Little things can make such a big difference during recording.
No matter how much success you're having, you can't continue working together if you can't communicate.
Whenever Elvin Jones comes to Seattle I try to go catch him.
I guess by taking lessons early on, and really trying to play all the rudimentary stuff, and try to have it sound as good as my teacher. It took a lot of practice, which I enjoyed, and still do.
I try and stay limber, swim, run, ride motorcycles.
I always loose a little weight on the road, so I constantly have to be on top of my nutrition and hydration.