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!

March 12 Run: Bloomfield run starting at Crazy Mocha, 4525 Liberty Ave

New exploration going into deep Bloomfield on Sunday, starting and ending at Crazy Mocha at 4525 Liberty Ave. (near Tessaro's.)


Last Sunday was memorable, starting with heading out Butler Street toward the zoo and passing a zone of hipster outlets too numerous to count including one window full of lace, the Home of Gently Worn Bridal Gowns.  Heading up some unknown Pittsburgh stairs as long as the Stairway to Heaven, we came to a "Stairs Closed" sign about 3/4 of the way up.  Naturally we decided to bushwhack the rest and run through a couple of backyards, arriving way way up at the top of Upper Lawrenceville. Verdict: adorable.

Then down down to the aforementioned Abbey on Butler with truly over the top Victorian atmospherics, and a cozy place in front of the fire.  Great coffee!  And a surprise welcome return of Aimee now with 2 beautiful children, and maybe Women's History Month too, led us to new-fangled diapers (superthin, HareKrishna, bamboo), handsfree breast pumps, and when is best to go back to work after childbirth (a Friday.)  Also advice heard in January:  "if you have a urethra and are going to the march..."

We realized that our next run falls exactly on Purim, Jewish festival of hamentaschen, Queen Esther, and origin of the term "the whole megillah."  Though not Magilla Gorilla.  Wendy reminded us of the eternal theme of Jewish festivals:  "They tried to kill us. We survived.  Let's eat!" of which there are several musical versions on Youtube.

Just a few endorsements:

• Andrew Carnegie Free Library in Carnegie with civil war room
• New White Whale bookstore on Liberty Ave. in Bloomfield
• North Park when the frogs are mating (site of run soon!)

Here was the best part:  no mention of T----p the whole time.

                                                                                              Photo credits:  Michele and me.

March 5 Run: Lawrenceville run starting at The Abbey, 4635 Butler

Next week we're trying out a new coffee place - The Abbey, on Butler at 47th so we'll start there and figure out the run later.  It's apparently a converted funeral home, across from Allegheny Cemetery.  Maybe we should wear all black?  Maybe it's a sign of the times?  Maybe I should stop overthinking this, but that's hard to do these days.

Last week we got the scoop from Lainy on Cuenca, Ecuador, complete with blue-footed boobies, death-defying bus rides, and, weirdly, the best bagels in the world.   This was at Biddle's Escape, aka Resistance HQ, where sadly they were not serving the maple bacon latte, but they had some other intriguing beverages, not to mention t-shirts, postcards, and a million bags of tea.  The run took us into new Wilkinsburg and Edgewood territories, including an outdoor art gallery covering abandoned homes, many Pittsburgh stairways, and the famous old Edgewood Club.

Endorsements -
Cuenca, Ecuador!
On that theme, movies in Spanish (with subtitles):  Even the Rain with the amazing Gael Garcia Bernal; Julieta from Almodovar
The work of the Squirrel Hill Health Center with local refugees and immigrants
Quotes:
"You look here like someone else I know that's not you."
"This is a not-on-the-napkin story."

Feb. 26 Run: meet at Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Ave. in Wilkinsburg

On Sunday we're meeting at old favorite Biddle's Escape in Wilkinsburg at 401 Biddle (what else?) Ave.  They apparently serve a maple bacon latte! Also super creative signage all around.  Not sure what route we'll take from there but there are many options.  If Michelle comes (hint, hint) maybe we could revisit her run with all those surprises.

Last week on the Strip had no rain, no crows (where were they? crow mystery continues,) no hills, and lots of river views.  We ran through a tiny tunnel under the Interstate that none of us had seen before. Back at La Prima, meles were delish, as was the talk.  Unfortunately, the recording napkin has gone missing, so endorsements have flown - however, a previous endorsement requires an update:

• The In bed by 10 dance party is returning to Spirit this Friday night from 6-9 p.m. - dance away your bad news blues!

Feb. 19 Run: Redux: Strip run starting at the parking lot off of Liberty Ave. and 21st. St.

One more time!  Rain interfered last week, so the next run will be on the same plan: around the Strip with coffee at La Prima.  Park in the parking lot which you enter from the corner of Liberty and 21st St. (go up the ramp.)

That parking lot is key because last week a few of us who KNEW that it never really rains on the run (it didn't!) were witness there to the most stupendous, wheeling, sky-blackening, deafening crow gathering overhead, even wilder than the one we saw in front of Carnegie Library.  Well, I just wanted to see if it will be there again, and then you'll have to be the judge.

Then we had a lot of fun trying out the ellipticals at the Cork Factory's gym for a while before heading out under CLEAR skies to make the circuit over and along the Allegheny River, and back to a quiet La Prima way before the almond meles ran out.  Much to endorse:

• Galentine's Day Yoga event at the History Center - actually primarily the word Galentine's
• Showtimes, now and upcoming:  25th Putnam County Spelling Bee at Pitt, Ragtime at CMU, Alice in Wonderland at the PBT, awesome Pilobolus at the Dance Council.  All in the shortest month in the year!
• Cure for this season's political news and simultaneous Norovirus:  Bourbon, sometimes served hot - and Old Grand-Dad is 100% proof.
• Moms and their hair appointments - nice that some things never change.

February 12 Run: Strip run starting at parking lot off of Liberty at 21st St.

The next run will be a return to the beloved Strip - again no hills! - with coffee at La Prima and hopes that the meles will be still warm at 8.  Park in the parking lot which you enter from the corner of Liberty and 21st St. (go up the ramp.)

For last week's run, we went from Regent Square to Frick Park, particularly enjoying the lovely new-ish path along Nine Mile Run, a pastoral bubbling brook, albeit under Interstate 376. Well, we're in the city after all.  Adding to the unreality that seems to be part of life these days, we got on the topic of some fairly extreme experiences that we could undergo for a modest fee:  cryotherapy, sensory deprivation in water tanks, and an "infrared" sauna that operates sort of like a microwave.  Anything to get away from the news.

We agreed it was great to get back to the 61B - yay for indie coffeehouses!  Next time, maybe The Abbey in Lawrenceville - stay tuned.
Here we endorsed:
Crystal Spring water deliveries from Costco
Kitchen appliances that "changed my life" - silicone ice molds and the immersion blender (my favorite because its name in Spanish is pronounced "minipeemer".)
The fact that a guy in Lady Gaga's band is from Allderdice, and Leo Pellegrino in Beyonce's band went to CAPA.
Delish and Tasty cooking videos - addictive just to watch
"Order of the Phoenix" Pittsburgh citizen activist group on Facebook - very useful if you want to get more information about resistance activities, like meeting with legislators or postcard writing sessions at bars.  (To join you need to be added - so let me know - roye.werner@gmail.com - if you'd like to be.)
Did I say cashmere mittens?  Just speak up if you'd like a pair!

February 5 Run: 61B Cafe on S. Braddock Ave. in Regent Square

Is it Saturday already?  Sorry guys - this is what retirement is like.  Anyway, the run is from the 61B (NOT C) cafe at 1108 S. Braddock Ave. in Regent Square - we'll see what's going on in that part of town and stay there for coffee afterwards.  

Last week's Shadyside run was great!  Especially the no hills part.  And talk swirled around our current political reality, the therapy of friendship, pussyhats, 19th century novels, retirement homes, cashmere again, and the power of sisterhood.  But I want to get this out now without ado, so will leave you with that tantalizing hint - undoubtedly will be even more so this Sunday so don't miss it.

Jan 29 Run: meet at Mellon Park Playground parking lot (Beechwood and Fifth)

Starting at the Mellon Park playground parking lot (where Beechwood Blvd. meets Fifth Ave.) we'll have a nice flat Shadyside run - no theme yet but many options present themselves.  Coffee will be at the Bakery Square Coffee Tree.



From Phipps we first experienced an astounding crow gathering in front of Carnegie Library, theb we went down an unknown Oakland staircase into the hollow - then over the railroad tracks - then backwards through Schenley Park - and somehow got back to Phipps.  A new perspective on the Schenley park run!

Endorsements:

Marching, and more marching
Pussyhats - seen everywhere, even on the Panthers:
Crow invasion - see photo for
Pantsuit Nation Flashmob
Baltimore field trip
Skytop Lodge
Center for Creative Reuse
Running as cure for politics anxiety

January 22 Run: Meet at Phipps Conservatory

This Sunday’s run (January 22) we’ll meet at the entrance to Phipps Conservatory for an Oakland run, hoping to experience the cacophonous swirling mass of crows roosting in the Oakland trees (brimmed hats suggested).

Last weekend’s runs involved the following: Sunday, an abundance of bird droppings from the massive roost mentioned above and Sarah’s Mom who joined us from Michigan.

 and Monday:  a new pedestrian bridge in East Liberty and a stop at  the Franklin West Memorial Statue in Shadyside….and Anat who joined us from New Jersey.

Coffee…..touched on all things musculoskeletal, trips to New Zealand, and other things that didn’t get recorded on a napkin.

Posted by Elaine

January 8 Run: Schenley Park starting at Wendy Bennett Trailhead

Hoping for a non-icy wintry scene in Schenley Park, we're meeting at the storied Wendy Bennett Trailhead where Bartlett meets Hobart in Schenley Park (map).  If there's ice, we'll re-route from there.  

Last week:  another holiday weekend with 2 excellent runs around Squirrel Hill.  See photos for the little lights in the dark scene from Fernwald Drive, and the cute gingerbread house at the cozy 61C.  I'm currently in Colorado at 7800 feet with about 10 inches of snow falling, so I'm definitely not running around here, but I did go ice skating on a frozen lake.  







Endorsements:
Found in Philly:  chocolate chip and cherry cookies - recipe.
Quantum Theatre - many of its productions are just unforgettable.  Also the amazing offerings of Pittsburgh theater in general
Movies:  Fences (Pittsburgh!), Manchester-by-the-sea (especially if you miss Boston accents), Jackie (ditto, to an extent), and Man of the Year with Robin Williams (prescient) 
Book: Resisting Happiness by Matthew Clark
Recycling, especially sweaters!

January 1 and 2 Runs! 61C Café on Murray at 7 (Jan 1) ; then Blue Slide Park on Beechwood Blvd at 7:30 (Jan 2) What better way to start the new Year!!

61C says Yes, they will be open on News Years Day at 8 a.m. (thank you for checking, Cheryl), so we’ll start the year off with that weather friendly location at 7.  Then the extra holiday run will take place in Squirrel Hill South, starting at the entrance to Frick Park by the Blue Slide Playground on Beechwood Blvd at 7:30.  If the weather cooperates and we have some morning light (sunrise is scheduled for 7:43 a.m.) we can get in some wooded trails and the usual spectacular park views…   

How is it that we failed to take even one photo on last Sunday’s Christmas morning run? Must be that Sarah W was away and the rest of us fell down on the job. We had an enthusiastic group, heading through Chatham and then Shadyside, climbing back up to coffee at Starbucks in Squirrel Hill.  

Monday’s holiday run started in Shadyside, where we welcomed back Cheryl and a new friend, Jan. We ran through Oakland passing the giftwrapped house on Fifth Avenue and visiting the Shrine of the Blessed Mother, before returning for coffee at Coffee Tree on Walnut street. Coffee highlights included Cheryl pulling a mystery item out of her running tights…the hysterical laughter seems to have wiped out any other memories of that coffee chat.

Posted by Elaine (thank you!) - now endorsements from Sunday being added by Roye:

• Crows - greeting the group every week with the "sound of the winter run" and their general amazingness
• Coffee made with the "Clover" machine at Starbucks, and also the Aeropress in anyone's kitchen.  Ask David for tips on how to use.
• Nigella's Almond Clementine Cake - make one or beg PtB for some
• Shows:  Mozart in the Jungle (season 3 is out! perhaps mentioned before but can never be recommended enough), Project Runway Junior, (perhaps negated by) The True Cost of Clothing, Raiders of the Lost Art, Shameless
• Running up 34 flights of stairs multiple times (and taking the elevator down to spare the knees) seriously there was a guy there who does this once a week.

December 25 and 26 Runs: Starbucks on Forbes at 7; then Coffee Tree on Walnut Street at 7:30

This holiday posed a new dilemma: is the Christmas Day run at holiday-time or regular time?  This required no less than a group referendum. And, planned locations have been switched, by me.  After checking with the usual coffee haunts, (apparently the ONLY coffee place open on Christmas Day is Squirrel Hill Starbucks,) we'll start there on Sunday at 7.  Then the extra holiday run on Monday will take place in Shadyside, starting at the Coffee Tree on Walnut at 7:30. Did I make that confusing or what?  Sorry - just look at the title of this posting, it's all there.

Last Sunday, what looked like it was going to be a miserable freezing rainy run kept all but a valiant two of us in bed, but then the attraction of visiting Cheryl in her new Cork Factory apartment made the rest of us hop out and get there in time for coffee. Stunning views (picture doesn't do it justice,) elegant coziness and terrific company of course made it hard to leave.
Just some of the endorsements that surfaced:

• The gorgeous dogs at the Cork Factory - perhaps more gorgeous than the people (excepting Cheryl)
• Gel shots for knees - also possibly spirinolactone (Pam spelled it for me) - but what to do about yoga butt?
• Meraki exercise studio - something new again
• Blue Apron cooking ingredient delivery
• Or, just go out to:  B52 in Lawrenceville, Di Anoia's Eatery, Smallman Galley
• Best idea yet:  "In bed by 10" dance party.  Hope to see you there!

December 18 Run: Start at the Cork Factory (Apartments), 2349 Railroad St. in the Strip

(Thanks to Elaine, this week's communicator!)

December 18 Run: We'll start at the Cork Factory to join Cheryl, have a strip district run, and she'll treat us to coffee in her new apartment. Meet at: the Main building of the Cork Factory 2349 Railroad St. in the Strip.

Sunday’s run was the annual tour of downtown holiday decorations…The new “neighborhood” Christmas tree at the City/County building was delightful and alas, no PVC pipe menorah in site. The Christmas windows at the former Kaufmann’s department store have been replaced with photos by Teeny Harris (of Pittsburgh Courier fame). The tour included a few gilded and marbled lobbies in downtown buildings (Koppers, Gulf, William Penn Hotel). Oh, and we found a note in the snow welcoming us to the Christmas tree at Point Park (see photo)….maybe Santa left it? (or someone else whose name starts with San….?)  
Coffee at Market Square Starbucks included endorsements for:

·        All things cat…including cat Instagram accounts and cats in the bathtub

·        Drunk History on the comedy channel

·        Luther- on Netflix

·        Flying Falcon with prey vs driver in Oakland

David Adler’s History books for grown-ups who want to read books written for young readers

·        Congrats to Aimee on the birth of baby boy Alexander Conrad! We all look forward to meeting him and seeing you back on the streets…

December 11 Run: Annual Holiday Run! Starts at PPG skating rink downtown

On Sunday we're in for the annual Dahntahn Holiday Run, starting at the PPG ice rink, where we go from one festive site to another, and comment on what's new, what's old, and whether they've finally replaced that wretched PVC pipe menorah with a decent one. But what will replace the Kaufmann's windows?  I won't be there, so please report.  (Speaking of which, thank you in advance to whomever takes over this message next week.  Special treat to announce:  on the 18th, we'll start at the Cork Factory to join Cheryl, have a strip district run, and she'll treat us to coffee in her new hip apartment!)

Last week's trek through Frick Park was just right, and we did find the secret rope ladder entrance, and also a truly impressive inflatable Hanukah scene - rivaling the awesome inflatable Mary on the North Side, which we really must revisit one of these days.

Endorsed:

• Burgatory burgers
• Hot toddies as the best winter medicine
• Tile wireless trackers for finding anything. Easy to use?  "I don't know - my daughter set it up."
• Strange mysteries emanating from baby monitors
• Uncle Tungsten by Oliver Sacks
• Moonlight the movie
• the Cheswick Goodwill as a source for more cashmere

December 4 Run: Colfax School on Beechwood Blvd.

On Sunday we'll meet at Colfax School on Beechwood Blvd. Maybe we'll revisit the new Frick Environmental Center?  Or the secret entrance to the park via rope line? Plans were sketchy, in fact I'm not even sure this was the locale, but we'll go with it.  Coffee most likely at 61C.  Coming soon: annual holiday run downtown!

Last week we ran at dawn, and tweaked a familiar route along Penn Ave in East Liberty - first paying respects to the once hopeful Democratic campaign HQ in Bakery Square (alav hasholom) and then heading up into high Garfield where Pam posed with an alarming crocodile and we encountered a bunch of whimsical decorations and a terrific view.

At coffee by the fireplace, we were treated to a celebrity visit by the adorable Iggie (his grandparents came too) and heard about the new Quantum Theater opera, wedding wardrobe malfunctions, and families and their mishegoss.  (All this Yiddish - must be the holidays!)

Thanks to group photojournalist Sarah for the photos!

November 27 Run: Mellon Park parking lot where Beechwood meets Fifth Ave.

This week has been a bit crazy, so no news (also I lost the napkin.)  Let's just say we'll meet at the Mellon Park parking lot where Beechwood ends at Fifth Ave.   Coffee most likely at Bakery Square Coffee Tree, and we'll probably head up Penn Ave. to Allegheny Cemetery and try to run off some of that butter-laden holiday.  Though feel free to invent something new!
Roye

November 20 Run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead - the Last Leaves of Fall Run

We'll meet up at 7 am (actually 7:05) Sunday at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead - where Bartlett meets Hobart in Schenley Park (map) - and hear the crunch of dead leaves underfoot surrounded by a brown and yellow haze, hopefully missing the rain.  Can you tell I'm depressed?  It's been a tough week.  I'm sure the run will be great.

But last Sunday was lovely - right at the border of 2 seasons with a red sun rising and white frost on the grass.  Also the deer (photo credit: Lainy) at this point are looking at us the same way teenage kids do - "oh, not you again."  And the season is already getting busy, so most had to run off before coffee - but we did get this endorsement:

Annual Harvest Dinner at the Jamison Farm, famous for its lamb - but you REALLY have to like lamb.

November 13 Run: Blue Slide entrance to Frick Park on Beechwood Blvd. opposite Nicholson

This Sunday we’ll meet at the entrance to Frick Park by the “Blue Slide” playground on Beechwood Blvd, so we can enjoy the sight of brilliant fall colors and the sound of fallen leaves crunching beneath our shoes.

During last week’s run Teri took us on a whimsical tour of little free libraries sprinkled about Squirrel Hill. The photo tells it all. Happy Birthday to Teri!!!

(Thanks to Elaine for posting)

November 6 Run: 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill again

There was some talk of next week's run being a Little Library tour, but without a particular zone - so we might as well meet at the old standby, 61C Cafe, and see what little libraries we can find from there.  We'll at least find the Big Library at the corner of Forbes and Murray - where, we are reminded, there is still the infamous weekday run that starts every Wednesday and Friday at 5:45 a.m.!

In a hurry again (still looking for some other bloggers to take a turn or two) so not reporting a lot about last week - luckily Sarah sent this photo.
We saw some pretty impressive Halloween displays, including a giant mobile cat head, and a yard full of creepy ghosts at Aylesboro and Murray.

Endorsements:

• Annie Proulx's Barkskin and Accordion Crimes
• Attack Theater
• perhaps Mall Cop
• BodenUSA Liquidation Sale at David Lawrence Convention Center Saturday Nov. 12
• NCJW Designer Days - evidently up and running - though described as "not as good as it used to be, just like life itself" - still worth a try, at Lawrenceville location.
• not taking your Samsung phone on a plane
• Shmatas and their interventions - ask at the next coffee

October 30 Run: Start at 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill for Halloween Theme Run

Short and sweet - courtesy of Elaine:

Next week’s run meet at 61C in Squirrel Hill for the annual Halloween Inflatables tour!

Last week’s run took us on a spectacular sunrise loop around North Park Lake. Coffee was at the North Park Boathouse lakeside restaurant.

Photos tell more - courtesy of Sarah and Teri:

Teri: "If we could we would run about the earth seeking the successive autumns. (With apologies to George Eliot)".

October 23 Run: North Park Boathouse parking lot

(Further update:  if you want to carpool to North Park, be at 61C Cafe at 6:30)
(Thanks to Elaine for this update!)

NEXT WEEK: FIELD TRIP TO THE NORTH! We’ll welcome in the fall colors with the 5 mile loop around North Park Lake. Meet in the parking lot of the North Park Boathouse (here's a map.) If that lot is closed off for an event, park across the street at the Rose Barn lot.

We had a hearty group of runners and walkers this week, heading out under the light of the Hunter’s Supermoon. We ran from the 61C to and through Schenley Park, thanking Mary Schenley for her kind gift of this spectacular wooded haven.  The trees are showing fall colors and a friendly deer unflinchingly  greeted us along the trail.   Coffee was boisterous and we were glad to see Audrey to wish her a fond farewell.

Endorsements:

Duolingo- Free app for learning or reviewing a 2^nd language. (Laurie was speaking French before the first cup of coffee was consumed!)

Neutrogena- Rapid Wrinkle repair

Using a napkin to record coffee talk endorsements (which was not done!)

E.

October 16 Run: start at 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill - destination unknown

Next Sunday:  starting at 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill - no particular plan as yet.

Last Sunday - I missed the Highland Park run but made it to coffee - so the photos (thanks, Sarah!) will tell the story and show off the romantic dawn light.  Enrico's Tazza D'Oro continues to be particularly comfy for RG confabs - this time endorsing:

• Warby Parker eyewear
• hot apple cider
• buns as the new hairstyle (yay, librarians!)
• Babysitter Club books, now linking moms and daughters

Much election talk, which continues to amaze, dismay, scare, horrify, and very occasionally uplift - in other words, truth stranger than fiction.  Only 4 more runs before the big day!

October 9 Run: Possible Morningside run starting at Tazza D'Oro on Highland Ave.

Meet in Highland Park at Tazza D’oro Café on Highland Avenue, where we will head towards Morningside (maybe).

Coffee time was short but very sweet…

Major endorsement was sandwich platters that could be ordered from Costco to feed a crowd. And one was ordered as we spoke :-).

Photos tell the story of last week's run:  dawn light at the very top of Oakland, and Tom explaining the significance of historic baseball sites in Posvar Hall.

Thanks to Elaine for reporting!