After Worlds, I returned home for a day…only to be out for a three-week academic camp. After that, I returned for a single day again—two more times—before finally making it down to central Illinois for a more “regional” event. Normal is a very quaint college-town next to Illinois State, and having been here previously for our State Math Competition, I enjoyed discovering new parts of town. Although I struggled in several events (especially the 4x4, which I am still trying to break the elusive 60-second average barrier), I was able to squeeze out a few personal bests in the 5x5 and the Megaminx! I also got to witness Stanley Chapel’s 5x5 Blindfolded World Record—the second World Record I’ve ever witnessed (and also, the second in just a month). Although I likely put too much pressure on myself to try and make cutoffs, I’m glad that I got to compete in ten different events—the most I have ever competed in, and even more than Everything in Evanston (from two years ago)! It’s a grueling and tiring process trying to compete that much across several days—especially in conjunction with summer training for cross-country—but it is also extremely rewarding to go out there and show up. Competing in three events right after an 11-mile long run is no easy task—but I’m glad I did it! Time to put the head down for a bit while I prepare for senior year and college applications. I’ll be back sooner than later!