January 30 Run/Walk: Meet at Big Dog Coffee (2717 Sarah St.) for a South Side Excursion

We come to the end of January and it just may be the case that predictions of drastically falling COVID cases are happening.  Let it be, as John Lennon used to say. So we'll meet on Sunday at Big Dog Coffee, 2717 Sarah Street on the South Side, and maybe, just maybe, we'll feel it's safe to go in and schmooze.  Fingers crossed for a return to normal life!

Due to lack of schmoozing, there are no recorded endorsements from last week's outing.  The runners headed up to the Water Tower at Robert Williams Park, and the walkers went bushwhacking behind Phipps and then circumnavigated the Tepper Taj Mahal, I mean Business School.  But we all basked in winter sunrise over Oakland.

January 23 Run/Walk: Meet at Oakland Starbucks across from Soldiers & Sailors

This is what you get if you can extricate yourself from your bed at 6:30 on Sunday in the freezing cold - not to mention the companionship - worth it!!  (Thanks to Virginia for the photo.)  Next Sunday we'll be in Oakland, so a different vista, but as always there will be something remarkable. Meet at the Oakland Starbucks, kitty-corner (dating myself here) from Soldiers & Sailors at 4022 Fifth Ave.  Probably not a good idea to go inside for coffee yet - but since it's supposed to plunge to 7 degrees by Sunday night, outdoors is not that appealing either.  What we need are survival suits!

Last Sunday, as pictured, our trek through Frick Park was illuminating, and then we visited streets and stairs in Squirrel Hill that, impossibly, we had never seen before.  A good turnout, with the added enhancement of Teri's return.  And mittens were de rigueur.

Endorsed (recorded on the run so memory is short):

• Listen:  For the Love of Parks podcast - Whose parks? Our parks!
• Watch:  Succession - but can someone please start group therapy for those of us drawn into that fiendish swamp.
• Run/Swim/Bike: Mighty Tri Girls Triathlon Training - also fine for beginners - starts Feb. 1 - Joanne has done this for years and will be glad to answer questions (412) 303-1145.   

January 16 Run/Walk: Let's try again - meet at Beechwood Blvd. at Nicholson, entrance to Blue Slide Park

On Sunday, we'll try once more to bathe in the winter forest of Frick Park.  We'll meet at the Beechwood entrance to Blue Slide Park and figure it out.

As if a pandemic, global warming, and an assault on democracy weren't enough, now we have to face the fact that our last RUN WAS RAINED OUT.  The apocalypse has arrived.  OK that's a little extreme.  Blame the fact that I have been drawn into watching Succession for 5 days straight and am steeped in the evil of humankind.  

But we'll try again!  If it stays cold, maybe bring your Yaktraks for the ice.  If not, we may sit outside for post-run coffee so bring a blanket and a hot drink.  We could all use some RG therapy right now.

January 9 Run/Walk: Meet at Beechwood Blvd. at Nicholson, entrance to Blue Slide Park

We're going to meet at the Beechwood Blvd. entrance to Blue Slide Park on Sunday, and then perhaps make an attempt at winter forest bathing in Frick Park.  Or in Squirrel Hill, a forest to squirrels!

Last week, it was pouring rain on Saturday - did anyone go?  But Sunday was perfect, and even balmy enough to sit outside for coffee. The unbridled holiday kitsch at the Waterfront is actually appealing, especially in the dark.  Note for next week: bring a blanket in the car just in case we can sit outside, though it looks ominous.  But what doesn't look ominous these days?  BTW - did anyone detect the exploding meteor on New Year's day?  I thought it was a leaf blower.

Endorsements:

• Listen to podcast:  American History Tellers, told by Lindsay Graham who "is not in any way the Senator from South Carolina."
• Watch movies:  Don't Look Up, The Club
• The Pump House - on our route, site of the great Battle of Homestead.  Workers unite!
• Everyone suddenly has Hoka running shoes.  Am remembering when Newtons and Shoes with Toes were hot. These, on the other hand, make you an inch taller.
• Neck and shoulder rice heating pad - helps with achy flu or, God forbid, covid. This just begs for a DIY version made with (what else) recycled cashmere. I may finally break down and get a microwave.
• Get a Light-Up vest like Aimee's ON SALE at Noxgear.com.