SINCE December I have been suffering from Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS).

Thankfully, ITBS isn't some terminal disease, but a common injury to the thigh due to excessive running or having a tight, lower-back muscle.

Running, especially long distances, helps to build one's endurance and patience.

But having more patience before a run is equally important.

I learnt it the hard way.

I was told that I had not given myself sufficient time to warm up before my run, hence now I suffer from ITBS.

It is important for one to warm up for at least 15 to 20 minutes before a run to avoid sports injuries such as cramps, sprains and of course, ITBS.

With ITBS, I have since been out of action in major running events.

And I find myself hanging out more in Siglap nowadays as that's where my favourite masseuse is located.

She would give me a good 30-minute massage during each visit.

She would work on my lower back and try to release the muscle 'knots' along the side of my quadriceps.

Heavy handbags

With a tight lower back, I am unable to carry heavy handbags on my right shoulder.

Hopefully I can recover fully in the next two to three weeks.

Since I can't run, I find myself cycling more, even though it is not advisable for someone suffering from ITBS to cycle.

I was told that if my bike is not properly fitted to my physique and bio-mechanic property, cycling will worsen my ITBS condition.

But I know I am in safe hands.

For my bike is specially selected and adjusted to fit me by my triathlete boyfriend who has since become my personal trainer.

Every weekend we pedal together with a group of cycling enthusiasts along East Coast Parkway.

Although I enjoy the cycling sessions, running remains my passion.

I hope I can be well enough by June to take part in the Mount Faber Run, Mizuno Wave Run, Salomon X-Trail Run and the Standard Chartered Run.

But for now, it's just plenty of stretching, which I can do anytime and anywhere!

WEE KIT LEI
Assistant marcom manager