Monday, December 26, 2011

"Always thank your parents"

The Northern California Cycling Foundation (NCCF) Founders and Board of Directors help to bring together all of the goodness of Team Specialized.  On the "race course" the Junior squad does what it does best, but its' time to extend a long-overdue THANK YOU from the team to the parents for all of your help during 2011. 

Not just the road trips; mental and nutritional support before, during and after the races, but also a thanks for being such a big part of the TEAM.  Van racks and trailer fixings, help with driving, picnics at the races, air cooled and heated comforts, special meals, fun road trips, and none of that "little league parents" stuff!  You were just as big a part of the 58 Juniors wins in 2011 as they were.  Thank you for a great 2011!  Larry

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Road to Recovery

It has been about 10 weeks since I had surgery on my hip. My problem started in the 2011 season with a labrum tear and bone impingement in my hip. I knew there was a problem about half way through the year when my power kept going down and down. It wasn't diagnosed until August. I have not been able to ride my bike since the surgery.  I get to ride for the first time on December 19th. I cannot wait. During the last 10 weeks, I have been going to physical therapy 2 times a week, using the elliptical machine, swimming and doing a lot of core work. It has been a big challenge to be patient through this whole process. My doctor and physical therapist say that I am doing really well, much better than expected. The doctor even said I should be the "poster child" for the type of surgery that I had.

I go to a physical therapist in my hometown, Laguna Niguel. It is called Rausch Physical Therapy. They have been doing a great job of getting me back to 100%. One of the really cool things I get to do at their office is use an Anti Gravity Treadmill. This treadmill was originally developed for astronauts while on prolonged space flights. They used it so they would not lose bone density in space. It is now used for people to recover from injuries. It is pressure controlled from the waist down. It allows patients to maintain cardio fitness and range of motion without putting too much pressure or weight on the injured area.       
Should be back to normal in no time!
Kyle Torres