You need to be very patient with this stew. It takes a long time. They will gain skill by swimming and running, but the running won't work if you've built the sewing hut. They get stuck at the top and run back and forth. They don't gain skill if they don't complete all of their exercise. They can't complete their exercise if they get stuck! 
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And what if it makes you laugh now but you cry as you fall asleep?