Dec 7: 121 Richland Lane

The first run in December will be an early holiday present in the form of a themed run, followed by coffee at Cheryl's home at 121 Richland Lane. If you are not sure where that is, click here for what I hope is a map of the house. Cheryl suggests that you park in the Factory (building where the East End Food Co-op is located at the corner of Penn and Braddock) parking lot and walk over. Her home is up the street on the left, next to the apartment complex, before you reach Tuscarora. There is no parking on Richland and very limited parking on Tuscarora. For those running from the East End you can run down Reynolds to Ben Hur, turn left at the fence, traverse over a short unpaved path and you will be at the other end of Richland Lane.

Our running group luck held and although it was cloudy there was no rain for a run through Oakland lead by Tom. The highlight was a stop at the newly renovated Schenley Plaza fountain (http://www.popcitymedia.com/developmentnews/schftn1015.aspx), another turtle adorned sculpture (the other being the Westinghouse Memorial by the CMU campus). We also tried out the "new trail" up the bank of Serpentine Road. It was a comfort run for the last day of November 2008.

2008 Thanksgiving Week Runs

Hi All
Here is the run schedule for the upcoming holiday week:
Wed, Nov 26: 5:45 AM at Forbes and Murray as usual

Thu, Nov 27: 7:30 AM at Coffee Tree in Squill - Virginia will lead a 4 - 5 mile run through Oakland and back

Fri, Nov 28: 5:45 AM at Forbes and Murray as usual - Tom said he would be there

Sun, Nov 30: 7:00 AM at Tom's house - 5343 Ayelsboro

A surprising number of hardy soles turned up for a chilly winter-like run through Schenley Park. With clear blue skies, snow on the ground and bare trees it felt more like January than late November. Still it had its beauties such as the the glimpse of the rosy rising sun on the spare Oakland skyline.
Discussion subjects at coffee roamed far into our pasts (growing sprouts and other herbal treats) as we sought solutions for the shaky economic crisis.

Nov 23 Run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead

Next week's run will start at the Wendy Bennett trailhead for a Schenley park run, with hopes of still enjoying some morning light. Meet at the Coffee Tree at 6:45 AM to run to there (it is 1 mile).

Thanks to Paula Clemmens for her report on last Sunday's run:

We had a very nice run this am. The temperature was perfect. It was much nicer than later in the day. Virginia led us through a fascinating tour of Edgewood. For future information, the needed allotted time to run from Coffee Tree in Squirrel Hill to the tennis courts on Braddock is 15 minutes. The run-to the run runners had extra time before the official run which we spent showing the wall art map in Regent Square to Molly.

And a big thank-you to everyone who sent recommendations for eye doctors. Now I just have to pick one from the many. I will add the names to the list of runner recommendations that you can find on the right-hand side of our blog http://eastendrunners.blogspot.com/  when I have the chance.

Nov 16 Run: Tennis Courts on Braddock Ave

Virginia will lead a run starting at the tennis courts on Braddock Ave this coming Sunday. I imagine people may also be up for a run to the run? I won't be here but I suggest starting at the Coffee Tree in Squirrel Hill around 6:25 AM. It is about 1.5 miles to the tennis courts.

The group continued the streak of record book runs this morning with 17 people showing up for a fall run/hike through obscure but lovely corners of Frick Park. Even under a gray ski with many bare trees there were enough splashes of color to evoke the beauty of this fleeting season. As if that were not enough, we ran on some lesser known streets in Squirrel Hill and all took a turn on the fast slide at the new Colfax playground - even Tom! We ended up in Pam and Chris's cozy kitchen for coffee, cake, cheese, fruit and of course stimulating conversation. If lives permitted, I think we might have stayed there all day!

Watch from some upcoming themed runs....

Nov 8 Run: Pam Murray's House - 2200 Beechwood Blvd

Pam Murray graciously offered to lead a run through Frick Park while we still have morning light and perhaps some fall color. In addition she has offered to host after-run coffee - what a deal! Pam lives at 2200 Beechwood Blvd - close to where Darlington comes into Beechwood, not far from Colfax School. She lives on the "up-side" of the street.

I was glad that we had a big group to re-visit the Strip/River run a few of us did a while ago because it certainly is one of the classics. It showcases so many of Pittsburgh's appealing features: interesting new housing (the Cork Factory), emerging and established tree-lined river paths, the serene river itself, the bridges and skyline, hidden water features (the Convention center) and ending with wonderful coffee and pastries at a Pittsburgh institution complete with men with Italian accents.All of this on a cool Fall morning - what could be better?!

Nov 2: Run through the Strip - 21st and Liberty

I heard from two people that it was decided to do a run through the strip. I assume we will meet at the parking lot at 21st and Liberty Ave. The lot is on the side of Liberty away from the river - turn left at the light at 21st st, if you are going into town. Last time we ran through the strip, across the 31st st bridge, along the path to the 9th st bridge and then back, which was a nice flat run.

La Prima opens at 8AM on Sunday so we might want to make our run a little longer :-) For those who did not run last time, the pastries and coffee were scrumptious.

Paula Clemens sent this note:

PS. Last Sunday's run was great. The run-to-the-run through a now greatly expanded Somerset development was well attended. We saw the day dawn over the river by the Waterfront and out-paced a barge.

Oct 26 Run: Waterfront Run - flat and fabulous

Elaine Mormer is back! and she is leading a run on the Waterfront Trail this coming Sunday. Meet at the smokestacks by the Longhorn Steakhouse.Tom promises that he will drive down and so he can ferry at least some people back.

Elaine is also leading the run to the run: meet at the "J" corner (Phillips and Shady) at 6:25 AM. Google maps says it is 3.2 miles - I figure it will be shorter as you can cut through Somerset.

Today Karen lead us on another Fall Spectacular run through Frick Park. At one point we ran through a tunnel of gold leaves - truly a run for the season especially given the chilly clear air.

I won't be here next week so someone please let me know where the next run will be.

Oct 19 run: Homewood Ave entrance to Frick Park - Fall Colors II

Continuing to enjoy the Fall colors in our own backyard, meet at the the Homewood Ave entrance to Frick Park (at the traffic circle) for a run through another of our beautiful neighborhood parks.

The Steve Faloon Trail provided a stunning view of the golden tree canopy in Schenley Park this morning. I felt like we were running in an Ansel Adams photograph seeing the various layers of trees and colors all around us. The temperature was perfect - cool but not cold and the sun was coming up - a great seasonal run.

Oct 13 Run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead - Fall colors

Meet at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead (corner of the Blvd and Bartlet St) for what could be a run through the fall colors.

I was not around this weekend but I am sure that the run on Sunday was a good one!

Designer Days Primer from Wendy Bennett

Now
Take a look through your closet and assess your needs. Figure out your
size. While you're at it, bag all the stuff you haven't worn in a year,
stuff that doesn't fit. Be brutal. Donate to a thrift store.

Before you go
Wear comfortable clothing w/o snaps and buttons for easy removal. Wear
underwear w/o holes. Eat something and grab a bottle of water. Pee.
Leave kids at home. Leave purse at home or locked in trunk of car.
Bring credit card.

You're there
Parking is easy. You should leave your coat, scarf, etc in car--you'll
need your hands free.
There are men's, women's and children's clothing categorized by type
(pantsuits, casual, overcoats, etc) plus shoes and accessories. Figure
out what you need the most and start looking.

Looking
Don't pull out every item. Better to let your eyes or fingertips scan
the fabric and pull out the most appealing colors and textures. If it
looks good, inspect quickly for stains and holes. Only get items in good
condition or capable of an easy repair. One of the great things about
Designer Days is that these are the creme-de-la-creme of the thriftstore
clothes so they are generally in great condition.

Trying on
Take your haul into the communal curtained room with horrible mirrors.
If you can, stand near someone your own size so you can inspect her
rejects. I've gotten some great stuff this way! Put all of your stuff on
a chair, and go for it. It is considered perfectly good manners to ask a
complete stranger how something looks. People from all over the city
have been coming to Designer Days for years and like me, look forward to
it. There are racks on casters for you to hang your own rejects. You can
buddy up with a friend or ask a guard in the dressing area to keep an
eye on your stuff while you go out and look for more great items.
Good luck!

Sep 28 Run: Pam's House or Coffee Tree (or both)

Next week is the Great Race and as is the tradition, Pam Murray graciously is hosting a pre-race gathering at her house at 2200 Beechwood - about 1/2 between the start line and Colfax school on the big bend. Arrive any time after 8 or 8:30 AM.

For those not running the Great Race meet at the Coffee Tree - perhaps we can snoop around the Great Race course and drop by Pam's house.

Tom lead us on a pleasant loop starting from his house. It was a coolish, dry and sunny, perfect for a run through Oakland and Schenley Park. But the highlight of the run was definitely the blueberry muffins made by Tom that were waiting for us at his house. They were a real surprise and treat!

Maps of The Runs

I created this post on 9/21/2008 and will continue to add to it:

Virginia's Oakland Run: http://www.mapmyrun.com/view_route?r=468123712048364023

Hot Metal Bridge to Smithfield Street Bridge and back:

http://www.mapmyrun.com/view_route?r=363220385916

Joanne's Highland Park Run:

http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/pa/pittsburgh/441183776903

Wendy Bennett Run:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/us/pa/pittsburgh/412035776

Tom's Run from 9/20/2008:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/us/pa/pittsburgh/686738997741

Lovely Strip Run 11/2/2008:

http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/pa/pittsburgh/534880489113

Paula's run through Oakland 5/16/2009:

http://www.mapmyrun.com/view_route?r=201124256961771848

Hot Metal Bridge, along the bike path by UPMC Sports Med:

To view 06/07/2009 Route, follow the link below:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/view_route?r=802124438715013275

Paula Leslie writes:
I had to guess where we turned round. I didn't look at my watch! I've tried to work backwards. I'll have to explain the googlemap problem sometime. PtB

Sep 21 Run: Tom's House

Tom valiantly volunteered to lead the run starting from his house on Aylesboro near the intersection of Forbes (the rest of us were to drippy with heat to come up with a good suggestion).

It was a hot and steamy run through Schenley Park this morning but there were also some good points: it was not rainy, there were quite a few runners, the water fountain near the visitors center was working (the button was noted) and as always the conversation was interesting when we stopped panting.

Sep 14 Run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead

Excellent reports from the two Paula's below. Note that the Wendy Bennett Trailhead is at the junction of Barlett and the Blvd of the Allies. Meet at the Coffee Tree at 6:45 AM to run to there (it is 1 mile). From Paula "the brain": We decided on a Wendy Bennett Trailhead run for next Sunday. The run in Highland Park was really nice. It was very peaceful through Highland Park and around the reservoir. We all enjoyed the lower levels of humidity for a change. Virginia educated us on the artist responsible for the water fountain with stylized dolphins.

From Paula "the Brit' (who is also a brain): Anne Jane - this is the route from last Sunday. And a jolly beautiful run it was too - particularly for Iain and I who'd never been to Highland Park. All mist and early morning sunshine. Then a very fine cup of coffee. Thanks again Joanne. PtB http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/pa/pittsburgh/441183776903

Sep 7 Run: Tazza D'Oro Highland Park

Thanks Joanne - we will take you up on that offer!
All meet at Tazza D'Oro Coffee Shop near the corner of Highland Ave and Bryant St. for an always interesting Highland Park run.

I will be at the Shaw Festival on Sunday but for those who want to run to the run, there is a note in the blog that says it takes 25 mins to run from Wilkins and Shady to Tazza D'Oro so meet at 6:30 - 6:35.

Paula The Brit's Brownie recipe and more!

For those of you that made it to Paula's house for her amazing after-run cake-fest (and for those of you who just love chocolate) here is a link to those brownies and even more.

thanks Paula!

I put the recipe on my family's recipe site. Started by my brother Damian. There might be other recipes on this site of interest to people. The "authors" (ha ha) are just normal people. Anyone can read the site and if someone wanted to join up I can get Damian to sort it. Sometimes we invent new recipes and sometimes just post stuff from a book.

P

http://www.foodster.net/2008/08/brit-abroad---c.html

Aug 31(at 7AM) and Labor Day (at 7:30 AM) runs: Coffee Tree

Because so many people will be out of town and those that will be here may be sleeping in, we decided that the Coffee Tree was the best option for this coming Sunday.

Labor Day there will also be a Coffee Tree run but because it is a holiday, after all, we will meet at 7:30 AM so everyone can sleep in for a 1/2 hour.

Runs will be created on the spot by whoever turns up.

Today's run in Allegheny Cemetery was as interesting as promised although so many of us ran to the ran that we short-changed everyone else by inadvertently keeping the run on the shorter side. Still we did see parts of this very large and verdant cemetery that we had not visited before. As always there was wild-life - a herd of deer and a flock of Canada Geese. We re-visited the big Jesus like statue holding the duck of peace and ran by the field of obelisks overlooked by a saint-like woman with a scythe - honestly, this cemetery has it all! I have it add it also has hills - plenty of them and steep. Perhaps next time we can forgo the run to the run and do a longer piece in the cemetery, there is so much to explore.

Aug 24 Run: Allegheny Cemetery - Penn Ave entrance

Meet at the Penn Ave entrance of Allegheny Cemetery for a discovery run (that means we still don't really know where we are going) in this park-like historic cemetery. This entrance is just a few steps toward E. Liberty from the massive new Children's' Hospital.
For those who want to run to the run, meet at Wilkins and Shady at 6:30 AM (it is about 2.5 miles from there).

Today Roye did a formal repeat of the run to the "top of Pittsburgh" aka Robert E Williams Park. I wrote this the first time Roye took Wendy and I up there: "I do not have enough fresh adjectives to describe this view from the top of Pittsburgh - it is absolutely spectacular." And today was no exception - cool and a little misty, Pittsburgh looks its best spread out all around the rivers and green trees.

Paula TB kindly mapped this run. Check it out on MapMyRun

On our way up there, Jonathan spied what must be the only tomato plant on the grounds of the Cathedral of Learning (see if YOU can find it). On our way back we had to take a detour to avoid a very, large stray dog that Tom was sure he still saw when we were back on the ground at Phipps.

Aug17 Run: Phipps

Not sure who is leading but be at Phipps at 7 AM next Sunday and find out :-)

I did not run with the group this past Sunday as I was recovering from an evil stomach bug but I did join them for coffee. Everyone looked happy and sweaty so I am sure it was a good one. It was a chilly but pleasant morning to drink coffee and ponder why the Olympic beach volley ball outfits are so skimpy.

Aug 10 Run: Frick park gate on Reynolds near Frick Art Museum

The run this coming Sunday will start at the entrance to Frick Park at the intersection of Reynolds and South Homewood.

Paula C. had this to report about Sunday's run:
Very nice run this morning with multiple staircases and some interesting 'garden homes' along paths in Oakland. Equal gender representation...

Paula also asked that I pass the following along:

Hi Anne Jane,

My neighbor alerted me to the following Squirrel Hill community meeting that will take place Monday, August 4th at 7pm at the JCC. She is encouraging neighborhood residents to go because she fears that only the nay-sayers will show up, and she thinks that it is a worthwhile proposal with more positives than negatives for the Squirrel Hill business district.

August 4, 2008 (TONIGHT)
Murray/Forward Development Community Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Levinson Hall
Jewish Community Center
5738 Forbes Avenue
SHUC is sponsoring a community informational meeting regarding the recently announced multi-use development project at the corner of Murray and Forward Avenues.

Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting so they can hear from the developers and their architect what is being proposed.

There will be a Q&A session following the meeting.

Then, because of my true calling as a data collector, and at the behest of my husband, I am compelled to report that the men outnumbered the women at the Friday morning run yesterday, 3:2. A quote from a recent running group participant who has been known to reproducibly call in drenching rainstorms for previously reliably dry running group runs: '…the husbands are taking over!' Ladies??

Paula