Shiroko's Growth Diary Week 3
Added 2025-09-26 11:27:40 +0000 UTCTraining consistency held strong this week—six sessions, with progressive increases across the board. Squats hit 95kg for 8 reps, the bar feeling less intimidating as my muscles adapt to the load. Bench at 60kg for 10, pull-ups up to sets of 8, deadlifts pushing 100kg.

The initial soreness has faded; my body's getting accustomed, recovery smoother with dialed-in nutrition—more carbs post-workout, steady protein. Sweat still flows, but endurance is building; I can grind through without as many pauses.

Physique updates: Abs are carving out nicely, well visible now even at rest, a defined six-pack emerging from the once-flat tone. Arms have thickened a touch, biceps showing more curve when flexed, triceps tightening up. Thighs, already primed from biking, feel denser, more solid—quads popping with separation during lunges. Overall, maybe another 2kg gained, leaning toward muscle. It's progress I can see in the mirror, feel in the weights.
But is it enough? Two full weeks of this focused regimen, and while I've improved, it pales against what Sumire achieved in my absence.
She approached me today after my set, close enough to offer congrats on the "quick" progress—her voice casual, genuine.

Up close, though, the gap hit hard: her shoulders dwarf mine, traps rising like mountains, arms veined and massive next to my modest gains. For a split second, my composure slipped—a flicker of frustration tightening my jaw before I nodded it off with a forced smile.
She's levels ahead.

I need to change something. More volume? Heavier compounds? Or dig deeper into recovery tweaks. Whatever it takes; settling isn't an option.

