'99 contour 2.0 ohc power problem

Hello everyone! I have a '99 contour with 2.0 ohc engine w/ 110,000 miles with no prior major problems. About a month ago, after a 10 minute city drive and 5 minute store trip, upon startup the motor would barely run well enough to drive. Girlfriend parked the car 2 hours and called me when I got home. I told her to try to get it home since it wasn't running hot or oil press light. No visable problems. She started the car and it was fine..No more Problems.. Took a road trip yesterday and after 45 minutes on country roads, the power fell out the bottom. All at once as I went to pass a car. Same problem as a month ago. Check engine light came on with a code about misfire.. It barely climbed hills and when I tried to go into passing gear it jerked and bogged down. Idles Fine, just doesn't want to go.I stopped and let the car cool down again, but that didn't work this time. I don't think this has anything to do with the transmission. It takes almost 1/4 mile to get up to 55 mph. I'm thinking cat-converter, fuel pump, coil pack maybe?
What do ya think folks? Thanks in advance!! Dane

most likely a timing issure.

I thought about timing.. But could it have straightened itself out back a month ago when it happened to my girlfriend? thanks for answering me..!

yes, if the VCT solenoid is randomly acting up it could.