March 1 Run: Meet at Waterfront Place and 21st St. in the Strip

We're meeting at Waterfront Place and 21st Street in the Strip (map) and explore, what else, the waterfront.  Perhaps head over to River Ave. and Washington's Landing?  Or to Pt. State Park and maybe Station Square?  Bridges will be crossed.  Coffee at La Prima. We will locate a reasonable bathroom in advance.

Last week we climbed no hills but visited two cathedrals, both offering balm to the soul.  Hurray for St. Paul Cathedral for having open doors to anyone seeking an uplifting exquisite space at 7:30 am on Sunday, and even more hurrays for the many concerned Pitt students who are occupying the Cathedral of Learning  24-7 to pressure the Board of Trustees to divest from fossil fuels.  #OccupyCathy!

Endorsements at Arriviste Cafe begin with:

• Arriviste!  Perfect space, designer coffee, delectable pastry
• Speaking of designer coffee - KLVN Coffee Lab on 6600 Hamilton (will try soon!)
• And right in that neighborhood - East End Brewing has upped its game with pretty great food
• Movies to consider as precursors to the current horror show:  Recount and Game Change
• TV Series to escape it: Anne with an E, Virgin River, The Two Popes
• Exercise at the JCC - but don't get in the 5:30 am traffic jam
• Saturday morning walking group that meets at 7:30 am at Commonplace Coffee on Reynolds - Judy says we are invited!

Feb. 23 Run: Meet at Arriviste Coffee, 5730 Ellsworth in Shadyside

We're meeting at a new coffeehouse, Arriviste, at 5730 Ellsworth (between Maryland and Summerlea,) 7 am as usual, and will proceed in some direction from there.  And let it be known that there is now not only a Walk as well as a Run, but there has been a Walk to the Walk!  OK, maybe a little confusing, but just ask on Sunday.

Last week we tried to get to the panoramic view from Robert E. Williams Park, but somehow got lost in the maze of stairways leading up past the Peterson Events Center.  Aimee recorded that we climbed 663 feet in elevation in search of it.  "While we didn’t find the tower, we nearly climbed a mountain!" 

Coffee as always was a comfort, and an inspiration to read, listen, watch, and especially, try to shut off electronics during vacations (not easy.)
Endorsed:

• Books:  Anything by James Michener (so many!), stories by Isaac Bashevis Singer, Tatooist of Auschwitz, The Weight of Ink, Angle of Repose.
• Podcasts:  Invisibilia, How I Built This, Wondery (esp. The Shrink Next Door and WeCrashed.)  
• Movie:  Defiance (Partisans in the forest during WW2.)
• Concert this Sunday:  Sing a New Light - series in memory of victims of Tree of Life shooting, one of which was Richard Gottfried, brother of Carol, fellow RG member.  Information here.
• More places RG can run to.
• Five Points Artisan Bakeshop Cafe is now open!  Maybe next week...
• Your ancient iPod - still works!

February 16 Run: Meet at Phipps Conservatory for a Valentine's Day Run, Coffee at Starbucks on Fifth Ave

On Sunday, let's meet at the romantic Phipps Conservatory for a Valentine's Day run through Oakland.  A water tower was mentioned-- suggestions are welcomed for a way up.

This past Sunday, we met at the Detective Building again for a run through East Liberty.  We winded our way though interesting less-traveled side streets and found various housing types under construction, several community gardens, and an inviting little library.

 Little Library

The Detective Building

February 9 Run: Meet at the Detective Building, 224 N Euclid Avenue for an East Liberty Run

This Sunday, let's repeat the Detective Building run, as I missed it the first time and am still intrigued.  It's a co-working space and adaptive reuse project, plus there's a lot to check out in East Liberty, specifically the Whole Foods development which just broke ground.

This past Sunday it was a blustery snow that made visibility a little difficult, but it proved worthwhile.  I led the group through Garfield, around a newer housing development, ascending up to a pinnacle (sorry about the hills!) where the Water Tower and Garfield Community Farm are located.  What a treat-- the community garden was not there the last time we did this run several years ago!  I don't have any endorsements, just these photos that show this really unique community gem.  Apparently they have a mobile market and volunteer program.  The farm had a miniature labyrinth, an elaborate compost system, a greenhouse, and even some resident rabbits!