PS--I hate you

In this case the PS stands for piriformis syndrome, which reared it's ugly head again a few weeks ago right after we returned from vacation in Florida. I suspect being jammed into a tiny airplane seat might have triggered it this time. Rest. No cycling.

This is like having back pain, only it isn't really back pain. It's more toward the waistline at the top of your butt. It works to keep things lined up with the hip, and in MY case this issue is on the total hip replacement side, so I suspect it's all related as the body tries to keep things in place while that fake hip wears away. Almost 40,000 miles on it now!

Today I added a 20, just to test how I would handle being on a bike. It was okay for the most part except when I hit any kind of bumps...then it pinched a bit and got my attention. I WAS able to get out of the saddle, as I tested doing that on the odd laps up the little hill on my neighborhood crit course. I wanted to know if that was even possible before I (possibly) attempt to do the High Cliff State Park climb in the upcoming sunshine and heat forecast. I can not let sunny and 90 go to waste!

By the 11th and final lap I was mess today. You see, the body compensates when you can't get up and down properly....can't go up and down steps properly. You adjust, perhaps without even knowing it. So not only do I have issues with the injury right right, the left legs felt very weak and cumbersome by the end of the 20 miles as well.

I have to say I have never felt quite this out of sorts on a bike before. Even getting on and off the thing was awkward.

Baby steps.

At least I got out there and was able to get this much done on the comeback trail.

2021 OUTDOOR RIDES RIDE ROUTE: Neighborhood Crit, 11 laps MILES: 20

AVE. SPEED: 14.4 WEATHER: Partly sunny, 84, Wind, 5-10 mph TOTAL OUTDOOR MILES 2021 SEASON-- 475.0