Hello my name is Rock Steady and I am an addict. It shames me to admit such a thing, but I could not remain silent any longer. Addiction affects everything around you from your family, job, friends, and even the amount of money in your bank account.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Confessions of an addict
Are you 100% honest with yourself as you wake up every morning to the same routine? How many of us are willing to talk about our own personal addiction?
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN?!?
Sometimes pride is a hard thing to let go of when you forget who you represent. I am sure there are 800,000 people rethinking who they will vote in office next election.
Friday, September 27, 2013
AWESOME iPhone 5s cover
The idea of a faster iPhone has my mouth watering. Even this awesome case will look great around my new iPhone 5s. I spent time running obstacle races with my iPhone 4s strapped to my chest with a chest mount I created. So much easier to record videos and take pictures while your out rolling in the mud. Stay tuned for some interesting Rock Steady designs.
Till then.... STAY ACTIVE MY FRIENDS!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
What Gets People Out For A Run In A Tutu?
Obstacle racing continues to have its ups and downs. From local to national events there continues to be a scramble to keep the interest of the masses and gather new recruits. For people wanting to try obstacle races there are races that are just for fun and others that have a more competitive edge. Yes, you may see the occasional racer in a tutu or other imaginative outfit that at times makes it somewhat harder to conquer obstacles. In the name of fun don't be surprised if you come across some interesting outfits and you may find the course littered with bits and pieces of costumes that just couldn't hang on. This year racers have seen events cancelled or even moved while a few race companies have closed their doors there are still plenty of racers up for the next challenge. It's the adventure, fun, and being with like minded people who really don't care what you wear as long as you finish the course that gets people out in tutus.
Monday, September 16, 2013
What will keep you watching Spartan Race on NBC?
First I want to send prayers out to everyone affected by the shootings in D.C.
Obstacle Racers everywhere embrace you.
This weekend is the Spartan Race Championships, September 21-22, 2013, in scenic central Vermont, near Spartan Race HQ in Pittsfield.
Tens of thousands of obstacle racers from around the world will converge on New England, where $250,000 in cash and prizes will be on the line. At the World Championship, top-ranked Reebok Spartan Race athletes, Olympians, and amateur athletes will compete side-by-side.
Spartan Race has partnered with NBC Sports Group to chronicle the amazing people and stories behind the race series and the World Championship, creating a 90-minute TV special that will air on the NBC Sports Network on October 19, 2013.
Many obstacle racers wonder if this TV special will show others that obstacle racing is a true sport and not just a fun run. What about all the footage from the Utah and Pennsylvania Spartan Races? The masses are a buzz to see what NBC and Spartan Race will put together for the October 19th special.
Good luck to all my fellow racers that will be in VT this weekend and if you see any Corn Fed Spartans make sure to yell "CORN FED" really loud. A special good luck to my fellow Corn Fed Teammate Lawrence Wulgar Phearson, Sasha and I will be there in spirit.
Let's take a vote on what we would like to see within these 90 minutes. Let the voting begin!
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Remembering
I am a native New Yorker, born in the Bronx. I grew up across the river in North Bergen, NJ so the World Trade Center was part of the skyline I grew up knowing. On that day 9/11/2001 I was living in San Antonio, TX already and as I drove to work that morning I decided to leave the radio off. At work everything started to unfold as the news started to come in. My heart was broken and I was scared. I picked up the phone to contact my Mother who lived in New Jersey and often would go into NYC for meetings. I spoke to her or a few seconds before the phone went dead and I could not get a hold of her until later that evening. The phone lines were over taken by so many trying to ensure their family members where ok.
My Father called me at work to tell me one of my Uncles was missing. He worked in the area, but hours later he made it home. One of my Aunts walked home that day taking her 6 hours. It was a day that changed us forever.
Several months later I felt I needed to pay my respects to those lost on that day and the heroes that risked their lives. I made the long drive to NYC from TX. The church in the above picture was not damaged in the attack and as I stood outside the fence the tears started to flow down my face. There were so many people standing a long the fence reading the memorials left by the family members who were lost. New York City was not the same as it was when I was growing up.
As the years have past it does not feel like 12 years. Every year we will continue to remember what took place and be thankful for all the countless heroes. This event reminds us to hug those we love a little tighter and that our freedom often comes at a price. Take a moment to reflect and tell those who are important that you love them.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
The Things We Do For Fun
Getting out there and trying new things helps us become stronger and wiser. We push ourselves to the ultimate limit. At first we hate ourselves for placing such torture upon our bodies, but at the finish the accomplishment of what we have completed is more then we have been able to do before. Do not be afraid to try new things or push yourself past anything that has come before. This is your time to shine and make a difference for not only yourself but those closest to you. Get out there and enjoy life. Sometimes the daily stress of life is only something to hold you back. Each of us has the power to change things for a more positive outlook and better health. Get out there and make a difference. Stop feeling sorry for yourself or not being able to find time. All obstacles can be overcome and sometimes you need your teammates to help. Never be afraid to lend a helping hand. Get out there get dirty and be a positive influence on those people you care about. Don't let people look at you weird because your out somewhere flipping logs or tires. Just ask them to try it. Lets get our family and friends more active.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
Mid-Atlantic Spartan Super 8/24/2013
Doing obstacle races has become somewhat of an addiction. I started off doing the Dirty Girl and have graduated to a Spartan Super. Let me add that it was the hardest Spartan Super to date. I never expected to be challenging myself this much, but after my first Spartan Sprint I wanted to earn the Trifecta as a goal since its been a little bit over a year since I had gastric bypass surgery. Nothing has challenged me more since being in the Air Force. When doing a Spartan Race you picture yourself trying to run the whole course and making it to the finish line in your best time possible. The Mid-Atlantic Super was a true adventure and memories were made to last a lifetime.
Prior to the race I did not have a chance to take a peek at the course map and Spartan never puts course information on their website. I had done the PA Sprint, where the venue was a ski resort and mountain climbing was expected. This race started as any other with everyone running past the starting line filled with energy. Running for a few minutes to the first set of obstacles was nothing major and other members of CFS waited to help other racers over the walls. Then all of a sudden the incline increased and it was straight up the mountain for what seemed like forever.
At each turn there was more of a hike up the mountain. Have you ever tried to run up or down a black diamond ski slope? It is not an easy task, but I saw a few people try and others just hiked. We past a few obstacles and made our way into what I call the forest for the trail part of the race. So many interesting experiences awaited us. You can always expect to slip and fall during this part of the race. I slipped and my forehead was hit with a cut branch. A few inches lower and I am sure I would have lost an eye. My one partner in crime Lawrence hurt his foot between some rocks, which we later found out he fractured his foot in two places, plus gained a nice cut. All along the course the leg cramps and back cramps set in. We started to see other racers suffering because they didn't bring any fuel or hydration. In true Corn Fed Spartan fashion we stopped to help as many people as we could. I am sure those people will remember the CFS team as they reflect on that days events.
The true pain started to set in after mile 5 where I heard many people dropped out of the race because it just wasn't fun anymore. What made this course hard was the numerous amount of times you had to go up and down the mountain. It made your legs beg for mercy. Still we reminded ourselves that we would finish this course regardless of how long it takes us. We came across Sasha who like Lawrence had participated in the Hurricane Heat at 5:30 am that day. All three of us where suffering. It was getting to the point where I could barely walk. With each mile you kept seeing more and more racers sitting or laying down along the side of the course trying to catch their breaths, but mainly gather the strength to continue on. From the slip n slide to the log carry it was a grand adventure that wasn't for the faint of heart. Lucky for me my cellphone worked on various parts of the mountain so that I could keep in contact with my partner who was waiting at the finish line. I vaguely remember her asking me what mile were we on and saying that I had no idea where we were. At one of the barb wire crawls I was rolling and all of a sudden felt dizzy. That has never happened to be before during barb wire crawl, but it was from the miles of mountain we had to travel that sucked the life out of our bodies. At one point I could be heard cussing and saying I just wasn't having fun anymore, but as I reflect I had an AWESOME time. I even stopped to play music from my phone to give me a boost of energy. So if you passed by a person playing "The Heist" by Macklemore trying to continue her small steps because her legs were giving out... Yeah that was me... This event taught each person something about themselves and who powerful the human spirits is. It also showed that people are still willing to help each other when in need. 10 hours later we made it to the bottom of the mountain where Sasha's husband was waiting with pizza in hand and my partner Lizzie was further up with an out stretched hand to help pull me toward the finish line. All this with Lawrence in tow with a broken foot. I cried when I saw Lizzie and at that moment I never wanted to do another OCR, but deep down I knew that wasn't true. The Mid-Atlantic Super at Wintergreen taught me that I am capable of so much more then I give myself credit for all in the name of fun. 
As the pictures and stories started rolling in we remember what took place at Wintergreen Resort. I even saw one racer running barefoot pass us on one of the trails. Other stories had people peeing in their pants because the only port-o-potty was located at mile 6, racers cheating by cutting across the course, and let us not forget the Corn Fed Texas Trio who had to spit in someone's eye to get the mud out due to lack of water. The course director Norm K. did an awesome job designing this course to truly test us. For all those people who told me this was their first Spartan Race please do not think all Spartan Races are created equal. If you made it to the finish line then your ready for anything Spartan Race can send your way. No matter how long it took you to finish this course remember you finished. There were many who couldn't finish for various reasons. Do not count those people out for at least they tried to accomplish the race when there are still so many people that would never dream of it. Never give up and continue to move forward when your out on the course. The only person your truly competing against is yourself unless your running in the Elite Heat then your out there for money.
At the end I limped away with my heart filled with pride because I pushed past all the pain to finish. I even gained a new nickname "Rock Steady Rivera". Given to me by Lawrence who said, "Seeing you face that f#cking mountain, hurting, never once did I hear I want to give up. After resting you got up, stood up tall, unshaken, balanced and determined...that is Rock Steady in my book! Elizabeth Rivera you've got this cold as ice stare, but one of the warmest hearts I know! Glad I was able to keep up, with you and Sasha! We learn from these holy gifts, was it pain..Yes was it survival ..Yes....was it me pushing you....No! Your heart and mind made that defined at the beginning! But it was Awesome to walk the miles and see the souls of Courage!"
I plan to return to Wintergreen for next years Mid-Atlantic more prepared to decrease my time on the course. Maybe next year I will knock it down to 9 hours or maybe even 6. Until then I wish everyone luck at the VT championships next month as I go on my way to train for the TX Beast in December for my Trifecta. AROO! Remember to listen for the sound of CORN FED when your at your next obstacle race event.
Friday, August 23, 2013
On our way to Virginia for a Spartan Super
Early morning flight out of Austin TX was very easy. Now we had to wait for another plane because there was mechanical issues with the plane from Dallas to Richmond. It's going to be an awesome weekend and already we are meeting fellow racers. AROO! Running with the Corn Fed Spartans @ 11am tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Friday, August 2, 2013
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Why I had gastric bypass surgery
Several days after my surgery I remember one of the hospital staff asking me what type of surgery did I have. She was surprised to hear me say I just had gastric bypass surgery. She gave me a puzzled look while telling me that I wasn't big. I knew all the other patients there were much larger then I was, but I explained it had to do with my type 2 diabetes and weight.
A recently published study by Dr. Nicholas Stylopoulos, principal investigator at the Division of Endocrinology at Children's Hospital Boston and Boston Medical School stated, "the secret for the cure of diabetes after gastric bypass lies in the intestine." After gastric bypass the small intestine spontaneously begins to produce a molecule called GLUT-1, which helps the body use glucose. GLUT-1 is not normally found in the small intestine of adults, but normally found only in a fetus. It was thought the improved diabetes after surgery was due to weight loss, but research has shown gastric bypass surgery helps resolve type 2 diabetes before weight loss occurs.
That is exactly what happened with me during my 3 day stay post-op. My sugar levels improved and when I left the hospital I no longer had to take insulin. The weight loss has been an added benefit, but I still have to work hard to ensure I remain healthy. This decision is not something to take lightly and does impact not only yourself but also those around you. I am happy I made the choice to have the surgery and for those who think its an easy way out are so misinformed. Knowledge is the key to so many things and every person has a reason for the choices they make. I know I made the right decision for me and I have prolonged my life.
After seeing the great success I was having after surgery several months later my father had gastric bypass too. His diabetes, sleep apnea, acid reflux, and hypertension are all gone with the added benefit of weight loss.
Dr. Stylopoulos study can be found at the following link:
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Next Stop Mid-Atlantic Spartan Super in VA - Aug 2013
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My Dad and I when we were diabetics and now we are Spartans. |
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Monday, July 22, 2013
Thursday, July 18, 2013
When a Spartan falls they always get back up!
During the Spartan Sprint on July 13, 2013 at Palmerton, PA on Blue Mountain the sandbag carry caused a few slips and falls. One person received a sandbag to the face after he fell, but he got up and kept going. We do these races because we love the thrill and getting dirty has never been so much fun.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Spartan Sprint Palmerton PA - Conquering Blue Mountain all the way from Texas
San Antonio, TX to Palmerton, PA for a Reebok Spartan Sprint. What do you say to driving over 3400 miles within a 4 day weekend for an obstacle race? In the not so long ago past I would have said that was a crazy idea, but not this past weekend. For the glory of our story being heard we hopped in the car and drove to Blue Mountain Ski Area in PA. It was a true adventure that will live in our memories forever. On this trip I realized that no two Spartan courses are the same. Each venue will provide a true test of your will. Remember it does not matter how long it takes you, but what truly matters is getting out there and finishing.
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| Reebok crew filming us for their generational piece |
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| Finish line interview with Reebok crew and SpartanTV |
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Spartan Sprint Blue Mountain Ski Area PA
The excitement is just overwhelming at this moment. Tomorrow we are getting ready to leave for Blue Mountain in PA for a Spartan Sprint. The mountain has an elvation of 2300 feet. Time to put our game face on and conquer this Spartan Sprint along with Blue Mountain. Road TRIP HERE we COME.....
ITS THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
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