At the end of February, I felt like a train chugging fast and smooth down the track. Strong workouts. Solid runs. Good nutrition. Then suddenly, the train veered off the tracks and crashed on its side. First, I was plagued by the flu for two weeks, which caused the need for a significant time off running. Then, I seemed to go off the rails with my eating … lots of dinners out and making too many indulgent choices. Pair that with a short month and some time off my workout schedule and BAM! – the train pulled into the station with some smashed windows and missing wheels.

I feel like a broken record lately with my speech about getting back up after falling down, but that is what’s most important. Following a bad day with a good day and then more good days is the key to not falling into a negative cycle. I’ve tried to bounce back from my less than stellar second half of February, and my goal is to have a good day every day. When I don’t, I just start over again.

February Numbers at a Glance

• 101.7: Highest my fever got with the flu
• 100.55: Number of miles I cycled (Just 5 miles shy of January’s numbers)
• 71.82: Number of miles I ran (This is about 42 percent less than January … sad face … damn the flu and a short month)
• 21: Number of days I exercised
• 16: Number of fitness classes I took via ClassPass
• 6: Number of restorative yoga classes I took (one less than last month)
• 5: Number of days I had to take off because I was sick with the flu
• 0: Number of races I ran (I will run my first race of 2015 this weekend!)

Every week I share my weekly training and how I’m taking action against my 2015 goals. I also share the one thing I’m most proud of from the week and the one pitfall that has challenged me the most. Then, I invite you to do the same. There is a place at the bottom of this post for you to share a link to your weekly recap for others to come and cheer you on or offer you support. If you don’t have a Web site, simply share about your week in the comments section.

Getting Sweaty and Stronger

My fitness goals for 2015 are to stay in half marathon shape year-round (20-30 miles of running per week and long runs of 8-11 miles) and get stronger (2-3 strength training and cross training workouts each week).

• Monday: 1-hour at BLAST with Mr. rUnladylike, including 3 miles of running alternating between hill work and speed and 30 minutes of strength training

• Tuesday: REST (I let the day get away from me and didn’t make time for a workout.)
• Wednesday: 1-hour TRX at Fit: To Be

This was my first time trying TRX and I really enjoyed it.

I love my new Brooks Running outfit I tested out during the class. As a Brooks Running Run Happy Ambassador, I receive free products to try each month. I cannot say enough good things about the Versatile Printed Racerback IV and the Urban Run Capri. The racerback tank is incredibly soft and comfortable and also felt great while running later in the week. It has a fun design on the back and comes in multiple colors. I thought green would be a good choice because I always tend to choose pink and grey. I love these capris and the beautiful detailing at the knee with the cinched fabric and tie. They come in a variety of patterns as well as in a tight length. Working out is always more fun in new gear!

• Thursday: Ran 6 miles at an easy pace with a fast finish
• Friday: Ran 3 easy progression miles starting at 8:27 and ending at 7:59
• Saturday: Ran 12 miles at an average 8:30 pace with the majority of the miles between 8:17 and 8:25

• Sunday: REST

Eating Clean

My nutrition goals for 2015 are to cook most days of the week, limit sugar and bread intake, track my food daily and focus on eating clean(er).

There hasn’t been much disciplined eating happening for me during the past two weeks. I’ve been inconsistent at best. I haven’t made any new recipes lately, but rather have been sticking to some tried and true recipes to keep things simple. I also have slacked a bit with my tracking due to my travel schedule. I hope to have some new recipes to share with you later this month and some better results to report.

What I’m Most Proud of

I’m proud of my 12-mile run this week. I’ve been in Florida the past few days and the weather is much hotter and more humid than I’ve been used to this winter. I felt strong and was able to push myself despite being alone for 7 of the 12 miles. My dad ran the first 5 miles with me and it was so fun to run with him.

Where I Struggled

Eating … period. I ate an entire box of Girl Scout Trefoils on Sunday. Yes, seriously. I’m embarrassed to admit that.

Thought for the Week Ahead

“Every time I fail I assume I will be a stronger person for it.”
~Joan Benoit Samuelson

I want to hear from you! How was your week last week? How was your training? What are you most proud of? Where were you most challenged? Share your comments and/or link up to your weekly recap post below.