I took today off work to take care of some business, and after talking with the fitter at the LBS that built my bike I've dropped it off. The fitter has odd hours right now, and isn't in until tomorrow. The good news is that the wrench who checked my LHT in said that the levers looked pretty standard to him - not compact levers and the reach appeared further than would be normal for bars with STI shifters. I don't have STI shifters... He did say that the stem is about as short as they come, so there isn't much they can do there. (other than to change bars - which might be an option if the first efforts don't fix the problem). This is good news because it may mean a simple resolution.

So, it will likely take a few days and of course will have to meet with the fitter - but hopefully this is mainly an issue of Surly having sent the wrong levers with the bike! I am also going to make sure they check on where the levers are installed as several here have mentioned that they look a little high.

Thanks for all of the advice on core strength and so forth - I've been working on that but it doesn't mean that more work isn't needed and will discuss this with my trainer. I do work on my own several days a week and he can give me good ideas of what to do to focus more on my core.