MGS Off-Season Speed Challenge

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

24 minutes ago, Getoffmylawn said:

Can we pin this post mods?  I want to come back to this in 12-18 months when @Lacassemis changing diapers on the unplanned child in the middle of the night, but so glad he got a few more rounds in in the spring of '23!   

[ejgaudette]

57 minutes ago, GolfSpy_SAM said:

Mine is scheduled for next Friday (St. Patty's Day - I'll be drinking a lot of green beer afterwards.  And whiskey. Lots of whiskey.) - glad to hear you're back up and at it after only a week - I've heard a few horror stories, and a few "I walked 18 the next day", so I'm guessing somewhere in between will be just fine

Where'd you start, if you're up to 112? I bought the Ryp Stick, but haven't been sticking with it thanks to ... life. Sigh.  It's part of my post-snip exercise window, though, for sure.

I will just say no walking 18 for me but yeah no horrors.

But back on topic here, I started at 104, and I am about 2 off the goal I set and I came into this off-season having slacked on speed training so some of these gains were easy as I was gaining that lost ground. Though I have started fit for golf and changed up the super speed protocols to target where I was struggling, which is with the red stick.

[edingc]

Final check-in time for me.

I'm about 95 percent back to normal after last weekend's sickness knocked me out for a solid week. Not nearly as warm today as last weekend, but I was feeling pretty good.

First off, my Stack progress continues to inch forward on the Neural Drive program. Despite not being able to keep as consistent of a schedule over the last few weeks, that has been a huge motivator as the season nears:

Unfortunately, ever since the latest couple of FlightScope updates I've had a ton of mis-reads with anything longer than a 7 iron or so. I've either gained 6-9 MPH, or lost 3-4 MPH based on the highs and lows of today. That being said, I did manage a few that "felt" right and below is one of them:

My final speeds were: 117.4, 117.2 and 117.5 for an average of ~117.3 MPH. +3.3 MPH from the baseline.

[ejgaudette]

15 hours ago, edingc said:

Final check-in time for me.

I'm about 95 percent back to normal after last weekend's sickness knocked me out for a solid week. Not nearly as warm today as last weekend, but I was feeling pretty good.

First off, my Stack progress continues to inch forward on the Neural Drive program. Despite not being able to keep as consistent of a schedule over the last few weeks, that has been a huge motivator as the season nears:

Unfortunately, ever since the latest couple of FlightScope updates I've had a ton of mis-reads with anything longer than a 7 iron or so. I've either gained 6-9 MPH, or lost 3-4 MPH based on the highs and lows of today. That being said, I did manage a few that "felt" right and below is one of them:

My final speeds were: 117.4, 117.2 and 117.5 for an average of ~117.3 MPH. +3.3 MPH from the baseline.

Only a couple days left here so I am sure we will see more of this coming in and that is solid progress I know you have done plenty of training before so big gains were likely not coming but 3.3 is nothing to sneeze at.

[edingc]

58 minutes ago, ejgaudette said:

Only a couple days left here so I am sure we will see more of this coming in and that is solid progress I know you have done plenty of training before so big gains were likely not coming but 3.3 is nothing to sneeze at.

Thanks. Yes, I'm quite happy with it. 120 would have been great but a big stretch, especially since I've been cutting since the start of the year. I'm down about 18 pounds from my December high and back to a more comfortable, pre-COVID weight.

Biggest difference is in my floor. In October I was swinging all out when I set my baseline at 114, now 114 is more of a cruising speed.

Excited to see what the season holds.

[GolfSpy BOS]

Well I got out this weekend and while playing various sports games with the boys managed to get loose enough to do my final check in.

 

112-111-112 for 111.66666666666666666666666666 (where's that little 'repeated' mark when you need it?).... ok I guess I get to round up to 111.7MPH.  Considering the real lack of training I did versus my intention I'm not mad at this, basically back up to normal speeds on the radar rather than a true increase in speed.

 

There's still time for me before I need to face my fears and @Getoffmylawn down in NC when I'll need to be on my A game... and I have a Stack System showing up (maybe during tomorrow snow storm) to help in my endeavors on that front!  I'm looking forward to seeing what the AI suggests for a plan for me to see if we can get a little more out of it than I got out of Super Speed.

[snicerz]

@GolfSpy_BOSSo far, I've really enjoyed the Stack system. Started with the Foundation program since it was my first go with speed training. I saw some progress here but it think it was more geared towards getting someone use to speed training and learning to swing the extra weight. The 2nd/current program was on another level. "Full Speed Spectrum" peaked in Phase 2 with max effort swings using max weight (300g). Based on my last checkin, this has really upped my speed. iirc I started around 100 mph and gained around 3 mph from the foundation program using the internal speed estimate but right now, I think I peaked at around 5 mph gained (8 total over the winter) so far in the Full Speed Spectrum. My in-game swings are definitely faster than before and I still have control.

Edited March 13, 2023 by snicerz

[GolfSpy BOS]

8 minutes ago, snicerz said:

@GolfSpy_BOSSo far, I've really enjoyed the Stack system. Started with the Foundation program since it was my first go with speed training. I saw some progress here but it think it was more geared towards getting someone use to speed training and learning to swing the extra weight. The 2nd/current program was on another level. "Full Speed Spectrum" peaked in Phase 2 with max effort swings using max weight (300g). Based on my last checkin, this has really upped my speed. iirc I started around 100 mph and gained around 3 mph from the foundation program using the internal speed estimate but right now, I think I peaked at around 5 mph gained (8 total over the winter) so far in the Full Speed Spectrum. My in-game swings are definitely faster than before and I still have control.

I'm most curious because SuperSpeed worked well for me, but I wasn't getting the standard breakouts between L-M-H swing speeds, so I'm expecting that the AI for the Stack System is going to see a deficiency somewhere that I can train on to squeeze some more speed out of my short frame! 

Also, I'm looking forward to having the app for tracking my progress more than using excel after the fact.

[GolfSpy MPR]

I have one more session in Neural Drive (to be done today) and then my closing baseline. For reference, here's my current Stack home screen:

Those are big, big numbers (for me). I finished last year with an Arccos driver "Smart Distance" right around 240 yards. So you can imagine that my hopes have been pretty high going into this season. I'm obviously not expecting to see anything like 337 on the course, but I thought 250+, maybe creeping out toward 270, could be a realistic hope.

As I've mentioned in a couple of other posts here, last week my two oldest (including Kirke) and I traveled to South Carolina, where I was invited to speak at a church. That allowed Kirke and I to get in a couple of unusually early rounds of golf for us. And I have Arccos data for one of them (the other was played as a scramble).

[drum roll]

The numbers are, to be honest, totally deflating:

To be sure, there are some total clunkers in there: a couple of tops, at least one that was knocked down by a tree. But even the "good" drives are as short as ever.

Clearly (among other things): I have to do a lot more intentional work at transferring my physical capabilities (which are quantifiably there) to actually hitting the golf ball. I can swing fast, but in my mind, it's abundantly clear that my speed training swing has an entirely different intent than my "hit the ball" swing. There is, in that regard, almost no connection between the two tasks.

[snicerz]

11 minutes ago, GolfSpy MPR said:

I have one more session in Neural Drive (to be done today) and then my closing baseline. For reference, here's my current Stack home screen:

Those are big, big numbers (for me). I finished last year with an Arccos driver "Smart Distance" right around 240 yards. So you can imagine that my hopes have been pretty high going into this season. I'm obviously not expecting to see anything like 337 on the course, but I thought 250+, maybe creeping out toward 270, could be a realistic hope.

As I've mentioned in a couple of other posts here, last week my two oldest (including Kirke) and I traveled to South Carolina, where I was invited to speak at a church. That allowed Kirke and I to get in a couple of unusually early rounds of golf for us. And I have Arccos data for one of them (the other was played as a scramble).

[drum roll]

The numbers are, to be honest, totally deflating:

To be sure, there are some total clunkers in there: a couple of tops, at least one that was knocked down by a tree. But even the "good" drives are as short as ever.

Clearly (among other things): I have to do a lot more intentional work at transferring my physical capabilities (which are quantifiably there) to actually hitting the golf ball. I can swing fast, but in my mind, it's abundantly clear that my speed training swing has an entirely different intent than my "hit the ball" swing. There is, in that regard, almost no connection between the two tasks.

I definitely suggest finding a launch monitor or sim that you can hit on a bit. It will help you see how you are delivering the club. Worst case, get some athletes foot spray to see where and how consistent you are hitting the ball on the face. I've noticed that the Stack over-estimates my distance too. Not to the extent that you are seeing but still 10 yds or so. If I rip it out of the middle, yeah it's pretty close to the Stack estimate.

[GolfSpy MPR]

1 minute ago, snicerz said:

I definitely suggest finding a launch monitor or sim that you can hit on a bit. It will help you see how you are delivering the club. Worst case, get some athletes foot spray to see where and how consistent you are hitting the ball on the face. I've noticed that the Stack over-estimates my distance too. Not to the extent that you are seeing but still 10 yds or so. If I rip it out of the middle, yeah it's pretty close to the Stack estimate.

Oh, no doubt this is needed. But this is a long issue for me (one familiar to some of the Forum veterans here): my garage ceiling is too low for me to practice driver (I have a Mevo+), and the nearest range is over 45 minutes away. It needs to be done. But doing it is a challenge.

[snicerz]

43 minutes ago, GolfSpy MPR said:

Oh, no doubt this is needed. But this is a long issue for me (one familiar to some of the Forum veterans here): my garage ceiling is too low for me to practice driver (I have a Mevo+), and the nearest range is over 45 minutes away. It needs to be done. But doing it is a challenge.

I understand your pain. I got a deal on one of those outdoor patio heaters and am able to setup on the back porch. It's a little snug but I know I have just enough room to make full swings. Might consider that route. I needed it to be temporary and not in my living room. I've been out in the 30 with that heater going and a long sleeve shirt without getting too cold. I'll see if I have an pic in case anyone needs inspiration on a bare bones setup that can get setup and taken down within a couple minutes.

 

edit: pic added, the space looks cluttered but it works

Edited March 13, 2023 by snicerz
Added photo

[GolfSpy MPR]

21 minutes ago, snicerz said:

I understand your pain. I got a deal on one of those outdoor patio heaters and am able to setup on the back porch. It's a little snug but I know I have just enough room to make full swings. Might consider that route. I needed it to be temporary and not in my living room. I've been out in the 30 with that heater going and a long sleeve shirt without getting too cold. I'll see if I have an pic in case anyone needs inspiration on a bare bones setup that can get setup and taken down within a couple minutes.

 

edit: pic added, the space looks cluttered but it works

Definitely considered setting up outside, but I have a profound fear of the sky-ball that goes over the net and finds a neighbor's house, window, head, etc. I do most of my Stacking at the church that I pastor (I'm in the only one in the building most days); I may set up my Mevo+ there with foam balls to work on transferring the speed I'm gaining to actual driver swings with contact (with something).

On the "insult to injury" front: came back to Stacking today for the first time in over a week (because of the trip) and tied my second highest Stack number:

[WaffleHouseTour]

On 10/28/2022 at 4:07 PM, WaffleHouseTour said:

I'm game to play.  Team Rypstick Mevo+ SwingTraining mode 95.9 (avg of three swings w two weights)

Hip replacement in a week - so if I can at least be at that speed by March 15 I'll be happy - anything over will be a bonus - so this baseline is a good motivator. 

Well then... I'm a bit disappointed - but all things considered not too much. 

Using the same method of testing - the Rypstick w two weights and the Mevo+ in Swing Training mode I averaged 93.9.  So that is a 2 mph step backwards.  Not good.   I had said I'd be happy being back to 95.9 post surgery - and I think I actually am.  

Even though I set up on Rypstick; I haven't swung it this winter.  I waited my prescribed time to heal and just started the Stack - currently in my 6th session.  So I figured I'd do a stack work out and then swing the RypStick.  Because I've been trending up.  So that'd be great.  And naturally, today of all days was a step backwards... but I swung the Ryp anyway. 

Still motivated.  More so than before. Eight weeks until the Prairie Club opens...

 

           

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

Alright, was able to sneak and get some radar for the final check in here! 
made it difficult with no radar on myself but got it done.

I didn’t get quite to where I wanted at 116 but I feel a million times better swinging and I just feel smoother/better overall. Pliometrics and cardio have done wonders with mild weight training. Another goal I had was to get to running 3 miles (I can’t stand going much longer than that) by the end of this month so will get out there on a milder morning soon and see where I can get.

Lock in my final swings at 113/113/115 for 113.7 (I am not writing all those 6’s like @GolfSpy_BOS) 

going to keep my pattern going here, shout out to @ejgaudette for getting this going it was the push I needed to get back into some sort of workout routine! Hopefully add some things over the year!

[GolfSpy AFG]

I’ll let @Lacassemcheck my math, but I reckon that works out to 119.6.  So close to 120…

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

1 minute ago, Getoffmylawn said:

I’ll let @Lacassemcheck my math, but I reckon that works out to 119.6.  So close to 120…

if you don’t out drive @GolfSpy_BOS off the tee every time in June I’ll never let you live it down 

but Seriously 120 is nothing to scoff at, send em!

[GolfSpy AFG]

4 minutes ago, Lacassem said:

if you don’t out drive @GolfSpy_BOS off the tee every time in June I’ll never let you live it down 

but Seriously 120 is nothing to scoff at, send em!

Thanks.  Max effort swings though…seems like making decent contact will still matter going forward.  

[ejgaudette]

1 hour ago, Getoffmylawn said:

I’ll let @Lacassemcheck my math, but I reckon that works out to 119.6.  So close to 120…

That is some awesome progress, and has me seriously considering the stack especially with the speed stick trade in. Feels like I am leaving some speed on the table.

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

1 hour ago, Getoffmylawn said:

I’ll let @Lacassemcheck my math, but I reckon that works out to 119.6.  So close to 120…

Damn, I was almost ready to lock my 118 in. Gotta get one last check on now to try and top you!

[ejgaudette]

Final Check In Day

Get your checks in by the end of today to see where you place. The bar is set high but one last chance to push those speeds. I know I will be getting out there this afternoon. Good luck everyone!

[GolfSpy AFG]

22 minutes ago, ejgaudette said:

That is some awesome progress, and has me seriously considering the stack especially with the speed stick trade in. Feels like I am leaving some speed on the table.

 

21 minutes ago, Vegan_Golfer_PNW said:

Damn, I was almost ready to lock my 118 in. Gotta get one last check on now to try and top you!

I won't lie, had a healthy dose of pre-workout pumping through me...

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

Boom!

Edit:After this I did do three more swings and hit one swing at 121. I’ll stick to the rules though. 120 is my lock

 

[ejgaudette]

4 minutes ago, Vegan_Golfer_PNW said:

Boom!

 

After this I did do three more swings and hit 121. I’ll stick to the rules though. 120 is my lock

Nice moving, and just gonna give @Getoffmylawn my lawn a friendly reminder that you both started at the same speed and let him guess where this just put him in the standings

[GolfSpy AFG]

1 minute ago, ejgaudette said:

Nice moving, and just gonna give @Getoffmylawn my lawn a friendly reminder that you both started at the same speed and let him guess where this just put him in the standings

Damn it!  One measly MPH in difference!

Nice work @Vegan_Golfer_PNW!

[ejgaudette]

1 minute ago, Getoffmylawn said:

Damn it!  One measly MPH in difference!

Nice work @Vegan_Golfer_PNW!

Actually 0.4 difference right now. Feel free to run another check in this evening as long as you have not been speed training right before I am good with it.

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

2 minutes ago, Getoffmylawn said:

Damn it!  One measly MPH in difference!

Nice work @Vegan_Golfer_PNW!

Thanks. Although I think @GolfSpy MPRis gonna smoke is in overall gain

[ejgaudette]

Just now, Vegan_Golfer_PNW said:

Thanks. Although I think @GolfSpy MPRis gonna smoke is in overall gain

He just might come in hot, he is right there

[GolfSpy AFG]

Just now, ejgaudette said:

Actually 0.4 difference right now. Feel free to run another check in this evening as long as you have not been speed training right before I am good with it.

No way man, my entry is in.  I went and did a pretty heavy weight routine...I'm fried.

Which according to somebody on another thread, I shouldn't do that and I don't know how to train properly...  

Won't get started on that...

[ejgaudette]

2 minutes ago, Getoffmylawn said:

No way man, my entry is in.  I went and did a pretty heavy weight routine...I'm fried.

Which according to somebody on another thread, I shouldn't do that and I don't know how to train properly...  

Won't get started on that...

Yes lets leave that aside and that you have gained 11 mph this off season even though you have done super speed before, clearly its not working