I went to a tourney last weekend and my experience was worth the money I lost in brackets and side pots - not really, but worth it nonetheless. anyway, it started like this.....

I had 3 hours before the lights came on, but I was already mentally off my game.

1. one the way there, we got stuck in traffic and arrived 30 mins before start time.
2. rushed to get equipment ready (thumb hole)
3. serious family issues followed me to Reno
4. work

All of these caused a block in my mental game. It screwed my timing and everything else. I was grumpy, tense, felt rushed, and my mind was somewhere else besides bowling even if I tried. All three squads I felt horrible and I felt bad for my teammates. I shot 122 with a high of 226, I couldn't get anything off.

I would watch my ball go down lane, then I knew I had move or make an adjustment, but I wouldn't do it. I knew I was not playing the right area of the lanes, but I wouldn't move. I knew I had a better ball in the bag to match up to what I am seeing, but I woudn't change ball. I was missing left and right and timing was off. It was really ugly - my performance.

After a great meal and some rest, I was ready for the next day. I arrived early, sat up at the stands, listen to some jazz, and relaxed. I didn't think about home or work. I just enjoyed myself lol... HUGE difference when the mind is calm. I went and shot way better games and series. The guys were happy to see the old Me back. I was much more accurate compared to the day before. I had the right ball in my hands and everything was back to normal. The only thing in my head before reaching for my ball from the ball rack was...."stay behind the ball and you'll get it there".....everything was working fine...
 
Next year, I'll arrive a day before, leave personal/work crap behind, prepare my equipment, and find time to relax before each squad.

I've been through the same thing a couple of times. Another thing you and I have to deal with(as we both live in the CA Central Valley) is the huge difference in altitude. We leave sea level and within a couple of hours are at 5000 feet. I suspect that has more of an effect than we realize.

Yes that is true. For the first couple of hours I was aware of it. I'm pretty sure it affected my game somewhat.
I had my first "altitude sickness" when I went Tahoe at 7000 ft above sea level. It took a day to recover. 

Don't know where you guys are but I am not at sea level.....we are at a whopping 3 feet thank you very much! 
 
I really haven't seen a difference in changing altitude....even went I went from Houston, again very close to sea level to Calgary, which is at the base of the Rockies. I tend to see more of an issue with changes in humidity...going from a wetter to a drier climate and vise-a-versa seems to play havoc with my thumb.
 
xray, I normally try to get to any tournament, or even league well early. Just to relax and clear my head. If it is something I am traveling to, a day early is a must for me, for the reasons you mentioned. Costs a little extra for the added night of hotel but worth it to me.

Wow, 3 ft? Is oxygen required at that dizzying height? 

Quote from: milorafferty on September 04, 2014, 03:55:13 PM

Quote from: Jorge300 on September 04, 2014, 03:46:03 PM

Don't know where you guys are but I am not at sea level.....we are at a whopping 3 feet thank you very much! 
 
I really haven't seen a difference in changing altitude....even went I went from Houston, again very close to sea level to Calgary, which is at the base of the Rockies. I tend to see more of an issue with changes in humidity...going from a wetter to a drier climate and vise-a-versa seems to play havoc with my thumb.
 
xray, I normally try to get to any tournament, or even league well early. Just to relax and clear my head. If it is something I am traveling to, a day early is a must for me, for the reasons you mentioned. Costs a little extra for the added night of hotel but worth it to me.

Wow, 3 ft? Is oxygen required at that dizzying height? 

Only when one exerts oneself....it is not needed for normal daily activity....it only becomes necessary when you get way up there, like 5 or 7 feet. 

I get this way when coming out of any chinese buffet...... feet above sea level don't matter....