A Near Heart-Stopping Adventure!

Flat Jenny took a bit of a hiatus so that Meggen could go on a backpacking trip and to girl's camp.  But, she is back at running again and gearing up for her next big half marathon in August!

Flat Jenny had a near heart-stopping experience the other morning while running.  She, Meggen, and Mack went out for a very early morning run---early enough that it was not yet light.  In addition to the dark, there was a considerable amount of fog in the low lying areas along the Jordan River.  At times, Flat Jenny and friends could only see a few feet ahead as they ran.  Although they were on a familiar and well-loved trail, everything looked so foreign and shifty in the foggy dimness.  Consequently, they were all feeling a little jumpy and on edge.  But, Mack was there for protection, right?  Right.

After about 2 miles the trail made a considerable bend.  On one side was the Jordan River and on the other pastures.  As Flat Jenny, Meggen, and Mack made the bend in the trail . . . looming out of the dark and the fog in front of them was a huge, creepy, skeletal face!  It was terrifying!  Meggen jumped, screamed, and ran her heart out to get away.  Mack and Flat Jenny did not object one whit to the swift flight!  None of them had any idea what they had just encountered and were not about to take the time to find out!

After Meggen had put considerable distance between the skeletal face and the runners, she slowed enough to let her pounding heart return to normal and her spinning thoughts enough time to truly consider the question, "What WAS that thing?"  After some significant pondering, Meggen realized that the face had belonged to a horse!  But what kind of horse?  A ghost horse?  That is certainly what it looked like!

Although the mystery had tentatively been solved, Flat Jenny and friends were not eager to encounter the ghost horse again in the dark and the fog, so they took a longer, less adventurous, less scenic route home---thus avoiding any additional supernatural visitations.  ;o)

Several days after the terrifying ghost horse encounter, Flat Jenny convinced Meggen to take the route again (this time in daylight!) to see if they could come to a more definitive conclusion as to what they had stumbled upon in the dark and the fog.  And, here is what they found . . . .

 

Yes, it WAS a horse!  No, it was NOT a ghost!  But, was it's face indeed very creepy and skeletal looking???  DEFINITELY!!!  (If you put yourself in Flat Jenny and Meggen's place . . . darkness, fog, feeling a little on edge . . . and then you see THAT FACE come out of the gloom toward you---what would YOU have done?!  What would YOU have thought?!)

Mystery solved.  But, I don't think Flat Jenny or Meggen will ever be able to see that horse again and feel truly at ease.  The memory of their dark, foggy, spooky encounter is fresh enough to keep them at a healthy distance from any and all horses that look the least bit ghostly.

On a brighter note, Flat Jenny did enjoy the beautiful blue wild flowers blooming just outside the ghost horse's fence.  These were definitely NOT noticed or appreciated the first time around (in the fog) but helped cheer Flat Jenny considerably at her next visit.  After all, even a ghost horse can't be all that bad if he lets flowers like these grow nearby!  ;o)

Opposition Will NOT Conquer Flat Jenny!

This morning Flat Jenny, Meggen, and Mack went out for a run on the Jordan River Trail. They were planning on going 5 miles and had the course all mapped out in their minds before they began. However, less than 1/4 of a mile into the run they discovered that the tunnel under Lehi Main Street had flooded making it completely impassable! The water was at least 10 feet deep! Of course, they could have gone for a swim, but none of them were feeling that adventurous today.

So, they turned around and decided to go North instead. After 2 miles, they discovered a chain link fence and this sign covering the path . . .

It seems that fate was against them today, trying to break their will and their determination. However, as is the case with Flat Jenny, she knew they could make the best of the situation, be successful, and find enjoyment---come what may. She suggested they just make a loop instead of a straight out run. They could still get their miles in and could salvage the day. So, that's exactly what they did!

Here is one of Flat Jenny's favorite places on the trail---the top of a hill that feels like you are on top of the world! She loves the great views of the mountains and valley all around.

Flat Jenny also really enjoyed seeing how full the Jordan River is right now. With all the rain and heavy snow we've had in UT this year, this river might cause some flooding really soon! (In addition to the tunnel under Main Street, that is.)

Flat Jenny noticed there were some cute calves next to the trail that were about the same size as Mack. She told Mack he should stop and look at them for a few minutes. Maybe they could become friends?!

Mack and Flat Jenny were very happy when they returned to the car. They'd had a great run despite the obstacles. Running makes for happy days! ;o) Keep up the great work, Flat Jenny. There are only 10 days until the Utah Valley Half Marathon!

Jordan River Trail Run

Flat Jenny had a glorious run today on the Jordan River Trail in Lehi, UT. The sun was out and the temperature absolutely perfect! Flat Jenny smiled and loved every minute of her adventures outside. She got to ride on the back of her friend Mack. (Mack is very gentlemanly and always carries the water, snacks, camera, and car keys in his backpack, so why not let Flat Jenny ride too?!)
Within the first mile, Flat Jenny came around a bend in the trail and discovered a dozen cows hanging out next to the fence waiting for a visit. Flat Jenny said a quick, "hello," but couldn't stop for too long. She was just getting warmed up!
Next, Flat Jenny decided that the view of the lovely snow covered Mount Timpanogos was awesome, so she just had to stop for another picture. She really loves looking at the beautiful world while she is out running---there's always something inspiring to see.
Another mile later, the llama who shares his pasture with a bunch of sheep decided to come over and say hello. He usually is not very friendly, so this was a special treat! Even so, Flat Jenny decided not to get too close because, as you know, llama's spit (or so Flat Jenny has been told!)When today's 6 miles were through, Flat Jenny and Mack felt very tired, but extremely happy to have been outside on such a beautiful day! They hung-out together in the back of the car while Meggen drove them home for a well-deserved rest! Great running, Flat Jenny!