Red, you're falling apart!  

I read somewhere that recumbent bikes are supposed to be bad for your hips.

I go in for my pre-op appointment this afternoon.  And of course I had to catch a cold (probably from those damn airplanes), so now I am snotty and miserable.    This was supposed to be a good week...so much for that!

 

That's why I love MTB's avatar line......."Running is bad for you!!" 

 

I actually woke up feeling a little better.  I can walk like a normal person, though I definitely still feel like I strained something in the hip area.  (It feels like a combo of hip flexor and deep inside at the groin).  I did my kneeling hip flexor stretches last night as well as leg swings.  As for the knee part, I just leave it.  I'll wear my Tommie Copper brace today for some miraculous healing, right?   At least it feels comfortable.

 

Ahhhh well......cest la vi.

 

I'm supposed to run tonight so we'll see how I'm feeling by the time I get home & decide from there.

For the knee: Do you have clipless pedals?  Check your cleats.  If you don't it could still be your pedals and foot position.  Toe clips suck.  Get clipless and someone who is very good at lining you up right and help you install your cleats.  Also check the fore and aft position of your saddle.  Too far back and your knee gets hyper extended.

For the hips: check your saddle height.  Even if it's a hair too high, it'll cause your hips to rock back and forth (laterally) over the sides of the saddle.

/end bike setup lesson.

Isn't it best to get set up at a bike shop? I'm going to be buying a bike this spring. I really only want something that will get me about 20 miles or so. I'm thinking of a mountain bike. I really don't want to spend more than 3-500 dollars for it. Would it be horrible to get a bike at Dick's sporting goods? What would the most affordable option be for my particular needs?

I'll let the resident expert field this one with more detail, but...

Yes, get set up at a bike shop.  Don't get a mountain bike.  Don't buy a bike at Dick's.  You can get a decent bike for $500 for riding for fun/fitness, but if you wind up loving it, you're just going to spend more money on a better bike eventually...(or maybe that's just my problem! )

 

I'll let the resident expert field this one with more detail, but...

 

Yes, get set up at a bike shop.  Don't get a mountain bike.  Don't buy a bike at Dick's.  You can get a decent bike for $500 for riding for fun/fitness, but if you wind up loving it, you're just going to spend more money on a better bike eventually...(or maybe that's just my problem! )

What she said.

A Dick's mountain bike will be way too heavy for starters.  Every going to take it mountain biking?  With your back issues, I suspect not.

If you let Beth talk you into triathlons you want something lighter with skinnier tires.  Near you, try http://compedgeskibike.com/

It's free to try.  And if you don't like them or their prices, try somewhere else.

Called my physical therapist's office to set up an evaluation appointment... gave my name to the receptionist... "Oh hi!  I remember you.  You haven't been here in a few months!" 

I told her I needed to get on the frequent flyer plan and she laughed a little too hard.  lol

 

I feel you. I'm currently sitting at sports med in the waiting room thinking about how I spend way too much time here. My phone automatically connected to their wifi and I know all the receptionists. And my time here will only increase. Is all this over yet?

How did it go?