Originally Posted by DnvrFox

This is a sort of strange post, but giving myself permission is something I have been getting closer and closer to the past few years.

Most of you know I am not into mileage and "how fast I can go."

However, I continue to read about amazingly long rides and faster times, and there has continued to be a little inkling in the very far back inner parts of my mind that I REALLY ought to be tracking miles pushing for faster and faster speeds, etc.

Monday, I spent some time with my very excellent physical therapist, evaluating and talking about two issues. Some pain in my left hip that is at times rather bothersome and some tightness in my right lower back, also irritating.

Her evaluation was that i have some breakdown in my left hip, and that my lower back has a muscle that is tight and is pulling my right hip up so that it is 1/2 inch higher than my left hip. They may be interacting with each other. We discussed celebrex, and she prescribed 2 stretching exercises. We discussed my lifestyle and exercise - she is a great fan of my exercising routines - except she suggested I might consider altering some of the things I do so as to not accelerate my hip problems.

So, today, I did a 5 hour ride/swim at a pace and speed which I thoroughly enjoyed and from which I derived no pain. This was on my mtn bike through some dirt and sand and on the MUPS, and a 45 minute swim.

I feel I now - at 72 - have been able to give myself total and complete permission to ride as I REALLY enjoy, without those slight concerns that I might have subconsciously had of speed and distance. Hey, that is a really nice feeling.

Well, I just wanted to share my thoughts. No replies required.