Serving the Iron Legion: Mithras, Epistane, and Trenavar

drewsicle3210 said:
Word, learning experience for me. Hyde is a great addition to any cycle!!
;)
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Appreciate it brother :)

SPLocal said:
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.
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Talos is the only cycle aid I've ever found to be truly up to snuff so far - the mild stuff is fine with very mild cycles. 6 caps of Talos is a good dose of Coq10 & SAMe - what you're really paying for. Stacked with TUDCA is a potent shield.

As for the meet, depending on time in between you could run a blitz 15-20 day PCT of a bottle of Clomid, Nolva, an AI, & immediately go back on a very fast acting oral like Sdrol/M1T, etc, then complete another PCT immediately following the comp to let your body rest for a longer offtime. But there are health, money, & even potentially blowing out of your weightclass considerations there. I'd do that over staying on thru the 2nd comp easy - being shutdown that long at your age is asking for TRT by age 30.
 
Hyde said:
Appreciate it brother :)



Talos is the only cycle aid I've ever found to be truly up to snuff so far - the mild stuff is fine with very mild cycles. 6 caps of Talos is a good dose of Coq10 & SAMe - what you're really paying for. Stacked with TUDCA is a potent shield.

As for the meet, depending on time in between you could run a blitz 15-20 day PCT of a bottle of Clomid, Nolva, an AI, & immediately go back on a very fast acting oral like Sdrol/M1T, etc, then complete another PCT immediately following the comp to let your body rest for a longer offtime. But there are health, money, & even potentially blowing out of your weightclass considerations there. I'd do that over staying on thru the 2nd comp easy - being shutdown that long at your age is asking for TRT by age 30.
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I am an Antaeus Labs/Iron Legion fanboy to the core. In fact AL supports are the only things I shell out the cash for and I won't run cycles without them.

I was thinking of saving the cash (and my organs) and opting for an aggressive PCT: Clomid/Nolva/AI (Exemenstane) along with X-Gels and some Forskolin. I also typically run LCLT year-round but I'm out at the moment, though it has so many benefits I should just keep some on hand.
 
Nice log sub'd to see how the meet treats yah
 
27 Days Out: Legs Complex A
--Power Movement--
BB Deadlift: 350x3, 400x3, 450x3, 460x1, 470x1, 485x1, 490x1
--SST Movement--
BB Squat: 240x3, 280x3, 320x3, 340x1 (65/75/85/90%)
--Volume Accessory--
BB Deadlift: 325x5, 375x5, 405x5 (65/75/80%)
Leg Extension: Unilateral/Bilateral until I could no longer walk properly

I love deadlifting. If I could perform one lift for the rest of my life it would be the deadlift.
Things are running smoothly thus far. I believe I will keep the triples for both the Power/SST movements to familiarize myself with moving heavier percentages on the Big 3 in a fatigued state. If possible, I will bump up the increments of singles for the SST portion.

Also, I figure I should start logging my calories again. Despite putting down ~4k almost daily for the past several weeks I'm weighing in at about 183 thus far.

Consumption:
Meal A: 200g chicken breast, 4 pcs Ezekiel bread, 2 tbsp peanut butter
Meal B: 200g chicken breast, 5 cups of Special K cereal (don't judge me)
Meal C: 500g cottage cheese, 2 pcs Ezekiel bread, assorted veggies
Meal D: 400g cottage cheese, 4 tbsp peanut butter, assorted veggies

~3500kcal, 140g fat, 275g carb, 275g prot
 
Hyde said:
This meets gon be good....
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We will see, I'd like to hit 185 before then but my body will do what it wants. Regardless I plan on busting my ass these next few weeks. I'm sure nerves/anxiety will take their toll on my total...or things could flip and I'll do much better than I expected.

Personally, I just want to get one of those obligatory PL'er pictures of my deadlift lockout.
 
26 Days Out: Press Complex A
--Power Movement--
BB Flat: 210x3, 240x3, 270x3, 280x1 (with commands), 285x1 (with commands), 290x1, 295x1 (touch-and-go)
--SST Movement--
BB CGBP: 185x5, 210x5, 240x5
--Accessories--
BB Flat: 185x10, 185x10, 185x10
DB Flat: 100x3, 100x3, 100x3, 90x5 (alternating press: one arm maintains an extended hold while the other presses, then they alternate)
DB Lateral Raise: 15x10, 15x10, 20x10, 20x10, 20x10
Cable Tricep Pressdown: 100 repetitions

Another solid session. I'm meeting the benchmarks I've set thus far for command work and the touch-and-go singles are to get me more comfortable with my heaviest loads. Next week, I will attempt 290 with commands.

Trenavar seems to be facilitating things nicely but I'm carrying a bit of water. Either that or I'm getting fat! We will see when the cycle is done and things dissipate. Weight gain hasn't been anything too crazy (started at 176lbs or so, currently at 183) so I'm guessing theres a deal of water retention involved.

Consumption:
Meal A: 200g chicken breast, 4 cups Special K cereal, 200g cottage cheese
Meal B: 100g chicken breast, 200g cottage cheese, 8tbsp peanut butter
Meal C: 300g cottage cheese, 4 pcs Ezekiel bread
 
SPLocal said:
Personally, I just want to get one of those obligatory PL'er pictures of my deadlift lockout.
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:lol: it's funny because it's true.

Bench is coming right along man. From what I've read, people don't seem to be gaining much weight on Mithras. Some glycogen retention & greatly increased capacity to lift mainly. And moderate strength gains. But not quite the cannon they were expecting with the pheraplex base...but Methylsten, which is di-methyl-1test, certainly is much drier & less powerful than M1T, so this stands to reason from my ignorant casual observation that a dimethyl phera would go the same route. But people really enjoy msten (I know I did), so that's been similar as well.
 
Hyde said:
:lol: it's funny because it's true.

Bench is coming right along man. From what I've read, people don't seem to be gaining much weight on Mithras. Some glycogen retention & greatly increased capacity to lift mainly. And moderate strength gains. But not quite the cannon they were expecting with the pheraplex base...but Methylsten, which is di-methyl-1test, certainly is much drier & less powerful than M1T, so this stands to reason from my ignorant casual observation that a dimethyl phera would go the same route. But people really enjoy msten (I know I did), so that's been similar as well.
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I think a post I read by a PHF member summed up Mithras the best: it is icing on a PH cake. Surprisingly it seems that Methyldiazirinol has overshadowed its brother, and in fact my next cycle will be Triumphalis + Legio-X (with fall/winter approaching I'm sure Legio logs will sprout up). I do think Triumphalis + Dienazone or Mithras + Dienazone are both effective and versatile stacks. I love Dienolone and I do in fact think it is one of the few compounds I'd recommend to any and all powerlifters. Triumphalis recomp effects and Mithras strength gains would also compliment any run oriented towards strength or maintainable gains.

Thinking ahead I am also trying to focus on the battle for strength gain maintenance once PCT comes around. I do think (rather, I know) that I'll dry out a bit once I come off and that's okay with me.

Thus far I've got some X-Gels, Forskolin-95, bulk LCLT, and a tub of PF3 along with serms/ai's to last quite a while. I tend to rebound pretty well from my runs with regards to strength, and now that I won't be doing any of the form-readjusting bull**** that dropped all my previous lifts I have nowhere to go but up. Of course its easier said than done.
 
I really think you'll be g2g - as long as the serms/ais are there, DAA, & I prefer some kind of natty gimmick (like the x-gels, which are one of the most touted gimmicks out there). You've got your bases covered. Strength is a lot of things - and I think, largely, a personal decision. It's a mindset you choose to adopt. If you know you will, you can.
 
Regarding your cycle if you do qualify, you could always do a bridge to a non methyl stack and then bridge back to the good stuff before the second comp. there's plenty of options out there that aren't liver toxic and generally a lot milder, you may even add some #s on to your total by not coming off in between.
 
25 Days Out--Pull Complex A and Legs Complex B
--Power Movements--
BB Squat: 150x5, 185x5, 225x5, 260x3, 300x3, 335x3, 350x1, 360x1
BB Deadlift: 315x5, 365x5, 385x1, 410x1, 425x1, 435x1, 455x1, 315x5
DB Row: 70x10, 80x10, 90x10, 100x10, 100x10, 100x10, 110x10, 110x10, 120x10
--Volume Accessories--
Leg Extension, Unilateral: 45x10, 60x10, 90x10, 105x10, 120x10, 105x10, 90x10, 60x10, 45x10
DB Shrug: 40x10, 50x10, 60x10, 70x10, 80x10, 90x10, 100x10, 110x10, 120x15
Superset:
BB Curl: 75x10, 75x10, 75x10, 75x10, 40x10, 40x10, 40x10
Cable Straight-Arm Pulldown: 110x10, 120x10, 130x10, 140x10, 120x10, 110x10

So its roughly 11AM or so and I may or may not have already consumed 300g of carbohydrates.
I will be taking tomorrow off!
 
Lukef2000 said:
Regarding your cycle if you do qualify, you could always do a bridge to a non methyl stack and then bridge back to the good stuff before the second comp. there's plenty of options out there that aren't liver toxic and generally a lot milder, you may even add some #s on to your total by not coming off in between.
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Its a possibility but without a test base I'm hesitant to stay on for so long. If I were to qualify for the IPL Worlds it would be a 10 week cycle in total and I'd have to take a sizable chunk of time off after PCT before touching anything remotely anabolic.

I will keep this in mind however, possibly bringing in Dienolone if I were to do such a thing. But as it stands I have to qualify first!
 
10wks isn't crazy at all, but it's a long time to be in deep suppression at such a young age - you could never hope to fully recover. Not worth it IMHO. There will be time for longer cycles in your 30s, dig?
 
24 Days Out--Press Complex B
--Power Movement--
BB Flat: 225x3, 255x3, 265x1, 275x1, 285x1, 290x1, 300x1, 300x1, 305x1 (touch and go)
--SST Movement--
BB OHP: 120x8, 135x8, 140x6
--Accessories--
DB Flat (alternating static hold/press): 100x5, 100x5, 100x5, 110x3
DB Laterals: 15x12, 15x12, 15x12
Cable Tricep Pressdown: 100x12, 110x12, 120x12

Yes, today was supposed to be an off day. I woke up and knew I could beat Monday's 295 and I did just that.
Recovery has easily been my favorite part of this entire cycle. Weight gains haven't been anything excessive, and I've put on a bit of fat as well since I graduated. But to go to the gym and set multiple PRs in one week, alone and with proper form, and do alternating static hold/presses with the 110 DB's: I don't have the words to describe that. It's badass and fun. I speculate that those of us who cycle enjoy this aspect of things more than we'd like to admit. Everyone loves size/strength gains, but recovery and endurance take the cake for me.

Hyde said:
10wks isn't crazy at all, but it's a long time to be in deep suppression at such a young age - you could never hope to fully recover. Not worth it IMHO. There will be time for longer cycles in your 30s, dig?
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The more I consider it, I do not think I will enter the World's even if I qualify. It is so soon after the October meet that any improvement in my performance would be minimal at best: regardless of whether I'm on cycle or in PCT. I'm currently reviewing the records for my federation and weight class and trying to put together some long-term plans regarding what I want to pursue with my strength/physique (the former obviously takes precedence).
 
Awesome bud simply awesome. Can't say as I've ever broke two Pr in the same week on the same exercise ever.
 
NADDANME said:
Awesome bud simply awesome. Can't say as I've ever broke two Pr in the same week on the same exercise ever.
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I'm going to attribute this to Mithras, as Epistane isn't quite known for strength gains until higher doses are used.
I'm sure part of it has to do with my increased comfort under heavy weight, and the mentality that if I can push X, I have no excuse not to push X+5lbs in 2-3 weeks. Overall I think splitting my bench singles between full competition pause reps and touch-and-go contributes to bolstering my confidence and comfort levels. If I had not hit 300 today, I would have been much more anxious to try 290 paused next week.

Also, as an AF rep: thoughts on AF Focus for PCT use? Something like that could play a unique role in keeping my head straight for post-meet strength maintenance.
 
Hyde said:
10wks isn't crazy at all, but it's a long time to be in deep suppression at such a young age - you could never hope to fully recover. Not worth it IMHO. There will be time for longer cycles in your 30s, dig?
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Oh, does that mean since I am 31 that I can do a 10 week SD cycle?

Just kidding.. ;)
 
SPLocal said:
I'm going to attribute this to Mithras, as Epistane isn't quite known for strength gains until higher doses are used.
I'm sure part of it has to do with my increased comfort under heavy weight, and the mentality that if I can push X, I have no excuse not to push X+5lbs in 2-3 weeks. Overall I think splitting my bench singles between full competition pause reps and touch-and-go contributes to bolstering my confidence and comfort levels. If I had not hit 300 today, I would have been much more anxious to try 290 paused next week.

Also, as an AF rep: thoughts on AF Focus for PCT use? Something like that could play a unique role in keeping my head straight for post-meet strength maintenance.
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Yea having confidence and believing you can do something can make a big difference.

As far as using AF Focus during Pct it a vary mild product as far a surpression goes but it would Probly still hamper your return to normal testosterone production. If you decide you want to try it some time shoot me a Pm we have a couple codes available right now
 
Since you where curios about Focus thought I'd let you know where doing a logging promo for it.

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NADDANME said:
As far as using AF Focus during Pct it a vary mild product as far a surpression goes but it would Probly still hamper your return to normal testosterone production.
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I'd have to agree with Danimal here: Focus is one of our mildest products at AF, & dosed as directed for 4wks solo I'd personally feel safe not even following with a full PCT, perhaps a natty tbooster if anything. But a steroid is a steroid - Focus is an exogenous hormone source in the body, and if you're attempting to reach full homeostasis as fast as possible you need to keep it 100% about natty production.

NADDANME said:
Since you where curios about Focus thought I'd let you know where doing a logging promo for it.

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Everybody loves a free cycle ;)
 
23 Days Out: Deadlift Festival
--Pre-Training Meal--
x200g Chicken Breast
x400g Cottage Cheese
x4 pcs Ezekiel Bread
x1 packed Belvita breakfast biscuits
x30g peanuts

~1800kcal, 80g fat, 125g carb, 135g prot
--Power Movement--
BB Deadlift: 320x3, 370x3, 405x1, 430x1, 460x1, 480x1, 495x1, 500x1, 405x5, 315x10 (no belt for anything)
--Accessories--
HS Leg Press, plates per side: 3x5, 4x5, 5x5, 6x5, 6.5x5
DB Row: 90x10, 100x10, 110x10, 120x10
Cable Straight-Arm Pulldown: 100x10, 120x10, 130x10, 130x10
DB Hammer Curl: 20x10, 30x10, 40x10, 30x10, 20x10
HS Leg Extension, Unilateral: 45x10, 60x10, 70x10, 80x10, 90x10, 105x10, 90x10, 80x10, 70x10
Cable Upright Row: 100x12, 110x12, 120x12, 110x12, 100x12

It is done. 500x1. I wanted it and I wanted it this week, as there is no time to waste before the meet.

Goals for next week:
290x1 paused bench
380x1 below-parallel squat
500x1 repeat on the deadlift or a 505 pull

I'm having a lot of fun with this run. I will fight tooth and nail to keep my achievements post-cycle.
 
Well you just best my best dead lift by 135lbs lol continuing to impress
 
NADDANME said:
Since you where curios about Focus thought I'd let you know where doing a logging promo for it.

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Hyde said:
I'd have to agree with Danimal here: Focus is one of our mildest products at AF, & dosed as directed for 4wks solo I'd personally feel safe not even following with a full PCT, perhaps a natty tbooster if anything. But a steroid is a steroid - Focus is an exogenous hormone source in the body, and if you're attempting to reach full homeostasis as fast as possible you need to keep it 100% about natty production.



Everybody loves a free cycle ;)
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I saw the logging opportunity and figured I'd get your feedback; product looks interesting and feedback seems positive thus far but I agree--probably best to go full natural during PCT. I will be keeping it in mind for future runs though.

Also Hyde when did you become an AF rep?

I like to think I'd be a good forum rep given the amount of time I spend here and on PHF.
 
You are beasting it brother. Those numbers are incredible. I am sure you will have no problem getting that 505 up. I am dead at 405 (dead), but I don't expect to best that during a cut.

Keep it up bro!
 
Although I'm no longer bodybuilding I thought I'd put some pictures up finally.

Presenting SPLocal, powerlifter:

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(Legs are cold here)
 
Looking good man, I don't see the fat you keep mentioning- very solid 185 here. Congrats on the pull! With a belt you should pull 520 at the meet. Belts are worth a strong percentage on squat &, a bit less so, on dead.

AF was/is currently looking for reps for AM. I think they formally wrapped up the search but I know they'd be interested in more good guys that understand hormone interaction within the body & the importance of diet & training to make the hormones work for you. PM me if you think you're seriously interested.
 
Hyde said:
Looking good man, I don't see the fat you keep mentioning- very solid 185 here. Congrats on the pull! With a belt you should pull 520 at the meet. Belts are worth a strong percentage on squat &, a bit less so, on dead.

AF was/is currently looking for reps for AM. I think they formally wrapped up the search but I know they'd be interested in more good guys that understand hormone interaction within the body & the importance of diet & training to make the hormones work for you. PM me if you think you're seriously interested.
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Thanks for the feedback; I will more than likely go into this meet without a belt/wraps as I haven't used either in my training thus far.
To date the only gear I've used are my Metal "Silver" wrist wraps (which I love dearly).

I'm glad they picked you up for the job! You are a strong presence here on the forum so its a win-win for everyone involved I believe. But again I would implore you sir, compete! Ever since I mailed out my registration form/payment each training session has taken on a whole new level of seriousness.

On an unrelated note, I got my hands on Wendler's Beyond 5/3/1 and will be applying a strength-oriented template to my PCT regiment.
 
Tomorrow is October 1st, which will put me at 17 days out from the meet.
After some serious calorie fests (~4k+) over yesterday and today, I have the following to note:
Pulled 500x1 again and followed it up with squats to 350x1
Benched 305x1, 310x1, 315x1 (touch-and-go)

But after last weeks slew of multiple PRs and heavy singles my front delts are feeling particularly battered, and I have some mild discomfort/pain in my right shoulder/pectoral insertion area. Although I normally do band pull-aparts and dislocations before pressing/pulling, I think my body is giving me a sign that its time for a break or so.

This week will be more or less a deload week. I am considering backing off of the Big 3 completely and focusing on tightening up my diet, stretching/mobility, and foam rolling. If I do train it will be isolation/volume machine/cable work though I have a feeling that my delts need some substantial rest.

At the moment, I have hit all the numbers I had desired to hit before the meet. What remains now is to gauge my openers (to be taken next week) and what extent I'm willing to gamble on my third attempts (although that is something I will likely decide on the spot).
 
Good luck sounds like you've got a good plan. I'm big on listening to your body. I take rest weeks and deloads more than most because I'm auto-immune. So I've really learned the importance. If I don't I get hurt or overtained
 
NADDANME said:
Good luck sounds like you've got a good plan. I'm big on listening to your body. I take rest weeks and deloads more than most because I'm auto-immune. So I've really learned the importance. If I don't I get hurt or overtained
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^^^ this. All too often people ignore the telltale signs that they are overdoing it and end up with an injury. Props man.
 
Some brief updates as to how everything is going, unfortunately things have gone rocky as of late:

1. Shoulder strain is still very tender, I worked up to a 285x1 (with commands) today and that is likely all the bench work I will do for this week.

2. Tweaked my hip flexor (or groin, I'm not sure) during warmups for some volume squats. I'm not sure what happened exactly but it has been aggravated since and is extended to deadlifts.

3. High calories over the past few weeks have caught up with me and my lower back fat stores seem to have exploded. Somewhat inconsequential as far as strength is concerned but not pleasing--though this is par the course. I'm currently weighing ~185-186.

----

Any advice as to how to proceed this week would be appreciated. I wanted to simply take my openers but the groin strain is making me very nervous. As it is I had to alter my form somewhat for the presses and could still feel that I was in the "danger zone" so to speak.

I am considering just bypassing all compound movements this week and doing nothing but mobility, cardio, and volume isolation for smaller muscle groups.

With the meet 13 days away the pressure is on and I want to be able to perform and perform well. On the flip side I feel like the strains are going to make me lose a lot of prep time.
 
You can't train if you're injured. Further injuring yourself will not help. Keep it to the stuff you listed til you're ready, train for a few days, & take more time off right before the meet (many guys take the wk off before anyway). Then do what you gotta.

Excited for the Dianadrol & Protobol presale? 20 bux a whack....
 
Hyde said:
You can't train if you're injured. Further injuring yourself will not help. Keep it to the stuff you listed til you're ready, train for a few days, & take more time off right before the meet (many guys take the wk off before anyway). Then do what you gotta.

Excited for the Dianadrol & Protobol presale? 20 bux a whack....
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I hear you. It figures I would be the one to get all excited and slay PRs when PRs did not yet need to be slain. I have a tendency to go to extremes with things (you should have seen me back in my Grateful Dead/Medical Marijuana days).


drewsicle3210 said:
That sale is madness!!!
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That sale is insane. I'm looking into the Proto specifically but in all honesty another Triumphalis run is in the future for me. I cannot get over how much I enjoyed that compound.
 
Ok you two, tell me about this Proto. If you guys are intrigued, there must be something good here. I was all excited about the Dianodrol and Celtibol.
 
Celtibol is Mag. Mbol, Mechabol, Methyclostebol. P-Mag from CEL was a ph to mag, but Antaues brought the active compound to the market with mechabol. It's been out, people seem to love it, & I'm on day 4 in my log of it right now. Structurally similar to Halo but a better bulker & works faster; halo is the better cutter.

Proto was a drier compound often run for 6wks, & people often saw 8-15lbs they say. Low on sides, & sort of comparable to halo & mag in results/sides I've read. Don't know much else. Supposed to be easier on the liver for a methyl, the way DMZ is compared to sdrol & phera.
 
Hyde said:
Celtibol is Mag. Mbol, Mechabol, Methyclostebol. P-Mag from CEL was a ph to mag, but Antaues brought the active compound to the market with mechabol. It's been out, people seem to love it, & I'm on day 4 in my log of it right now. Structurally similar to Halo but a better bulker & works faster; halo is the better cutter.

Proto was a drier compound often run for 6wks, & people often saw 8-15lbs they say. Low on sides, & sort of comparable to halo & mag in results/sides I've read. Don't know much else. Supposed to be easier on the liver for a methyl, the way DMZ is compared to sdrol & phera.
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You are an anabolic manual. Interesting, this proto. I would like to buy some of each of these.
Gotta sweet talk the wife!!
 
Just a brief update, things are clearing up somewhat and I had a great session today.
The ebb and flow of these strains is somewhat confusing to me but I cannot argue with my recovery capacity.

Since my training scheme has been largely altered by the strains I don't have a particular schedule at the moment, so the movements are largely chosen according to feel/intuition.

BB Deadlift: 225x1, 250x1, 275x1, 300x1, 325x1, 350x1, 375x1, 400x1, 425x1, 450x1, 455x1
BB Bench: 225x5, 255x5, 265x5, 280x2, 280x2, 280x2
BB Deadlift (return): 325x5, 365x5, 405x5, 425x5
--
Assorted leg/delt/tri/ cable and isolation work

Things seem to be back up to speed, but the singles at the start of the session were done to feel things out with my groin.
Surprisingly my pressing movements felt much smoother and stress-free after pulling heavy. Shifting my grip to a somewhat wider position has also helped draw more lat into the movement and reduce the amount of stress on my shoulder during the lockout.

I will keep an eye on things and train/rest accordingly.

At this point, my goal lifts for the meet are: 380/300/500.
I plan on hitting these lifts during my third attempt, and will select my openers at an appropriate selection. A 400 squat would be a dream but with the strain and loss of prep time I fear it will be beyond reach.

I'd also like to announce that I've become an Antaeus Labs Representative!
 
Meet Prep: 7 Days Out

Openers were taken this morning, all went well and I'm feeling back up to speed. All that remains is to play it smart and safe during the week!

My apologies for the sparse updates lately, between the injuries and increased off days there simply isn't much to report.

At the moment everything is where it needs to be for the meet, my only regret is that the hip flexor tweak put me out of squatting for longer than I would prefer. I have a feeling my meet squat will be very conservative and I'll try to make up for the dip with my bench and pull.

On a similar note, I've ordered some Rehband "Blue" 7mm knee sleeves and will begin training with them after the meet.
My federation has both Classic Raw and Raw divisions which are distinguished by allowing/disallowing knee wraps and sleeves. During this meet I will be in the Classic Raw (knee wraps) but plan to compete raw in the future.

This cycle has turned into a dirty bulk more or less but there will be plenty of time for fine-tuning after the meet. I am pleased to have made this progress thus far with less than 6 months of dedicated strength training under my belt. I'm currently weighing ~188-189.

Additionally, since many of you readers are avid PH/DS users I felt this would be a good time to note that Antaeus Labs has recently upgraded its Talos support product. For those of you interested in the current ingredient profile feel free to shoot me (or any other AL rep) a PM!
 
Singlet, deadlift socks, flight rosters...two days out!

And of course I would be placed in the 198s with one competitor: the guy who holds the federation's state bench record of 380lbs.

Nice.
 
Full meet update coming soon.

I'm trying to get the videos loaded onto Youtube.
I played it very conservative and went 9/9.
Overall a great experience, can't wait to do it again!

Weight: 188lbs
Total: 1179
374.8/303.1/501.5 LBS

In the meantime, there's this:

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SPLocal said:
Full meet update coming soon. I'm trying to get the videos loaded onto Youtube. I played it very conservative and went 9/9. Overall a great experience, can't wait to do it again! Weight: 188lbs Total: 1179 374.8/303.1/501.5 LBS In the meantime, there's this: Invalid Link Removed
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Great job! Sick game face right there
 
Some legit vinegar strokes coming through in that picture lol

Awesome work man, & you pulled 5-hundo in competition :)
 
MEET REPORT AND CYCLE SUMMARY

Dosing Review
Mithras: 25/25/25/25/0/0/0
Epistane: 0/60/60/70/70/70/70
Trenavar: 0/0/90/120/120/120/120

PCT Review
Clomid: 50/50/25/25/25/25
Nolva: 20/20/10/10/10/10
Exemestane: 25mg ED with gradual EOD taper at 12.5mg

Gains
Start Weight: 176
End Weight: 188

Meet Specifics
USPA Central California Open
Junior (20-23), 198 Class, 188lbs
Lifts: 9/9
Total: 1179
As is commonly my experience with new smartphones, video recordings, and uploading media, Youtube (or Sprint) is being uncooperative and it will be some time before I can get everything together.

The purpose of this cycle was to prepare me for a theoretical (and ultimately literal) powerlifting meet.
Overall, it was a major success.

Starting Bench: 285lbs paused
Meet Result: 303 paused, along with a 315 touch-and-go gym PR.

Starting Squat: 380lbs parallel
Meet Result: 375lbs 1-2 inches below-parallel. I consider this a success because I changed my squat stance mid-cycle after seeing USPA judges red-light seemingly parallel squats. Compounding the issue was a hip flexor strain I incurred roughly 2 weeks out, resulting in a loss of prep time. I had no issues with depth (or exertion) at the meet and 375 is not a true 1RM for me.

Starting Deadlift: 460lbs
Meet Result: 501.5lbs and I had more in the tank (despite what my lockout-image "game face" may lead you to believe). I had a blast with deadlifts during this cycle and it has become my favorite lift.

Sides:
Headaches and acne which subsided as the cycle drew on; also heavy bloating/water retention when Trenavar began and testicular atrophy.

A long layoff from anabolics is in order as my strength levels are where they need to be for continued progress. My next goal is trim off some of the fat gains and recomp or slowly cut to a lean-ish 181, and then break a 1200 total at my next meet (likely in March). I'll be throwing the kitchen sink at this PCT in terms of OTC supplements but I have every confidence that my gains will be maintained. Strength is a state of mind, endurance/recovery and glycogen retention are what anabolics impact most in my experience.

My diet was not clean by any means during this run, and by "clean" I mean both in content and in keeping my caloric intake level. I began with ~3000-3200kcal daily and easily ended up pushing ~4k or ~4.5k towards the end. My body appears to have responded to this intake and PL training well, however. At the moment I am the biggest I've ever been (albeit much smoother) but definite LBM gains have been made. I am looking forward to seeing my proportions once the water/glycogen dissipates, and particularly at the end of my pre-meet conditioning.

My plan for PCT and beyond is to employ several aspects of Wendler's 5/3/1 program which I can elaborate on (the revamped 5/3/1, the 5's Progression, and BBB) for those who are interested. This system has worked for me and I have no interest in altering it.

I know this log became somewhat sparse as the competition drew nearer and the minor tweaks/injuries mounted. Lessons have been learned, lifting techniques have been refined, and I'm ready to prepare for my next meet with even more intensity than before. I will more than likely log my progress in a new thread and I hope that those of you who have followed thus far will take a look!

On an unrelated note, I'd like thank all of you who have taken the time to lurk, and especially those who have commented. At the meet I met a competitor who guided me through the process, moderated my urge to gamble for 3rd-attempt PRs, and calmed my nerves to produce a successful and enjoyable experience. Most PL forums and websites will note the camaraderie between competitors at meets, and in my experience it was proven to be true. Those of you who have taken the time to lend words of support, advice, or criticism have been as integral to my progress as any other aspect of training. We are all in it together.

Finally, and on an unrelated note: please do not hesitate to inquire regarding Antaeus Labs products or my experience with either the AL or IL (Iron Legion) line. I have been a longstanding supporter of both companies and it is a privilege to now rep for AL. Although I have been busy as of late, I want to do my best to increase knowledge (beyond the already outstanding reputation) of AL products on the forums.

Until I can get the videos uploaded, I'll conclude the log with this image:

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