Life with an overactive immune system: weekly rundown

This week went off plan because my immune system did its thing and its thing is overreacting. But I got back on track by the end of the week and at least ended up with about the same mileage as last week.

Monday: strength workout.

Tuesday: 4.8 miles.

Then I got my tetanus shot Tuesday afternoon and the rest of the week…did not go as planned. Instead, it went something like this:

Tdap: side effects include “pain at the injection site” and “fatigue”

My immune system: “so, I heard pain in your entire arm/upper back and a level of fatigue that requires multi-hour afternoon naps. Wait, why are you yelling at me? I only make pain for helping you!”

Thursday: only about 50% of my arm still hurt and I went home early and took a 2-hour nap. Afterwards I felt up to taking Kara for a short run, then continued after I dropped her off at home for a total of 4.2 miles.

Friday: strength workout. I cut out one exercise to accomodate my arm, which was mostly better but still hurt when fully extended.

Saturday: 3 miles with Kara. Also a short pulling contest because dogs do not understand the importance of running past your house to end at the mile mark.

Sunday: I could not motivate myself to drive to a trail (it was mostly about the driving) for a long run. Eventually got out for 5.1 miles around the neighborhood.

Weekly totals: 17.1 miles, 2 strength workouts

26 Comment

  1. Oh wow I’ve never heard of having that type of reaction from tetanus shot! Yikes hope you are all good now

    1. Hannah says: Reply

      Pain and fatigue are common, just usually milder

  2. Coco says: Reply

    LOL on your dog not understaning the need to hit your milage goal. My husband feels the same way. Sorry to hear about your tetanus reaction. I’ve heard the shingles vaccine can be rough too.

    1. Hannah says: Reply

      I think I have to get that one, but thankfully not for a while yet

  3. Wendy says: Reply

    Last year, I had a terrible reaction to the shingles vaccine. Bottom line, I was sidelined from doing much for about 4-6 months. I had a gradual recovery. the vaccine triggered my RA and I lost all my endurance. It was tough. We’re required to get the flu shot for work, so I was a little nervous. I had no problem with it. I hope you’re ok!
    Wendy recently posted…You Can’t Go Wrong with StrongMy Profile

    1. Hannah says: Reply

      That sounds really rough. I think I have to get that one eventually, but not going to worry about it just yet

  4. So funny about your dog not understanding the need to round up those miles! Hope you continue to feel better and love those snowy trails.
    Liz Dexter recently posted…Sedate lady running 13-19 Jan 2020 #amrunning #runningMy Profile

    1. Hannah says: Reply

      She was tired and ready to go home!

  5. I’m so sorry about the reaction, that’s rough. I do almost all of my running from home, it’s like running is fine but having to drive somewhere to do it is a deal breaker.
    Beckett @ Birchwood Pie recently posted…Weekly Sweats: Morning EdtionMy Profile

    1. Hannah says: Reply

      I don’t usually mind driving for trails, but some days it’s just a step too far

  6. Wow, what a week! Glad you rallied back, and still had a decent week in terms of mileage. I have hyper-reactive skin (if there is such a thing LOL), so I’m on a wait list for the Shingles vaccine, but I’m nervous about getting that. I’m even more nervous about NOT getting the shot, though…

    1. Hannah says: Reply

      That’s how I feel about the tetanus shot – shouldn’t be running around in the woods without it

  7. Gosh, so sorry to read about your reaction but glad you pulled through and got some decent runs in!

    1. Hannah says: Reply

      Thank you!

  8. Kim G says: Reply

    Oh wow, that is horrible! Before I went to college I had to get a meningitis shot and it hurt like hell. My arm was throbbing the rest of the day but then it was just a little sore the next day. It’s just crazy how those shots can have an affect on the body!
    Kim G recently posted…Weekly Run Down: Gearing Up For The Transformation ChallengeMy Profile

    1. Hannah says: Reply

      Yeah, my immune system was not a fan….

  9. Sorry to hear your reaction to the shot was so intense! That could be why I don’t get shots…haha, or I just hate needles! I’m lucky I get the flu shot every year!

    Also I had to LOL at “dogs don’t understand the importance of running past your house to get mileage in.” She’s like “But Moooooom, home is right there!”
    Montana @ Pretty Lil Mudder recently posted…SPB Classic Marathon Challenge + BDR Challenge Training Weeks 7+8: 1/6-1/19My Profile

    1. Hannah says: Reply

      I hate needles too. I put this shot off a long time!

  10. Jenn says: Reply

    That’s crazy about the tetanus shot! I’ve always had soreness after vaccines or shots, but never like that!

    LOL about your dogs. We really just don’t deserve animals.
    Jenn recently posted…week 3(20): conserving energyMy Profile

    1. Hannah says: Reply

      Thankfully it was only a couple days

  11. It’s been years since I had a tetanus shot. Aren’t we supposed to have on every 10 years? I think I am due for one. That is so weird about the reaction you had. You still did good this week with your running and strength workouts.
    Zenaida Arroyo recently posted…Tuesday Topics: My Winter bucket listMy Profile

    1. Hannah says: Reply

      Yes, 10 years. I was overdue

  12. I was happy not to have a sore arm from the flu shot this year. Bummer about your reaction to the tetanus shot!
    Lisa @ TechChick Adventures recently posted…GCM Training Recap – week 2My Profile

    1. Hannah says: Reply

      I don’t get a flu shot because I’m worried about this type of reaction. I can’t really do without tetanus though

  13. Farrah says: Reply

    Oh no! I’m sorry to hear about your arm! :[ (I really hope it’s better by now!!)

    That’s super cute about the dogs and running past the house though, hehe.

    1. Hannah says: Reply

      Thankfully it was only for a couple days!

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