rebif, colds and running

One of the most common side effects of taking rebif are "flu-like" symptoms. Mine had not been too bad so far, I don't know if it is that since I am just starting out that my doses are smaller or what, but the aches and pains have been lite. That changed last week. I felt really crappy, sneezey sniffles and sore throat. It dawned on me that it wasn't the rebif, I had just caught a summer cold. Sort of surprised me cause I usually don't catch them, I am not sure how much effect the rebif's suppression of your immune system had to do with it or not.. So I had a cold and a crappy one at that.

This cold really seemed to focus itself in my sinuses (which was one of the reasons I questioned if it was rebif or a cold) and left my lungs alone for the most part. Even though I was coughing a lot, my lungs were pretty clear and I felt able to run. Running went really well, I was a little tired and my speed was lower, but I managed. I was glad I went.

Today I am going out for what I think is the third time since I have had this cold. My lungs feel good but I am a little stuffy. I think it will be ok.

Last night I just moved up to a half dose of rebif. I just noticed that I am getting some sweaty feelings (one of the flu-like symptoms) but it doesn't seem too bad.

This will be the third time I have run the morning after an injection. At first I was concerned about it as I wondered how the symptoms would effect my running. Both times I have done it I saw no effect. In fact the first time I had a really great long run and the second time I logged the fastest 10K since I set my PR at Sean's Run of 49:00. Today I am don't expect to do a huge run, more of a slow pace downtown ending at the farmer's market for coffee and a danish (I am considering going off my dairy and wheat-free diet for good - more later.)