Strike! Bowling + Life Parallels: Episode 14
When Mary Ann first embarked on the path to becoming a “respectable” bowler, she dove in with enthusiasm and fortitude. Nothing, and no one would stand in her way. What she did not expect was the complexity of planning, thought and strategy that were part of this sport she previously gave little or no thought to, and if she had, surely would have viewed it as mindless but fun. Also, taking her by surprise were the generosity of the people she met, and the life lessons she learned along the way. Join Mary Ann on her meaningful, and at times extremely funny journey.
Episode 14: Mary Ann Hits her Stride.
In the weeks leading up to our last competition, I continued to do well at the practice sessions. My scores during this period consistently averaged in the 130s over the 20 or so games I bowled each session. I had gotten to the point where when I missed a spare or an easy shot it was usually because I didn’t focus or I was tired, and not because making the shot was beyond me.
I would spend most of my time with the ten-pounders now and sometimes would wind up using three or four different ten pounders (some were thrown and never came back, which became a common theme). I started to spin the ball when I needed to get spares on back pins near the gutters. Wouldn’t always work, but when it did, I felt like a real bowler!
My stamina was good during this run as I would still at times be bowling in the 130s even toward the end of the three hours as Craig continued to have fun teasing me about being a machine. I don’t think I am able to adequately convey how enjoyable and competitive bowling was to me when I was rolling well, but I guess it was like the baseball pitcher who always wants the ball, who always wants to get in the game. I couldn’t wait for the ball to come back so I could roll it again. With me, it was speed bowling when I was at my best, and that led to it also becoming about how many games can I bowl tonight.
