Apr 19 Run: University of Pittsburgh Law School

Although Tom was not on the run today, I understand he volunteered for the run this coming Sunday. It will start from Pitt's Law School which according to Google Maps is at 3900 Forbes Ave, near the intersection of Bouquet Street. 

If people would like to run to the run, it is a little over two miles from the Coffee Tree in Squirrel Hill so meet at 6:35 AM (the route is Forbes, through the golf course, behind Hillman Library and up Bouquet St). 

Although it was a small group of holiday runners we gladly followed Paula as she led us through what seemed to be every corner of Squirrel Hill in search of Spring flowers. We saw many on this glorious Easter day - perfect spring weather and a lovely run. 

I am cutting this short because it is just too pretty to be spending any more time in front of the computer!

Apr 12 Run: Coffee Tree in Squirrel Hill

[Thanks to Roye Werner for this wonderful account]

Despite a modest but energetic turnout (6) much to report today!

First, plans for upcoming runs:  next Sunday, due to the Easter holiday and the fact that apparently none of today's runners will be around, it's an ad hoc run to start at Coffee Tree.  The following Sunday, Tom will lead from the Pitt law school, and was characteristically enigmatic as to the details.  And weekday runners, please note a new and unique opportunity this coming Wednesday!  We discovered that on this day at sunrise, to mark a once-every-28-years ancient Jewish belief about special sun alignment, some sort of ceremony will happen at Blue Slide Park (on Beechwood.)  So there will be the option of leaving from the usual 5:45 Forbes/Murray meetup and going in the other direction to get to the park at around sunrise (well, a little early.)  To be ecumenical, yoga sun salutations will be involved, and anything else you like.

Today, Tom's excellent run in the bright brisk weather went through the Heart of Oakland, where we puzzled over the giant mural of Mr. Rogers and other odd things in a sea of red, white and blue bubbles, and reminisced about The Decade and missing the Sex Pistols.  Discussion topics later, as always, were effervescent:  the recommended Bavarian Inn in WV, the NOT recommended Japanese restaurant at the Waterfront, matzos, AK-47's, hot cross buns, texting chacha, the above sun worship plan for Wednesday, visa issues for P. the B., and finally, a possible solution for that having to do with a 1000-year old Mayan prediction - for which amazing story, see:
http://www.pointoflight.com/htmlpages/PghMaya.html (questionable version)
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08174/891772-52.stm (more reasonable version)
Much going on in the cosmos, as you see.

Apr 5th Run: Tom's House

Thanks to Paula Clemens for the update and to Tom for leading the first run in April!

Anne Jane,

 

Tom will take the run next week from his house, 5434 Aylesboro. We did the bird run through Squirrel Hill this morning. For the record, it wasn't raining, just in case anyone might ask. Everyone managed to stay in remarkably good spirits even though it wasn't raining. If you don't believe me, ask Tom.

 

Paula

Mar 29 Run: Coffee Tree in Squirrel Hill

Since those of us remaining after today's run will not be in Pittsburgh next Sunday, for simplicity's sake we decided that the run would begin at the Coffee Tree in Squirrel Hill. Whoever shows up can choose the route.

Today's run was covered new territory for the group and is definitely on the list for repeat performances. Pam Murray lead us up (and I do mean up!) the Southside slopes to Arlington - another Pittsburgh high point. The views were stunning - you could see the Point, the buildings downtown, the bridges up the Monongahela River, Oakland and much more. And as if the views were not enough, the streets themselves, all narrow with houses and churches hanging off the hills, provided constant visual interest. San Francisco kept coming up in our conversations. But it was a truly Pittsburgh set of steps that took us from the top of the slopes down to the bottom, past more tiny houses and even some undeveloped open space. Once again, I am amazed how much variety our city has to offer.

A few of us had our post-run coffee at Big Dog Coffee on Sarah Street near the Southside works. If you happen to be in the area you should definitely stop by this cozy hangout which also happens to have great coffee.

Mar 22 Run: Hot Metal Bridge

Next run - Pam will lead from the Hot Metal Bridge - the usual parking lot to the right of it on the 2nd Avenue side.  I can't remember quite where it's going: Pam will fill us in.  (And the run after that - we're trying to come up with another Lawrenceville run that does not involve soggy freezing shoes and that may get a photo of us in front of the giant Iron City sign.)
Note that there will be a run to the run starting from the Coffee Tree at 6:30 AM and those who want a ride be at the same place at 6:45 AM

We had cool dry weather for our run today, in which Virginia led us past real crocuses and unreal electric daffodils in Oakland and Shadyside, on nice level ground until we hit the Chatham campus and needed to make our way back up.  At that point, we needed to find a good conversation topic to keep our minds off the hill; one of which was the contents of this article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/fashion/15commune.html - and we wondered if they were going to open a branch in Pittsburgh, and if so, if Steelers garb would be involved.

The usual fun conversation at the Coffee Tree (getting renovated just in time for our springtime visits) revolved around condos we would love to live in, whether we should revive mah jongg, and the fabulous Triangle Bar in Swissvale, among other things.

Roye reporting, waiting for Anne Jane to return

Mar 15 run: Coffee Tree for a run in Oakland

Just to make the email predictable to find:

I'm happy to lead the run this Sunday, March 15. Meet at the coffee tree. We'll run down Forbes thru the Schenley golf course and around the Cathedral of Learning and thru Shadyside and back thru Chatham campus to Squirrel Hill. Another trainer for those interested in the half marathon. -- Virginia

Thanks Virginia!

I  may not be there - if I am not please let me know where the following week's run will be.

On Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 11:55 AM, Anne Jane Gray <annejane@gmail.com> wrote:

Perhaps we were dazzled by Pam's run or just wiped out but we neglected to pick a run for next week. Any ideas? 

Pam's "Stacks and Tracks" run took us through Schenley Park, the bottom of Oakland, and a veranda with an unexpected view of Panther Hollow. Despite the Daylight Savings Time darkness and the overcast skies the run kept us interested as we explored parts of our neighborhood that we have not visited in a while.  Here are the "Stacks and Tracks" we visited:

• The brand new track at Schenley Oval - which we ran around a few times to give the sky time to lighten up
  
• The rail road tracks that run through and above Panther Hollow  
  
• The big steam stacks by Carnegie Library
  
• As well as the stacks in Carnegie Library
  
• While not stacks or tracks, the very long staircase up from Panther Hollow to the back of the Frick Art Building deserves a mention
  
• A view of the steam stacks from the formerly mentioned veranda around one of those CMU buildings overlooking Panther Hollow - we marveled that only an engineering college would fill glass walled rooms  with dusty old electronic equipment and a heating plant (in fairness there was a fancy meeting room and a class room too)
  
• The stacks in the CMU library - running nearby brought up the sad tale of a former member's dog as well as a not verified fact that Alcoa (who donated the library) specified that nothing could be built to obscure it from US Steel workers driving on Forbes Ave
  
• And finally the CMU track!
  

And if that were not enough for one day over coffee we also devised a great way to use Facebook to enhance the profile of those people (namely me) who might be being investigated by future employers.

Mar 8 Run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead for a Tracks and Stacks run

Pam Murray is keeping us guessing about her Tracks and Stacks run - meet at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead  (Overlook Drive entrance to Schenley Park) next Sunday to find out where it goes. Remember that next Sunday is the start of day-light savings time and we loose an hour of sleep - move your clocks forward 1 hour.

I learned a tough lesson this morning as I waited forlornly for a ride to the run that never appeared. I am just glad it was me and not a new member! From now on if I advertise a ride to the run, I will be sure that there are people who will be available to provide that service. Roye, who also missed the run, were still welcomed at coffee afterwards.

I am sure the South Side run was great. Paula the Brit provided the following link to a map of the run: 

Paula Leslie writes:

This morning\'s basic route. Then add on whatever bits people did. This undermeasures because of the straightlines so maybe we did do 5.5plus R2R. PtB

To view Hot Metal to Smithfield & back, follow the link below:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/view_route?r=363220385916

I also re-drew the run to the run via Bates street to the Boulevard it at was actually 2.5 miles - not 2.9.

Mar 1 Run: Hot Metal Bridge for a longer Jail Trail/South Side run

Hi All

For the first day of March we are going to try a longer run to help those training for the Pittsburgh 1/2 Marathon. The run is about 6 - 7 miles but with options to make the run shorter for those who don't want to go the whole way. We will follow the jail trail to the Smithfield Street Bridge then pick up the South Side trail back to the Hot Metal Bridge.

We will meet at the parking lot right next to the Hot Metal Bridge on 2nd Avenue. This is the same parking lot we've met at before to do South Side runs -- it is on the Oakland side of the Hot Metal Bridge, not the South Side Works side; Drive down Bates to 2nd Ave., turn right and take the first entrance into the parking lot and swing left to park near the bridge. There is a ramp from this parking lot that will connect us to the Jail Trail.

For those wanting even more miles, meet at the Coffee Tree in Squirrel Hill at 6:35 a.m. for the run to the run. It is a 2.9 mile run from there.

If you would like to get a ride to the run, meet at the Coffee Tree in Squirrel Hill at 6:45 a.m.  I am assuming a few people will turn up with cars.

Although the roads were "slippy" this morning, the trails in Schenley park surprisingly, were not. It was a steely gray winter run through the park,  which does have a certain stark kind of beauty at this time of year. While the run was pleasant enough, it was the rambunctious discussion over coffee that made getting out in the biting cold worth it.

I promise I will send a note about the Pittsburgh Marathon options this week!

Feb 22 Run; Wendy Bennett Trailhead

Thanks to Paul C (the brain) for the excellent report from this past Sunday's run. Funnily enough (well to me anyway) the last time the announced run was on the Wendy Bennett Trail, Paula was the back-up recorder.... we will see if a pattern emerges.

Next Sunday the run will begin at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead (Overlook Drive entrance to Schenley Park). We will take advantage of the 7am light skies before we lose them to daylight savings time. Meet at the Coffee Tree at 6:45 AM to run there (it is 1 mile).

 

Report on last Sunday's run in Highland Park: Despite the absence of an announcement of a run-to-the-run, a few creatures of habit showed up at the usual place at the usual time anyway to enjoy the pre-run. Impressively, Cheryl, arriving late, successfully intercepted the run-to-the-run and ran most of it. Deftly brought out by Anne Jane's email the week before, Joanne led a delightful run through Highland Park. During coffee at Tazo D'Oro after the run we learned yet another talent of Molly's - playing the fiddle. Better yet, we learned that the group she plays with will play at Murphy's Grill at Forbes and Braddock on March 14th 'all evening' (more precise times may be forthcoming). However, the report that Murphy's allows smoking was met with a spontaneous group groan.

 

Paula

While you were enjoying the charms of Highland Park, Dave and I slipped into the back of the pack in the Austin Marathon. We took guilty pleasure in the cheers and the many bands along the part of the route we ran. This reminded me that I have been remiss in finding out the details about teams and relays for our own Pittsburgh Marathon and will do that soon.

Feb 15 Run: Tazza D'Oro for a Highland Park Run

Meet at Tazza D'Oro Coffee Shop near the corner of Highland Ave and Bryant St. for a Highland Park run. We are hoping Joanne can lead the group but if not I am sure it will be interesting!

It was an "R" run through North Point Breeze this morning:
Reunion - to everyone's delight, long-time but busy member, Julie Meder, joined us for the run and coffee

Relief - it was a relief not to have to wear your whole closet full of running clothes on this almost warm morning - some people, besides Tom, even wore shorts!

Recycle - we observed those big recycling bins at Construction Junction

Resolve - Pam Murray showed us where to go in case of a mental health emergency :
http://www.upmc.com/Services/resolvecrisisnetwork/Pages/default.aspx - it is tucked away just a block from the Food Co-op

Revealing - Pam Murray stumped Tom with this historical fact - the bathrooms in Westinghouse park are all that is left of the former Westinghouse Mansion: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westinghouse_Park

gRowlers - (OK that is a stretch) - once again we checked out the incredibly hard to find East End Brewing Company: http://mail.google.com/mail/?zx=16jsa3uqq3s6j&shva=1#compose

Renewable - we saw a car powered by vegetable oil

Relay - we are thinking of putting together at least one relay team for the Pittsburgh Marathon. There are already a few people who have committed to running the 1/2 Marathon

Restorative - as always the run and the discussion over coffee provide a much welcomed lift of the spirits not to mention some very interesting ideas for unusual jobs

Anne Jane

Feb 8 run: Linden School for a Point Breeze (North and South) run

I knew it was going to be a good run when more than 7 cars were waiting in the Strip District parking lot as we pulled in. Even the North Hills branch of the running group was there and most everyone was decked out in their black and gold for this Super Bowl inspired run. Despite Roye and Wendy falling on ice just as we were starting out, we continued on through slush, pot holes and more icy patches to view the city decked out for their beloved Steelers. Highlights included the Terrible Tree, Heinz field, sea gulls watching us from their floating ice blocks, a very large sculpture composed of replicas of Pittsburgh bridges, the city painted gold by the morning sun (finally some sun!) and the strip merchandise vendors already setting up their tables at 8AM! Plus there was the added uplift of people cheering us as we ran by: "Go Steelers!!" Roye chronicled this memorable run and will post the photos on the group's facebook page (a hot topic of conversation).
It was also decided that standing while drinking coffee at LaPrima was perfectly fine - particularly while eating those melt-in-your-mouth pastries from Enricos.

As promised here is the link to "Ten Reasons to Like the Pittsburgh Steelers" from the NYTimes: http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/ten-reasons-to-like-the-pittsburgh-steelers/

Feb 1 Run: 21rst and Liberty for a downtown Steeler Mania Run

To celebrate Superbowl Sunday we are going to run through Steeler vendor central in the strip, visit various displays of Steeler enthusiasm downtown, and take a trip around Heinz Field before returning to La Prima for coffee. Note that this is about a 5.5 mile run - a little longer than some, if time makes a difference. Wear your Steelers colors!!

We will meet at the parking lot at 21rst and Liberty (I think there is a sign that says Liberty Commons). It is on the side of Liberty away from the river - turn left at the light at 21st street, if you are going into town. There will be cars leaving the Coffee Tree for the meeting place at 6:35 AM.

This was a "Tom in tights" run - so you know it was chilly but we must be getting used to it since a fair number of people turned up. We speculated on the cost of some very nice houses for sale as we ran through Shadyside, Pittsburgh's version urban quaint. The run was also an opportunity to discuss the virtues of various cold-weather gear, the Israel/Gazza conflict and our Inauguration experiences. It is hard to wax poetic about Pittsburgh in the dead of winter, between pot holes, dirty cars and a general feeling of wear. Still the early morning sky was that clear blue/violet for a while proving that there was some beauty to be found in the bleak cityscape.

Jan 25 Run: Playground at 5th and Beechwood and a MLK Holiday Run

Flat run next week through Shadyside led by Virginia. Meet at the playground where Beechwood ends at 5th Ave.(I think this is Mellon Park but am not sure).

In celebration of this particularly meaningful MLK holiday and hopefully the Steeler win, there will be run starting at the Coffee Tree at 7:30 AM tomorrow (Jan 19).

Roye and I were not visualizing snow, slush and clouds when we thought up the Lovely Lawrenceville run but that is what we got. Still the state seals were worth the effort as was the site of the city waking up in a gray/rose/misty dawn. Although I have quickly passed through Lawrenceville, I had not realized how nice it was these days. The streets looked very quaint through the curtain of snow that fell of and on through the run. The Stephen Foster House (not really where he lived but it is where Roye's daughter lived) looked just like the set of the Nutcracker. The run to the run was tiring in the conditions but very promising. It is definitely a run to re-visit.

We had a particularly spirited coffee discussion today covering Facebook (ask to join the EE Runners group!) and internet privacy. And if I missed anything it is because I am still tired from that run :-)

Jan 18 Run: 40th & Butler Sts for a tour of Lawrenceville - rides available from the Coffee Tree

All
In honor of the upcoming inauguration, there will be an inaugural run across the 40th st bridge to see the state seals, then a tour of trendy Lawrenceville - don't miss this one! We will start from the Rite-Aid parking lot at the NW corner of the intersection of 40th and Butler Streets: (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Butler+St+%26+40th+St,+Pittsburgh,+Allegheny,+Pennsylvania+15201&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=27.366321,52.03125&ie=UTF8&cd=1&geocode=FdyAaQIdI987-w&ll=40.470212,-79.962337&spn=0.006399,0.012703&z=16&g=Butler+St+%26+40th+St,+Pittsburgh,+Allegheny,+Pennsylvania+15201&iwloc=addr)

Carpools will leave from the Squill Coffee Tree at 6:20 AM. Please send a note if you need a ride or can provide a ride.

Lawrenceville does have coffee places but Dozens, Coca Cafe and Crazy Mocha, all of which are close to the starting point do not open to 9AM or later (those Lawrencevillers must be lazy slugs). I will keep looking....

Roye was sure no one would show up on such a cold and icy morning. Demonstrating that we are tougher than that, 15 people decided it was a good morning for a run. Although there were definitely slippy spots, the footing was not as bad as imagined and perhaps energized by crisp air, the group mood was upbeat. The streets were quiet and the snowy landscape was a calm antidote the busy holiday season just ended.

For those that are on Facebook, I created a Facebook group for East End Runners (first a blog, now this!). If you would like to be a part of this (we are not yet sure what to do with the group), ask me to be your friend and I will sign you up.

Jan 11 Run: entrance to Frick Park, S. Homewood and Dallas

This coming Sunday, Roye will lead us on a run around the "edges" of Frick Park, giving us time to create a 40th street bridge/Lawrenceville run for Inaguration weekend.

Climbing up to Robert E Williams Park was a good run to start 2009. From that high point Pittsburgh glitters in the blue morning mist and all dreams seem possible. This is a park to show visitors or even long time residents our beautiful city from a new perspective.
Roye came prepared with a map and led us on a new way down from Herron Hill. We threaded our way past Falk School, Paula's parking garage and lab and hidden parts of Oakland back to Phipps. We regrouped at the Coffee Tree for another boistrous round of conversations.

Jan 4 run: Phipps for a run to the top of Oakland and more holiday runs

I really meant to run with the group this morning but overslept! My husband and I had a blustery run along the North Shore instead but no inflatables.

Pam Murray sent a note to say that next Sunday's run will go to Herron Hill which I think is where the water tower sits in Robert E Williams Park. If this is correct, then last time we ran this (Aug 17) we met at Phipps.
A run to the run will leave the Coffee Tree at 6:45AM.

In addition to the usual 5:45 AM Forbes/Murray runs there will be alternates on Wednesday and Friday starting at 7AM from the Coffee Tree.
There will be a 7:30 AM New Years Day run starting at the Coffee Tree (start 2009 off right!)

And finally Pam sent along the information below about Canaan Valley, WV

---

From: Karen Rhodes - (Canaan) [mailto:RhodesK@canaanresort.com]
Sent: Monday, December 22, 2008 3:50 PM
Subject: Canaan Holiday Specials

Happy Holidays!

Have you made your plans for the holidays? Canaan has several offers available providing excellent affordable fun.

Offer #1

"Santa Special" with one night lodging and breakfast for $82 per person based on double occupancy. Package is available December 26 -31, 2008. Customize your package by adding items like skiing, tubing and ice skating.

Offer #2

"American Mountain Theater" The American Mountain Theater's spectacular Christmas Show www.americanmountaintheater.com sets the stage for a magical night of holiday memories. From Christmas classics to contemporary favorites, audiences delight in the variety of musical selections of this show. Sparklin costumes as well as their cast and crew, make this holiday treat a must see. The American Mountain Theater will be performing their Christmas Show at Canaan Valley Resort on December 27, 2008. Our package includes 1 night lodging, dinner, ticket for the show and breakfast for just $139 per person inclusive based on double occupancy. If you can't ojoin us for the show on the 27^th, they will also be performing their regular show on January 24, 25, 31 and February 14 and 28, 2009. Come join us for a great family fun filled evening.

Please check our website at www.canaanresort.com for all our great packages and specials available at Canaan Valley Resort.

If you would like further information or would like to book your trip, please call us at .1-800-622-4121 and press 1 for reservations.

And don't forget about our "New Years Eve Gala"

Family Bash New Years Gala

Featuring buffet dinner, DJ, games and more! Featuring surf and turf dinner, live band, midnight toast

and more! (semi to formal attire)

Hickory Dining Room "The Greens" in the Laurel Lounge

Highlighting an assortment of culinary creations A local favorite featuring a variety of music.

Have a Happy Holiday

Karen A. Rhodes

Senior Sales Manager

Canaan Valley Resort & Conference Center

HC 70 Box 330

Davis, WV 26260

304-866-4121, ext 2681

800-622-4121

rhodesk@canaanresort.com

www.canaanresort.com

Dec 27 Run: Tom's House and Holiday Runs

Tom will take the run again this coming Sunday, Dec 7. Meet at his house on Ayelsboro, contract in hand.

Holiday Runs
Wed, Dec 24 5:45 AM Forbes and Murray (usual Wed run)
Thu, Dec 25 7:30 AM Coffee Tree, which may not be open
Fri, Dec 26 5:45 AM Forbes and Murray (usual Fri run for those who have to work or like to get up early)
and 7:30 AM Coffee Tree - that is right two runs on the same day

Today's run was a big present full of notable events and sights. It started out with a drive to the run to the run, where four environmentally conscious drivers car-pooled down to the Hot Metal Bridge. We left the warm car and joined our new North Hills member, Carol, for a dark and windy run down the jail trail, arriving just in time to meet up with the group for Tom's famous, non-controversial Holiday Run. This included

• A stunning view of our rivers, the tree at the Point and the very tiny wreath on the stadium
• Cannons at the Fort Pitt History Museum (have we seen cannons before?)
• The Horne's/ Highmark Tree as well as an equally sparkly tree in the building across Stanwix Street
  
• Tom's place of work, dressed up for the holiday
• The tree at the hotel near the Convention Center which keeps changing hands so I don't remember its name
• The hallucinatory color display on the new bus terminal
• The creche on the US Steel Plaza, which we thought could benefit with the addition of a few wise runners
• The wind music tunnel, a gracious gesture on Tom's part in deference to last year's run
• The tree and Menorah at the City Building on Grant Street where Tom rescued a deer
• The appearance of Chaton who had been trying to catch up with us

And if that was not enough there was drama at the Coffee Tree as Cheryl and Elaine worked out an elaborate scheme to retrieve Cheryl's car in which she had locked both her and Elaine's keys. The solution is too convoluted to report here but thanks to Virginia and Elaine's daughter, Beth all was made well.

Dec. 20 annual Downtown holiday run/PPG Plaza

All

Thanks to Virginia for her wonderful notes on the upcoming and Sunday run! 

Note that the Holiday run starts at the ice rink/big tree on PPG Plaza at 7AM as usual. There is plenty of free on-street parking at that time of day for those who would prefer not to run to the run.

Anne Jane

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Anne Jane -- 

    Tom will lead his annual Downtown holiday run on Sunday, Dec. 20. A caveat on this one: At the end of this morning's run, Tom handed out a "contract" that requires next week's participants to "respect the run" (meaning, no side trips or requests for side trips) and that runners not discuss or compare next week's route with previous Downtown holiday runs and that participants would run cheerfully along the route  (no grumbling about not being able to take side trips or that this is not the way we went before, etc. etc.......) A couple of the eight runners who showed up for this morning's run "signed" the contract with their muddy sneakerprints and others said they would take the contract home for review.

    Anyway, there was interest in creating a run to next week's run so read these instructions carefully. If you would like to get a ride to the run to the run, meet at the Coffee Tree in Squirrel Hill at 6:20 a.m.  The run to the run begins at 6:30 in the parking lot right next to the Hot Metal Bridge on 2nd Avenue. (This is the same parking lot we've met at before to do South Side runs -- it is on the Oakland side of the Hot Metal Bridge over the Mon, not the South Side Works side; Drive down Bates to 2nd Ave., turn right and take the first entrance into the parking lot and swing left to park near the bridge) There is a ramp from this parking lot that will connect us to the Jail Trail.

     This morning Elaine led us from the Coffee Tree along the Bob O'Connor memorial route, which in the opposite direction is known as the bird route because of live birds that used to be in the window of a Morrowfield Street shop (maybe 10 years ago). The group suggestion that perhaps we can add a description on our blog about how each of the participants in the running group came to part of this wonderful Sunday morning ritual. We ran by Cheryl's childhood home on Beechwood which sparked a lively discussion about our bedroom decor when we were all growing up which for some included orange or pink shag carpet and posters of the Monkees.

D

Dec 14 Run: Coffee Tree in Squirrel Hill

After today's inventive run we decided to take a break on creativity and meet at the Coffee Tree in Squirrel Hill. Route will be decided by whoever shows up. I will be in Austin and would appreciate it if someone would email me the location of the following Sunday run.

It was a testament to the promise of a new run from Cheryl (or perhaps the coffee afterward) that 11 people showed up on this blustery and snowy morning. Although the run was made slightly shorter at the request of chilly participants, we toured a wide variety of neighboorhood schools, dropping off runners as we veered by their houses. I think the final total was 7 schools: Sterret, Linden, Children's Institute, Whightman, St. Bede's, New Church School, Shadyside Academy. Five of us stuck it out to the end and were rewarded with scones, nutbread, muffins, fruit, coffee and as always, lively conversation in Cheryl's cozy kitchen. While the streets were snow covered and the wind chill was noticiable, it was a run to remind us that once out there, it is not as bad as imagined and can even provide unexpected pleasures.