- SLUG: Sports-Running Bowler,328
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By RUSS OVIATT
Cronkite News
PHOENIX – Bowling is his profession. But running is Andrew Cain’s passion. The two endeavors work hand in hand for the 35-year-old from Phoenix.
“Mentally, it gets me in the right frame of mind. It’s great to be out with nature, a lot of people enjoy that experience, but it certainly helps me mentally to try and get a little bit of perspective and focus,” said Cain.
Cain was the National Amateur Champion in 2002 and has been part of the Professional Bowlers Association since 2007. He’s earned over $79,000 and has one PBA Regional title, but is still looking for his first PBA National title.
Running has always been his passion. He has run Spartan races, hiked trails, and run marathons by himself and alongside his wife, Jennifer. Finishing and setting a new personal record are his main focuses.
“It’s a different change of pace from bowling and certainly from a lot of the other workouts, but running is a different adventure every time we go out,” Cain said.
Jordan Nassberg, Cain’s bowling coach, believes basic exercise and running is the best way to stay in shape for bowling.
“Fitness is very important for a bowler,” Nassberg said. “There is a difference with being in bowling shape and actual shape. You must have endurance and jogging and running is the best way to get it.”
Runners encounter environments that are always changing. So do bowlers with different lanes and oil patterns. These similarities between the two has helped Cain become mentally stronger.
“Running trail, you can’t just tune out and listen to music, you have to pay attention to every foot fall which is no different from what I have to do on the lanes when I have to pay attention to my environment and how everything changes,” said Cain.
Running long distances in different races helps Cain build strength and durability for competition.
“That’s crucial,” said Nassberg. “He doesn’t have to practice as much to be able to maintain his focus and ability to throw the same shot from the beginning to the end of the day which could be eight to 10 hours later, because he is an athlete.”
Cain said running brings balance to his bowling. Often on tour, he spends 10 to 12 hours in a bowling center in one day.
“Running is great because it gets you outdoors. It’s a different environment, different change of pace, it’s just a lot of fun to do something that provides a great balance with what happens out on the lanes so I can focus,” said Cain.
Bowling is the focus for the next few months until his next Spartan race in Arizona in February.
