Segansational's Motivation Log

[Hyde]

My condolences for your family member. It’s never easy, and always sobering.

I wasn’t sure if you were doing the core stuff on the mornings you do cardio or on weekends etc when you don’t lift. But definitely want to do daily stuff if possible when having acute flare ups.

 

[Segansational]

Sorry to hear about the death in the family, thats never easy-

Sorry about the death in your family.

My condolences for your family member. It’s never easy, and always sobering.

I wasn’t sure if you were doing the core stuff on the mornings you do cardio or on weekends etc when you don’t lift. But definitely want to do daily stuff if possible when having acute flare ups.

Thanks fellas.

There was a lot of time between seeing a lot of that side of my extended family - and I'm sure you guys know how family dynamics can get. But I was really glad I went to be able to help lay her to rest, even if I was the only one from our side of the family who showed up. Maybe that's why it was even more important to me.

I believe that regardless of the issues, family is still family. If anyone ever picked up the phone and needed me - I'd come calling. Plus, I believe in measuring the life of a person and the full body of their work, not single moments in time. We are all not perfect. And I hope that one day when I'm laid to rest, others will judge me and my actions similarly.

--

In any case, work has been kicking my @ss lately as I march towards the end of this week. Late evenings every night this week until I meet my deliverable. Literally have had to block out all of the rest of the noise.

No WO yesterday as my body needed the recovery. Back at it this AM for a catch up cardio session on the bike, 35 mins, 184 cals.

Took 2.5mg Yohimbine, plus BCAA+energy intra-WO (175mg caffeine) + electrolytes, and paired it with 1 pump of Napalm Xtreme. Legs were surprisingly still sore from Tuesday's single squat session! Pedaling was a bit slow, but the cut begins.

Also, mixed recovery/sleep signals this week as I've been tracking - but likely more due to work stress. So will wait to make more judgement calls until end of next week - but I will have to travel Tues/Wed so that'll eff up my sleeping schedule too.

 

[MrKleen73]

My condolences, it is a hard situation, but you did the right thing in going and honoring their life.

 

[Dustin07]

There was a lot of time between seeing a lot of that side of my extended family - and I'm sure you guys know how family dynamics can get.

There isn't a person on these boards who doesn't understand the colorful nature of family dynamics, ain't none of us perfect!

Plus, I believe in measuring the life of a person and the full body of their work

My great grandpa was a wanted moonshiner and bootlegger and I always think about him as a badass outlaw lol.

 

[Segansational]

Finally took an evening off from work last night. Fatigue hit hard yesterday late afternoon/early evening around 5 PM.

M5, Wk3, D3

Working sets,
Incline BP, 3 sets
Machine Chest Press, 3 sets
Machine Preacher Curls, 2 sets
BB Shrugs, 2 sets - threw in a set or banded pullaparts after to help open things up.
SLDLs, 1 set - still super light right now.

1 hr 25 mins, 266 cals.

Pre: 3/4 scoop Notorious Rage, 1g Choline Citrate, 1g Vit C, 3 caps PrimeXT, 2 caps Pepti-Plex.
Intra: Same as usual.

Notes
Another really good session this AM. This incline to flat routine on my Day 3 set up is And it's still 2nd bench day of each week , so I'm getting repetition in.

Few random notes as I wrap up week 3 here. Been having dry mouth the past few evenings. I would say I'm wearing my mouthpiece at night about 70% of the time. That alone does cause that drying out too, but also want to keep an eye on this as according to AI it could be secondary effect of increased test --> erythrocytosis. Will need to look at hematocrit on my next blood draw. Aside from an occasional headache, slight nip sensitivity (taking DIM now ~1 of every 3 days, or every other give or take), so far seems like everything subjectively is going OK.

Waking up in the AM is becoming really easy, which helps give me more time for warm ups & completing my sessions. Curl Ups and Dead Bugs are a nice addition more permanently in my overall warm up routine.

Lower back is still only 85% I'd say right now. But that just might be where we're at for now.

 

[MrKleen73]

Finally took an evening off from work last night. Fatigue hit hard yesterday late afternoon/early evening around 5 PM.

M5, Wk3, D3

Working sets,
Incline BP, 3 sets
Machine Chest Press, 3 sets
Machine Preacher Curls, 2 sets
BB Shrugs, 2 sets - threw in a set or banded pullaparts after to help open things up.
SLDLs, 1 set - still super light right now.

1 hr 25 mins, 266 cals.

Pre: 3/4 scoop Notorious Rage, 1g Choline Citrate, 1g Vit C, 3 caps PrimeXT, 2 caps Pepti-Plex.
Intra: Same as usual.

Notes
Another really good session this AM. This incline to flat routine on my Day 3 set up is And it's still 2nd bench day of each week , so I'm getting repetition in.

Few random notes as I wrap up week 3 here. Been having dry mouth the past few evenings. I would say I'm wearing my mouthpiece at night about 70% of the time. That alone does cause that drying out too, but also want to keep an eye on this as according to AI it could be secondary effect of increased test --> erythrocytosis. Will need to look at hematocrit on my next blood draw. Aside from an occasional headache, slight nip sensitivity (taking DIM now ~1 of every 3 days, or every other give or take), so far seems like everything subjectively is going OK.

Waking up in the AM is becoming really easy, which helps give me more time for warm ups & completing my sessions. Curl Ups and Dead Bugs are a nice addition more permanently in my overall warm up routine.

Lower back is still only 85% I'd say right now. But that just might be where we're at for now.

Your biggest defense on the erythrocytosis is going to be staying well hydrated, and having enough electrolytes to put the water where it should be. Good hydration basically dilutes the thicker blood, and if you are even remotely dehydrated that blood get thicker. It is common with testosterone injections. You can donate, but if you want to tell them you are on TRT get your doctor to give you a phlebotomy order you can take to the donation center and you will be good for a few years. If you don't list it, they will never really know, so that is your choice.

 

[gphagan1]

Not sure how much water you drink, but any time you start Testosterone or really any supplements that can boost testosterone or your metabolism you should increase water intake, because your body will need more. Being well hydrated is also good for hematocrit.

 

[MrKleen73]

Not sure how much water you drink, but any time you start Testosterone or really any supplements that can boost testosterone or your metabolism you should increase water intake, because your body will need more. Being well hydrated is also good for hematocrit.

Great Minds!

 

[gphagan1]

Your biggest defense on the erythrocytosis is going to be staying well hydrated, and having enough electrolytes to put the water where it should be. Good hydration basically dilutes the thicker blood, and if you are even remotely dehydrated that blood get thicker. It is common with testosterone injections. You can donate, but if you want to tell them you are on TRT get your doctor to give you a phlebotomy order you can take to the donation center and you will be good for a few years. If you don't list it, they will never really know, so that is your choice.

Ha, I was typing drink more water as you posted.

 

[Segansational]

Yeah, the obvious answer is drink more water. Maybe I'll have to start carrying around those big gallon jugs like back in the day!

Quick upper body session this AM, interrupted a lot by having to get the kids ready with breakfast, etc. Skipped squats so as not to try and rush given my lower back. Still felt a bit off afterwards today even without lower body focus.

M5, Wk3, D4
Pulldowns, 3 sets
Dips, 4 sets
Resistance band facepulls, 2 sets
DB laterals, 2 sets
BB shrugs, 4 sets

35 mins, 107 cals.

Think I've finally found the right position for shrugs to hit the traps and upper back well. This meso has been good for overall upper back and shoulder girdle emphasis.

 

[Segansational]

Couple of Week 4 & general life updates:

1. Got in 35 mins of LISS cardio on the bike, 163 cals burned.

2. Starting Week 4 - 0 RIR week of this meso tomorrow, deload the following. Readiness is trending lower this past week due to where I think I am in the meso. This week expect it to be even lower.

3. Starting Week 4 of TRT. I think I'm going to pull my own bloods at the end of this week (maybe Fri) if I can fit the time in, otherwise likely sometime next week.

It's going to be a lot cheaper for me to look elsewhere for bloodwork. Marek is basically cost prohibitive based on the full bloodwork & additional doc appt. So, that also means I may be looking for a new clinic in the next month or two.

4. Life Stuff: Traveling overnight for work tomorrow, plus this is our kids' last week of school - so lots of random family responsibilities this week, including my son's K graduation.

Totally blew the diet attempt this weekend. Ended up going to an Italian heritage food festival yesterday. So porchetta with broccoli rabe and provolone, plus Gelato was on the menu! Back to it this week...

5. Supplements: Will probably ramp Yo to 5mg this week, as I've started low. Likely will add in SLU next week (during deload) to accelerate fat loss.

Beginning of week weigh-in: 155.2# (+/- 0#)
BF: 14.1% (+/- 0%)

 

[Dustin07]

I thought everyone was going to a local labcorp for bloods since it was cheap, I thought it was only like $40 or something like that. I do remember it was a little complicated last time I went in because I had to run menu of what I wanted so I had multiple visits, but once I figured it out it was fairly cheap, fast, and easy.

 

[Segansational]

I thought everyone was going to a local labcorp for bloods since it was cheap, I thought it was only like $40 or something like that. I do remember it was a little complicated last time I went in because I had to run menu of what I wanted so I had multiple visits, but once I figured it out it was fairly cheap, fast, and easy.

Not cheap near me! Unless you want just a single lab done (eg, only total test as example). Minimum for what I would look at is like $200-300 for "comprehensive" hormone panel. They gouge for out of pocket.

But @Hyde shared with me a place where he orders his from, then you take to a Labcorp/Quest to have it drawn. It's probably the most cost effective option.

But also I know there are some subscription services (Function maybe?) that were you to pull bloodwork at >2x per year it's probably more favorable.

 

[Dustin07]

yeah that sounds closer. I know guys aren't regularly dropping $300-400 for this. even $200-300 seems high for something that should be like a $35 co-pay health check, really. Insurance companies should be happy that you are doing it.

 

[Segansational]

Stacking some really good days on top of one another lately. Another really good session this AM, 0 RIR week.

M5, Wk4, D1

Working sets,
Bench Press, 3 sets
Machine Flys, 3 sets
EZ bar curls, 3 sets

1 hr 20 mins, 358 cals!

Pre: 3/4 scoop NOtorious Rage, 1g Choline Citrate, 1g Vit C, 3 caps PrimeXT, 2 caps Pepti-Plex
Intra: Same as usual.

Notes
While still not working with peak strength weights, today was the first day I felt like I was getting back closer to where bench focus was. Reps were 5,5,6 today - missed the 6th rep on first two sets, and last set was AMRAP with a drop in weight. But chest was pumped, as were biceps after high rep curls (12,11,10). Only minor discomfort on my left brachoradialis.

I'm having no trouble really getting up with my first alarm now (5:15 AM) which is definitely a consequence of the added test. I just feel more awake/alert when I wake up now, which is also helping ensure I get a really good warm up routine in - plus a full weight session without feeling too rushed.

Will see what I'm working with at the hotel gym for tomorrow morning. Depending on the set up, I may switch out to cardio, or need to do a bit of a different routine. But all in all, feeling positive.

 

[Segansational]

Morning gents!

Perhaps not surprising, but I did not sleep well last night in the hotel - even with my ZMA and gummy. Was thinking too much about today's work meeting. Didn't hear too much street noise though at least being up on the 19th floor even though my windows faced the street.

Anyways, felt a little lazy and didn't venture out to find a real gym. So just opted to do 30 mins on the bike, 170 cals, 5.82 miles this morning. No stims other than 2.5mg of Y.

 

[Dustin07]

even with my ZMA and gummy

whats in your gummy?

 

[Hyde]

whats in your gummy?

Meth. Never seems to help sleep for some reason!

 

[gphagan1]

 

[Segansational]

whats in your gummy?

1:1 THC:CBD

 

[Dustin07]

I'm surprised that didn't help knock you out, what was the mg/dose? but then again hotel/travel sleep is always hard. I know a guy who goes as far as to roll up a towel and put it under the door to block absolutely every bit of light he possibly can from the hotel room.

 

[Segansational]

I'm surprised that didn't help knock you out, what was the mg/dose? but then again hotel/travel sleep is always hard. I know a guy who goes as far as to roll up a towel and put it under the door to block absolutely every bit of light he possibly can from the hotel room.

Only 5mg for me, any more than that and I get groggy if I have to get up in the middle of the night with the kids. But it has definitely made a difference on enhancing my deep sleep.

 

[Segansational]

Sleep was much better last night back home in my own bed and readiness score jumped 20 points.

Now that the major deliverable at work this week is through, should be able to largely coast to the end of this week.

Son graduates Kindergarten today, so we'll be taking him out to lunch to celebrate. Kids grow up fast man!

M5, Wk4, D1 continued

Workong sets,
BB squats, 2 sets
DB laterals, 3 sets
BB Upright Rows, 2 sets

1 hr 5 mins, 169 cals.

Pre: 1 scoop Total War, 1g Choline Citrate, 1g Vit C, 3 caps PrimeXT, 2 caps Pepti-Plex.
Intra: Same as usual.

Notes
Nothing really too heavy this AM, but felt good to have a semi-normal squat session to start things off today. Still working with poverty weights, but at least there was a little bit on the bar again with no lower back pain. Kept core really tight throughout and beltless.

 

[MrKleen73]

I'm surprised that didn't help knock you out, what was the mg/dose? but then again hotel/travel sleep is always hard. I know a guy who goes as far as to roll up a towel and put it under the door to block absolutely every bit of light he possibly can from the hotel room.

You should tell him about sleep masks... One of the best things I have done for my sleep. My eye popping open and seeing any light makes me wake up more than I want to. When I am restless i tend to open my eyes unintentionally more often at night. With the mask I pretty much just keep them shut and sleep is much better al around. Plus you can just pull it up a little so you can see out under it to go to the restroom so no direct light hits your eyes waking you up more.

Only 5mg for me, any more than that and I get groggy if I have to get up in the middle of the night with the kids. But it has definitely made a difference on enhancing my deep sleep.

This may sound like an odd question, but what is wrong with being groggy when you get woken up by your children at a time you are supposed to be sleeping. Groggy sounds like the expectation regardless. Are you joining activities with them in the middle of the night or just getting them calm, and trying to get them back to bed while you continue to try to rest as much as possible for the next day? Are you saying you just can't function or that you want to feel optimal when you wake up in the middle of the night because it is now playtime? Not saying any of that is right or wrong just curious on the dynamics because that just seems like the time to be subdued to me. The thing with THC is all it requires is a little movement and that feeling slips away so if you are staying up with the kids anyway you could just do some activity and shake that right off. Improved sleep goes a long way, and I highly doubt you are getting "high" off of 5mg thc, the residual CBD is just as likely to be providing that groggy feeling as any psychoactive feelings from 5mg of THC.

 

[gphagan1]

Sleep was much better last night back home in my own bed and readiness score jumped 20 points.

Now that the major deliverable at work this week is through, should be able to largely coast to the end of this week.

Son graduates Kindergarten today, so we'll be taking him out to lunch to celebrate. Kids grow up fast man!

M5, Wk4, D1 continued

Workong sets,
BB squats, 2 sets
DB laterals, 3 sets
BB Upright Rows, 2 sets

1 hr 5 mins, 169 cals.

Pre: 1 scoop Total War, 1g Choline Citrate, 1g Vit C, 3 caps PrimeXT, 2 caps Pepti-Plex.
Intra: Same as usual.

Notes
Nothing really too heavy this AM, but felt good to have a semi-normal squat session to start things off today. Still working with poverty weights, but at least there was a little bit on the bar again with no lower back pain. Kept core really tight throughout and beltless.

Congratulations to the little guy for graduating Kindergarten. They do grow up so fast.