East End Runners

So many decisions could have been bad!

Thursday, November 07, 2024

November 10 Run/Walk: Meet in front of Colfax School, 2332 Beechwood Blvd, Pittsburgh.

We'll start our run/walk at Colfax and meet up at Janet's afterward for coffee and  consolation.  Her address is 2815 Shady Avenue.  

Did Sunday feel like it belonged to a different life?  Yes it did.  We were young then, and full of hope.  We were happy hanging out at 61C, even though it lacks ambience and has sub-par pastries.  We got to see photos of Elaine's beautiful mother-of-the-bride dress, which has a short-sleeved jacket and covers the knees.  In that long-ago time, the big question was this:  Do we have to cover our recreation-scarred knees?  Or should we rock them?   

Many agreed that grooms should rent their suits.  

All were outraged that the florist ghosted Elaine. 

Whatever the snag, we knew:  "Hannah can figure it out."

We were cheered to hear that Gretchen is back on both feet.

And never want to hear an anesthesiologist ask:  "How much anesthesia do you want?"  

(At this moment, a lot.)

Endorsements and advice:

Mahjong for the next decade of our lives -- it's social and you have to use your brain.

See Concave before it leaves the Manor Theater.

Always bring your headphones when you have to wait on line.  It makes the waiting... fun, especially when you're listening to a thousand-hour book, or a series like Frozen River, which is highly recommended for fans of Outlander.






Friday, November 01, 2024

November 3 Run/Walk: Meet at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead in Schenley Park. Change your clocks - Fall back!

Meet at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead in Schenley Park.  And change your clocks – fall back!  Newcomers: the legendary Wendy Bennett Trailhead is unmarked, but easy to find, on the corner of Greenfield Rd. and Overlook Dr.  Here's a map.

Last week, two new walkers joined us on the Annual Halloween Decoration Walk, Jan, who arrived with her golden retriever,  Ruby, now unofficially, Ruby 2, and Ann, who worked on the Hilary Clinton campaign with Roye.

Post walk/run we had some fabulous treats at Roye's, including homemade kugel, babka from Zabars in NYC, and Jane's famous frittata.

Braking news:  Earlier in the week, Sharon stopped her car so Elaine could cross the street.

Runners can still catch up with Jonathan in Squirrel Hill on Wednesdays and Fridays with a new (late) start time of 6:00 AM.

Many new Kamala endorsements, including a batch of ultra-conservative Republicans, e.g., James Murdoch. 

Endorsements:

  • The babka from Zabars in NYC was delicious, but babka-lovers can also order from Zingermans.   
  • Not delicious, and hopefully not useful: Jane endorses her orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Aaron Taylor
  • Ignik  Foot Warmers – they’re foot-shaped and last up to 72 hours.

Podcasts worth listening to:  


She was there too:  we forgot to ask her name. 


...in their brilliant Buffalo Creek Half Marathon shirts


Thank you Roye!

Friday, October 25, 2024

October 27 Run/Walk: Annual Halloween in Regent Square viewing, starting at Roye's house, 1017 Milton St.

Let's meet at my house (1017 Milton St. in Regent Square) and head out to see the many wild Halloween decorations that grace our neighborhood.  Virginia knows where the best ones are.

Last Sunday, we finally got the timing right to see the sun rise over the Highland Park reservoir, which was at its late October spookiest.  This was followed by a scrumptious brunch at Joanne's, and our accustomed scintillating conversations which should have been recorded but instead have vanished, ghost-like. The one salvaged recommendation was the Annual Ohiopyle Buckwheat and Pancake Supper, which somehow, magically, made you "almost forget that politics existed." Sigh.



Friday, October 18, 2024

October 20th Walk/Run: Meet at Tazza D'Oro, 1125 N. Highland, for a Highland Park run.

We'll see how the trees have been transformed in Highland Park, and listen to the autumn crows, meeting at old favorite Tazza D'Oro, 1125 N. Highland. 

Last week had us reveling in the fall extravaganza of Frick Park, around which runners made a full circuit (see below) and took in some early spookiness in the neighborhood.  Discussion under the tent at Biddle's was rich, and endorsements tended towards the health-inducing, particularly the gin:




Friday, October 11, 2024

October 13th Run/Walk: Meet at Biddle's Escape (401 Biddle Ave. in Wilkinsburg)

We'll meet on Sunday morning at Biddle's (at Biddle and Trenton in Wilkinsburg) and get a head start on this neighborhood's famed Halloween decor on the way to Frick Park, starting to turn gold right now.  

Reporting on last 2 weeks, one in Edgewood and the other Downtown:  both had great weather, sights, comradeship, photos and endorsements:

  • Pros and Cons of the JCC locker rooms: fancy or regular.  Fancy is a bit pricey, but you get extras (sauna, free classes) and regular has more nakedness (which could make you feel somewhat better, comparatively.)  Concerning the classes, Group Power is not for the accident-prone.
  • Watch Nobody Wants This on Netflix
  • Delightful visits from Galit, and my friend Leslie
  • Updates on births and weddings, resulting in statements: "my 2 ex-husbands have never entered my house" and "every marriage is an intermarriage." 
  • Discovery that the renowned Tom Paxton was staying at Gretchen's house that weekend!
  • Biking trips - next group one will be the Hudson Valley Tour in May.  Recommended:  Vermont Biking Tours (I think this is it.)
  • En route to or from said trip, do not put your wallet on the top of the car.
  • Visit Bryce Canyon, much prettier and less crowded than Grand.  Also, get your Senior Pass to National Parks. This is more useful a Real ID, instead of which you can generally use a Passport Card.
  • Don't forget to request your free Covid test (OMG why do we still need it.)  
  • May we all be written into the Book of Life, wherever you think it might be.  And may Kamala and company be written into all the Ballots too.





Friday, October 04, 2024

October 6 Run/Walk: Meet at the new La Prima, 1100 Smallman St. for a downtown excursion

We'll check out Oktoberfest dahntahn and start off at the newer La Prima, at Smallman St. at 11th, across from the Convention Center.  

Lots to say but no time, except for this:

Excellent volunteer opportunity - Mission of Mercy, a free, two-day dental, vision and hearing clinic that serves patients in need, happening Nov. 1-2.  Endorsed yearly by RG!  See more and sign up here.  

Next week:  double the fun! 

Friday, September 27, 2024

September 29 Run/Walk: Meet at Spigolo Cafe, 101 Edgewood Ave. in (where else?) Edgewood.

A new find, c/o Elaine: we'll meet at the Spigolo Cafe, 101 Edgewood Ave. (map).  Don't worry about Great Race traffic - we have it on significant journalistic authority that this won't be a problem.  And Edgewood is always an elegant surprise.

Last week:  we await the tales of our intrepid Grand Canyon bikers! But our buoyant stay-at-home group got to Schenley Park and back to 61C and produced a 3-napkin confab with endorsements that can only be touched on here:




Friday, September 20, 2024

September 22 Run/Walk: Meet at 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill

Keeping in mind the long-awaited RG bike ride taking place this weekend in the glorious Grand Canyon (of PA), those remaining in the Burgh will meet at old fave 61C and maybe head over to Schenley Park to celebrate the first day of autumn among the trees.  

Last week, after skirting the banks of a glistening Allegheny, we paid homage to another old friend, La Prima on the Strip - it's sidewalk seating as tawdry as ever. (Coffee and meles are still great but they really should put in a bathroom.)  Besides the masterly bike trip organizing, there was also talk of:

Friday, September 13, 2024

September 15 Run/Walk: Meet at La Prima Espresso (the original) - 21st off of Penn in the Strip

We need to get back to the warm almond meles, so on Sunday let's go back to La Prima in the Strip!  

Just a quick note today to get out the location. Last Sunday was a fun loop through North Point Breeze and Larimer.  Runners went on top of the future Brightline (on its way to Aspinwall), but were reminded why we do this route in the winter (so overgrown!).  A little bushwhacking didn't hurt anyone, I suppose.  Sort of a Running Group tradition!




Friday, September 06, 2024

September 8 Run/Walk: Meet at Commonplace Coffee near the Co-op: 7514 Thomas Blvd.

This Sunday, let's meet in the Commonplace in the new Rockwell Park by the Co-op.

This past long weekend was a glorious run on the wooded, wildflower paths of the Rachel Carson Trail in Wexford.  Gretchen led the runners and Beth led the walkers though beautiful (but watch out for ticks!) trails that reminded me of an Enchanted Forest from fairytales.



Coffee was at the fun Conmigo coffee, which has such an inviting space we wanted to stay for hours.  Discussion centered around the campaign, upcoming bike rides, and cookie tables for upcoming weddings.

Endorsements:






Thursday, August 29, 2024

Sept. 1 (already?) Run/Walk: Meet at an entrance to the Rachel Carson Trail, a parking lot on Brooker Dr. in the North Hills (map in message)

 Beth and Gretchen have a great plan for Sunday: 

The Rachel Carson Trail through the northern part of North Park, starting from the parking lot on Brooker Drive (aka Conestoga Dr). We can park here (map)

And afterwards we can drive across Perry Highway to Cafe Conmigo (map) for coffee! 

So much was discussed during post-run/walk conversations outside at the ol' 61C last week that I can never do it justice but here goes:

  • The donkeys and handsome park rangers (which is first?) in the Grand Canyon
  • Cheese from Goat Rodeo Farm, as highlighted in Pittsburgh Magazine
  • The unforgettable memories of our lives with children that our children have forgotten entirely
  • Martha Stewart - despite being obnoxious, a heroine!
  • Mashed potatoes in a box - really not bad
  • Wendy in Salamanca
  • JCC classes where you can find RG members:  Wendy's Zumba, Group Active, Power with Marsha
  • The photo of Gretchen at the Kamala rally (ignore headline) that is probably about to go viral
  • Read Empire of Pain
  • Watch Jon Stewart's assessment of the Dem. convention
  • Michelle's braid 

Saturday, August 24, 2024

August 25 Run/Walk: Meet at 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill

 Short message today:  meet Sunday at the 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill

Friday, August 16, 2024

August 18 Run/Walk: Meet at Redhawk Coffee, 120 Meyran Ave., Oakland

August 18 Run/Walk: Meet at Redhawk Coffee, 120 Meyran Ave., Oakland

Back to summer in Oakland, the only time you can get a parking spot.  Meeting at Redhawk Coffee, 120 Meyran Ave., which has recently installed some tables outside.  Destination TBD.

Last Sunday on the Waterfront we arrived too late to greet the Senator (Linda and Grant saw him leaving as they arrived.)  He certainly deserves some privacy, so we won't be sad about it.  Otherwise it was a delicious day along the sparkling waters of the Mon.  Followed on Wednesday by a bezaubernd (I looked that up - hopefully means enchanting in German) happy hour and tour, courtesy of Gretchen, of the Teutonia Männerchor club on the North Side.  I was remiss in recording most of the scintillating chitchat, except for:




Friday, August 09, 2024

August 11 Run/Walk: Meet at the Waterfront Panera for a Homestead excursion, maybe a Senator sighting

We'll meet on Sunday at the Waterfront Panera and check out what's happening in Homestead, possibly getting a hi-five from Senator Fetterman.  You never know!  The last time, we compared Hokas. 

Last Sunday we enjoyed the delights of continuity:  our annual Vintage Grand Prix tour followed by a comfy, chatty and delicious coffee hour in Sharon's leafy backyard.  So much as always to discuss:



Friday, August 02, 2024

August 4 Run/Walk: Meet in Squirrel Hill at Sharon's house, 5612 Woodmont St.

It's that time of year again - our annual visit to the Vintage Grand Prix in Schenley Park, and Sharon has invited us for coffee in her lovely backyard at 5612 Woodmont St. just around the corner.

Short notice today because of a pesky brace on my left wrist, making typing kind of annoying.  Instead, considering the heartening Kamalanews, here is the thrilling 2020 photo of RG heroine Joanne presenting the historic Allegheny County vote count.  May history repeat itself - 

(Thanks to Gretchen for locating this photo.)


Friday, July 26, 2024

July 28 Run/Walk: Meet at Speckled Egg/Commonplace Coffee at Southside Works, 428 S. 27th St.

We'll have a Southside excursion on Sunday, meeting at the Speckled Egg/Commonplace Coffee locale at 428 S. 27th St., where we noshed happily in March of this year, so definitely deserving a rerun. 

Last week - lots of welcome forest bathing in Frick Park followed by a delectable brunch and even more welcome patio togetherness at Virginia's home.  Of course this time there was no distraction from the political scene, and our RG show of hands exactly predicted what was to unfold later in the day.  Thank you Joe!  Other less momentous opinions were expressed about:

Speaking of which... Kamala!!!  More discussion to follow -



Friday, July 19, 2024

July 21 Run/Walk: Meet at Virginia's house, 1200 Lancaster in Regent's Square

On Sunday we'll get to enjoy Virginia's warm hospitality (and adorable dog) at the corner of Lancaster and Sanders in Regent Square.  And be just steps away from Frick Park, one of our primary comfort zones.

Last week we basked, well-fed, in Max's cool and flower-filled yard after an hour's wandering around the streets of Squirrel Hill.  We found some distraction from the impending political nightmare in the following:


Friday, July 12, 2024

July 14 Run/Walk: Meet at Five Points Artisan Bakeshop, 6520 Wilkins Avenue

On Sunday let's meet at Five Points for a nice Squirrel Hill/Point Breeze adventure. (or Homewood Cemetery).

I was out of town last week, but as the reporter covering the blog, will say that they met at 61C cafe and provided me with the following photo:  




Tuesday, July 02, 2024

July 4th Holiday Run/Walk (7:30) + regular July 7 Run/Walk (7:00) both at 61C Cafe

I’m sending this out a bit early bc of the holiday run on Thursday! Meet at 61C Cafe, 1839 Murray Ave.

Last Sunday two groups of brave souls started off running or walking toward dark storm clouds and despite the myth that “it never rains on the run,” the skies opened up and we faced reality.  Runners looped around East Liberty in a downpour and the sun came out as we snaked around Highland Park and Larimer. Endorsements included: 

Power of the Dream- a documentary on Prime

A Walk on the Moon

Also announcements for upcoming shows:

Comedian/musician Dave Hill is coming to Pittsburgh to the Bottlerocket on July 11th: https://www.davehillonline.com/live/627

Have a wonderful holiday, everyone!

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

June 30 Run/Walk: Meet at KLVN Coffee Lab, 6600 Hamilton Avenue

A quick note for next week, meeting at KLVN Coffee Lab, 6600 Hamilton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206.

Last week, runners and walkers explored Swisshelm Park and Duck Hollow: