Finding Strength in Small Gains: Learning, Lifting, & Looking Ahead - Week 11

This week has been on the quieter side, which is rare around here. Looking back through my photos, it honestly seems like one of the least eventful weeks since I’ve arrived. But even with less going on, a few good moments and lessons stood out.

Training-wise, I made some progress with weights—nothing dramatic, but I managed to lift a bit heavier than before, which felt good. It’s encouraging to see some improvement, but it’s also a reminder that there’s still a lot of work ahead if I want to reach the goals I’ve set. These small gains mean something, but I know I’ll have to keep pushing myself to make them add up over time.

Friday night was a nice change of pace: one of our seniors invited the whole team over for dinner at her place. It was amazing to have a home-cooked meal instead of the usual cafeteria food. I didn’t take any pictures, but trust me, it was delicious. The food, the relaxed atmosphere, and just spending time together as a team made for a great night—definitely a highlight of the week.

Saturday was a different story. We had a meet, and let’s just say it didn’t go as I’d hoped. My times weren’t anywhere near where I wanted them to be, which was disappointing. I’m hoping this experience is part of the process, but I also miss my old coaches and the way they worked with me back home. I sometimes feel like my current coach is still figuring me out—understandable, but it’s challenging to have trained one way and now be expected to shift gears. Still, I’m here to learn and grow, so I’ll keep trusting the process and give it time.

On Sunday, our GA (graduate assistant) helped me and Arvid with some technique work, which ended up being pretty valuable. We spent a lot of time going over details, but it gave me a clearer focus. Now I’ve got a few technique pointers to focus on in practice and drill until they become muscle memory. In swimming, those small adjustments can make a big difference over time.

That’s about it for this week. Not the most thrilling, but sometimes these quieter weeks bring lessons in consistency.