The Charlie & GearHeaded Project, another cycle experiment.

[Charlie67]

So here we go… a log for my 2020 adventure with Grearheaded. 12 or so weeks of diet, gear, and training.

Background:
You may have seen a post by GearHeaded that he started with:
“I have an experiment (blah, blah, blah) but if I have a volunteer and mutual agreement then that leaves us both with a clear conscience…”

I know, right? A “clear conscience”? What could that possibly mean, normal people (other than Charger of course) would have ran, but GH and I started talking about a 12 wk plan, the high points:

- non-traditional dieting strategy, I can't guarantee any results, it’s just an experiment.
- must be enhanced already. I don't want any newb gains that are going to skew the results
- must be in a good financial position to be able to purchase a lot of the high quality foods this diet will have
- must be in a good position to be able to phase cycle and rotate in different compounds
- must be able to commit and not fall back into your own old ways of doing things
- you can't be a picky eater. you got to eat what’s in the diet. that’s the whole point of the experiment
- If you've been on a heavy blast for 12+ weeks already then no its probably not a good time to do this
- If you've been just cruising for a while and you’re ready to step things up a notch then yes this is a good time
- Diet is going to be designed around certain micro nutrients (not macros) to correspond with certain AAS. you’re going to be rotating compounds (not a traditional cycle) and your nutrition is going to be based on feeding those compounds to ultimately enhance muscle growth (with a big focus on maintaining insulin sensitivity).

What’s not to love about all that?

More to come,
C-

[Charlie67]

Pre-week
Disclaimer, in general I have no idea what I’m doing… I say that to preface the following thing; Do your own research, please don’t take anything I do as anything other than anecdotal gibberish. Now GearHeaded, he’s legit, so if he writes something, listen. My logging all this is nothing more than sharing with other people who might be interested in my experience. Listen to him, but not me, this isn’t advice. Whatever the opposite of advice is, that’s what my part of this is

Current stats, sitting at a fat 250, 6’2”, a few years shy of 50 yrs old.

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”
- Hunter S. Thompson

Goal: body recompositing…. Maybe I should say decomposition??

Best,
C-

[Charlie67]

The Cycle Plan
After talking about it with GH, exhaustive questions about history, health, goals, current stats, dietary needs, ets, etc, etc… here is the shopping list.

TestE, Deca, TrenAce, Mast P, DBol, Anavar, Primo. T3, T4, MK677, and Clen. 15 weeks, rotating compounds throughout. Because people are usually curious, about $1,300.

We talked about running HGH, I’m going to pass because the cost to benefit probably isn’t there for me, given everything else I’m taking. I am going to run MK677 though. I’ve run it before but it was hard to pick out any one benefit during my cycle.

This is a far bigger, more complicated cycle than anything I have ever run. The most complex cycle I’ve ever ran was a Test/Tren/Mast cycle, all at fairly low doses across 15 wks. I’ve never used T3/T4, Primo, or Anavar before this, and I’ve never rotated in this way before. While I have run Tren E, never Tren Ace. In the past, Tren E has given me terrible insomnia. I’ve heard Ace is easier. We shall see. As well, up until my last cycle I’ve ALWAYS used an AI, usually Adex… but the last few years or so we’ve been hearing about the positive benefits of having higher estrogen while on cycle so I did my last cycle without an AI, it went fine… water retention and bloat were irritating, but my joints felt great and I had awesome pumps in the gym. So I won’t be running an AI this time either…. I’ll probably just run Nolva for the first 6 weeks while I’m on Dbol and higher Test for the volume phase.

Things get started tomorrow,
C-

[Proximal]

Did a body recomp with GH at this time of the year last year C.

You’re heavier than me, but younger, able to do more in the gym and not an alcoholic.

My expectations were exceeded and I was shocked at the progress; you are going to be VERY happy, I am certain!

I am very much looking forward to following this adventure!

Prox

Ps: just read your last post. LOVE the HGH! Pricey, yes, but will NEVER get off it.

[kelkel]

This should be great! Following!

Gonna be like the Hardy Boys, "We were there".

[Charlie67]

You’re heavier than me, but younger,

Well that's now my favorite post, lol.

Glad to hear your run with GH was great, I'm looking forward to it. I hear you on the HGH, a perpetual cycle of Primo and HGH would be my ideal cruise I think.

[Obs]

This should be great! Following!

Gonna be like the Hardy Boys, "We were there".

Lmao I feel old for knowing what that is

[The Deadlifting Dog]

Good luck.
Be safe.
Train smart.

before and after pictures would be great.


And why can't I find a subscribe button?.... fuck I am getting old

[GearHeaded]

just to add some details here about the cycle plan
its set up in 3 phases

phase 1 - volumization phase with a combined androgen/estrogen load
phase 2 - anabolic phase
phase 3 - cosmetic and finishing phase


in phase 1 we are 'priming' the muscles and the body to hold onto as much nutrition, minerals, co factors, blood volume, and water as possible .. this is 'volumization' of the cells as well as a bit of 'osmotic super compensation' . this initiates muscle growth and gives the body a reason to begin putting on muscle.
the added androgen and estrogen load will promote an up regulation of glucose metabolism. Carbs are going to partition towards muscle.

in phase 2 , this is where new tissue begins to be put on. in phase 1 we are swelling existing tissue, in phase 2 we are building new proteins and adding new muscle tissue.

in phase 3, this is where the recomp comes to fruition.. a lot of the water weight is dropped. fat has been slowly stripped off, and the dense hard muscle begins to stand out.


each phase is its own 'cycle'. various compounds are rotated in and used within each phase based on their purpose and features, as well as how they stack and work together with other compounds.

these compound rotations and phases will also correspond with the diet and nutrition. for example, the total carbs in phase 1 to help volumize the cell are going to go very high and help be utilized along side the Tren and dbol that will be used..
wheres as in phase 2, the anabolic phase, carbs will likely be lowered and fats and proteins raised to help put on new tissue which is being driven by Primo and deca.

this is also all corresponding together with the training programming I put together .. during phase 1, the volumization phase, the training programming intensity increases week to week. we need to drive these training intensity and volume increases with plenty of food and drugs .. THEN in phase 2, the anabolic phase, where we are really trying to recover and add more new muscle tissue , the intensity progressions in the training program come to an end and we start a de-load week, and begin emphasizing and prioritizing recovery .
in phase 3, we begin a short 4 week long metabolite based training program , for 'cell swelling' and helping enhance that cosmetic look.

diet, drug protocols, training . etc.. they are all synced together to work together in an optimized fashion

[SampsonandDelilah]

This should be great! Following!

Gonna be like the Hardy Boys, "We were there".

I’m in, as someone on the south side of 50...this will be fantastic to follow!

[GearHeaded]

also, just so you guys are all aware and are not just pre supposing that we are going to be running massive dosages here . we are not.
the compound rotation and phase protocols are going to be optimized along with the nutirtion.. we are going to use the co factors and micro nutrition to drive this.

so , you may see a lot of different AAS compounds listed but that does not mean we are mega dosing them..

for example in phase 1 --
we are only running 150mg of Tren Ace a week and 30mg of Dbol and 400mg of Deca .. those are not mega dosages at all.

the nutirtion is going to be the main driver here. not the drugs .. but yes, I will say that the drug protocols themselves are very advanced, that way we can get the most out of the least, but the dosages themselves are not super 'advanced'

[Capebuffalo]

Better be some duck in that diet.

Go get it son.

[Charlie67]

Better be some duck in that diet.

Go get it son.

Hey Cape, how you been man?

The season was kind of a flop, I only took about six mallards, and a handful of other things. Pretty tame. Goose hunting this weekend and next, then it's on to pheasants.

I've been reading about your sudden business move, hope things all turned out well.

Best,
C-

[balance]

Following for sure. I’m very interested to see the protein sources utilized here.


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[charger69]

[B]Pre-week[/.

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”
- Hunter S. Thompson

C-

So Obs real name is Hunter? LOL


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[Cuz]

Following along. Dont forget to log progress pics.

[GearHeaded]

Following for sure. I’m very interested to see the protein sources utilized here.

protein sources are all nutrient dense meats.
Steak, Lamb, Bison, Venison, Salmon, Sardines, Shrimp, Clams, Scallops.. NO chicken, but eggs are ok.

Protein is set at 285g for training days .. and is set at 305g for off days.
which is around 2.7 pounds of animal meat per day (only counts eggs and animal meat for protein tracking.. indirect sources of protein found in beans, oats, rice, etc.. are not counted at all)..
so if you were going to track total protein in some app the total protein would be higher. but I only care about tracking the meat sources

[GearHeaded]

also, besides high quality nutrient dense animal meats.. the diet also has healthy fats added in at certain times of the day, certain micro nutrients coming from fruits and veggies added in at certain times of the day as well.

so for example .. some meals call for added fruit.
like Strawberry, Blueberry, Raspberry, Melon, or Bannana

some meals call for added veggies
Like baby kale, baby spinach, asparagus, brocolli, celery, peppers

some meals call for added fats
Like Avocado, Olives, Almonds, Mac nut oil, olive oil, etc.

BUT every single meal (all 6) have high quality animal sources of protein.. the secondary macro and micro nutrients are cycled in and out of the diet. the animal meats are a constant


as for Carbs . those are changed based on energy demands and meal timing. carbs are moderate. as I want to drive more micro nutrition here (ie, we need to have room for all the meat, veggies, and some added fruit). but every 10th day we do a high carb re-feed day with 360g of carbs. on a daily basis though, most carbs come in pre and post workout.
carbs are potato, sweet potato, oats, white rice, wheat pasta .. the basics really

[charger69]

protein sources are all nutrient dense meats.
Steak, Lamb, Bison, Venison, Salmon, Sardines, Shrimp, Clams, Scallops.. NO chicken, but eggs are ok.

Protein is set at 285g for training days .. and is set at 305g for off days.
which is around 2.7 pounds of animal meat per day (only counts eggs and animal meat for protein tracking.. indirect sources of protein found in beans, oats, rice, etc.. are not counted at all)..
so if you were going to track total protein in some app the total protein would be higher. but I only care about tracking the meat sources

I am going to ask a stupid question.... why not chicken breast? There are 31 g of protein in 100 grams however steak only has 24 g per 113 g.


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[Gallowmere]

I am going to ask a stupid question.... why not chicken breast? There are 31 g of protein in 100 grams however steak only has 24 g per 113 g.


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Because chicken is micronutrient and zoochemical poor as hell compared to the other options.
Dark chicken is where most of the nutrients are, but the fatty acid ratios of chicken suuucks in pretty much all cases. It’s better in free range chickens, but not by enough to be worth the cost increase. And still worse than the other stuff.

[Charlie67]

Hey all,

The Diet
Sometimes this shit is hard… and I’m not even talking about working out or staying on top of the gear. Sometimes the lifestyle is complicated. Yesterday I drove a few hours south to goose hunt. I was up at 3 AM and ate eggs and lean beef with brown rice and half a banana. Picked up a couple guys and drove south for a few hours and set up. About 6 I ate cold steak with almonds and spinach leaves. Hunted the morning. On the drive home we pulled into McDonald’s but I ate cold shrimp and a cup of white rice out of a Tupperware container. Got home, took a nap, got up and ate brown rice and ground beef, took the kids to a movie (Jumanji – go see it) then home to tilapia, sweet potato and broccoli. Played a bit with the kids, then hit my pre-bedtime snack of a whey shake with peanut butter and milk. And this was an OFF day. All of you know that food prep is key… it truly is.

Historically, I eat 5-6 times per day. I usually workout after work, between meals 4-5. For example, I’d eat about 7am, 10am, 1pm, 3pm, pre-workout shake about 4:30, dinner at 7, snack at 10pm. This is similar to what I’m doing now.

GH did a great job of discussing diet above, but here’s my shopping list for today.

Protein- top sirloin steak, lean ground beef, salmon, tilapia, shrimp, tuna steaks… Maybe Scallops but depends on the price, they’re about $20/pound.
Carbs-- oats, potato, sweet potato, brown and jasmine rice ….. and cake because GH probably isn't reading this .
Fats- almonds
Veggies - baby spinach, broccoli, celery and carrots
Fruit - strawberry, blueberry, banana and melon
And then all the normal crap a family needs… school lunches, dinners, etc.

[Update: because people seem to care, at Sams Club I spent $94 on tuna steak, beef steak, shrimp, ground beef, and rice… Just those things for MAYBE a week. $310 at Meijers for lots of other stuff but mostly family related and vegetables. I did not buy the scallops… but I will eventually. The protein to fat content for scallops is amazing.]

I am going to ask a stupid question.... why not chicken breast? There are 31 g of protein in 100 grams however steak only has 24 g per 113 g.

Yeah, I had that same question… and I’m worried about the fat intake from beef (despite my trust in the plan). It’s the one place where I’ll really struggle especially when it comes to sharing meals with the family. I’ll give a nod to Gallow’s answer, but this is the hardest part of the diet to accept. The dollar value of chicken to protein is so hard to give up.

About the gear….

also.... we are only running 150mg of Tren Ace a week and 30mg of Dbol and 400mg of Deca [edit: and Test] .. those are not mega dosages at all....the nutrition is going to be the main driver here. not the drugs .. but yes, I will say that the drug protocols themselves are very advanced, that way we can get the most out of the least, but the dosages themselves are not super 'advanced'

I started the gear today, we're front loading the Deca, which adds a little volume. I'm going with a 3 days per week schedule because of the short esters. The first week will be 2 injections on those days because of the frontloading. Still waiting on the T4, but running the rest.

Following along. Dont forget to log progress pics.

Looking at your avatar Cuz... and chargers and deadlifts and sampsons and prox... damn guys. I'm almost ashamed of my scrawniness. But I will be posting pictures this week despite my embarrassment. Full disclosure, since before Christmas when GH offered to work with me and I knew I was starting in January, I've been eating a lot of cake. You've been warned.

I am training today, legs.

Question:
1) Does anyone have any favorite intra workout drinks with at least 40 g of dextrose in? This will be a big change for me. I don’t typically drink anything during my workouts and I don’t love super-sweet drinks… GH told me what I should be adding to it, just curious what you guys use.

[Charlie67]

Tomorrow's meal prep... Tuna steaks, shrimp, and top sirloin.

[Capebuffalo]

Hey Cape, how you been man?

The season was kind of a flop, I only took about six mallards, and a handful of other things. Pretty tame. Goose hunting this weekend and next, then it's on to pheasants.

I've been reading about your sudden business move, hope things all turned out well.

Best,
C-

Not a good migration this year? Take any goose?

[charger69]

Because chicken is micronutrient and zoochemical poor as hell compared to the other options.
Dark chicken is where most of the nutrients are, but the fatty acid ratios of chicken suuucks in pretty much all cases. It’s better in free range chickens, but not by enough to be worth the cost increase. And still worse than the other stuff.

I still don’t understand. The micronutrients you can get from the rest of the diet IMO.
Steak is 11 g of fat and chicken 4 g. Salmon has approx 13 g of fat.
Where do you get the fatty ratios from?

I have lived off of chicken breast for the last 5 years so you better be wrong! LOL


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[charger69]

Tomorrow's meal prep... Tuna steaks, shrimp, and top sirloin.

I like it. Charlie is taking this serious!


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[Obs]

Tomorrow's meal prep... Tuna steaks, shrimp, and top sirloin.

Tuna steaks...
You lucky ass man!

Hell with this shit I am telling gf I am hiring a trainer and I have to buy and eat everything he says.

[charger69]

Intra drink . Aminos, bcaa, protein, .
I also use glycofuse by Gaspari or dextrose powder by NOW
The dextrose powder is way cheaper.
Allstarhealth.com handles both of these and is one of the cheaper places I have found.



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[Obs]

How much tuna steak did you get for $94?

[Obs]

How much tuna steak did you get for $94?

And what state do you live in? I forgot

[Proximal]

How much tuna steak did you get for $94?

This ^^^^?

Am I wrong, are those 6-7 ounce chunks?

Nice Tuna filets! I’m paying $20 per pound out here.

Edit, my bad, that was the sirloin, the tuna is still 5-6 ounces though.

[Obs]

This ^^^^?

Am I wrong, are those 6-7 ounce chunks?

Nice Tuna filets! I’m paying $20 per pound out here.

Shit they dont have it here and its $100 a plate at the places I rarely get to eat it.
Hands down my favorite meal is seered tuna steak.

[Proximal]

Shit they dont have it here and its $100 a plate at the places I rarely get to eat it.
Hands down my favorite meal is seered tuna steak.

I’ve lost all faith brother, you’re favorite dish is FISH!

[Proximal]

Seriously though. A great seared tuna is insane! Man the Farmer’s Market we go to has sushi grade ahi that is amazing, week in and week out. L.a. does have some advantages.

[Obs]

Seriously though. A great seared tuna is insane! Man the Farmer’s Market we go to has sushi grade ahi that is amazing, week in and week out. L.a. does have some advantages.

I owe Capebuffalo my tuna steak love.
He sent me to florida and I was trying new things.
I came back and found it at a ritzy place in KC.
It was not the same but still better than any steak around.

There is no texture the same. Its like a perfect cut and cooked ribeye but its fish. If I ever get rich I will make myself sick of it.

[Gallowmere]

I still don’t understand. The micronutrients you can get from the rest of the diet IMO.
Steak is 11 g of fat and chicken 4 g. Salmon has approx 13 g of fat.
Where do you get the fatty ratios from?

I have lived off of chicken breast for the last 5 years so you better be wrong! LOL


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You can look up on self nutrition for most whole foods.

Here’s skinless chicken breast for example.
https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts...products/703/2
Scroll down and hit “more details” under the fat section and it will give you a much more detailed breakdown of the types and sub-types of fats. Same can be done with sugars in fruits and the like.

[Charlie67]

Not a good migration this year? Take any goose?

The migration seems to have stopped about 2 hours north of me... But honestly, its been that way the last couple of years. We shoot local ducks the first two weeks and then it gets really slow. We didn't see anything goose hunting... The irony is that I live on a small lake which is full of gees right now. Go figure.

[Charlie67]

I still don’t understand. The micronutrients you can get from the rest of the diet IMO. Steak is 11 g of fat and chicken 4 g. Salmon has approx 13 g of fat.
Where do you get the fatty ratios from?

I have lived off of chicken breast for the last 5 years so you better be wrong! LOL

I dunno… we’re NOT tacking fats from protein… which honestly terrifies me, but I do what I’m told. Maybe GH will chime in on this.

Tuna steaks...
You lucky ass man!

Hell with this shit I am telling gf I am hiring a trainer and I have to buy and eat everything he says.

Lol, That's about how I sold it... "Sorry babe, it’s in the plan..."

How much tuna steak did you get for $94?

That was for tuna steak, beef steak, shrimp, ground beef, and rice... I wasn't sure about cooking the tuna, so I 'only' bought 4lbs (2 - 2lb bags, I think about $15 a bag??) bag to make sure my culinary skills were up for it. If you're curious... I used Riley's all purpose Cajun seasoning. I brushed a little oil on each side, sprinkled on the seasoning and let it sit for 30minutes. Then cooked it in a pan with a lid, about 3-4 minutes per side. I over cooked it a bit so it was a little dry, next time I'll stop cooking it at about 135 degrees and let it sit in the pan a few minutes.... I'm still figuring out cooking seafood.

And what state do you live in? I forgot

Illinois…. And I know how you feel about Illinois, lol

Am I wrong, are those 6-7 ounce chunks? Nice Tuna filets! I’m paying $20 per pound out here.
Edit, my bad, that was the sirloin, the tuna is still 5-6 ounces though.

Yeah, they were about 6 ounces each, about $8/lb (ish). And yeah, my sirloin was about $20/pound.

How do you cook your sirloin? I coat mine in salt and let it sit for a few hours, then pat it dry, sear it in a cast iron skillet, and stick the whole pan in the oven at 375. Perfect medium rare every time… although I cheat and use an over thermometer to keep tabs on it.

To give you guys a diet example, here’s what I made for today…
Meal 1: Steak and Eggs, half a banana, oatmeal.
Meal 2: 1 avocado, canned tuna with no-fat mayonnaise… sadly no sweet relish, two cups of fresh spinach.
Meal 3: 97% / 3% lean ground beef, brown rice, broccoli
Meal 4: Pre-workout: steak, white potato
Intra-workout shake

I’ll make this tonight:
Meal 5: post workout: Talapia or salmon, white rice.
Meal 6: Whey protein, almonds, cup of low-fat milk.

Somewhere around 2600-2700 cals

[Obs]

I dunno… we’re NOT tacking fats from protein… which honestly terrifies me, but I do what I’m told. Maybe GH will chime in on this.



Lol, That's about how I sold it... "Sorry babe, it’s in the plan..."



That was for tuna steak, beef steak, shrimp, ground beef, and rice... I wasn't sure about cooking the tuna, so I 'only' bought 4lbs (2 - 2lb bags, I think about $15 a bag??) bag to make sure my culinary skills were up for it. If you're curious... I used Riley's all purpose Cajun seasoning. I brushed a little oil on each side, sprinkled on the seasoning and let it sit for 30minutes. Then cooked it in a pan with a lid, about 3-4 minutes per side. I over cooked it a bit so it was a little dry, next time I'll stop cooking it at about 135 degrees and let it sit in the pan a few minutes.... I'm still figuring out cooking seafood.



Illinois…. And I know how you feel about Illinois, lol



Yeah, they were about 6 ounces each, about $8/lb (ish). And yeah, my sirloin was about $20/pound.

How do you cook your sirloin? I coat mine in salt and let it sit for a few hours, then pat it dry, sear it in a cast iron skillet, and stick the whole pan in the oven at 375. Perfect medium rare every time… although I cheat and use an over thermometer to keep tabs on it.

To give you guys a diet example, here’s what I made for today…
Meal 1: Steak and Eggs, half a banana, oatmeal.
Meal 2: 1 avocado, canned tuna with no-fat mayonnaise… sadly no sweet relish, two cups of fresh spinach.
Meal 3: 97% / 3% lean ground beef, brown rice, broccoli
Meal 4: Pre-workout: steak, white potato
Intra-workout shake

I’ll make this tonight:
Meal 5: post workout: Talapia or salmon, white rice.
Meal 6: Whey protein, almonds, cup of low-fat milk.

Somewhere around 2600-2700 cals

Damn thats cheap!

I am sorry about Illinois.

[balance]

Awesome to see you putting in the hard (meal planning/prep) work C! As far as progress and starting pics I know you already know this but it’s about where you are going not where you are right now. If eating cold shrimp vs fast food in a bag is any indication of your dedication to the journey you got this!

Please tell me the $20 per lb of top sirloin is an error! Top sirloin at my local grocer averages $7-8 per lb, it’s why I tend to eat it so often. Even the organic version is rarely over $10 per lb.

As far as GH not counting fat in protein sources iirc the big caveat is your not to be eating excessively fatty meats (bacon, ribs, ribeye steaks etc). Same with not counting sugar in carbs, your not to be eating fruit loops, donuts, and cake .


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[Livinlean]

Nice! Following for sure.