The Lighthouse

"Did you go by the Lighthouse?"

I get that question a lot when I mention that I like to go to Palo Duro Canyon, but I had no idea why. I knew that in my two past races that I supposedly ran near it, but I honestly had no idea how popular of a trail and landmark the Lighthouse was, or what it even looked like, until recently. And it's not really the frequency of that question that convinced me but rather the traffic. Seriously, after only two times I've already lost count of the people I see on this trail. Dodging all kinds of bikers and hikers (but no runners so far) has become a new technical aspect to deal with, but it's all good because it's a really, really beautiful and relaxing run.

The trail itself isn't much different than any other flat, winding trail out there, so it's a great way to loosen up during that first mile or two of a workout. Just shy of two miles though, you come to a decision: keep going or switch off to one of the more difficult parts of the PDC Trail Race 12.5 mi loop. (Miles 3-6 on this run.) I'd originally set out with the plan to run the latter, but decided about half a mile in to take the opportunity to see what all the fuss was about. The Lighthouse! "Did you go by the Lighthouse?" OH OH LIGHTHOUSE! OK, fine. Fine! Let's do it for frak sake.

After about 2.8 miles I'm guessing, I came to what looked like a dead-end. And a bike rack. Huh? What's that for? Ahhh! Look closer, Jas. The trail becomes a path through some trees and rocks. And it goes up. WAY up. Like "lean way forward and use your hands to grab onto crap so you don't slip and go backwards" up. I'm now climbing, not running, yet I'm still in running mode, so my heart rate is going through the roof and I'm gasping for air while I scramble up the path like a crippled mountain goat. But it's awesome and I'm having a blast going somewhere new. After a few minutes more of nervous, clumsy climbing, I get to the top and take a 10-minute break, using the time to take some customary pictures.

So now I know why it's so popular. And why I'll be going this way a lot in the future.