Sun – 1-8-12: 30-minute powerwalk (Panama City)

Mon – 1-9-12: Weights at the gym (Free form – higher volume)

Tue – 1-10-12: 7-mile tempo run.  Felt good… like all was back to normal after a couple weeks of sketchy knees and shins.  Did a 1-mile warm-up, three faster, one regular, one faster, then a cool-down mile.  Wound up with an 8:56 average pace, plus I had a couple “sub-8′s” in there which, again, I was happy to have, given what’s been going on lately.

Wed – 1-11-12:  A nice 6-mile run at a comfortable 9:31 pace.

Thu – 1-12-12:  Weights at the gym (Free form – higher volume)

Fri – 1-13-12:  Day off

Sat – 1-14-12:  17-mile run… that totally kicked my ass!  This was a tough one, to be honest.  I even tried to integrate more short bits of walking throughout.  Still, the last three miles were really uncomfortable.  But I forced myself to continue.  And when I was finally finished, I could feel my knees tighten with each passing moment… so much so, that I could barely make it up a short flight of stairs.  It was brutal.  And it’s not getting much better.  I’m concerned that I maybe injured something… and I have no idea how I’m going to be ready to run again on Tuesday.

BR

The first day of our “music therapy” featured Ellington at Newport – blistering live treatments of some timeless big band orchestrations as only Duke Ellington can do it.  He closes his eyes as he listens, just like he always used to… and not unlike a jazz musician in the middle of a solo… head lightly swaying, as if to reach way back in there for that inspired flurry of notes.   Then Miles Davis, Kind of Blue – “So What,” “Autumn Leaves.” “On Green Dolphin Street.”  Eyes still closed.  The atmosphere in the room has shifted, and we’ve established a cool new routine.

So the other night, I’m sitting in a chair to his immediate right as he lay in bed, under the covers.  My mom is on the other side near the foot of the bed talking to my aunt and uncle (his brother).  And again, the laptop is open and we’re scoping out some tuneage; Dizzy Gillespie, “Night in Tunisia,” along with some Sonny Rollins, Freddie Hubbard, Max Roach – the cats.

The Holy Man

And then… the big daddy of them all; Coltrane.  In my opinion, there is no other music in the world that captures the voice of the Divine more than this guy.

John Coltrane left us early, at 40, 4 days after my 4^th birthday.  But he was one of the genre’s greatest innovators – and greatest sax players – leaving us a towering legacy of incredible music.  Trane was also a devout seeker of spiritual wisdom and practice, which was reflected in his music, and even in certain record and song titles like A Love Supreme, Meditations, Om, Ascension, “Dear Lord,” and “Amen.”

And that Coltrane tone!  I realize the average listener would probably find much of Trane’s most adventurous stuff unlistenable – especially his later records.  But to me, his playing has always been healing, transcendent… like he was tapping into something from another world.  (I’m sure he was, actually.)  Coltrane’s music is like certain kinds of modern art; you either really get it, or you really don’t.  Those who do, experience a slight shift in consciousness every time they hear it.  Those who don’t, usually grimace in a lemon juice scowl and go palms-to-ears pronto.  The reaction can be that polarizing.

A Healing Moment…

Anyway… my dad gets it.  So I broke out Coltrane’s “My Favorite Things” from 1961.  Timeless soprano sax magic from the tenor man.  There had been zero movement anywhere on his right side in the last 18 days.  Zero.  And now, as Trane comes pouring out of my laptop speakers like Tibeten incense… I see his right foot begin to move beneath the blanket; slowly, deliberately, back and forth, like he was tapping his foot in slow motion.  Over and over, with his eyes still tightly shut.  Everyone else in the room notices.  We try not to make too much of a fuss about it, so as not to disrupt him, but it’s hard not to.  We have movement!

And so we continue with Coltrane, the holy man.  The album Impressions – from my year of birth – with the band barreling through the title track like a tornado, and Trane soloing like he’s speaking in tongues.  (I love you, John Coltrane!)  Then “Greensleeves” and “Song From the Underground Railroad” from Africa-Brass.  More foot and leg movement… like three dozen times over the course of 30 minutes. You are the fucking man, Trane!  Keep it coming, my brother.  Testify.  Bear witness.  Let the Truth explode from your lungs.  Fill up this sterile little room in Panama City with your sweaty, smoky brilliance.

We are on our way back, and, wherever you are, we thank you.

And to all of you who have contributed to the staggering collective Light Energy surrounding my dad right now, we thank you, too.

As for the old man… obviously, a neurological connection has been reestablished between the music that he so loves and his visceral way of experiencing it… suggesting that things are continuing to reconnect up there.  Not sure what all this will mean on the longer term, but we’re grateful for all we can get at the moment.

Peace, and thanks again -

BR

Sun – 1-1-12: Another day off – needed the rest… plus, the “Saturday” run happened so late last night it might as well have been this morning!

Mon – 1-2-12: Weights at Lord’s gym in Panama City (Free form… and yes, that really is the name of this place!)

Tue – 1-3-12: 6 mile run around Panama City… took it really easy, as I’m still recovering from some knees and shins fatigue. The idea this week is to log the mileage, but not worry about pace (which happened to be 10:45).

Wed – 1-4-12:  Weights at Lord’s gym (Free form)

Thu – 1-5-12: Since I took my usual Wednesday off from running this week, I did my 7-miler today at a slightly faster clip than Tuesday (10:12 per).  Again, just trying to get through the miles and let everything heal up okay.

Fri – 1-6-12:  Weights at Lord’s gym (Free form)  I foolishly blasted away on a bunch of extra back stuff today, like chins and rows, forgetting that I have to do a long run tomorrow.  I’m sure I’ll pay for it then…

Sat – 1-7-12:  After another night of little sleep, I did NOT feel like getting up early to run.  I just felt burnt and a bit spent, with a sore back from yesterday’s pummeling.  Even the bottoms of my feet were a little fatigued, probably from just being on them so much lately.  Still, with 15 miles staring me in the face, I figured I would try it and see what happens.  It was okay, but I took it really easy.  I walked a little here and there as I drank some water, and really tried to pace the miles easy.  In fact, I had a few 11:00, or even 11:30 minute miles, as I didn’t bother to pause my watch during water breaks.  So be it.  I made it through, still feeling quite a bit of fatigue in the knees once I got deeper into the double digits.

And when I was done, all I could think about was, “Could I really do another 11 miles on top of what I just did?”  Hard to fathom at this point, but there was a time not long ago where 5 or 6 miles was a stretch, and now I can drop 7 or 8, anytime, with little effort.  So, I’ve gotta believe that I’ll continue to get more comfortable with the heavier mileage.

BR

A Letter to the Medical Community

Dear Medical Community –

Now, more than ever, I appreciate what you all do.  Doctors, your years of education and commitment to helping folks get well and be well – even in light of all the tragedy and trauma you’re faced with everyday – is commendable, to say the least.  And all of you nurses and techs… wow. Dealing with all of those bodily fluids, catheters and needles everyday, and bathing folks who can’t bathe themselves… wow.  Don’t know how you do it.   I’m glad you all have chosen the paths you’ve chosen.

All of this said, I have three observations or suggestions I would like to share with you, inspired by my recent immersion into your world these past two-and-a-half weeks.  (For those of you who already know these things, please consider educating those around you who don’t.  There are many.)

Words Matter

Words are powerful things… suggestions to the mind that can either create limited parameters for recovery or provoke unlimited opportunity for healing.  Please mind your words when hovering near the bed of a patient who is potentially faced with a long road back to wellness and normalcy.  Sprinkling your sentences with key phrases like “may never,” “hope to regain some of,” “will not likely, “could possibly, but…” are completely unnecessary to say within earshot of any new patient, even if the patient appears to be sleeping or “can’t likely understand a word we’re saying.”

If we all know that the brain is complex beyond our comprehension, and that any form of brain injury (like that which occurs in a major stroke) is almost impossible to quantify with total precision – especially at the early stages of recovery – then why would you even take the chance of uttering such dismal, discouraging words in the presence of a patient?

And even if you could argue that the left-brain – the language center, home of words, sentences, comprehension and syntax – has taken a serious hit, what about the right-brain, which is completely functional and processing all the vibes, emotions, feelings and less tangibles in the room?  That’s reason enough to mind your words.

So if you see me escorting yet another medical professional – be they a doctor, nurse, tech or therapist – out into the hallway for a “private conversation,” this is likely what we’re discussing.  Our family will not allow any of this kind of talk in the presence of our beloved.  And yes, you can be as brutally honest, transparent, pessimistic or bleak as you want to be to me with your predictions or projections.  I can take it.  My father shouldn’t have to.

Food Matters

While we appreciate your strict adherence to the dietary guidelines we have requested for our beloved, and we know you’re working within a very limited scope of accommodation, I am still mystified at what passes for hospital food these day for all other patients and visitors.  Greasy chicken, sausage, pork-and-beans, French fries, ham-soaked greens and vanilla pudding… for folks who are there specifically for clogged or damaged arteries, cancer or diabetes?  Seriously?  C’mon, people!  It’s 2012.  The science is there.  The studies are there.  The data is there.  The research is there.  The unequivocal proof is there!  Food matters.  The number one determinant of your overall health is the health of your blood, and the most influential factor in the health of your blood is what you eat and drink.  So again, food matters… especially during times of recovery and healing.

What’s this you say?  That the patients might not like healthier, high-fiber, plant-based food?  That they might complain?  I’ve got news for you; they already don’t like the food, and they’re already complaining!  So I would think – at least on your watch – you would want to ensure that the patients have every opportunity to heal, and every opportunity to allow their taste buds to adjust to food that is not riddled with salt, sugar and animal fat.   This way, they at least leave your hospital with a fighting chance that they can actually make some dietary changes and, in fact, will have a clue as to what those changes might look like.

Work Ethic Matters

On a personal note, I guess I’m pretty old school where the concept of “work ethic” is concerned.  I got this mainly from my dad, who I know got it from his dad (who was never once late for work as a welder in over 30 years of employment).  For me, every performance – no matter what the circumstances – is like the last one I’ll ever have.  And every day of hitting the drums, writing, preparation, or training, is like a religious practice.  That’s just the way it is.  You pay the piper and do your work, on any given day, whether you feel like it or not.

And yet, I understand how this concept might not translate to many jobs where folks are in survival mode, punching a clock to pay the bills.  STILL – if you’re being paid an honest wage for services rendered, you kind of have to step up to the plate and do your best, be professional, and go the proverbial extra mile for employer and/or customer… or step aside and let someone else step in who will.

This is especially true when performing a job or service that deals with someone’s health, well-being, or even life.  I understand that your job might mainly be a way for you to pay your bills and help support your family, but let me remind you of the sanctity of what you do everyday.  No matter what your job is in this arena, I believe you can influence and affect, to some degree, what a patient’s recovery experience is like… some of you to a significant degree.

So please, do your job and do it well.  Everyday.  (And I know many of you already do this.)  And if the chart says to give the patient his aspirin crushed in applesauce – and that requires that you take an extra 60 seconds to do it – please; crush that fucking pill.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of these ideas.  And may decades pass before I ever have to deal with you all again.

Best wishes,

Bobby Rock

Sun – 12-25-11: 30-minute powerwalk (St. Louis)

Mon – 12-26-11: Weights at the gym (Free form) – At a cool Gold’s Gym in St. Louis.  They had one of those “cardio theaters,” which has a bunch of cardio equipment in a large theater-style room.  It’s literally like training in a movie theater.  Pretty cool.  But I only did a little cardio for warm-up, before hitting the weights.

Tue – 12-27-11: A disappointing 6-miler in St. Louis.  Man… I don’t know what the hell happened, other than maybe I was still feeling the 14-miler from the weekend, and/or maybe I was trying to hold too fast a pace.  But after 3 miles, I had so much lactic acid burning in my shin muscles that I actually had to walk for a few minutes, just to recover.  It sucked.  But I made it through the run, and still had a 9:50 average total pace…. which was probably part of the problem, apparently.

Wed – 12-28-11:  Weights at my regular gym back in LA (Free form).  Kind of phoning it in lately, I suppose.  Many of these workouts have been functional, but nothing too heavy duty.  If anything, though, all the variety has been keeping the body guessing, which has in turn been keeping me a little sore, which is a good thing.

Thu – 12-29-11: Another 6-mile run around a slightly elongated course back home.  Felt a bit rough, for some reason.  Mainly shins and knees.  But again, while my latest “natural” pace seems to be around 9:30 per, and I just don’t think I’m able to sustain that week after week with these longer miles on the weekend.  Also, notice that I took an extra day to recover this week, doing my usual Wednesday run on Thursday.

Fri – 12-30-11:  Day off

Sat – 12-31-11: Had to take an unexpected trip back to Panama City Beach, Florida, today, so it was quite a heavy travel day.  To say my long run today took place on a Saturday would be quite a stretch.  By the time I was able to run, it was late evening, and I had been up for 23 hours straight.  Plus, I would’ve been running around the streets of Panama City on New Year’s Eve, literally from around 11:00 PM to 1:00 AM (although, as bad of an idea as it was, it wouldn’t have been a bad way to bring in the New Year).  All this, plus I’ve been nursing some tender shins and knees… so I figured I would get some rest, then run my 12 miles early AM, which is what I did.

So – although it was probably more like a Sunday morning run, we’ll call it late, late Saturday night, just to keep the records straight.  Anyway – I took it super easy, even made it a point to walk for short periods here and there as I drank my water. Of course, it affected my average pace (we’re talking an 11:00 minute-per average when you factor in the walking!), but it was just what the doctor ordered….

BR

Reminder:  I’m running the LA Marathon for my favorite cat and dog rescue group and looking for sponsors/donations!  Any size donation is appreciated!  Please visit my donation page here:  http://www.crowdrise.com/TeamKittenRescueLAMarathon2012/fundraiser/BobbyRock

All donations are tax deductible and will really help some animals!  Thanks much…

Let me just encapsulate my 2012 so far with the following paragraph from my newest book, Zentauria.  (This is paragraph one, chapter one, by the way.)

All major changes in life happen in a moment: a phone call, email, chance meeting, the birth of a child, the death of a loved one, screeching brakes, a single gunshot, or the blinding flash of a revelation. From one moment to the next, any of these things could portend a new chapter in our journey. And while the foundation for many of these events might have been laid out way in advance, you can always find the exact moment of any major shift in the life experience.

I just can’t bring myself to go into much detail at the moment, but let’s just say that my most recent “moment” happened in a phone call from my mother on 12-29-11, and less than 48 hours later, I’m visiting an intensive care unit in Panama City, Florida.  This was my New Year’s Eve.

And I’m still here in PC, by the way, taking things a day at a time, with most everything else on hold at the moment.  It’s funny… you can plan, strategize and look forward to any number of things in your life, but anything and everything is subject to change… in a moment.  Life truly is a fragile, volatile, and unpredictable proposition.

About the only constant in my life these past couple weeks has been the gym and the running. And, as usual, the physical training remains stone constant – especially during difficult times – because it shifts from being a mere lifestyle component to a meditative survival mechanism.  Don’t know what I would do without it.  And… yes – I’ve been diligently keeping up with my marathon training in a separate journal and will be updating things around here asap.

As far as everything else, I’m sorry to be so cryptic about the particulars right now.  Hang in there with me…

BR

Sun – 12-18-11: 30-minute late-night power walk

Mon – 12-19-11: Weights at the gym (Free form)

Tue – 12-20-11: Early morning 5-mile run around the usual route… had to miss training group workout today, due to travel.

Wed – 12-21-11:  Workout #1 – A nice 6-mile run around this Dallas suburb today.  A few light hills.  Pretty smooth.  Workout #2 – Weights at my friend’s home gym (Free form)

Thu – 12-22-11: Rest day

Fri – 12-23-11:  Weights at my friend’s home gym (Free form)

Sat – 12-24-11:  14.3 miles in St. Louis.  Clear and cold, low to mid-30′s.  This was a bitch.  I’ve notice that on these double-digit runs, I’m really feeling it in my knees and feet toward the end of the run.  No sharp pains, and nothing that would stop me from finishing.  Just good ol’ fashion fatigue.  I suppose this is normal, but I could NOT have gone much further today.  I feel like I’m at the edge of my capability right now.  Can I do 26.2 miles in 85 days?  Don’t know, folks, don’t know…

BR

When I first had satellite piped in, I was only watching cool shit on TV while practicing; documentaries, thought provoking films, PBS, etc.  But at some point, I started surfing through mainstream TV just to see what was going on in the world, and inevitably, I encountered a slew of these various reality TV programs.  I would generally only watch partial episodes, and I initially found myself in judgment of many of these shows.  “Are you fucking kidding me?  There is a TV show based around this?  What possible allure would this have to the public?” And so forth.

Of course, reality TV, as a genre, encompasses many types of shows, and I don’t mean to lump them all into one category, per se.  I’m sure if you’re into certain subjects – like cooking, fashion, real estate, or entrepreneurship – there are shows that could give you a pretty decent behind-the-scenes education.  Still, so much of it seems to be about pointing a camera at everyday people while they do everyday shit.  Literally, everyday people: housewives, pawnshop owners, junk resellers, pregnant teens, brides-to-be, amateur musicians, even fucking insect exterminators!

Then there’s another faction of reality TV programming that seems to focus on folks whose lives are probably better left private.  Example: There’s a show about drug addicts who are tricked into thinking the cameras are there to document their addiction… only to learn that their entire family has arranged to ambush them into getting treatment through an intervention.  Hey, I recognize that interventions are probably the necessary “final straw” for many folks to get it together.  But to spend an hour watching someone destroy brain cells on liquor, crack or inhalants, only to discover (in some cases) that their rehab program didn’t stick?  Misery.

Another one is all about folks who store an ungodly amount of shit in their house and live amongst unimaginable clutter and filth.  Concerned family members are interviewed, along with the featured hoarder of each episode.  Okay, so something happened to this person along the way, they snapped a bit, and now they need some hands-on assistance.  Fine.  But is eavesdropping on these folks as they trudge their way through the roach-invested piles of garbage and knick-knacks around their home really entertainment?  Misery.

Still another series of shows is all about prisoners, profiled like celebrities, and shown going about their daily activities.  Seriously – we watch the tattooed fucking convict being led around in handcuffs, or taken out into “the yard” for a little recreation time, then ultimately involved in a skirmish of some sort.  Then we get the benefit of an exclusive interview with the tattooed fucking convict, as he eloquently expresses how he was wronged, once again, by a guard, or the system, or a fellow inmate.  Now, don’t get me wrong; I wish the tattooed fucking convict well, and I hope his rehabilitation time is ultimately successful.  But goddamn it!  Is this really a show?  Is this really the best use of 60 minutes of national airtime?  Misery.

My Perspective

From the standpoint of an artist/entertainer/creative person who values any kind of platform for their work, it can be difficult to see this amount of valuable airtime allotted for such viewing… which is why I was initially put off by the sheer volume of these kind of shows.  There I was, in the practice room, metronome clicking, shaking my head in both amusement and despair with these programs, as I blazed through an endless array of rudimental hand exercises like I’ve been doing for nearly 40 years.

How could this be?  What is the attraction?  Shouldn’t television be the place to engage the fantastic… to see and experience shit you can’t see and experience elsewhere?  Anyone can watch these pedestrian, reality TV kind of things play out in everyday life.  Why would we then want to sit on our collective asses and watch more of it play out on TV?  I did not understand it.

Well… once I got past my initial reaction, I’ve been able to occasionally observe these shows without judgment or emotional charge of any sort.  Why?  Because I finally came to terms with the practical function of reality TV: in general, it’s kind of like fast food for the brain.  It’s quick, easy, familiar, enjoyable, even addictive.  You don’t have to think much to watch.  It’s easily assimilated and entertaining enough.  It can also provide some much-needed escapism from the day’s toils.  I get it.

However…

I also wonder what happens to our brains from repeated exposure to this material.  If we liken a lot of this kind of viewing to junk food, I don’t think there’s much harm in enjoying some vegan ice cream, cookies or dark chocolate, in moderation, and in the context of an otherwise stellar nutritional regimen.  But what would happen if you only ate the treats and snacks… if there wasn’t a sound nutritional foundation in place to ensure that your body was well fed?  Your body would atrophy.  Same thing here, I’m afraid.  I would think if you’re only inundating your mind with this schlock– and there’s not much of substance finding its way in – it, too, will experience some degree of atrophy.

Simple formula: If we eat a bunch of junk, our body will falter.  If we watch a bunch of junk, our mind will falter.

Which brings us to…

The Leonardo Factor

Leonardo da Vinci remains one of the more interesting characters in our history for a number of reasons.  First, his work has left an immortal imprint.  It’s 500+ years later, and we’re still captivated by his work and fascinated with his genius.  Second, his radically diverse areas of expertise in both art and science represent human potential to a staggering extent, making him a great example of what’s possible when a human being develops mind, body and spirit to such a crazy degree.  In essence, he’s a reminder of what’s possible for us all… an ongoing wake-up call to hold our own potential to the light for some real evaluation.

So where does Leonardo da Vinci fit into the mix here?  Well, presuming we have an interest in the expansion, evolution and expression of our own “genius” life purpose, I sometimes wonder what all a brilliant mind like da Vinci’s was exposed to everyday, back in the day.  I’m sure he had his recreational downtime.  But what, in general, fed his mind, muse and imagination each day?

And if he suddenly reappeared today, what would he think about all of this kind of mainstream viewing?  Certainly, we all know there’s lots of quality stuff out there, as well.  But if Leonardo were to sit down and scope shows based solely on highest Neilson ratings, what would he think?  And what would happen to that infamous mind if he were forced to watch several hours a day of this shit… eyelids propped open ala “A Clockwork Orange”?  (Food for thought, so to speak.)

Fortunately, we’ll never have to find out.  Instead, we can enjoy his legacy and be inspired to hit our own potential, in our own way.  And in case your TiVo is a little too backed up to view anything else at the moment, here’s a quick little 4-minute tidbit on our boy that reminds us of what’s possible.

Let’s not forget.

Leonardo da Vinci: The man, the myth, the mystery

Peace,
BR

Sun – 12-11-11: 30-minute cross-country trainer workout

Mon – 12-12-11: Weights at the gym (#1 HST-style routine – 10-rep feature.)

Tue – 12-13-11: 4-plus mile tempo run with training group.  A couple of these were in the 7:30 range, which is monumental for me. Felt good… again, like all the training is paying off.

Wed – 12-14-11:  Workout #1 – Weights at the gym (#1 HST-style routine – 10-rep feature.)  Workout #2 – a smooth, leisurely 5-miler around the hood (usual route).  Took it easy, but still kept an average pace just under 10:00… for what that’s worth.

Thu – 12-15-11: Rest day

Fri – 12-16-11:  Weights at the gym (#1 HST-style routine – 10-rep feature.)

Sat – 12-17-11: 12-mile run with training group at the park.  Felt pretty good, but as has been the trend for these double-digit runs, felt some tightness and fatigue in the knees during the last couple miles.  Plus, I felt like it took a couple days to fully recover from the run, which kind of discouraged me.  Other red flags?  Tender shins and some distinct tightness in my right hamstring.  Neither of these really affect the actual run, but I know I need to stay on top of things.  So I’ve been icing the shins ad using this massage device to dig into the hamstring.  Comes with the territory, I suppose…

Onward,

BR

See this post here: http://bobbyrock.wordpress.com/2008/03/06/animal-testing-good-news-and-bad-news/

The announcement was epic for many of us animal lovers, because we’ve known for years about the absolute insane and illogical nature of these tests.  The problem?  When would these ideas go into effect?  How much longer would this barbarism continue?

Well… this week we got a major step closer.  The EPA, NIH and FDA just announced that 10,000 different toxicity tests for chemicals and drugs would no longer use animals!  This is big, people.   The number of lives this will save – dogs, rabbits, rodents, etc. – is almost incalculable.

Scope the quick article here: http://pcrm.org/media/blog/dec2011/government-plan-replace-animals-toxicity-testing

Additionally, the NIH just announced that it would stop using chimpanzees in medical and behavioral research.  (Welcome to the modern world, folks!  Only two countries are still doing these ridiculous tests: the US, and Gabon in central Africa.)

Check out this link: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2011/12/16/nih-puts-crimps-on-research-on-chimps/

Little by little, gang… little by little!

BR