Running in circles at Crimson Lake 

Have you been to Crimson Lake Provincial Park?

A couple of weeks ago I headed west on Hwy 11 to Crimson Lake, roughly 14 km, northwest of Rocky Mountain House. I vaguely recalled a few friends talking about how there’s a wonderful 10K trail around the lake. I didn’t have any plans so I thought what the heck. Besides the lake is only an hour away from Red Deer. 

I asked several people in my newsroom if they had been there before. Many said no or not in several years. I was surprised because most people who I work with have lived in Red Deer for at least two decades. Sylvan Lake is our closest “beach” but many people complain about how busy it is in the summer months. (I love walking along Sylvan Lake in the winter.) 

The parking lot was relatively empty when I arrived around 1o a.m. More cars pulled in while I was getting myself sorted for my run. I noticed one woman who looked like she was going to the Amerada trail head. I caught up with her to ensure I was in the right spot. 

A sign at the trailhead was simple and easy to read. From the parking lot, you have two options. You could run the counterclockwise route near the beach or the proper start, near the road. I chose to take the “official route.” I knew I could always run counterclockwise on my second loop. 

Into the forest, I ran. It was a relatively flat course with a few short hills on the way. There were some down trees from a recent windstorm, which forced some leaping over the trees. (I love jumping!) Strangely enough I have a knack for tripping and falling flat on face when there’s nothing in my path. An obstacle in my path? Nope I won’t fall. Nothing in the way? Yup I will fall flat on my face. 

Looking forward to cooling off in the lake, I ran two laps before I called it quits. I didn’t push myself. I simply enjoyed the new-to-me trail and focused on a steady pace. I spent about 20-minutes relaxing and cooling off before I headed home.  

Read more about my experience in my latest Running with Rhyno column. 

Note: There’s a Crimson Lake Trail Run on August 17. Find out more here.