What I learned during May's VBT bowling

[classygranny]

First off, let me start by saying that my May was extremely busier than I had anticipated. The first of the month is always busy for me, so it rarely allows for any extra bowling or practice. Then we went on a much needed vacation from the 18th - 25th. Thus, leaving me only 6 days to "catch-up" and bowl/practice. The one day I anticipated having time it turned out a meeting went quite longer than it should have, and I neglected to stop on my way home as I would have been out past dinnertime. Now timing is running out and I MUST bowl on Friday unless I want to forfeit. So I decide in my questionable wisdom to bowl Friday afternoon. Here's some things I learned....

1. Never bowl less than an hour after you have just had a minor surgical procedure done. You're still numb and you really can't feel if you are experiencing any discomfort or pain.

2. I had already bowled Friday morning in my league, made some work deliveries, gone to the doctor (see #1) and still wanted to get home at a decent hour, so I skipped any type of warm up and just started in bowling - for score. First game, lousy. Second game, so-so. Third game, decent-not great. Wish I would have felt better, not been so hot or rushed.

3. I bowl way to fast when it is only me and I'm thinking of my limited time frame. I just couldn't seem to get my timing slowed down. I was too hot, due to the pace, just couldn't seem not to bowl fast, as I was there to bowl. I either need to take someone with me - to bowl with, or talk to, in between frames.

4. Since I hadn't practiced in a very long time (or met with my coach) I wanted to try a few things so I did. This is not conducive to scoring well (for the VBT). And there were way TOO MANY things to have to concentrate on.

5. Since it was a new alley, I had to adjust a few things. Couldn't line up as normal as their approach had different lines/markings-so I kept playing around with what I thought was "normal". (Now I need to go to BZ and figure out what I need to do if this happens again.) The lane boards were very much the same color, so targeting down lane was near impossible. Another adjustment. I'm still having a bit of trouble with my release (which I am thinking is more a problem with my timing) so I had to concentrate hard on that.

6. Then, I had decided that I wanted to shoot all my non-double wood spares with my spare ball. Could have used a bit more practice with this, prior to attempting to score well.

7. This alley has all different scoring devices and they show some data on them I was not use to seeing. One being the ball speed. I found myself playing around with the speed to see what some differences were. Again, a very good learning experience - not good for scoring.

8. In hindsight, I wish I could have gone and taken my time, felt good, and not attempted to concentrate on so many things.

This was a really good experience for me, as I will be bowling in a few tournaments this summer and now I am aware of some of the differences I may encounter. Also, I really need to spend some time with my coach. Haven't been able to since last October.

Hopefully, June will be better. See that I'm bowling at an AMF that is easy to get to/from.

Oh, and another note - when I went to check the open times for the AMF as I knew they were limited. I notice a note for their summer hours. They all have more hours now - based on the school year, so this one opens at noon - every day. At least the kids will have something to do when it is so hot outside since most are opening before 4 pm.

Sorry for the length, just venting over my own stupidity...

Cliff notes: Practice and bowling for VBT shouldn't be at the same time. AND new bowling alleys sometimes take concentrating on things you never consider at your home houses.

[Stormed1]

I can relate to the busy month of May. Besides my normal dialysis 3 times a week plus church obligations of choir and elders meetings I also had 2 tournaments already schedules plus several doctor visits and teasts towards getting on the kidney trandsplant list. Like you i ended up having to bowl on Friday . the center opens at noon and I had to be home by 3 to be there when my grandson gets home from school. The lanes had not been oiled since Tuesday so.... oh boy. I ended up over average a few pins 2 of the 3 games and about 10 under the other one. Ended up getting home just as his bus arrived at the corner.

[Aslan]

I appreciate that CG and Stormed DID bowl.

My only take-away from this is…the last few days going into a new month of VBT…I strongly urge participants to look at a day or weekend…in the upcoming month…and just pick a few days you think you can participate. I know we're all busy with the summer approaching, but putting it off until the last minute, as mentioned here, can be detrimental to your performance.

[tccstudent]

I appreciate that CG and Stormed DID bowl.

My only take-away from this is…the last few days going into a new month of VBT…I strongly urge participants to look at a day or weekend…in the upcoming month…and just pick a few days you think you can participate. I know we're all busy with the summer approaching, but putting it off until the last minute, as mentioned here, can be detrimental to your performance.

Me and Jerrall are planning on going next sat. The main reason is cause my summer classes start on the 9th and I am taking two 4 week classes and the first one is supposed to be very tough. So I want to get the VBT out of the way so I can just concentrate on my schoolwork

[Stormed1]

my biggest shortcoming for may was 14 days of dialysis which drains me and 10 days of tests at the University of Chicago for transplant consideration. I will be bowlin June either this week or next

[Aslan]

my biggest shortcoming for may was 14 days of dialysis which drains me and 10 days of tests at the University of Chicago for transplant consideration. I will be bowlin June either this week or next

I'm sure it goes without saying our prayers are with you.

[Amyers]

I'm sure it goes without saying our prayers are with you.

We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. An amazing feat to go through that and still be able to bowl.

[Stormed1]

Bowling is what keeps me going.
.

[Bunny]

1. A 45 mile radius covers a lot of area. Some areas are not so nice. I live in a bubble!

2. Make sure that ALL the centers you pick have air conditioning. Westminster Lanes does not. Sweaty bowling not good!

3. 30 days goes by really quick. Or I'm busier than I thought!

[Bunny]

I can relate to the busy month of May. Besides my normal dialysis 3 times a week plus church obligations of choir and elders meetings I also had 2 tournaments already schedules plus several doctor visits and teasts towards getting on the kidney trandsplant list. Like you i ended up having to bowl on Friday . the center opens at noon and I had to be home by 3 to be there when my grandson gets home from school. The lanes had not been oiled since Tuesday so.... oh boy. I ended up over average a few pins 2 of the 3 games and about 10 under the other one. Ended up getting home just as his bus arrived at the corner.

Wow Stormed! You're amazing and an inspiration. You'll be in our thoughts and prayers.

I can send distance Reiki too. I'm a certified Reiki Master. (Reiki is universal healing energy. Like "The Force" in Star Wars.)