pglewis
Veteran
This looks like exactly what I was looking for in several search attempts.
Older cubers discussions
- Thread starter MarcelP
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This looks like exactly what I was looking for in several search attempts.
pipkiksass
Veteran
@Selkie - very nice 4x4 average. I'm still to get that elusive sub-1. Timer stopped at 57 seconds the other day, but I'm sure it was a mistake, the solve didn't FEEL fast, so I deleted it! Did TheCubicle give any idea how long your Valk M will take? It still shows as back-ordered on the site. I'm seriously tempted...
I'll chime in on the back pain debate: had years of back, neck, and shoulder pain and headaches, sitting at a desk staring at a computer screen all day. I've had physiotherapy, seen osteopaths, etc., etc. Now I'm on long term sick leave - haven't spent any time sat at a desk, and haven't had a headache or back pain in months. I think it's a combination of stress (causing tension in muscles) and long term bad posture.
Anyway, after a freakishly good session 2 days ago, I decided to time a dozen or so solves before I crack on with OLL learning, and I appear to have magically gone from being about 19.5 global average to sub-18 (maybe even sub-17.5). WORST Ao12 was 17.07. Best was 16.09, which is ANOTHER half a second taken off my PB (16.65 for 2 years, then 16.50 on Wednesday...).
I'm not going to do any more timed solves, although I'm certain all my PBs are all about to get absolutely smashed - I was within .1 second of my Ao5 PB and only did 16 solves, which included 2 full-step 13s.
As if anyone on this thread needed convincing of this certain truth - slow practice WORKS. When I returned to cubing in October I was averaging 21.5ish, then on New Year's Day I was averaging 18.8x. I'm not slow turning for slow turning's sake, but in the interest of finishing OLL (and incidental lookahead practice), and my times have dropped by well over a second, after having plateaued for a significant time.
I think, before quitting cubing, the best I ever averaged was about 19, which took me 2 years. After 3 months back, I'm now faster than before. And only about 9 OLLs to go!!! :-D
I'll chime in on the back pain debate: had years of back, neck, and shoulder pain and headaches, sitting at a desk staring at a computer screen all day. I've had physiotherapy, seen osteopaths, etc., etc. Now I'm on long term sick leave - haven't spent any time sat at a desk, and haven't had a headache or back pain in months. I think it's a combination of stress (causing tension in muscles) and long term bad posture.
Anyway, after a freakishly good session 2 days ago, I decided to time a dozen or so solves before I crack on with OLL learning, and I appear to have magically gone from being about 19.5 global average to sub-18 (maybe even sub-17.5). WORST Ao12 was 17.07. Best was 16.09, which is ANOTHER half a second taken off my PB (16.65 for 2 years, then 16.50 on Wednesday...).
I'm not going to do any more timed solves, although I'm certain all my PBs are all about to get absolutely smashed - I was within .1 second of my Ao5 PB and only did 16 solves, which included 2 full-step 13s.
As if anyone on this thread needed convincing of this certain truth - slow practice WORKS. When I returned to cubing in October I was averaging 21.5ish, then on New Year's Day I was averaging 18.8x. I'm not slow turning for slow turning's sake, but in the interest of finishing OLL (and incidental lookahead practice), and my times have dropped by well over a second, after having plateaued for a significant time.
I think, before quitting cubing, the best I ever averaged was about 19, which took me 2 years. After 3 months back, I'm now faster than before. And only about 9 OLLs to go!!! :-D
Selkie
Premium Member
@kbrune - Sorry to hear you aren't feeling your best. Eyesight can definitely cause this so I would get tested as soon as possible to rule it out. I also had a bad neck injury playing rugby some 30 odd years ago and during the healing process I suffered some very bad headaches. The spinal column can directly effect the head. Hope you feel better soon.
@mafergut - I prefer the WuShuang over the Yuxin now. Thats the cube I used at Birmingham Open. Also just got a 1:56.19 ao5 on it on film which I will upload to my channel directly. I do find it a little sluggish now without maru but it flies with that in it. I should get some cubicle silk as it is supposed to be like Maru but last longer than half hour.
@moralsh - Wow what an awesome fullstep single. Congratulations sir
@pipkiksass - No no indication from Cubicle though I have made two orders from them. The second one last night is showing as "Processing(Rush)" and the older one with the Valk M is showing as "Preparing Shipment" so I can only assume the Valk M is ready?! Awesome progress you are making currently on 3x3. Amazing what a bit of change of practice regime can do
@mafergut - I prefer the WuShuang over the Yuxin now. Thats the cube I used at Birmingham Open. Also just got a 1:56.19 ao5 on it on film which I will upload to my channel directly. I do find it a little sluggish now without maru but it flies with that in it. I should get some cubicle silk as it is supposed to be like Maru but last longer than half hour.
@moralsh - Wow what an awesome fullstep single. Congratulations sir
@pipkiksass - No no indication from Cubicle though I have made two orders from them. The second one last night is showing as "Processing(Rush)" and the older one with the Valk M is showing as "Preparing Shipment" so I can only assume the Valk M is ready?! Awesome progress you are making currently on 3x3. Amazing what a bit of change of practice regime can do
pipkiksass
Veteran
Thanks @Selkie - inspired by your 4x4 vid, I decided to knock out a quick timed session, and broke all my PBs (it's been a good week for me!). Also, first session using cross on left, which I haven't practiced, but looks nice in your vid for transitions and consistency. Broke my single PB twice, but I was determined to keep going until I got a sub-1:10, which I just hit with no parity:
single - 1:09.32 (was 1:11.02)
Ao5 - 1:15.48 (was 1:19.23)
A012 - 1:19.16 (was 1:23.82)
My 4x4 times have always been significantly more consistent than my 3x3 in the past, but I think the less I do timed solves, the more consistent my times have become in both events (unsurprisingly). But also my PB short averages used to be considerably faster than long averages, but the gap is definitely narrowing. This is nice, because I feel like I could realistically break my short average PBs (5/12) at any time, where previously I thought I needed a ridiculous run of consecutive flukes, or exceptional solves.
I think if I did an Ao100 at either 4x4 or 3x3 I'd break all my PBs again, but I must stop procrastinating, and crack on with OLL!!!
single - 1:09.32 (was 1:11.02)
Ao5 - 1:15.48 (was 1:19.23)
A012 - 1:19.16 (was 1:23.82)
My 4x4 times have always been significantly more consistent than my 3x3 in the past, but I think the less I do timed solves, the more consistent my times have become in both events (unsurprisingly). But also my PB short averages used to be considerably faster than long averages, but the gap is definitely narrowing. This is nice, because I feel like I could realistically break my short average PBs (5/12) at any time, where previously I thought I needed a ridiculous run of consecutive flukes, or exceptional solves.
I think if I did an Ao100 at either 4x4 or 3x3 I'd break all my PBs again, but I must stop procrastinating, and crack on with OLL!!!
kbrune
Veteran
Thanks for the encouragement and suggestions guys! Much appreciated. @newtonbase @pglewis @mark49152 @Selkie
I never payed a whole lot of attention to my health in my life. Due to a combination of lucky genetics (never eaten well and had a six pack until my 30s) and lazinss. Oddly enough the prospect of having to put my favorite hobby on hold has finally pushed me to actively change some bad habits lol I feel like I should become an ambassador of cubing as a catalyst for health.. a stretch I suppose
I'll keep you all posted if I find a direct cause. In the mean time I'm looking I to many things. More breaks, less marsthon sessions. Re-introducing Excersise, posture related stuff, Adding some vitamins, getting the eyes checked.
@pipkiksass
Nice progress dude! I know you're attributing slow practice to better times. But have you noticed an improvement in how well your Inspection goes? As in being able to remember your solution to cross, enabling pair tracking? I feel like that's my biggest weakness. Although it has improved in the last six months or so. I still find it difficult to solve my cross without focusing on it. Especially for any solutions above 5 moves
I never payed a whole lot of attention to my health in my life. Due to a combination of lucky genetics (never eaten well and had a six pack until my 30s) and lazinss. Oddly enough the prospect of having to put my favorite hobby on hold has finally pushed me to actively change some bad habits lol I feel like I should become an ambassador of cubing as a catalyst for health.. a stretch I suppose
I'll keep you all posted if I find a direct cause. In the mean time I'm looking I to many things. More breaks, less marsthon sessions. Re-introducing Excersise, posture related stuff, Adding some vitamins, getting the eyes checked.
@pipkiksass
Nice progress dude! I know you're attributing slow practice to better times. But have you noticed an improvement in how well your Inspection goes? As in being able to remember your solution to cross, enabling pair tracking? I feel like that's my biggest weakness. Although it has improved in the last six months or so. I still find it difficult to solve my cross without focusing on it. Especially for any solutions above 5 moves
Logiqx
Veteran
Selkie
Premium Member
pipkiksass
Veteran
Thanks! Yeah, I reckon my inspection has definitely improved. The difference between when I was averaging 19ish 2 years ago and when I averaged 19ish now was significant. My cross solutions are better, but I still often only plan 3 edges, which normally results in a slow time (surprise, surprise). I'm too lazy to do disciplined cross training, but I'm sure it would significantly improve my averages.
Hope your injuries improve. Sounds like you're making sensible changes. I'm dreading going back to work, pretty sure I'll relapse into a world of back pain and headaches in no time.
Didn't realise I hadn't already subscribed to your channel. Have now! You do realise I'll now have to practice 5x5 and beat my PBs as a direct result of your video... you're not helping me finish OLL!!!
pglewis
Veteran
Also, this makes me think maybe you're subconsciously furrowing your brow or something during solves. Facial muscle stress or something like that could add up after a few hours and turn into a headache. I find this with guitar playing too... my brain thinks tensing up muscles is how you go faster (it's sooooo wrong). Maybe pay close attention or even film yourself solving.
kbrune
Veteran
I think you just may have helped me find a piece of this puzzle! I've noticed that I clench my teeth when I solve. Long sessions of clenching teeth could also contribute. I'll have to look into to that as well!
newtonbase
Premium Member
I think you've found your answer.
newtonbase
Premium Member
Thanks for these explanations and looking forward to meeting you.
How can you tell that there will be many first timers ?
Relevant information !
My name is Mathieu.
h2f
Premium Member
You can practice cross starting with 2 solved arms and solving only two others. When you feel comfortable do it with only 1 arm solved. Etc. Experiment a lot, for example doing B/B' moves, changing starting position etc.
Logiqx
Veteran
It's been a while since I've done any filming so I did a video session today.
I caught a sub-10 Ao12 on camera. Sadly not for 3x3x3... only Skewb.
The Ao5 and Ao12 were helped by a few easy / lucky solves.
The overall session consisted of 100 solves and it was an 11.41 average.
I caught a sub-10 Ao12 on camera. Sadly not for 3x3x3... only Skewb.
The Ao5 and Ao12 were helped by a few easy / lucky solves.
The overall session consisted of 100 solves and it was an 11.41 average.
pglewis
Veteran
Learning blind fundamentals kinda took over my practice sessions but I can't complain since I'm much farther along at this stage than expected. I'm not even concerned about making many full blind attempts again for a while, I proved to myself that I can do it. Prepared images will speed my memo a lot and I also need to get faster at recognizing pieces within the Speffz scheme and tracing the cycles-- general newbie stuff. I'm currently doing like 20 or 30 min memos, if that's what it takes to scour my resources and dig up decent images for combinations I don't have filled-in yet. It's no fun to just brute-force my way through the list and collecting them as they actually occur in scrambles gives me the other memo practice I need. Eventually I'll reach a point where I only have to look up an image or three for a solve.
Most other practice has taken a back seat but I have kept my vow of not letting 2x2 go stale; all PBs were set in the past week. Also about 10 mins a day on Pyraminx, which is about all I can handle.
Most other practice has taken a back seat but I have kept my vow of not letting 2x2 go stale; all PBs were set in the past week. Also about 10 mins a day on Pyraminx, which is about all I can handle.
moralsh
Veteran
Some updates after Camarma 2017:
I like 1 day comps, sure you have a lot less events than in 2 day comps, but they are intense and more easily manageable from the family point of view.
I had a great morning and a poor afternoon, let´s get a bit into detail.
4x4: 1st thing in the morning we have 4x4 combined final, as I said a couple of days ago, I have barely practiced anything since the begin of the year, but I have a new WuQue and that was enough, 1:16 average and 1:04.99 single (which would have been an LL skip if it hadn't had PLL parity).
3x3 first round: a +2 on the third solve while dropping the cube on the 3rd solve prevented me from having a 18.50 average, but I improved mi PB to 19.16 nonetheless, so very happy about it. My hands were shaky all the way but somehow I managed to stay constant next comp will break 19 I guess
Pyra and 2x2: two events I don't practice at all but at least I had a lucky single (3.38) and also dropped the average on pyra in the second round a little.
3x3 OH: 2 mediocre averages but I improved my single to 27.67.
Afternoon:
Multi: I just couldn't concentrate and DNFed, I was just trying 5 cubes to end in about half an hour, but I even failed the short memo cube, horrible.
3x3 2nd Round: Started poorly and when I was getting comfortable there were no more solves, a pity
3x3 Blind: very slow memos, the second one was a very good scramble and I spent a lot of time searching for a lost cycle that just wasn't there, the DNF, off by a Cycle, was the fastest of the 3 but slow (2:10), again a DNF away from getting a mean.
That was all, next comp in a couple of months, is going to be difficult to get practice, but I guess I'll manage.
I like 1 day comps, sure you have a lot less events than in 2 day comps, but they are intense and more easily manageable from the family point of view
.I had a great morning and a poor afternoon, let´s get a bit into detail.
4x4: 1st thing in the morning we have 4x4 combined final, as I said a couple of days ago, I have barely practiced anything since the begin of the year, but I have a new WuQue and that was enough, 1:16 average and 1:04.99 single (which would have been an LL skip if it hadn't had PLL parity).
3x3 first round: a +2 on the third solve while dropping the cube on the 3rd solve prevented me from having a 18.50 average, but I improved mi PB to 19.16 nonetheless, so very happy about it. My hands were shaky all the way but somehow I managed to stay constant next comp will break 19 I guess
Pyra and 2x2: two events I don't practice at all but at least I had a lucky single (3.38) and also dropped the average on pyra in the second round a little.
3x3 OH: 2 mediocre averages but I improved my single to 27.67.
Afternoon:
Multi: I just couldn't concentrate and DNFed, I was just trying 5 cubes to end in about half an hour, but I even failed the short memo cube, horrible.
3x3 2nd Round: Started poorly and when I was getting comfortable there were no more solves, a pity
3x3 Blind: very slow memos, the second one was a very good scramble and I spent a lot of time searching for a lost cycle that just wasn't there, the DNF, off by a Cycle, was the fastest of the 3 but slow (2:10), again a DNF away from getting a mean.
That was all, next comp in a couple of months, is going to be difficult to get practice, but I guess I'll manage.
Logiqx
Veteran
I forgot to mention that I updated the oldie rankings yesterday. Remind me to do it again later next week when the latest results are on the WCA website.
