December 31 Run: Coffee Tree at Bakery Square (at 7) and New Year's Day Run: 61C Cafe (at 7:30)

We're meeting on Sunday at the Coffee Tree at Bakery Square mainly because we were thinking of somewhere with a fireplace, and it was either that or Dunkin' Donuts.  Which actually is not bad, but from here we can go in many directions, including one that covers 5 neighborhoods in an hour.  If you don't want to deal with the parking mishegas at Bakery Square, just park in the Mellon Park lot where Beechwood meets Fifth (map) and its a short walk through the park.  On Monday, default holiday run at 7:30 from 61C cafe.

As I have been too lazy to report on the last 3 runs (which included Christmas day) and am already late with this one, let's just say they were bracing but warmed by companionship, metabolic body heat and cashmere mittens.  (If you don't have a pair, tell us on the run and we'll correct that injustice - perks!)
I managed to hold on to endorsements:

• Christmas cookie exchanges - and spending an entire day making hundreds in preparation
• See above - the discovery that the perfect stamp for thumbprint cookies is a dreidel
• Menorah-mobiles and the annual parade - pretty great in concept but could we please have some creativity?  (as in hearing aids below)
• Writer Rebecca Traister and again podcasts - here together!
• Napping
• Hip hearing aids 
• Aimee's long-ago bracelet factory
• Moon Hikes, Radical Rodents and other events at the Frick Environmental Center
• Christmas choral concerts -  Heinz Chapel Choir and Pittsburgh Camerata - literally divine
• USAToday editorial responding to certain comments on Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand 
• Need to investigate:  cars lined up every night on Forbes in front of CMU delivering homemade (?) Chinese takeout - any info?  
• More Chinese food:  B52 Restaurant in Lawrenceville. More Mexican food: Bull River Taco in Squirrel Hill
• TV - Offspring, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
• Movies - The Crown, Lady Bird, Shape of Water
• Podcasts - Slow Burn (how much we have to learn from Watergate - riveting)

wow - that was 3 napkins worth.

December 17 Run: Meet at Staghorn Garden Cafe on 517 Greenfield Ave.

It seems that now even Greenfield is turning hipster, looking at the website of the new cafe (new to me anyway) we're going to start and end up at.  It's the Staghorn Garden Cafe at 517 Greenfield Ave., so we'll see the Greenfield sights and hopefully avoid the more insane hills.

Last week - let's see - mainly Beechwood Blvd. and Summerset with its expansive dawn overlook over what used to be (and I suppose still is) the slag heaps to the river and beyond - nevertheless it's beautiful.  Freezing cold but we all warmed up and had the usual comforting 61C discussion, endorsing:

• Artists who were postal workers:  Anthony Trollope and Thaddeus Mosley - surprisingly similar?  They both have FB pages and beards.
• Athlinks - keeps track of every race you ever ran and have probably forgotten.  Also people you want to check up on.
• Writing thank-you notes - real ones - will this survive?
• Kreepy Dolls - not creepy at all, they're really cute
• The Center for Creative Reuse (again) and its biannual sample sale - amazing stuff for almost nothing.  You can get on their mailing list if you want advance notice.

Photo that missed being in last week - thanks, Virginia!

December 10 Run: Start at Colfax School, Beechwood and Douglas in Squirrel Hill

On Sunday we'll start at Colfax School - where we have begun a run 16 times since this blog started in 2006, initiated by Anne Jane more than a decade into the RG's lifespan.  So an old favorite.  Also we love our history.  Coffee probably at 61C.  Walkers please come!  We're developing a parallel walking unit.


Last week was the Annual Downtown Holiday Run, and I have to say, a little sad! Apart from the always spectacular twin-of-the-Vatican's creche, not much visual excitement going on dahntahn. And, the verdict on the City/County Building Menorah:  vanished!  (Considering how pathetic it's been, this may be a good thing. ) Anyway, not much festivity in the air, and instead a deep unsettling fog - sort of fitting, actually, considering you-know-what.

OK, sorry - more cheerfulness did follow in the glorious William Penn lobby - where we sat on the settee (?) and luxuriated under the chandeliers.
We endorsed (this was a pretty random collection):

• Westerns, particularly Godless
• Mo Money Mo Problems
• Apps:  Thumbtack and Strava
• New approach to holiday song "Baby It's Cold Outside"
• Watching training fires at Costco
• Website blocking software at the Carnegie Library (you don't want to know what people were watching before they got it.)

December 3 Run: Annual Downtown Holiday Run - meet at the Omni William Penn lobby

It's that time again!  Sleighbells are ringing. We're meeting at the William Penn hotel lobby, one of my favorite places in the world.  Route will be to any holiday-themed installation in the vicinity - come with your favorite one and we'll visit. We will as usual judge whether the Hanukah menorah is acceptable.  Warning:  there are a lot of stops, but they are fun.

We had 2 runs last week (not counting the weekday ones - which are still happening at the ferocious hour of 5:30 am from Murray/Forbes corner.)  We hit Homewood Cemetery and Chatham campus, and had the annual discussion of turkey frying, which apparently is only done by inebriated men who somehow escape 3rd degree burns and a general conflagration.

Over the new meles at 61C, we endorsed (besides the meles - though not quite up to Colangelo's)

• New runner Mita's Monday Ashtanga Yoga class! Mondays, 6-7:15 pm - Schoolhouse Yoga, Squirrel Hill studio, Murray Ave., corner of Phillips.  (True: Ashtanga yoga changed my life.)
• Movies:  Lady Bird (see with a daughter if you can) and Coco (a loving and delicious escape from... OK, won't go there today of all days on which a vote will be taken that will annihilate... never mind.)
• Podcasts: Radiolab's Sex Appeal, Live from the Poundstone Institute
• Audiobook: Bossypants by Tina Fey - we need to laugh

Thanksgiving Holiday Run (7:30) and then November 26 (7:00) Run: both from 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill

Racing to get this out there since we need to advise on the Holiday run on Thursday morning at 7:30: 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill - and then also the usual Sunday Run at 7, from 61C also, possibly through lack of ideas but maybe just the comfort of habit.

In last week's episode, we chalked up one more neighborhood - Spring Garden - in our ultimate quest to get to all 90 (is anyone keeping track?) - also taking in Troy Hill (see mural) and East Deutschtown (see pizza oven) sights while covering 15 blocks of the Strip and crossing 2 bridges.  We climbed the dreaded Rialto and learned that it was once a running route for pigs headed for the slaughterhouse.  (Sorry - that may have required a trigger warning.)  We learned about the world-famous trove of relics at St. Anthony's.  We were the first inside at Smallman Galley on a holiday Sunday.  All before 8:30 am!

Smallman Galley proved to be a congenial place to hang out early on Sunday, with a hipper vibe than perhaps we deserved, and yummy muffins.  We did miss the almond meles at La Prima and may sneak them in another time.  This bathroom was far superior however.

As always, great endorsing:

• Amazing talent happening in Pittsburgh that we just come across almost randomly:  John Edgar Wideman having an informal chat at the Homewood Library, and thrilling performance by poet and actor Daniel Beaty at Pitt.  

• Threadbare Cider and Mead - very cool tours with everything you wanted to know about Johnny Appleseed in the Burgh, and the alcoholic delights of apples.  Also rather generous sampling.

• Tripoli Street Bake Yard - bake your own pizza and have a party outside, also "receive training on fire and oven safety from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire."  But is it over?  We need to find out.
• 
• MRI's - you can get them when you participate in UPMC studies - but do you want them?  There's always something...
• On that depressing note, also the New Yorker article on predatory people grabbing the property and control of unsuspecting elderly, perfectly legally.  Yikes!
• OK - we need something uplifting - watch the Wizard of Oz again!  
• Also, this Miracle Klezmer Retrieval:  Semer Ensemble (was here at the JCC. ) 

November 19 Run: Strip District to Spring Garden - meet at parking lot off of Liberty at 21st.

This Sunday we'll go into new territory - yes, there will be hills, but that's obviously not the new part.  Neither is our starting place: the parking lot off of Liberty at 21st St.  But from there we'll head over the river to Spring Garden (who's ever heard of it?) and then try out the coffee at the Smallman Galley around the corner from 21st.  I actually mapped a route!  (Is that cute or what?)  We don't have to follow it though.

If you tuned in last week you know we were heading to "parts unknown" in Wilkinsburg, and I'm ashamed to admit that I was so busy talking that those parts really still are unknown, by me:  I have no idea where we went.  I think we were in Frick Park at some point.  This is particularly bad for someone whose many hours of yoga training were all about "paying attention" and "being aware of the moment."

But I do have notes from the adorable Biddle's on our endorsements:

• Biddle's has the most amazing pastries from La Gourmandine. The almond croissant is, in a word, exquisite.
• Post-Gazette's new podcast: 3 Rivers, 3 Mysteries (also on iTunes) - Sherlock with a Yinzer twist, and it's all true.  I'm hooked.
• "Talk to the hand" - we remember this from our kids in high school, but I had no idea of its movie fame.
• Lainy's foolproof route to North Park:  279 to McNight Rd. to Babcock Blvd.  That's it!
• And go there at night for the Fire Pits at the Cafe
• The Spinnsters - women biking! (I am mad I missed the Ovarian Psycos documentary.)
• Pittsburgh's crossing guards - they're terrific and they have cold hands - they deserve cashmere mittens!

November 12 Run: Biddle's Escape Coffeehouse in Wilkinsburg

We'll meet at the old favorite Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Ave. in Wilkinsburg and head out to parts unknown (at the moment.)  Maybe someone who lives nearby will show up and lead  (hint hint.  But no pressure.) Biddle's always has something interesting going on, and for anyone who wants to hang out until 11, there is a concert with "Sweetheart of the Barricades."  Probably nobody does, but what a great name!

Last week we made the trek up to North Park, and Gretchen evidently waved a magic wand to make the downpour disappear - leaving a scene of golden autumn leaves in a misty haze and a perfect run around the lake.  We figured out that our approximate time, an 11.5 minute mile, is not terrible!  Also there is a restaurant right there where bottomless coffee is served with a view of the water.  Old and new friends joined us. Once again we learn the lesson:  it can definitely pay to cross a river.
Endorsements were:

• To get things done on your street:  Tweet to 311 adding #BillPeduto
• Australia - if you ever get a chance, go!
• New word "pendotting" meaning when multiple people just stand around in order to solve a problem
• Earhustle - a podcast about in San Quentin (trust Lainy)
• Death, sex, and money - not sure whether this is the name of something or is just death, sex, and money.
• If Bambi shows up in in your backyard, JUST LEAVE HIM ALONE, HE'LL LEAVE.

November 5 Run: North Park - meet at the Over the Bar restaurant at the North Park Boathouse

On Sunday, Gretchen will lead a run in North Park, her own hood - and we'll meet at the Over the Bar Restaurant which is right next to the North Park Boathouse - here's a map.  It's 36 minutes from Forbes & Murray according to Google.  And remember, we'll have an extra hour to sleep in:  it's the end of Daylight Saving time and we set the clocks back an hour.

Last week we had a mind-bending backwards route through Schenley Park, and also entered South Oakland, passing by Juliet St. (which tragically is near but never meets Romeo St.)  Rain had been predicted but held off beautifully until it was remarked that "it never rains on the run" which produced a moderate downpour.  Even that had its upside, which was the sight of Chris running through a field with a large green umbrella.

A slew of endorsements inspired by the warm and cozy 61C cafe:

• Christchurch, New Zealand may be heaven on earth
• Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown episode featuring Pittsburgh - Michelle is in it!
• Raviolis to die for in Cheswick at Emilia's Garden
• But do we have to drive into the suburbs?  It's so dark!  (But not this Sunday 😉.)
• Pasta stand at the Sunday farmers' market in Squirrel Hill
• White cashmere mittens for the crossing guards - stay tuned
• New clothing lines at Costco
• Boden Sale coming up on Nov. 11 at the Convention Center, 10 - 4

October 29 Run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead

My notes for this week's run say:  Wenbennett trail ---> stairs.  I have no idea what that means! But it surely starts at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead, where all good things begin - map here for anyone who needs one - also be there by 7 am.

Last week we went urban sightseeing - making our circuitous way through the gigantic Googleplex - more brand new hipster living spaces than we ever imagined tucked into the edges of Shadyside and East Liberty.  We saw Annie Dillard's childhood home.  We made it to the Trash Raccoon! (pictured - hint: it's upside down.)  Also Chris' very own factory (ElectroGrip) for nanofabrication system support (customers include NASA) - wow!  And some rather philosophical graffiti.

Zeke's Coffee turned out to be perfectly accommodating - a cozy corner table, fine coffee options and very toothsome pastries. 

And many, many things under discussion:
Ultimate frisbee in Australia
The amazing Harry Houdini and various entertainments with him as a character:  Side Show (musical) and FairyTale (movie).
Letters (aerograms!) that we used to write - now what?
A romantic Pam and Chris story
What to do about Equifax?
The Dino skeleton on Solway and the Zombie on Aylesboro
Pronouns - who knew they would become so complicated?
Prison Break (TV) and tattoos therein
FREE tickets (with membership) from Seatstir.

October 22 Run: Meet at Zeke's Coffee at 6015 Penn Ave. in East Liberty

We'll try out another new coffee venue:  Zeke's Coffee at 6015 Penn Ave. in East Liberty, and head east.  Zeke's is apparently also a bakery, so that offers some intriguing possibilities:  mocha chip muffins, apple cheddar scones, etc.  Run route is not set - but I'm hoping for a glimpse of the trash raccoon.

Last Sunday went exactly as planned, and the Greenfield Bridge is indeed ready for business, and very nicely done.  Even the barriers to keep people from jumping off are attractive.  Also, we discovered that its true name is the Beechwood Blvd. Bridge - really?  We traversed the Greenfield streets for a while, and behind St. Rosalia's, found our favorite bushwhacking hill so blocked off with invasive plants and threatening signs that even we didn't dare to go on.  It reminded me of the scene from Sleeping Beauty where all the vines start proliferating.  Fittingly, 61C was comforting as usual.

Many fun endorsements!

• Jazz and other live music at Wallace's Whiskey Room at the Hotel Indigo in East Liberty:  also Happy Hour.... time for another one for the group!
• Finding Your Roots program on how Bernie Sanders and Larry David are connected
• Attack Theatre's Down and Dirty Dance Party - oh, just realized that's tonight!  Read this fast.
• The Twisted Frenchman - new restaurant in East Liberty - if you just inherited a fortune
• The fact that Pittsburgh was named as Zagat's No.1 Food City was actually a mistake - it figures.
• Going on a personal retreat to Prince Edward Island - shellfish caught that day, biking heaven, reading all your books, etc.
• But a "family vacation" is an oxymoron
• The PG's NewsSlide - read the paper like never before - to be followed by its new Podcast to be unveiled soon
• Books of course:  Fierce Kingdom; Ken Follett's latest: A Column of Fire; new book by Philip Pullman, La Belle Sauvage, for those who have been waiting since His Dark Materials took over your life.  Also see above reference to the personal retreat.  We can dream.

 

October 15 Run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead for a visit to the new Greenfield Bridge!

We'll start at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead (map here) at 7 am as usual (just putting that in for new people on the list) and see if we just might be able to run across the brand new Greenfield Bridge!  It doesn't seem like that long ago that I went with my 3 young nephews to watch it implode: they were transfixed.  As were some of us, too, long ago at one of our most spectacular runs - to 3 Rivers Stadium on Feb. 11, 2001, to watch it crumble into dust. We raced like hell down Blvd. of the Allies to get there by 8 am and just made it.  

So last week we had a slightly misty run around the South Side at 18th Street - avoiding the Sunday am grossness of E. Carson and heading past previously unseen treasures like this weird storefront called pghnites.com (purpose unclear), also a VERY promising view into potential cashmere at the Salvation Army.  The new coffee place, Delanie's, had the perfectly sized table in a balcony, and all required offerings.  I have no recollection of our scintillating talk since some of us soon headed out to run the 4.12 K for Casa San José which gave out the most adorable t-shirts - to be modeled soon.

October 8 Run: South Side run starting at Delanie's Coffee.1737 E. Carson

We've got a South Side run planned because some of us are going on to another South Side run that starts at 9 am - and we're starting at Delanie's Coffee (on E. Carson at 18th St.) because it's right near that starting point and opens at 8.  A new coffee experience to add to the list.

It's past my bedtime so it's too late to give a whole spiel - but the important thing was that we wished a very fond farewell to Carrie who is moving to Oregon very soon.  She's been part of the group forever - maybe since she started running marathons with Karen in 1999 (and is still running them!) But she promised to come back to the Burgh and give us Sunday morning visits and report on life out West.  We'll miss you!


So two photos from the week before last, and one from 2010 with Carrie in it, will have to suffice for the rest:
(Also the fact that Biddle's Escape now features pastries from La Gourmandine!)

Oct. 1 Run: meet at Biddle's Escape - 401 Biddle Ave. in Wilkinsburg

We're meeting at Biddle's Escape - one of our favorites - next Sunday, and Karen will lead a run that may or may not include the amazing Trash Raccoon sculpture at Construction Junction, but will surely involve early Fall in Frick Park.

Last week's run in Frick Park was a little quiet since a splinter group went off to run the Great Race (we were a lot cooler, literally.)  But as always, a total pick-me-up.  Just a few endorsements from the 61B:

• Trek bike tours in Provence!  
• Actual travel agents from Gulliver's Travels that get you there and back seamlessly.
• Saying that the croissant at 61B was very delicious is kind of a come-down after those, but it was.

Sept. 24 Run: Frick Park Gatehouse at corner of Reynolds and S. Homewood in Pt. Breeze

This Sunday, those of us not doing the Great Race will meet at the corner of Reynolds and S. Homewood in Pt. Breeze, and head into and around Frick Park.  Seeing that the Great Race starts on the other side of Frick Park at 9:30, we can absorb some of the pre-race energy en route.  Reminder: for Great Racers or not, Pam has generously communicated an "invitation to the great race gathering at 2200 Beechwood Blvd. Welcome anytime after 8 am - after the early run, or before the Great Race. You can have coffee, tea, juice, use the plentiful toilets, leave clothing on the porch or in the house..."

Last week - a nice Chatham & Shadyside run to compare the mansions on the route to the ones we saw recently off of Wilkins Ave near CMU.  So many of these in the Burgh!  Kind of like the opening scenes of Game of Thrones: castles aplenty.  OK, so I admit to succumbing to GOT after complaining about it for years. It was a help to see a fictional place where the daily news was even worse than it is here.  Dragons!

Lovely coffee as usual with endorsements:

• Chris' method for self-repair of eyeglasses - just ask him!
• The Moth GrandSLAM, mother of all Moths, at the New Hazlett on Oct. 20
• Memories of Joanne and Kristin leaping into action to protect the public from a live electrical wire on that very corner.  We still have the photo!
• Divine beer and yummy food trucks and a fun hangout at East End Brewing - even open on Sundays.
• Billie Nardozzi, local legend and unusual poet - has been covered on NPR and the Wall Street Journal - this is a video - seriously, you should watch it.  So Burgh!
• Honeygrow - a restaurant whose time has come right here in East Liberty - people are very excited.

September 17 Run: 7 am at 61C yet again

Next run starts at 61C yet again!

Thanks to Wendy for the update:

Sharon (with an assist from David) led us on a perfectly timed run through Homewood Cemetery where, engulfed in fog, we saw the usual suspects: deer and wild turkey. We admired the beautiful Jill Watson memorial, slipped through a hole in the fence near St. Bede’s, and headed back to 61C to discuss and endorse:

Travels: South Africa, Prince Edward Island, Vancouver, San Diego
Videos: The best type, featuring babies
Shows: The Scottsboro Boys at the Pgh Playhouse’s Rauh Theatre

Pasta: City Fresh Pasta at the Sunday Sq. Hill Farmer's Market - first bag free!
Races: The 4.12K Run benefits Casa San Jose, a community resource center that advocates for Latinos. Sign up by 9/17 to get your t-shirt and tote bag!

Also: Pt. Breeze Yard Sale with ~130 families tomorrow, September 16^th 9am-3pm. Click on the cool interactive map to see what’s for sale. And stop by and say hey to Wendy and David at Wilkins and Beechwood!

https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/412KforCasaSanJose

September 10 Run: 61C Cafe again

We're meeting at 61C Cafe again because... well just because. Someone will come up with a great plan. This is a quick note because I just realized I have to get on a plane to Hartford tomorrow. Have a great run and will see you next Sunday!
(Don't forget to pick someone to write this message next week.)

September 3 Run: Colfax School (7 am as usual) and Labor Day Holiday Run: 61C Cafe (at 7:30)

Two runs coming up this weekend:  Sunday will be the usual run starting in front of Colfax School at 2332 Beechwood Blvd.  And Monday will be the Holiday run starting at 7:30 at the 61C Cafe on Murray.

Before I get to this week's report, here's a special upcoming race opportunity for a great cause:

• 412K for Casa San José on October 8 on the South Side:  https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/412KforCasaSanJose

Full disclosure: this is a cause that I volunteer for and is near to my heart (and since I write these messages, I get to put it on top!)  Casa San José is a small but feisty organization that supports and advocates for Latino immigrants in Pittsburgh, many of whom are now under threat by the current administration. Hopefully you saw their profile in our own Post-Gazette recently. If you can, please sign up for the run! Also please share.

So last week was delightful as always as we pounded through Oakland and surrounding territory.  We visited the Stephen Foster statue, the new bike lanes, the massive new Tepper School, and multiple hidden estates and mansions. Much to ponder!
Endorsements went far afield:

• taking an intrepid bike tour of Bangkok 
• clothing steamers (write in if you want one - it's up for grabs)
• poison ivy remedies:  jewelweed soap, Tecnu, Solvol? (can only be found in Australia), steroids!
• basement of the former Bishop's house with a wine cellar that needs a swipe card
• Wonder Tape (for your cashmere projects)
• Quantum Theater new play:  Red Hills
• Movies: Going in Style, The Midwife
• Photo on right:  from 2 weeks ago but so atmospheric I had to put it in.

  

August 27 Run: Meet in front of Phipps Conservatory in Oakland

On Sunday we'll meet at Phipps and look at some features of Oakland that have been sources of some upset lately:  the Stephen Foster statue and the brand new bike lanes.  Lots of passion about those - of course we'll resolve everything.

Last week - seems like yesterday:  is it me or have the summer weeks increased their velocity? On Sunday we did the Schenley Park trails followed by a long coffee outside at 61C: sort of like comfort food.
Endorsed:

• The Eclipse! and Warby Parker for handing out special viewing glasses
• Books by Allegra Goodman, also Fierce Kingdom
• Podiatrists!  We really need one to run with us.  There used to be one!
• TV: Sleepwalkers
• Movies:  Step and Dunkirk
• Karaoke
• Zumba (taught by Wendy especially!)
• DNA testing?
• Life at Summerset???

Aug. 20 Run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead

We'll meet at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead, and here's the map.

It's late - so a quick overview of last week:

We went up the South Side trail and back through the flats, avoiding the gross stuff that Saturday night turns up on S. Carson.

We were so many that the tables at Big Dog weren't big enough!

Endorsements:

• Menchie's Frozen Yogurt in the new East Liberty
• the Outlander audiobook - bodice ripping parts are hilarious
• Master of None: Season 2 - this keeps getting endorsed so must be great
• Game of Thrones - why does everyone love disembowelment and raping?  But they do.
• Things that are not there any more:  remembering Cafe Allegro
• TV/Internet/phone/etc. packages - good deals if you haggle
• Water you must drink every day:  1/2 your body weight in ounces.  Really?
• Seltzer - it's OK! It doesn't cause osteoporosis.
• Early morning yoga - but where?  Any ideas?

​

August 13 Run: Meet at Big Dog Coffee, 2717 Sarah St., South Side

On Sunday we will finally get around to the promised South Side run, which could involve climbing the famous stairs up to some awesome views.  Or alternatively, look in the windows of local re-sale stores for supplies for fall cashmere recycling workshops.  (Who's ready?) Or, run up and down the banks of the storied Mon. Whatever! This will start and end at the super-cute Big Dog cafe on Sarah Street.

After that over-long intro, I have nothing to say about last week's run because I wasn't there (was heading for the back roads in central PA.  Hint:  don't rely on your Google GPS in those circumstances.) But, we have some great photos care of Virginia, which as always are worth a thousand words:

August 6 Run: Meet at the PPG Place fountain downtown for a Regatta run

I know, I know, we've been promising a South Side run for 2 weeks now, but Lainy just alerted me to the Sand Sculpture created for the Regatta this weekend, and really we can't miss it.  So let's meet at the PPG Place fountain/ice rink downtown (map) and see the Regatta sights powering up.

Last week we were downtown too, on the Strip side, to run through the setup for Open Streets - which, if you didn't stay to see it, brought in more human-powered vehicles than I've ever seen in one space. We beat the wheeled crowds, though, and got our coffee-and-almond-mele fix at La Prima with no waiting.  Not to be a traitor to LP,  but I later discovered that the fabulous Smallman Galley 2 blocks away opens for coffee at 7 am on Sunday - let's keep it in mind for next time.
Endorsements:

• Picklesburgh - where runners especially liked the lemon jalapeno ice cream and the pretzel wrapped around a pickle with provolone.  Sadly over until next summer!
• May be related:  Pickleball?
• And related to that:  Presbyterian bowling (like they have at Frick Park)
• Not related at all:  Eagle Lake in Acadia
• Movie:  Little hours showing at the Hollywood Theater, Dormont this weekend
• Concert with Gretchen's daughter, Margot and her band, Hourglass:  St. Alexis Parish Festival in Wexford, Saturday August 5

July 30: Park in the lot at Liberty and 21st for an Open Streets run on Penn Ave.

We had originally settled on the South Side for Sunday, but then realized that it's Open Streets (route:  Doughboy to Downtown along Penn Ave.,) and it's kind of fun to have a run in the same neighborhood.  Also some might want to stay and maybe take some boxing lessons.  So let's meet at La Prima - parking in the lot at Liberty and 21st.  There should be a good supply of meles this time. South Side is up for next week.

Last week we also did Penn Ave., on the Garfield/Friendship end, and as always, were amazed at the amount of new stuff appearing along the way.  Who is living in all those places?  Sharon will be glad to know that a significant amount of change was picked up on route.  Maybe the new apartment dwellers are strewing quarters all around as they head back from the new breweries.

We endorsed:
More aprons!  They protect your t-shirt when frying latkes, and also are terrific gifts/favors when you need a lot of them.
More laughing!  Al Franken - his interview on the Commonwealth Club and also new book:  Al Franken: Giant of the Senate.  And podcast Live from the Poundstone Institute. And 2nd series of Master of None.
More disturbing Southerners: Ozark on Netflix and the S-Town Podcast (from the makers of Serial.)
More ??? The head bobble. This was new to me, go ahead and google it.

July 23 Run: Meet at Bakery Square outside Coffee Tree

We’ll explore the continuing redevelopment of East Liberty, Garfield, and Bloomfield. Or maybe even go in a different direction..?

This past Sunday a sizeable crowd showed up for our ritual trespass run through the Pittsburgh Grand Prix racing grounds, otherwise known as our own Schenley Park. How dare those ersatz security people tell us that we can’t access our trails or find our way out of the park…! After the run there was 61C coffee and Sharon’s outrageous homemade blueberry cake. No napkin notes again but it was a perfectly delightful morning to lounge with coffee in the outdoor seating area.

(Thanks to Lainy for posting)

July 16 Run: Meet at 61C Squirrel Hill for a run to the Paddock

Not sure it's called that, but it's a great name!  Reminded by Sharon that it's Grand Prix weekend, we can start at the 61C and head over to Schenley Park to tour the vintage cars on view, and evade the traffic tie-ups.

The run was in Regent Square last weekend and hit some favorite stairs in the neighborhood - I'm still on the DL so just biked there in time for coffee and chat. (Reminder:  anyone can show up for coffee!) As we reminisced, we realized that our group coffee habit began in the early 2000's as Virginia and Michelle discovered they had a little time to kill after a run.  And then Lainy reminded us that the whole week-to-week thing pre-dated email and that the upcoming route was transmitted by human voice alone. "We actually said it!" This seems like science fiction. Endorsements, however, are a more recent phenom.

Here are a few:

• The Medóc Marathon, in Bordeaux, France which has 23 wine stops.  (We can dream.)
• (As I looked that up, I also found that the Guardian newspaper - for which, thumbs up! - also has an entire section on Running.)
• Someone recommended a book called the "Love of Running" which I can't locate on Amazon, but which may be "For the love of running" by Rudrani Devi, but it also might be "Train your brain to love running with self-hypnosis," "Get off your ass and run: a tough love running program," "Stop running from love" or possibly "All's fair:  love, war, and running for President."
• For handyperson recommendations, besides Angie's List (which requires subscribing) try Thumbtack.
• For getting rid of stuff, there are Off the Floor, Thriftique, and Freecycle.  Nextdoor lets you post to your neighbors and also is the essence of nebby.
• Isis and Trixie (pictured) seen at the former Fire Engine Park on my way back.  (Couldn't let this go without a photo.)

July 9 Run: 61B Cafe on Braddock Ave. in Regent Square - also don't forget Tuesday July 4 Holiday Run: 61C Cafe on Murray Ave, 7:30 am

(Don’t forget! Tuesday July 4 Holiday Run: 61C Cafe on Murray Ave in Squirrel Hill AT7:30 am)

July 9 Run: 61B Cafe on Braddock Ave in Regent Square. Michelle will lead us on a tour of Edgewood, including an infamous staircase.   

About a dozen runners gathered Sunday morning for a sunny and warm loop through the Strip District, over and along the Mon, under the convention center tunnel, and atop the loading docks of Smallman Street. Coffee and pastry happened under a brilliant blue sky. We welcomed Mark, Kendall, and McKenzie, and literally ran into Laurie’s daughter Mary! Happy 4^th of July to all!

June 18 Run: Meet at Commonplace at Voluto at 5467 Penn Ave. for Allegheny Cemetery Run

We'll meet at Commonplace at Voluto at 5467 Penn Ave. for a run involving the atmospheric Allegheny Cemetery and whatever we find around it.  We really can go in any direction from there so if anyone has a creative plan, bring it.

Last week was uncharacteristically lightly attended (do you know there are 127 people on this list?) but it's the return of summer travels, and also summer injuries (barefoot days means I just sprained my toe, damn it, so no running for a while.)  But it was a lovely run through the park - Lainy's back with tales of Ireland, London, and the Hebrides - Sharon brought along visiting family and a lively pooch - someone's kid is off to HelpX for the summer? - we're doing a pretty good job not talking politics and so there's relief from the current outrage.  Come along for a T-free zone!

June 11 Run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead and Schenley Park

I just checked and we haven't met here since January - time for a Schenley Park run with leaves.  For anyone out there who is still waiting to join the run and might be tempted, but has no idea what the Wendy Bennett Trailhead is - here's a map - it's at the very beginning of Overlook Drive, right off Bartlett St./Greenfield Rd.  Coffee will be back at the 61C of course.

Last week was momentous and a Running Group first: baby grandchild born in the middle of the run! Wendy and David, the thrilled grandparents, answered the phone and announced the happy birth right there on the sidewalks of Swissvale.  Giant mazel tov to them, Bud, Becky, Iggy and the whole fam.

Another (less momentous) first was our trek through the streets of downtown Swissvale, really cute and starring Master's Hardware store, which is possibly the last authentic hardware store within reasonable driving distance.  It has and does everything, including sharpen blades on push mowers. (Please everyone consider using a push mower - many available for a song on Craigslist. Will give you strong biceps and also save the planet.)  If you're wondering why this picture is here, it is one that Google posted for the store, for reasons truly unknown.

Biddle's was its usual delightful coffee locale - reminding us, whither Mahjong? (We used to have mahjong games there, also delightful, if you're interested, email the group.)  Numerous endorsements:

• Wonder Woman - watch how female intelligence, compassion and kick-assedness boost the superhero genre flick to a new level.  We need to go as as group.  Also the particular beauty of Israeli women:  Gal, Natalie, and of course Galit.
• New book on the history of dearly missed Schenley High School - Pam says unexpectedly moving and engagingly written. 
• Happy Hour at the Cork Factory
• Kayaking from Aspinwall riverfront - so accessible and fun
• and even cheaper if you get a Venture Outdoors membership, which does a lot more.
• More boating:  rent a houseboat for a week. Even in Europe.
• I'm adding this gem I just discovered - this jam-packed neighborhood newspaper covering Bloomfield, Friendship, Garfield, East Liberty, Lawrenceville, and Stanton Heights - see esp. the free Lawrenceville Garden Tour (p.10) and Pep Rally Shoe Drive (p.5). So much to get local about.

June 4 Run: Meet at Biddle's Escape on Biddle Ave. in Wilkinsburg

We're meeting at Biddle's this week, for a run in any direction (Wilkinsburg? Regent Square? Frick Park?) which I have taken it upon myself to decide since even though there were two runs last week, nobody made a plan for this one.  I thought:  which coffee place is just right for the times?  And I thought of Biddle's.  Their signature drinks include a Kyoto Fog Tea Latte, and I also want to see what is on display across the street.

Last week we had both a regular and a holiday run. both with pretty good numbers, despite no message really going out.  Great mind-meld, everyone!  Weather was perfect, which helped.  I missed the Sunday run, but photos were covered by Virginia (sign has a surprising new translation, which actually I don't agree with, but hey.)  The Holiday run went down through Chatham and back up on Murray Hill Ave., where some of us re-lived RG's brief but now eternal appearance on the silver screen, and also recalled the most beautiful port-a-potty ever. At coffee we had a delightful Memorial Day encounter with a spunky genuine WW2 Vet who introduced himself as Billy the Kid.  We also got literally literary, endorsing:

• good handwriting
• bullet journals
• use of writing to solve problems
• tip from the PG about editing:  read it backwards!
• and finally, the first Open Streets, which was awesome, especially the tunnel.  More coming the last Sunday of June and July.

May 21 Run: Boathouse at North Park! (See message for link to map.)

Hello, all!

For a change of pace, we're planning to meet at the Boathouse at North Park on Sunday, May 21st for a run around the lake.  Coffee afterward will be at Over The Bar in the Boathouse.

I've checked online, and as far as I can tell there is no race that morning that would impact parking or cause any road closures.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Best regards,

Gretchen

May 7 Run: Mellon Park corner of Beechwood and Fifth (but park where you need to be)

Some of us will be Marathoning (may the force be with you!) so the rest of us can at least wander the course a bit by meeting at Beechwood and Fifth which is on the route.  Be careful parking so that you stay on the side you will want to be on when you leave.  Here's info.

14 runners showed up last Sunday, when we had another inspiring Frick Park run led by Karen. We covered old trails and a new one (to me anyway) which made it seem like we were far, far from city life.  It reminded us of our Girl Scout hikes.  Be prepared!  Coffee was as always simultaneously soothing and stimulating.  Some highlights:

• The latest Obama School Musical, Sister Act, which shows the spirit, talent and gusto of those terrific kids: still on Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week
• Galit's receiving her PhD - mazel tov!
• The squeamishness of the Pitt grad school professor who left out the word "vaginal" when announcing Galit's research
• The Mountaineer's Rest Step (really a thing), taught by our Girl Scout Leader, Lainy.
• That new trail in Frick Park which at the start sort of parallels Commercial St. but I don't know its name.

Thanks to Aimee for photos and her amazing talent at selfies.

April 30 Run: Blue Slide Park, Beechwood Blvd. at Nicholson St.

We'll meet at the entrance to Blue Slide Park, where my teenage daughter was once arrested for setting a bush on fire (it was someone else but god knows what she was doing) - and locus of undoubtedly many interesting tales about our children.

Last week we ran through the early morning light and pastel colors of Frick Park in April. Chris asked why we have to run this early. That's the reason! It was fairly glorious, and then we headed back to the 61C to cvetch, endorse, and otherwise commune. It was one of those standard Sunday runs that just had it all.

Here they are:
Nail polish - the kind that changes color.  Available at Kim Nails on S. Highland.  We couldn't agree on gel, or no gel.  But make sure the manicurist remembers her glasses.
Ordering online - if you put something in your "cart" but don't buy it, sometimes you'll get a discount offer later on.  This happened twice!
Events at Alphabet City (aka City of Asylum) - musical and literary, so much happening.
Really special underpants, period. If you want to find out more: Thinx.
Book:  Norwegian by Night - called "Octogenarian Chic", but sounds adorable.
Movie:  Harmonia - the Abraham-Sarah-Hagar story taking place in the Israeli Philharmonic
Nursery:  Mctighe's Garden Center in Glenshaw
Weird place:  Trundle Manor, "the most bizarre private collection on public display", i.e. a cat uterus, enough said.
The fact that Jagoff has a Wikipedia entry.  More than you ever wanted to know.

April 16 Run: 61C Cafe Squirrel Hill

Easter Sunday we'll (actually you'll, since I won't be there - so remember to sign up someone for the message) start and end at 61C, and the theme will be, appropriately, "places of worship." There are surely lots of them in the neighborhood!  Wear your Easter bonnet.

Last Sunday we made an East Liberty-Garfield-Friendship circuit, which was way more direct than our usual meanderings.  Also shorter, so more time to schmooze at the Ace - where we grabbed the best seating in our sweaty exercise clothes.  Through truth to tell, the hotel guests didn't look much better.  Lots of runners, lots of blab, lots of fun, lots of endorsements:

• Alphabet City on the North Side, home to the City of Asylum, Casellula, and the new bookstore.
• Gearfest - where Thriftique meets REI - consignment for outdoor gear, and beer too!  April 23 right there at the Ace
• The Fiber Arts Guild of Pittsburgh - but how's their cashmere?
• Hygge - we heard it was hip
• Free Ride - bike collective
• Seriously, the sanctuary inside of the East Liberty Presyterian Church across the street is magnificent - if it were in Europe it would be full of tourists.  Go see it!

(Thanks to Teri for photo!)

April 9 Run: Meet at Ace Hotel in East Liberty

Next Sunday we'll meet at the Ace Hotel in East Liberty - which ups our hipster quotient considerably.  And for those of us that think that has to do with hips, maybe it does.

Last Sunday's downtown run was awesome. Not only was the weather perfect, but we crossed 2 bridges, saluted PNC Park,  got terrific river views up and down the Ohio, AND we made our way into the seriously fenced-in Bicycle Heaven compound, where we were given a tour and a shortcut by our new friend, the kind-hearted night watchman (I'm guessing since he was there at 7:30 a.m.) He remotely opened the giant warehouse gates for us as we shouted our thanks into the security camera.
Many endorsements, and photos!

• local cartoonist Ed Piskor at the Toonseum - Free Opening Night Party for Hermetically Sealed will be held at The ToonSeum, 945 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222, on Saturday night, April 8th from 7 to 10 pm. 
• Hillwood Estate Museum in DC - go with the docent tour if you can.
• Ways to laugh to counteract the awfulness:
• Trevor Noah in general, and particularly this parody of the now famous video of the dad trying to do a BBC interview with his little kids crashing in on it.  This one is pretty good too.  Also Late Night with Stephen Colbert, Samantha Bee, Bill Maher, Seth Meyers, etc. Not to mention the true meaning of Executive Orders (my favorite: "Pickel".) Thank you, comedy!
• If your kitchen sink disposal breaks, try inserting a broom handle.  Also, if you lose something, turn over a glass. Bubbameisters work!  

April 2 Run: Downtown at PPG Place fountain

On Sunday we meet at the PPG Place Fountain downtown (parking usually available on 4th Ave.) There was some talk of going over to the North Side and maybe up the trail on the Ohio, but we'll cross that bridge, etc.  Oh, and there are also the red buds that are just coming out on the North Shore - will we make it?

Quick review:  Last week's run on the South Side was delightful and involved 2 bridges and lovely views over the water.  We decided that the pavement on S. Carson St. on a Sunday morning was too gross to revisit, though.

Endorsements:
Project Prom needs seamstresses, Wendy reports - get your needles ready for next year
Mindfulness - always
Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse - Thriftique for creative people
Going to the Citizenship ceremony (15 countries represented) - especially inspirational in these times
Social capital - more people in your life - especially us
Pearl Nails, ask for Lynn
Pittsburgh Dance Council
Arrival - the movie
Missing Richard Simmons - the podcast

Questions:
When does long hair become witchy?
Whither mahjongg?
Where's your arthritis?

Quotes:
"She's working me down from bright colors to natural."
"This is what democracy looks like!"

March 26 Run: South Side run starting at Big Dog Coffee (2717 Sarah St. Pittsburgh, PA 15203)

Next week we’ll try to take in two bridges on the South Side and we’ll see what’s new along Carson St...

Don’t ever underestimate the power of Joanne to draw folks out of bed and into Highland Park! It was great to see the BIG turnout for this week’s run and Joanne deftly lead us through the grand streets of Highland Park and the homey Pittsburgh warmth of Morningside. And no, it wasn’t even unbearably hilly!  Coffee at Taza Doro was delightful….hmmm….did anyone take notes (sorry Roye!)?

(Thanks, Lainy, for posting!)

March 19 Run: Highland Park (or thereabouts) run starting at Tazza D'Oro on Highland

Next week meet at Enrico's Tazza D'Oro - old favorite on Highland Ave.  Sadly I have to miss it - don't forget to pick someone to write this next week :-)

We thought there was nothing new under the... grey sky - but we discovered unseen parts of Bloomfield last Sunday, as we circled through those mysterious treeless streets of row houses, down past giant rusted pipes strewed outside the defunct Iron City Brewery, and alongside railroad tracks and the busway.  Well, maybe not so pretty but kind of fascinating, and then we came across the Iron Eden workshops and also store (photo), the "Try Try Try Stairs" (Laurie's find), a tiny Italian bakery in a garage, and the fanciest masonry parking spaces ever seen. Multiple endorsements from the very comfy Crazy Mocha on Liberty:

• African-American History Museum in DC - tickets are sold out for months but you can get same-day ones online or by phone at 6:30 am if you're quick on the draw.
• A great funky song from circa 1989 - Walk the Dinosaur - known to have been played on juke box at Nico's Recovery Room
• The Americans series on Amazon Prime.  (While discussing this a random guy pops up and says "I'm hooked on it!  And it explains why there are no pay phones any more!") 
• Bad Lip Reading - still a riot
• Book Bad Feminist
• Movie:  Get Out! 
• Advice from Lainy's Mom (a former model):  When being photographed, ankles together!  

photo credits:  thanks, Virginia!