Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is more than a movie star. He’s the embodiment of the American Dream, proof that anybody can break through even the toughest times—whether they’re suffering from crippling depression with only seven dollars in their pocket (I’ve been there), or doing that extra bit of work to get in one more rep (been there, too).
When I first took an interest in The Rock’s life and career, it was admittedly tinged with some irony, until I actually watched the man train, learned his life story, and began to honor his athleticism, hard work, and optimism.
The Rock is who I aspire to become.
Since I started my strength and conditioning training, essentially chiseling my body from a shapeless slab of stone to something more Rock-like, I have looked to Mr. Johnson for guidance on the social media website Twitter.com. The Internet is the great unifier, connecting celebrities like The Rock to a Joe Lunchpail like myself, so I address my daily fitness diary to @TheRock, knowing that he could see it and possibly respond to my very important questions.
#onthebrightside, this morning i noticed the very first hint of what will soon be a legit set of ab muscles. #teambringit (cc @therock )
— Feliks Garcia (@feliksjose) June 16, 2011
I developed a relationship with The Rock through my tweets over the course of four years, before realizing that my letters and admiration for him had fallen on deaf ears. I had regarded him as an uncle of sorts, only to realize that, through his silence, he would show himself to be more like my actual absent family than I had expected.
But I remain steadfast and know that if I put in as much hard work as The Rock does during his 4am gym sessions, I will finally get the response I’m looking for—the one I deserve.
So upon combing through my fitness diaries, I determined that these 11 tweets warrant some acknowledgement from my personal hero and confidant, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
1) When my lats got too big for my jacket
Dear @TheRock: YOU NEVER TOLD ME MY LATS WOULD GET TOO BIG FOR MY JAKCET YOU OWE ME MONEY
— Feliks Garcia (@feliksjose) February 18, 2015
He seriously never mentioned anything about this.
2) When I busted my lifting belt doing deadlifts
Dear @TheRock: Busted my lifting belt today deadlifting 305 for 3. Felt as awesome as Hobbs must have felt when he broke through his cast.
— Feliks Garcia (@feliksjose) April 14, 2015
Not even a “Congrats, buddy”?
3) When I wished him well after he lost a pet
I lost my big boy over two years ago, and I’m still recovering. @TheRock
— Feliks Garcia (@feliksjose) September 30, 2015
We all mourn differently.
4) When he saved the day that one time
Dear @TheRock: Loved that scene in #SanAndreas where you held the Golden Gate Bridge together just long enough for that school bus to cross!
— Feliks Garcia (@feliksjose) June 2, 2015
Would have been dope if this scene made the final cut.
5) When the weight of life was too heavy to get in a good workout
Dear @TheRock: Been feeling weak in the gym, lately – like the weight is too heavy, my breath too shallow and labored. Ever feel that way?
— Feliks Garcia (@feliksjose) July 4, 2015
I really could have used some solid advice from an old friend that day.
6) When I tried to exploit our friendship to get that big story
It’d preferably be a day where we test our single rep maxes. I can backsquat a respectable 315 last I checked. @TheRock
— Feliks Garcia (@feliksjose) November 4, 2015
Dear @TheRock: We cld talk about our dads! I never hear talk much abt yrs. Would love to examine that w you. This feature is gonna be great!
— Feliks Garcia (@feliksjose) November 6, 2015
Doesn’t that sound like a fun read, though?
7) When I joined an exclusive fraternity
Dear @TheRock: Crushed my backsquat PR today after I hit 315lbs. My coach happily welcomed me to the “triple plate club.”
— Feliks Garcia (@feliksjose) July 12, 2015
I wouldn’t be a member of any club The Rock doesn’t also belong to.
8) When he popped into my workout for a cameo without saying “hello”
Dear @TheRock: nothing like Fast/Furious 6 for some deadlift motivation. pic.twitter.com/2SFmLqsTle
— Feliks Garcia (@feliksjose) November 4, 2015
I get it. He was staying in character.
9) When I needed some diet tips after a sedentary junk food weekend
Dear @TheRock: What do you normally eat to recover from a long road trip full of fried chicken and capped with pizza?
— Feliks Garcia (@feliksjose) October 19, 2015
How does somebody recover from a glorious weekend like that?
10) When I wasn’t the hardest worker in the gym—and I knew it
I know I could have pushed to 215. @TheRock
— Feliks Garcia (@feliksjose) July 11, 2015
11) When I congratulated him for adding another little pebble to the Rock family
Dear @TheRock: Congratulations on your beautiful bb girl!
— Feliks Garcia (@feliksjose) December 16, 2015
Now that he has a newborn, I’m 100 percent sure he won’t be getting back to me any time soon.
Illustration by Bruno Moraes
