East End Runners

So many decisions could have been bad!

Friday, May 30, 2025

June 1 Run/Walk: Meet at Five Points Bakery, 6520 Wilkins Avenue, Pittsburgh 15217

June 1 Run/Walk: Meet at Five Points Bakery, 6520 Wilkins Avenue, Pittsburgh 15217

Last week, we met at 61C on Murray Avenue, and who can complain?  (Well, I did, earlier...)

It's pretty great being able to join the tables and carry the extra chairs and hang out at our old standby.  The big treat was seeing Tom, beloved to the OG RG, and legendary to those of us who are new.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on June 1 and hearing about the Hudson Valley bike trip.





Saturday, May 24, 2025

May 25 Run/Walk: Meet at 61C Cafe,1839 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Apologies for getting this out on the late side... filling in for Jane and Roye.  Tomorrow let's meet at 61C Cafe for a Squirrel Hill, Point Breeze, or Schenley Park run.

Last week we met at a new place!  And explored a new neighborhood!  

Brighton Heights was a charming neighborhood that many of us were unfamiliar with but completely delighted by.  Runners tried to make it to Riverside Park but got a little lost... thank goodness for Apple Maps directions!  Runners found the new bridge to the park (it's on Davis Ave & Rodney Street) but it wasn't yet suitable to cross (or trespass!).  Turns out Bicycle Heaven and Manchester Craftsmen's Guild are both a bit farther away than we thought as well.

California Coffee Bar was a really special neighborhood cafe with made-to-order breakfast sandwiches and smoothies.  And the coffee and muffins were spectacular as well, I might add.

Lots of book endorsements:

Tartufo, by Kira Jane Buxton

My Brilliant Friend, by Elena Ferrante

The Overstory, by Richard Powers

A People's History of the United States, by Howard Zinn

Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

Also, a recommendation for a warranty service to efficiently and patiently troubleshoot HP printers as well as all devices in your entire house: Asurian, 1-844-529-2692






Thursday, May 15, 2025

May 18 Run/Walk: Meet at California Coffee Bar, 3619 California Ave, Pittsburgh 15212

 May 18 Run/Walk: Meet at California Coffee Bar, 3619 California Ave, Pittsburgh 15212

 California Coffee Bar is near both Bicycle Heaven and Manchester Craftmen's Guild.


Last Sunday, we made our annual Mother's Day walk/run to the Queen of Peace Shrine, aka, Our Lady of the Parkway.  To read a little about the history and lore surrounding the shrine, check out Virginia's story in the April 23, 2023 edition of Pittsburgh Magazine.  https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/places-we-love-lady-of-the-parkway/

After our pilgrimage, we were able to gather outside the Oakland Starbucks, thanks to the glorious weather, and hang out for as long as we liked. And we hung out, which we liked.

A single endorsement, but one with a ticking clock: Catch the Kara Walker exhibit at the Frick Museum before it closes on May 25.  Kara Walker

And -- Garrison Keillor fans!  Two tickets are available for his May 30th show at the City Winery, 1627 Smallman Street.  The tickets were originally $70 each, but the ticket holder, (Elaine's sister) will sell them for $100 total.  To get more information, email Judithbendersky@gmail.com or 907-230-1935










 


Thursday, May 08, 2025

May 11 Run/Walk: Meet at Schenley Plaza, under the tent

May 11 Run/Walk:  Meet at Schenley Plaza, under the tent

Last Sunday, on Pittsburgh Marathon morning, we met on Fifth & Beechwood, where the volunteers were waiting for the race to begin and the cups of waters were in neat rows on the tables.  The runners had good weather -- not too hot, no serious rain -- and so did we.

No one sent photos and the blog-keeper was remiss in her duties, but we really did meet at Panera in Bakery Square, and we really did share some recommendations.  Once again,

The Outrun -- both the book and the movie.

The Four Seasons -- the Netflix reboot of the 1981 film with Tina Fey and Alan Alda.

You have another chance to see Buffalo Rose https://www.thehotelandcantina.com/events-1/small-hours-trio

And if you love goats (and who doesn't) onsider volunteering for Allegheny Goatscape.  The goats, and a miniature donkey, are chomping on brush in Oakland and will soon be at the Waterfront and in Garfield.  https://www.alleghenygoatscape.org

And  Happy Almost birthday to Gretchen and Max!!!!!

Friday, May 02, 2025

May 4 Run/Walk: 7:00 AM. Meet at Mellon Park – Fifth at Beechwood Blvd., Pittsburgh

May 4 Run/Walk:  Meet at Mellon Park -- Fifth at Beechwood Blvd., Pittsburgh
 

From Sharon:  Meet at Mellon Park near the spray park/tennis courts.  The roads will be closed so you will not be able to cross in or out by car.  To stay clear of the race course, park on Beechwood or Reynolds and walk.  Course Map for the full marathon

What a week!  I hope everyone's power is restored by now and the streets are cleared and accessible.  Short storm, so much damage!

Last week, after Art All Night, we lined up at Wise County Biscuits.  It was pretty great, but busy, so we had to sit in two separate areas.   This blogger was in the annex, rather than the main seating areas, and no doubt missed much valualbe news and many endorsements.  Still, here's what I know:

It's not too late to shred your documents!The Shredding events continue!

We all know Costco has great athletic clothing at reasonable prices.  The bread has been endorsed too!  And Costco for treating their workers well.

Linda M's upcoming yoga retreats will be in Mexico and in Italy.

And congratulations to Janet's son, who just got his Ph.D in economics!