thanks for your responses! im training xcel diamond and im 16
THEN 100%, don't feel guilty about missing a practice. Life is too short to waste time feeling guilty about not going to practice all 5 days.
The following is NOT recommended, but:
My youngest (LSS) only had practice 3 days a week (Xcel Platinum), and her last 2 seasons, she was lucky if she went 2 days a week between class projects, homework, school activities, mental health days, and physical health days.
Her senior year, she usually tried to go 1 day a week - never even staying for a full practice.
She actually qualified for YMCA Nationals in her 2nd meet ... without practicing between the 1st and 2nd meets (Wisdom teeth surgery that Monday ... not cleared to participate until Friday - Practice Monday, Tuesday, Thursday). Improved her AA by 1.20. Improved on all 4 events 0.20 to 0.35. I know not all gyms would allow that, but we had sent the excuse to HC, and we told her that LSS would be at the meet on Saturday.