panera (also pretty good facilities, not to mention pastries) and had possibly the "longest coffee sit in the history of the running group" according to Lainy, who should know.  Considerable fun and wisdom, but I lost my note-taking napkin, so I only have the following endorsements:

Podcasts:  Israel Story - and Trumpcast - both terrific.

Hope the Marathon was a good one for everyone - looking forward to the reports!

May 1 Run: Mellon Park at Fifth and Beechwood

Thanks to Virginia for the run summary.  And good luck to all the marathoners on Sunday!

From Virginia:

On Sunday, May, 1, we are meeting at Mellon Park on Fifth Ave., in the parking lot next to the playground which is next to the tennis bubbles. Remember there is the marathon that day.

    Here is what we talked about this past Sunday:

 

    For jewelry repair, use Kenyon Jewelry in Wilkinsburg

    We talked about the history of how the Schenley Park trail got the name of the Wendy Bennett Trail -- which apparently is now retrievable in a Google search.

    Other recommendations:

    Ace Hotel for coffee, especially sitting at the bar

    Black pudding and white pudding (Dishes that Iain had when he was in Scotland recently) and vegetarian haggis.

April 24 Run: the famous Wendy Bennett Trailhead

Sunday's run starts as usual at 7 a.m. (with the 5-minute delay) at the now famous Wendy Bennett Trailhead in Schenley Park - at the foot of the Schenley Oval (map) - you'll see us standing there.

Sorry for the late message - one thing retirement does for you is alter time - who knows what day it is?  Last Sunday's run through Frick Park was almost cinematic - a misty sunshine outlining our forms through the branches, surrounded by pinpoints of green leaves. And the drama didn't end there:  our prescient decision to sit outside at the 61C meant that we were ON THE SCENE as an electrical line across the street popped, fizzled and fell down among the cars. In a flash Kristin was calling 911 and Joanne was directing traffic.  LIVES WERE SAVED undoubtedly.  This was so exciting that it precluded most endorsements, except for:

• assertion evidence slide design  (we are nerds)
• memories of safety patrol, especially the belts (we may always have been nerds)
• incredibly comfortable shoes (admittedly nerdy) that Sharon and I have been wearing for years: Clark's Un.loop