A Weekend of A Fortunate/Unfortunate Running Adventure

When my kids were little I remember a school assignment they came home with about a story/poem they had to write using fortunately and unfortunately.  I thought that would be a fun way to do a blog post for this weekend's running, since it was quite unique for me, and especially since there were some fortunate and unfortunate things to deal with.

Fortunately-Life is full of happy times and happiness to me means.........looking forward to running a midnight half marathon with your buddies!!
Unfortunately- I had major dental work done the morning of the race and then started getting really weak and worn down as the day went on.  I started coughing and feeling just plain yucky.  I was resigned to bed and resting, and had to miss this half marathon.

Fortunately-I took a lot of medicine and got a good night's rest.  I woke up feeling slightly better and had a major yearning to get out on the road and RUN! 
Unfortunately-Due to needing extra rest and the medicine still working in me, I didn't get out there started on my run until about 11:30 am when it was 84 degrees already outside.

Fortunately-My husband, being the good guy that he is, drove me 16 miles away up the canyon to the beautiful Aspen Grove area where it should be cooler, and I would try to get all the way home without help, depending on my health and energy level.
Unfortunately-It only turned out to be a little cooler at a whomping 78 degrees!

Fortunately-The scenery was beautiful and I was as happy as a lark cruising down the canyon road.
Unfortunately-The road was VERY narrow and I had to be super aware and cautious of traffic at every step and turn.

Fortunately-There were many bikers using this same road and in the same lane as me and so I think the traffic was very aware of us people out there using the road too.
Unfortunately-This awesome section of running only lasted 5 miles and then I exited onto canyon road where there was no shade and a major 4 lane highway with cars whizzing fast at 60 MPH.

Fortunately-This lasted exactly 1 mile where I would get to start down a paved trail specifically made for bikers and runners.  No cars allowed here
Unfortunately-I was starting to feel really fatigued and hot and once again had forgotten my sunscreen!! When will I ever learn this lesson??

Fortunately-There was a huge parking lot filled with people slathering on sunscreen as they were getting ready to float down the Provo River on inner tubes.  I ran right by them a little embarrassed to ask for sunscreen but knew I needed it badly.  I turned around and ran back there and sheepishly asked for some to get me through my long run still ahead.  They were super happy to share.  I slathered it all over my legs and arms and face and was forever grateful!
Unfortunately-The sunscreen didn't help with my fatigue and heat problem.

Fortunately-There was a bathroom not too far ahead at Vivian Park with running water to splash on my arms, face, and neck.
Unfortunately-This may have washed off some of my sunscreen.

Fortunately-I felt revived and rested and I would now get to run on a very shaded portion of the trail for the next few miles.
Unfortunately-Along the way some punk teenagers were throwing rocks at, cursing at, and harassing a fisherman.  I'm not sure what was going on there but it made me a little bit scared they would come after me next.

Fortunately-The adrenalin kicked in a little bit and I ran a little faster to get away from them quickly.
Unfortunately-The extra spurge of energy made me more tired.

Fortunately-I came to an area near the Bridal Veil Falls where there were masses of people out and about enjoying a nice Saturday outing, taking photos, feeding the fish and looking at the falls.
Unfortunately-This section isn't long enough.  I continued on my way wondering how much energy I had left in me and hoping my water in my Camelbak would last me to the next water stop.

Fortunately-I came to Nunn's Park next and drank, drank, drank and soaked my head, legs, arms, neck and all down my shirt.  This felt so refreshing.
Unfortunately-Because it's so hot and probably about 90 degrees or more by now I dry quickly and the cool refreshing water doesn't last very long in keeping me cool.

Fortunately-The next stop a few miles away has a place by the river that is easy to get down to.  I climb down the hill and refresh myself with the water straight from the river.  This was a much needed cooling off time.  I was very tempted to just jump right in.
Unfortunately-I'm only at about mile 11 and still have 5 more miles to go to reach my goal of 16 miles

Fortunately-I had enough water to last me to the next stop just after Timpanogos Park, where there is a super cold water fountain for the people on the trail.  I refilled my Camelbak and watered my whole body down again.  Amazing what cold water will do for a hot run.
Unfortunately-I didn't have somebody running along side me to spray me off every minute and then it would have been a perfect run down the canyon.

Fortunately-I came to the mouth of the canyon where my adventure on the trail would be over and there was the parking lot and a Chevron/Subway where I went inside to cool off and take a potty stop. 
Unfortunately-The next 4 miles were going to be HOT and BRUTAL.  There would be absolutely zero shade on the road towards home.  I was out of the canyon and now heading into the city. 

Fortunately-I had fueled my run well with lots and lots of water, shot bloks, and peanut butter pretzels.  I was feeling good with plenty of energy
Unfortunately-I just couldn't take the heat anymore.

Fortunately-I passed a golf course which had their sprinklers going in the middle of the hot day and I happily got in front of one of them and followed it back and forth a couple times.  I was now pretty drenched and cooled off again.
Unfortunately-I dried off and heated up too quickly.  I was just not feeling ready to keep tackling the heat for another 3+ miles.

Fortunately-I had exceeded my goal of a half marathon but hadn't reached 16 miles yet but was feeling accomplished enough for the day, and so called my hubby for a ride home.
Unfortunately-He didn't pick me for a little while longer and I got to 14.3 miles before he found me.

Fortunately-I have a supporting hubby that lets me do these crazy things and will be there for me when I fizzle out. 
Unfortunately-I have absolutely no pictures of this crazy adventure because I didn't bring my camera. My cell phone, which I had with me is from pre-historic days. It just doesn't take good photos.  It's definitely time for an upgrade.

Fortunately-This adventure has me leaning towards doing that.  My kids seriously keep nagging me to do it!
Unfortunately-I'm just cheap and don't want to spend the extra money.

And now to end this adventure on a happy note I will provide you with one more fortunate event:
Fortunately-I came into the nice, cool, air-conditioned house and enjoyed a big bowl of strawberries, greek yogurt and honey while relaxing.