Serving the Iron Legion: Mithras, Epistane, and Trenavar

SPLocal

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Welcome

This log will chronicle my experience with Dimethandrostenol, a relatively new designer compound released under the name “Mithras” by Iron Legion. It will be stacked with Epistane and Trenavar.

Having recently embraced raw powerlifting, the tone and tact of this log will be somewhat different than my previous pursuits. A year of structured powerlifting training awaits me before I can consider myself fit for competition. Ideally, I would like to compete in the 181 weight class, hopefully within the local USPA outlet.

Of course, my bodybuilding history precludes me from wanting to enter that weight class via the quick-and-easy dirty bulk. Unfortunately, my transition into a powerlifting orientation (I suppose it could be called power-building) amidst life’s other exigencies (finishing university and moving back home, principally) has left me in my current state: stronger than ever (with proper form), heavier than ever, but with perhaps the most bodyfat I’ve ever carried before (I’d estimate myself to be around 15-16% at the moment, though perhaps I am more strident in my self-criticism).


Thus, the goal of this run is not an arbitrary weight gain or strength benchmark, rather it is to improve my body composition in a way concomitant and conducive to competitive strength and conditioning as a (hopeful) raw powerlifter. If I can emerge from this run (i.e. post-PCT) as a lean (~13%) 175lbs or greater, I will be set to devote the full force of my attention to powerlifting.


Cycle Blueprint

Mithras: 25/25/25/25/0/0
Epistane:0/0/40/40/40/40/40
Trenavar: 0/0/90/90/90/90/90

Ancillaries (run at bottle-recommended dose):
AL Aegis
AL Achilles
BLR Formeron
BLR Prolactrone

All PH/Ancillary doses are subject to change in light of sides, gains, health concerns, etc.


PCT Blueprint

Clomid: 50/50/25/25/25
Nolva: 20/20/10/10/10
Exemestane: Dosed as necessary, 12.5 to 25mg EOD

I will also include DAA and, if money allows, ArA.

Diet and Training


In light of my strength concerns, my diet will be kept at slightly above maintenance calories and will be clean to the best of my abilities. My current physique is not the product of dirty bulking, but simply of consuming too many calories per diem. I will manipulate my carb intake somewhat but—above all—lean massing is the goal for this run (and maintaining strength gains, of course).

My training will be roughly based on Wendler’s “5/3/1 for Powerlifting” template, but with modifications to accommodate more volume and working sets in light of the anabolic assistance.


Gratitude

This log may differ somewhat from my previous logs, particularly as I find myself trying to be less long-winded with my posts (excluding this introduction, of course). Updates will be short and to the point, but tracking my caloric intake and weight movements will be par the course.


I’d like to extend my thanks at the outset to all who are following, and particularly to Iron Legion for taking the initiative in bringing new compounds to the market. This is not a sponsored log, but it may be said that I am a Legion fanboy to the core. My experience with Triumphalis was the most enjoyable cycle I’ve run to date, and if all goes well here I look forward to stacking Triumphalis with perhaps Legio-X (Norethandriol) somewhere down the line, perhaps once I get further into the world of powerlifting.
 

SPLocal

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Week One: Day One-Press Complex A
--Power Movement--
BB Flat Bench: 210x3, 235x3, 260x3, 275x1, 275x1, 280x1
Extra Work: 235x5, 235x5, 235x5, 235x5, 235x5
--SST Movement--
BB CG Bench: 210x5, 210x5, 210x5, 210x5, 210x5
--Volume Accessories--
DB Flat: 75x10, 75x10, 75x10
DB Lateral Raise: 30x10, 30x10, 30x10
Weighted Dips: +25x10, +25x10, +25x10
Cable Tricep Pressdown: Unilateral Overhand (45x10, 50x10, 55x10, 60x10), Unilateral Underhand (30x10, 35x10, 40x10)

And we are off! Perhaps the most major modification I am making to Wendler's program is to double the "3-rep week" platform (70/80/90% 3x3). Rather than applying the standard template, I will be hitting the Big Three in the 3-range every session for two weeks at a time, and instead apply extra repetition work (i.e. 5 rep) as a "cool down" after the heavy lifting. Upon every third week, I will apply the 5/3/1 test and attempt to set a record. I will also be increasing the gauged training maxes by a small increment each week to facilitate a progressive overload and take advantage of recovery/strength gains I hope that Mithras will provide (and seems to have given to other loggers).

Consumption:
Meal A: 80g oats, 1 scoop isolate, 100g cottage cheese
Meal B: 1 scoop isolate, 100g chicken breast, 100g chicken thigh, 4 pcs ezekiel bread, assorted veggies
Meal C: 100g chicken thigh, 1 scoop isolate, 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk, 4 pcs ezekiel bread, assorted veggies
Meal D: 2 tbsp peanut butter, 200g cottage cheese
Meal E: 200g chicken breast, 200g cottage cheese, 2tbsp peanut butter, assorted veggies

~3082 cal, 110g fat, 220g carb, 303g prot
 

SPLocal

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So in on this mang :)
In- extremely well planned.
Thanks for following, I'm hoping to recomp with this run and I think I've chosen compounds conducive to that.
All that remains is to maintain a clean and controlled minor surplus with my diet; I'm confident that the demands of my training will mesh well with the overall diet/anabolic scheme.
 

SPLocal

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Week One: Day Two-Legs Complex A
--Power Movement--
BB Deadlift: 350x3, 405x3, 455x3, 460x1
Extra Work: 405x5, 355x5
--SST Movement--
BB Squat: 225x5, 275x5, 315x5, 320x5
--Volume Accessories--
HS Hack Squat: 180x10, 270x10, 340x10, 180x10 (Slow negative, dead stop after full ROM, and then explosive positive)
BB Deficit Deadlift: 225x5, 275x5, 315x5, 365x5
Weighted Hyperextension: +35x10, +35x10, +35x10
Leg Extension: Uniltaeral, 30x10, 40x10, 50x10, 60x10, 70x10; Bilateral: 120x10, 140x10, 180x10

Decent session today, I'm sure I will be feeling it tomorrow; in the future my SST work for both lower and upper body training will consist of an attempted 5x5 at 80% of my 1RM. After the heavy triples/singles of the power movement, I'm sure this will be a challenge but I'm up to it.

I plan to post weekly assessments of the power/sst lifts to gauge how linear the progress is. On other accessories I will attempt a 5-10lbs increase for the same number of repetitions weekly, using rest-pause if necessary to gut it out.

As far as diet is concerned, I am considering applying carb cycling principles after this week of "stabilization" where the focus is simply to clean and tighten up my intake and orientation.

Any thoughts on this? I've also looked into carb backloading but given that I begin lifting at 6:00-6:30 AM I'm wondering how that will work exactly.

Consumption:
Meal A: 80g oats, 1 scoop isolate, 100g cottage cheese
Meal B: 1 scoop isolate, 200g chicken breast, 4 pcs ezekiel bread, 2 tbsp peanut butter, assorted veggies
Meal C: 1 scoop isolate, 200g cottage cheese, 4 tbsp peanut butter
Meal D: 200g chicken breast, assorted veggies
Meal E: 200g cottage cheese, 4 tbsp peanut butter

3106kcal, 130g fat, 180g carb, 304g protein
 

Big Elmo

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I'm interested in seeing your progress! GOOD LUCK!!
 
Hyde

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So in for this. So did you begin the anabolics already then?
 

SPLocal

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Week One: Day Three-Press Complex B
--Power Movement--
BB Flat Press: 210x3, 240x3, 270x3, 280x1, 285x1
Extra Work: 240x5, 240x5, 240x5, 240x5, 240x5
--SST Movements--
BB OHP: 135x5, 135x5, 135x5, 135x5, 135x5
BB CGBP: 225x5, 225x5, 225x5, 225x5, 205x5
--Volume Accessories--
Weighted Dips: +35x8, +35x8, +35x8
Cable Tricep Pressdown: 100 repetitions, undulating weights and bi/unilateral grips

Good session today, the lifts speak for themselves. I employed full competition commands for the 285 and it went off without a hitch.
I am strongly considering signing up for a PL meet in October, and I will more than likely do so. Changes to the training and/or anabolic template may occur, so be on the lookout.

Consumption:
Meal A-80g oats, 1 scoop isolate, 100g cottage cheese
Meal B-1 scoop isolate, 200g chicken breast, 4 pcs ezekiel bread, assorted veggies
Meal C-1 scoop isolate, 200g cottage cheese, 4 tbsp peanut butter
Meal D-1 scoop isolate, 100g chicken breast, 2 tbsp peanut butter, assorted veggies
Meal E-1 scoop isolate, 200g cottage cheese, 4 tbsp peanut butter, assorted veggies

3187cal, 135g fat, 185g carb, 308g prot

(Went a bit nuts with the peanut butter today)
 

SPLocal

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Week One: Day Four-Legs Complex B
--Power Movement--
BB Squat: 280x3, 320x3, 360x3, 375x1, 380x1
Extra Work: 320x5, 320x5, 320x5
--SST Movement--
BB Deadlift: 405x5, 380x5, 320x10, 320x10
BB Breathing Pause Squats (5-second pause): 285x1, 285x1, 285x1, 285x1, 285x1
--Volume Accessories--
Leg Extension: 100 repetitions, undulating weights and bi/unilateral movement

Work, work, and work. Deadlifts after those squats more or less knock me out for the rest of the session. For some reason I seem to rebound more after my deadlift-first session but then again I've always found squats to be more demanding than pulling.

Also, a bit of news: this log should now be titled Powerlifting for the Iron Legion, as I've signed up for my first-ever meet on October 19th.

Six weeks out, lets see what I can do before then!

Regarding the caloric intake, I will try to keep weight gain to a minimum and may lower my intake to recomp. A lean 175 would be nice, though at the moment I'm hovering at 179-180. Not too much room to slip there.

Honestly, I had wanted to train for another year and bring my numbers up before competing. But when I realized that this meet would be the last meet in the relative area for some time, I felt that I should just take the plunge and commit. My goals are simply to not bomb out, to set a PR in at least one of the lifts, and to go 9/9.

When I filled out that entry form, and my Dad told me he would back me up for the 4-hour drive out to the meet, I felt like a little kid on Christmas and couldn't even sleep. I've talked (as do most people) a lot of game over the years about what I want to do, where I want to be, and what training means to me. But now that I'm locked in to a competition, I'll have to put up. I have no illusions about placing anywhere remotely "good" for my weight class, but to go in and do the damn thing--well that's the first step that we all have to take.

Consumption:
Meal A-80g oats, 1 scoop isolate, 100g cottage cheese
Meal B-1 scoop isolate, 200g chicken breast, 4 pcs ezekiel bread, 200g cottage cheese, assorted veggies
Meal C-200g cottage cheese, 1 scoop isolate, 4 tbsp peanut butter, assorted veggies
Meal D-60g almonds, 200g chicken breast
Meal E-Ceviche!

(Calories not available, I'm estimating ~3100-3200)
 

SPLocal

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Week One : Day Five-Pull Complex
--Heavy Compounds--
BB Row: 225x8, 225x8, 225x8
Weighted Chins: +45x5, +70x5, +80x4
--Intermediate Work--
DB Row: 80x10, 85x10, 90x10, 95x10, 100x10
BB Curl: 75x8, 80x8, 95x6, 95x6, 95x6
Cable, Straight-Arm Pulldown: 120x10, 130x10, 140x10, 140x10
--Volume Work--
Seated Cable Row: 120x12, 130x12, 140x12
Cable Curl, Rope Attachment: 100x12, 120x12, 130x12, 140x12

Extra Work: Press Complex A
--Power Movement--
BB Flat Bench: 215x3, 245x3, 275x1, 280x1, 290x1, 295x1
--SST Movement--
BB Floor Press: 210x5, 225x5, 225x5, 225x5
--Volume Accessory--
Cable Tricep Pressdown: 80x10, 90x10, 100x10, 110x10, 120x10, 130x10

The Mithras has landed.

The Pull Complex is supposed to be a back-biceps session but things felt dodgy at the start due to yesterday's deadlift madness.
For some reason I felt drawn to the bench, decided at the very minimum I would do some singles and then head home after foam roll/mobility work (Agile 8).

I ended up setting a PR and then going through an entire back session as I had planned. Arm/forearm pumps ensued to the point of pain.

I will be taking the next two days off completely to form a battle plan for meet prep; I will also begin training with commands (though I've already been dabbling with them for things like the bench) and minor adjustments including not facing a mirror while squatting to get a feel for contest lifting to the best of my abilities.

Next Saturday I will be attending a local meet to spectate and get a sense of the technicalities and what the USPA is like. Epistane dosing will begin next week but I may opt for a lower (30mg) dose.

Consumption:
Meal A: 80g oats, 1 scoop isolate, 100g cottage cheese
Meal B: 1 scoop isolate, 200g chicken breast, 4 pcs ezekiel bread, 200g cottage cheese, assorted veggies
Meal C: 1 scoop isolate, 200g cottage cheese, assorted veggies
Meal D: 200g chicken breast, assorted veggies
Meal E: 1 scoop isolate, 200g cottage cheese, assorted veggies

3050kcal, 90g fat, 180g carb, 370g protein
 

SPLocal

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Meet Prep Week One: Day One-Legs Complex A
--Power Movement--
BB Squat: 285x3, 325x3, 365x3, 385x1, 385x1
--SST Movement--
BB Deadlift: 375x5, 405x5, 425x5
--Accessories--
"Opener" Prep (BB Squat): 325x3, 325x3, 325x3, 325x3, 325x3
Leg Press (plates per side): 2x5, 3x5, 4x5, 5x5, 6x5, 6.5x5
Paused Squats, 3-second hold: 285x1, 285x1, 285x1, 285x1, 285x1
Weighted Hyperextensions: +45x8, +45x8, +45x8

And so begins the prep, I'm running a modified template of what Wendler outlines in his book.

My Dad has been supportive and is coming in to run commands with me during 90-95% attempts.
My current goal for the competition would be a 405 squat but that's somewhat hopeful, perhaps adrenaline will help in that regard.

I'll also be tightening up the diet to stay within weight class boundaries.

Consumption:
Meal A: 80g oats, 1 scoop isolate, 1 scoop cottage cheese
Meal B: 1 scoop isolate, 200g chicken breast, 2 pcs ezekiel bread, 2 pcs corn tortilla, assorted veggies
Meal C: 1 scoop isolate, 200g cottage cheese, 2 tbsp peanut butter, assorted veggies
Meal D: 1 scoop isolate, 300g cottage cheese, 6 tbsp peanut butter, assorted veggies

~2900kcal, 110g fat, 185g carb, 280g protein
 
Sean1332

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If you hit 385 for 2 sets, after working sets, 405 is well within reach.
 

SPLocal

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If you hit 385 for 2 sets, after working sets, 405 is well within reach.
I'm hopeful of that, perhaps over the next few weeks things will pick up.
Strength gains via Mithras have not been as noticeable with the squat but I suppose I'm working with some structural imbalances after squatting improperly (shallow) for the past 2 years.

Endurance seems to have picked up quite well however, arguably one of my favorite aspects in a cycle.

I am still debating whether to pursue the 3x3 platform only for the next 4 weeks or so and retaining the 5-rep work for my main accessory movement, or whether to run a full 5/3/1 cycle since I have the time for it.

Personally, the more time I spend under a particular load, regardless of whether I hit the lift itself or not, the more comfortable and confident I become with it. I suppose that's why I favor the 3x3 so much for the main lifts. The second-week's 3x5 template tends to gas me and I dislike the lack of singles.
 
Sean1332

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Look at his volume Peaking Plan or Advanced Template in Beyond
 
drewsicle3210

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You taking 5 caps per day?

The label I pulled up puts Mithras at 5mg per cap. Forgive me if this had already been addressed.
 

SPLocal

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You taking 5 caps per day?

The label I pulled up puts Mithras at 5mg per cap. Forgive me if this had already been addressed.
Correct, that's 25mg and gets me about 5 weeks out of two bottles. From what I've read 20-25 seems to be the current sweet spot but I believe there are others out there pushing the 30-40 range.

I haven't given much commentary on gains/sides so I figure I should note:
rapid onset of increased strength/endurance (probably a bit of placebo thrown in there as well)
increased acne
no back pumps (this is a huge plus for me)

As you all may have noticed, I'm running a (relatively) low carb, high fat, high protein diet with this run, if only to stave off glyocgen weight gains.
Regardless, I still have a general "all-day" pump and somewhat of a hardening effect where visible/applicable, unfortunately my bodyfat is still high and much of the definition I used to have is gone...but I'm also drawing size comments in large loose t-shirts for the first time ever, so its a wash and I'm comfortable with it.
 
drewsicle3210

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Have you ran SD in the past? If so how would you compare the two?
 
Hyde

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You really can't be chiseled & look 'big' at the same time. I mean, guys pinning slin w/ every meal, gh many times/day, & radical amounts of anabolics with the right genetics for it can, but that takes years of hard work coupled with good genetics & the right drugs - for the average user, you're going to kind of have to make a decision to be lean or look swoll in a bigger shirt. Not that either look is better, but it's hard to look 'big' & be shredded simultaneously without lots of years of training at the minimum.
 

SPLocal

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Meet Prep, Week One: Day Two-Pull Complex A
DB Row: 80x10, 80x10, 90x12, 90x12, 100x10, 100x10
Cable Straight-Arm Lat Pressdown: 100x10, 110x10, 110x10, 110x10
--
Superset:
DB Hammer Curl: 30x10, 30x10, 30x10, 35x10
Unilateral Reverse Cable Curl: 35x10, 35x10, 40x10, 40x10
--
Superset:
Cable Upright Row: 60x10, 70x10, 80x10, 90x10, 100x10, 100x10, 110x10, 110x10
Lat Pulldown, Variant Wide/Close Grip: 105x10, 120x10, 130x10, 140x10, 150x10

Mass volume session today. Since I began training to powerlift I've taken care to emphasize form over weight with my back training, particularly because my tendons/joints (but tendons in particular) are under enough stress as it is with heavy squats/bench/deads throughout the week. Deadlifts in particular tend to destroy my back and trapezius (and, for what its worth, I have never seen my traps grow so quickly whether natty or on cycle since beginning to power train) so I try to emphasize balance and finesse with my movements here.


Have you ran SD in the past? If so how would you compare the two?
I ran SD/Trenazone/Stano about 2 years back or so at 20mg for 5 weeks. To date SD is perhaps my least favorite compound. I swelled up something fierce while on but gains were quite slippery and--to me anyways--seemed to be mostly glycogen and not as much "quality" despite eating clean. It was also an incredibly difficult cycle to recover from and my estro/test levels were still out of whack roughly 3 months after PCT. However, my knowledge of training/diet were not as thorough as they are now, so a chunk of the responsibility rests with me. I know I am not the only one who has issues with SD, however.

I think at higher doses Mithras could function in a similar way (although I'm not using a high-carb diet so I'm not exactly taking advantage of the glyocgen gains), but I did get a similar appearance from Methyldiazirinol/Triumphalis at 60mg. To date, Triumphalis has elicited the most aesthetically pleasing effect on my physique and the gains were more or less easily maintained. If you're ballsy you could attempt to go above 60, but back pumps were almost crippling for me with that compound. I did no cardio during that run and shed bodyfat quite quickly while running only a minor surplus. I will be running it again, that is for sure.

You really can't be chiseled & look 'big' at the same time. I mean, guys pinning slin w/ every meal, gh many times/day, & radical amounts of anabolics with the right genetics for it can, but that takes years of hard work coupled with good genetics & the right drugs - for the average user, you're going to kind of have to make a decision to be lean or look swoll in a bigger shirt. Not that either look is better, but it's hard to look 'big' & be shredded simultaneously without lots of years of training at the minimum.
Oh no doubt brother, that's why I'm not sweating it too much. We all want to be "cut and jacked" but you've got to put your body through hell health-wise (i.e. decades of anabolics and ancillaries) to get there, unless you're genetically disposed. I'm comfortable with where I'm at now, I just don't want to overshoot my weight class!

When I began to consider powerlifting I had to make some choices regarding what I wanted to "get" out of my training and all that comes with it (diet, discipline, etc.). The more I analyzed competitive bodybuilding (and I mean serious competitive bodybuilding, not just a few local shows here and there, and not physique divisions either) the more it seemed, well, somewhat silly to me. At the end of the day, you've got to pursue competition for self development instead of self gratification. To take a plunge like that just for the opportunity to be subjectively judged amongst complete strangers and by complete strangers is not something I can take seriously. If I'm going to be out on stage, so to speak, I want to be represented by objective standards: you either hit the lift or you miss.

My phone broke near the start of this log, unfortunately, so I can't quite put any pictures or videos up, which is a bummer. However, I will be getting a replacement prior to the meet and can give you guys something to observe.
 

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Just a brief update, and this occurred on the same day as the previously noted pull complex:

Impromptu Squat Session:
BB Squat: 280x3, 325x3, 365x1, 375x1, 385x1, 390x1
BB Deadlift: 320x5, 370x5, 405x1, 445x1, 455x1
Leg Press (plates per side): 3x5, 4x5, 5x5, 6x5, 6.5x5
Leg Extension: 50 repetitions, undulating weights
Hamstring Curl: 50 repetitions, undulating weights

For some reason I felt called to the gym. The squat rack, it needed me and I needed it--so I went. This is the first time I've trained in the evening in the past 2-3 years or so, and the first time I've ever pulled a "two-a-day".

Things went much better than expected, and I'll note that High Volume really shone here as a non-stim pwo that I could dose so close to my usual bedtime.
Deadlifting was more difficult than I had anticipated, and I'm glad I attempted the higher percentages as singles as it gives me a better gauge about my endurance capacities for the meet.

Now its time to sleep!
 
ITW

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405 will be nothinggg at your meet bro. I would t be surprised to see 425
 
bean5er

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In for sure! Great log this far bud
 

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Thanks for following along; I am still anxious about things like commands, pauses, depth, etc.

Fortunately my replacement phone has been ordered and I'll be able to get some videos up for criticism.
My singlet arrives on Thursday and I'll get some squatting sessions in with it--zero fcks given about whether the gym crowd likes it.
The more I can do similar to the meet, the better off I will be.
 

SPLocal

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Meet Prep Week One: Day Four-Press Complex A
--Power Movement--
BB Flat: 225x3, 250x3, 285x3
Extra Work: 250x3, 250x3, 250x3
--SST Movement--
BB CGBP: 210x5, 210x5, 210x5, 210x5, 240x5
BB OHP: 135x5, 135x5, 135x5, 145x5
--Accessories--
DB Flat: 80x5, 85x5, 90x5, 100x5, 100x5 (emphasis on pushing off of the chest)
DB Lateral Raise: 15x20, 15x20, 20x20, 20x20
Cable Tricep Pressdown: 100 repetitions, undulating weights

After yesterday's two-a-day I had a feeling there would be some recovery repercussions--and I was correct, particularly with regards to my arms, delts, and associated tendons. From the heavy rows to the squats/deadlifts, my tendons are feeling battered. Obviously part of the game but fortunately something I can afford to rest with while on cycle.

I only recently (as in several weeks ago) began to incorporate mobility/stretching into my daily routine. A major misstep on my part to ignore it during my earlier training career, but I suppose its better to start late than never. I'm bringing in particular aspects of the Agile 8/Limber 11 and I do foam roll (I have a small "The Grid" roller) on a regular basis, but my flexibility is lacking and I'm slowly starting to ease into it.

I'm considering taking the next three days off of training, hitting up the gym for some MISS cardio and thorough foam-roll/stretches, and then attending the USPA's So Cal Meet on Saturday (Long Beach Metroflex) to get an eyes-on sense of my federation/judging/flights, and then dialing everything in to train on Sunday.

The Central California Open (my first meet) is going to tell me a lot about where I'm at as a novice, where I want to be as a powerlifter, and what I need to do to get there, I'm both excited and anxious but I will get it done!
 

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Wondering what thoughts are on trying to bulk with this run?

Given the nature of the first meet and my goals, do you guys think it is reasonable to try to scrape by into the 181s or simple to enter the 198s? Granted, I did already register and pay my fee as a 181 but I do have the option to move up or down a class per USPA rules.

The primary reason I ask is because I'm beginning to feel that I should take advantage of the androgens as my cycling will be somewhat less frequent after this run.

At this point I do think I'd be viable (i.e. not place dead last) for the 181s--at least, I don't know how many people are in my class/who is coming to the meet--but perhaps not for the 198s.

The point of this meet is for me to get the experience of meet lifting and all of its technicalities/nuances. Until October 19th, I cannot call myself a competitive powerlifter. After that, its on, and I can take the steps necessary to be competitive/aggressive with the meets.

For reference, these are the California record holders for the classes I am considering:

181s:
Squat: 507 (Lifter A)
Bench: 352 (Lifter B)
Deadlift: 600 (Lifter C)
Total: 1339 (Lifter C)

*Lifter names denote different people, so these records are all split up.

198s:
Squat: 507 (Lifter A)
Bench: 330 (Lifter B)
Deadlift: 600 (Lifter B)
Total: 1383 (Lifter B)

As you can see there is not much of a difference in the records between the two (taken between 2012-2013), but these guys are the record holders for my state. Of course I'm not trying to set any sort of record or anything with this meet. All I would like is to break 1000 and not bomb out--this is a purely experiential undertaking.
 
Hyde

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Let's be honest - you're not going to stay 181 forever no matter what. Anybody your height that uses AAS will undoubtedly exceed that weightclass (in powerlifting, where you do NOT want a sub 10% bf) without a severe effort to retain it, and that in & of itself might limit the full potential of the drug use & your frame's potential. If you're really not gunning for a record or to place in the comp, and this is just to get your feet wet, then I'd let your body do what it really wants to right now: grow.

Just my .02 :dunno:
 
bean5er

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Let's be honest - you're not going to stay 181 forever no matter what. Anybody your height that uses AAS will undoubtedly exceed that weightclass (in powerlifting, where you do NOT want a sub 10% bf) without a severe effort to retain it, and that in & of itself might limit the full potential of the drug use & your frame's potential. If you're really not gunning for a record or to place in the comp, and this is just to get your feet wet, then I'd let your body do what it really wants to right now: grow.

Just my .02 :dunno:
I definitely agree here^^^
 

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So just a brief update as I've been taking this weekend off:

No side effects thus far, no lethargy either

In light of what I observed at the USPA meet yesterday, in terms of squat depth judging and press commands, I will be entering the meet with very conservative goals and openers. I saw a great deal of parallel squats red lighted, and it seems that a below-parallel or ATG squatting was the only sanctioned depth here. Granted, depth will vary with the judges but in my opinion its better for me to put up a smaller total and learn the ins-and-outs of the sport than to go big and walk away frustrated.

On an unrelated note, I'll be upping my carb and caloric intake.
 
Hyde

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Bombing out is for guys who are chasing new maxes in a meet. Anything with a white light for you is a new max at this point, so I'd say your going about it the right way keeping it conservative this time. Next time you can be more aggressive, but now I'd focus on getting your name on the books.
 

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Meet Prep Week Two: Day One-Pull Complex A
DB Row: 70x10, 80x10, 95x10, 100x12, 100x12, 100x12
--
Superset:
Cable Upright Row: 100x10, 100x10, 120x10, 130x10, 140x10, 140x10
Straight Arm, Cable Lat Pulldown: 100x12, 100x12, 120x10, 130x10, 140x10, 140x10
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Superset:
DB Hammer Curl: 30x10, 35x10, 40x10
DB Seated Alternate Curl: 20x10, 20x10, 20x10

Today was supposed to be a squat day, but despite stretching/foam rolling prior to the session my hip flexors and entire groin felt completely thrashed. Not quite the experience I was expecting after taking two days off, but I decided to play it safe and train my back instead.

Depending on how I feel I will squat later in the week, but I'm considering a squat deload for this week. I'm debating as to whether I should pull or deload the deadlift as well. In their place I would opt for some high volume accessory work (deficit deadlifts, hack squats, leg press, etc.).

With regards to the meet, I've more or less determined what my goals are and have more or less subtracted 20-30lbs from my gym PRs to work on complete technicality and commands. I will back up my low volume, percentage based approach to the primary lifts with high volume accessory work.

Hunger has been through the roof as of late, not quite as clean as I'd like it to be (I love peanut butter and honey bunches of oats cereal, I refuse to lie to myself about it any longer) but fat gains seem to be in check. It looks as if the Mithras and Epistane synergy is working well for a recomp.

I'm also considering running the Trenavar at 120mg throughout if funds allow.
 
Hyde

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You should run the right dose of Tvar for you - if you're gaining swell at 90, there's a lot to be said for sticking with the lighter dose. And if 120 isn't even cutting it, you're going to need to try 150 or you'll just be wasting your time. Better to be ready to adjust the dosing on the fly I say - Tiny Tony found 150, even when stacked with 90mg of M14AD, to be fairly moderate on sides, & was fully confident he'll be running it at least 180 next time (if not 210).

I know a guy at the gym who had incredible gains & fat loss with just 90mg over 6 wks with Celtic's trenavar, & he's not a hormone amateur by any means. And his diet/training kinda sucks. But he responded awesome. I mean he dropped 15lbs of fat & his traps/back exploded. Said strength gains were astounding.
 

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Meet Prep Week Two: Day Two-Press Complex A
--Power Movement--
BB Flat: 225x3, 255x3
Press with Commands: 270x1, 280x1, 285x1
--SST Movement--
BB CGBP: 185x5, 210x5, 240x5
Extra Work: 210x5, 210x5, 210x5
--Accessories--
Weighted Dips: +35x8, +35x8, +35x8
DB Flat: 75x10, 75x10, 75x10
Lateral Raises: 15x20, 20x10, 20x10, 30x10, 30x10

Just putting in the work. This week is going to be hectic for me but I will make the the time. I was supposed to receive my singlet last week but I was sent a Sling Shot instead! Unfortunately I'm nowhere near the level to make proper use of that thing, so I had to send it back and will receive my singlet on Thursday. I plan on getting some squat/deadlift sessions in with it to get a feel for it.
 

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Continuation of Meet Two Week Two: Day Two-Legs Complex A

So after yesterday morning's pressing session I was feeling a bit antsy and wanted to pick things up and put them down. So in for the awkward 4PM deadlift session.

BB Deadlift: 350x3, 400x3, 450x3, 470x1, 485x1, 450x3, 320x8, 320x8
Leg Extension: (unilateral) 50x12, 70x12, 90x12, 100x10, (bilateral) 120x10, 130x10, 140x10, 150x10

In and out, PR set at 97% of my desired competition pull (500). I will be trying to ease towards at least a 495 pull before the meet, but of course if I can get 500 in the better things will be.
 
Hyde

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That's what I'm talking about! Looks like Mithras is treating you well enough ;)
 

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Meet Prep Week Two: Day Three-Pull Complex B
DB Row: 70x10, 70x10, 70x10, 70x10, 80x10, 90x10, 90x10, 90x10, 100x10, 110x10, 110x10,110x10
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Seated DB Curl, Alternate: 20x10, 20x10, 30x10, 30x10, 35x10, 15x20, 15x20
HS Row, Unilateral: 100x10, 100x10, 100x10
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Cable Lat Pulldown: 110x10, 120x10, 130x10, 140x10
Cable Upright Row: 100x10, 110x10, 130x10, 140x10

Phenomenal pumps today. The beating that my back can take is somewhat abnormal, and I really have to experiment with set/rep ranges to get the work in.
Some of you may be wondering why there are no barbell rows or heavy weighted chins lately: this is because they've been giving me bicep and elbow tendon stress and I'd rather not sacrifice deadlift/bench numbers for them. I favor unilateral dumbbell or HS movements for their flexibility in both range of motion and body position. I also enjoy cable work for volume purposes and because it facilitates supersets.
 

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Meet Prep Week Two: Day Three-Legs Complex B
--Power Movement--
BB Squat: 260x3, 300x3, 335x3, 350x1, 360x1, 370x1*
--SST Movement--
BB Deadlift: 320x10, 365x8, 410x8
--Volume Accessories--
BB Squat: 135x10, 185x8, 210x8, 225x8
Leg Extension/Hamstring Curl: Supersetted to appropriate pump, unilateral/bilateral undulating weights

Good session today, you'll note the lower weights used for the squat relative to my previous maxes. These squats (and all squats from here on out) are being taken at a minimum below parallel and more often than not an inch or two away from being ATG. I want to emphasize depth as much as possible to the judges and would rather take a conservative stance at the meet than gamble and earn red lights.

Deadlifts were killer as usual but I do enjoy them! I am in the process of arranging to (finally!) have a training partner who also powerlifts. He has been gracious enough to reform his split around mine and knows what to look for with depth/form. Hopefully this will give me the final boost I need to cruise into the meet with confidence that my form and depth are more than appropriate.
 

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When's the big day?
October 19th; I'm getting more and more antsy as it draws nearer. Hopefully I can add about 5lbs to my lifts (with commands) within that time frame.

This meet is a qualifier for the USPA's international arm, the IPL, and if I was to reach a particular total I may be able to barely scrape in for the IPL Worlds in November. Granted that's quite close but it is somewhat of an encouraging factor for me to really dial things in. Of course I actually have to DO the October meet first, so I'm getting ahead of myself.
 
drewsicle3210

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Is this cycle going to run straight up until competition time? I don't think you want to be on the down slope of PCT when you compete, but I am new to cycles so ....
 
Hyde

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Is this cycle going to run straight up until competition time? I don't think you want to be on the down slope of PCT when you compete, but I am new to cycles so ....
You never compete in pct. It's just doing it wrong lol
 

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Is this cycle going to run straight up until competition time? I don't think you want to be on the down slope of PCT when you compete, but I am new to cycles so ....
Yes this cycle will go up to and including the meet; as Hyde said, PCT is not when you want to be competing.
If I qualify for the November meet, however, that may be a bit of an issue but we will see.

I've got plenty of Aegis on hand so things should be okay from a support perspective. I'd also like to buy some Talos once my paycheck rolls in.
 
drewsicle3210

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Word, learning experience for me. Hyde is a great addition to any cycle!!
;)
 

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