When I first moved home to Pittsburgh a year ago, I knew no one but my parents and one college friend. I was determined to meet new people, and the best experience I had was with a group of runners who call themselves “People Who Run Downtown.” For 23 years, this group has been gathering on Tuesday evenings to participate in two of my favorite pastimes: running and eating.Immediately I felt welcome in the group with everyone asking about my degree, my new home, and my favorite poets.

The number of people who show up in pairs, carloads, or solo varies by the week, but if you’re worried about finding someone to run your pace, you shouldn’t be. On any given evening there are those running 6 minute miles or walking and chatting 2, 4, or 6 miles. The organizer for the evening also provides a map if you’re not familiar with the area.

Best of all, when you’re done, you get to replace all those calories you burned! This upcoming Tuesday (June 2nd) the group will meet at Silky’s Crows Nest at 5:30 p.m. and the week after (June 9th) at Atria’s on the North Shore. It’s a beautiful summer in the city already, and a great way to see the sites is in a pair of running shoes!