East End Runners

So many decisions could have been bad!

Thursday, January 28, 2016

January 31 Run: from Big Dog Coffee Shop on 2717 Sarah Street, South Side

By popular request, since we haven't done this in a while, we'll run through the South Side, starting and ending at the charming Big Dog Coffee Shop, first introduced years ago by Pam.  I think they have fireplaces!  We don't have a route yet but one will magically appear.

We got a bit confused last week, since I missed Lainy's message about the run starting at her house and offering not only coffee and goodies but mitten-making lessons.  Well, actually I was the only one confused, so I missed the start and ran on my solitary way, also managing to get locked out of my car (damn those electronic keys!)  But it all came together when I saw the runners returning and gathering in Lainy's kitchen for freshly baked bread and other delicious things AND a table set up with sewing paraphernalia and piles of cashmere - yes, cashmere! We cut and sewed like mad; like
the Zika Virus, the contagion of cashmere mitten-making is spreading fast.  If you want to get involved, just ask at the next run - but be aware it may take over your life.  In a nice warm soft way.








Bonus from the Jan. 17 run - photo by Laurie - our view of the Allegheny at dawn.



Friday, January 22, 2016

January 24 run: default at 61C Cafe, Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill

Neither Aimee nor I were at coffee discussions of the running plan last week, so we'll just meet at our usual spot - 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill - and figure it out from there ☕️

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

January 17 Run: 21st St and Liberty Avenue parking lot- Strip District/La Prima Run/Coffee

This coming Sunday, let's get back to our old friend, the Strip, for an oldie but goodie, followed by the local favorite, La Prima coffee.  It's been too long since we've enjoyed those warm almond meles!

This past Sunday, we had quite a large group of intrepid souls willing to run in the soggy weather.  Unfortunately, it rained for almost the entire run, but it was delightful nonetheless.  Michelle led us through Edgewood, Swissvale, and Wilkinsburg sections of Regent Square as well as a loop through Frick Park.  We saw wildlife!  An opossum crossed our paths after giving us quite the dirty look!  We saw history!  Old Pittsburgh trolley tracks!  We saw commerce!  Active train tracks!  I would say this run met Elaine's definition of a "designer run" given all these attributes.

Unfortunately, we were all so waterlogged and damp that we didn't stay long enough to record endorsements at the sleepy but beautiful City Cafe (former shoe repair shop turned into a beautiful cafe with a pressed tin ceiling).  It's so hard to believe that only a few days ago for the run, it was warm enough to comfortably run in the rain-- oh how quickly things change.  Hopefully the weather will cooperate for Sunday's run.  If not, grab those buffs and cashmere mittens!

Thursday, January 07, 2016

January 10 Run: Meet at City Cafe, 106 E Swissvale Ave, Edgewood

Next Sunday, meet at City Cafe (106 E. Swissvale Avenue) for a Stairs/Tunnel Run in Edgewood.  Park on the street near the School for the Deaf.


Last Sunday, we met at the newly opened historic Ace Hotel (former YMCA) in the burgeoning East Liberty, so we could stylishly sip coffee in the hip lobby.  Even though we're a hardy group normally accustomed to the cold, since we had been spoiled by the warm-ish weather, the 20 degree morning was a bit of a shock to our systems.  Good thing there was plenty to distract us from the wind (as well as new homemade Running Group mittens)!  We headed toward Allegheny Cemetery, but turned around after hearing there was a brand-new restaurant about to open across the street, Apteka!  And we were delighted to see one of the owners there with a couple of contractors constructing the most important part, the bar.  After a bit of a chitchat, we continued along, heading back to Ace along the sidestreets toward the gorgeous sunrise.

Now with such a large group, I only caught the side toward the right of the photo.  Endorsements and topics of discussion from my side of the couch included:
Political canvassing, some love it, some hate it
Hillary Headbands, a throwback to the 1990s!
Hot Flash Designs
Rasicka restaurant in DC
Midwives and some harrowing birth stories!