Newbie Looking for Advice *Long Post*

Welcome!

You seem comfortable and accepting of your capabilities and workout plan - that's good.

Some recommendations regarding a bike is, if anything, don't overspend and get fitted (if you can).  Don't buy the cheapest bike you can, but certainly don't purchase a top of the line model.

Disclaimer - I am not a doctor or work in the medical field.  Regarding your hips -
1). Have you been to a specialist yet to get the issue looked at/into?
2). Properly-fitted running shoes make a world of difference.  See if you can get a footstrike evaluation, which may help you get the proper shoe.
3). Do you stretch after running/jogging?  Do you over-exert yourself?
4). Have you checked into orthotics?

There could be other things that contribute to this and should be evaluated by your doctor.

Good luck.

Thanks!

And to answer your questions...

1) Yes. I've been to specialists of pretty much every kind - orthopedic, muscular, physical therapists (3), trainers, GPs.  I've had x-rays, scans of various kinds, blood work, etc.  Nothing of benefit yet.

2) I do need to get better running shoes.  Where can I get myself fitted or whatnot for the appropriate pair?

3) Stretch, yes. Over-exert, sometimes.

4) They only hurt more.   

Yep - definitely a sprint! 0.5 mi swim, 14 mi bike, 3.2 mi run

If I enjoy it, I plan to do more.  I want to have a bike regardless, because I think it's something I will continue with on a casual basis even if I opt out of Tris.  Your advice = very helpful!!

Thanks  

Hi Jill - welcome.

I admire the fact that you are attempting to overcome some limits to your physical being (bad hips) to do this.  It takes a lot of guts to know that you will face adversity and go forward anyway.  Congratulations.

As for the bike.  I would suggest that you look into getting a bike that will suit you that is less than top of the line.  I agree that you will grow into your biking preferences, and that will determine the bike that you ultimately end up with.  Had I seen this post two months ago, I would have directed you to the thread entitled "Sale on Javelin Complete Bikes" at this location : http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/search/query.asp?collapsethreads=1&action=search&searchforumid=all&keywords=&author=&days=lastlogin

There were several bikes in this sale were worth way more than they were being sold for.  Unfortunately, all of the road bikes have been sold and only tri bikes are left.  I hesitate to recommend that you look at a tri bike as your first, because if you choose to not pursue triathlon after your first experience, then all you will have is a tri bike that is not great for cruising around on.  That being said, I am told that the Sizzano and Varese are still available from Javelin. 

I know a lot of folks use the Motobecane bikes from bikesdirect.com for their first bikes and seem to be happy with them, so that is another option.

Have fun, use the resources here, and do what you can do to the best of your ability.  That is all you can ask of yourself.

Do you have a running store nearby - ie, one that sells ONLY running shoes and apparel (they often have cute, catchy names involving running )? Don't go to a dept. store, or a sporting goods store, etc - they won't know what they're doing, most likely. At a running store, they will be much more likely to be able to fit you properly.

After you find a pair that you like and works for you (and I'm told it sometimes takes trying out a few pairs), then if you can find the exact make and model on sale somewhere, by all means, save yourself the money when it's time to replace them.

I bought my bike off that site a couple of months ago. It's not the top of the line but it is a lot better than what I had. I have my first tri in 3 weeks. I felt I didn't want to invest a lot of money into a bike until I knew exactly what I wanted. I love to bike. I certainly think I will enjoy competing in tri's and I think I will do it for a long time.

Basically, I felt getting a lesser expensive bike was the right move for me until I am able to race some and get a feel for what I want.

Somehow, we don't have anything like that around... but I'll look in the surrounding areas.  I am running in a decent pair of Asics now but would like something better within the next month or two (before my 5k).  Thanks for the advice!