RM - have you tried using one of those foam rollers? They work really well, especially on the quads, IT band and hamstrings. It helps to work out some of the kinks that build up. Stretch gently and take good care and try to go easy on it the next few days, they're the worst to rehab in my opinion.

I agree with you on the pool thing. After a long run or a marathon, I always get into the pool. I had two friends who came down to do the RNR in January from Boston. It was the first marathon for both of them. When I brought them home, I made them sit in the pool for about 15 minutes. They were calling me some names, but they felt really good the next day vs. being sore. It helps relieve the inflammation, for sure.

One of the nice things about buying my bike at BR is that I have free service there... Maybe I'll just keep taking her there for baths! ;-) I had Bontrager tires and they were terrible, they kept splitting all over the place. I replaced them with Continentals and haven't had any problems. I didn't care if they were heavy, I was just so afraid to flat that I'd take anything. I know that I'm going to have to try to be prepared for IMFL, though. I told my dh that we need to practice it the last day of every month. (kind of like buddy check 12 day!) I guess that's today.

Hope the root canal is going well.
Melisa