Slfmade's 1st Cycle Log - Prop/Mast/Diet!!!!!

[slfmade]

Alright, It's finally time for my first cycle. For those of you that followed my log last year, you know that I'm super dedicated and borderline anal about making sure I do this shit right.

I wasn't quite sure where to put this, but I figured since you can't do a proper cycle without nutrition being your number 1 priority then this has gotta be the best place for it. Besides, as the weeks go by I figure my diet is going to have more changes than any other factors.

This will be a log to show my progression over the next 12 weeks. (8 week cycle + 4 week PCT)

I've already made an almost unbelievable transformation over the last 90 days (natty) so I'm gonna save the pics for the very end just for an extra wow factor.

Stats.
Male
31 yrs next month
~193lbs
~13-14% BF
Training experience - Years

Goals - Increase LBM - (Maybe 5-10lbs) Drop BF% to ~10%

I'm figuring my TDEE around 2500 (ish) calories/day.

Cycle will be:
Test P - 120mg EOD Weeks 1-8
Mast P - 120mg EOD Weeks 3-8 (I just decided to add this last minute and I'm still waiting on product)
Aromasin - 12.5mg ED (with possibility of bumping to 25mg ED)
HCG - 250iu's 2x a week

PCT:
Clomid 75/50/50/50
Nolva 40/20/20/20

***I also have some T3 on hand that I'll start running week 4 if needed to reduce additional BF.

Okay....On with the Diet:

Lift Days - (Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri)(Chest, Legs, Back, Shoulders/Arms) - Doing a HIT format

4 meals

Meal 1
10 Egg whites
1/2 Bell Pepper
4tbs Salsa
1 Whole Grain Bagel
2 tbs of Sugar Free Jam
Chocolate no bake cookies (Before you flip out, this is just 1 scoop protein powder, 1/2 cup of oats, 1 tbs of natty peanut butter, and a touch of water)

Total = (cals/fat/carbs/pro) 836/13.5/101.5/89.1


Meal 2
4oz chicken Breast
1 Cup brown Rice
1/2 Bell Pepper
1/2 tsp EVOO
4tbs salsa
Protein Shake
1 Tbs Natty PB

Total = (cals/fat/carbs/pro) 766/14.75/64.5/92.5

Meal 3 (Pre-Workout)
Fajitas
4oz Pork Steak
4oz Chicken
1/2 Bell Pepper
1/2 Onion
4tbs Salsa
1 Cup brown Rice
4 Tortillas
Lettuce

Total = (cals/fat/carbs/pro) 772/13.5/101/75.6

Meal 4 (PWO)

No bake cookie (w casien instead of whey)
Whole Wheat Bagel
Sugar Free Jam

Total = (cals/fat/carbs/pro) 640/13.5/92.5/48.5

Daily Total = 3014cals 55.25f 359.5c 305.7p
Split = p/c/f = 40/45/15


NON-LIFT DAYS - CARDIO ONLY (Thursday, Saturday)

4 meals - The only difference on these 2 days is I've taken out a few carbs which has dropped my calories to right around TDEE instead of 500 Over

Meal 1
10 Egg whites
1/2 Bell Pepper
4tbs Salsa
1 Whole Grain Bagel
2 tbs of Sugar Free Jam
Chocolate no bake cookies (Before you flip out, this is just 1 scoop protein powder, 1/2 cup of oats, 1 tbs of natty peanut butter, and a touch of water)

Total = (cals/fat/carbs/pro) 576/11.5/42.5.5/79.1


Meal 2
4oz chicken Breast
1 Cup brown Rice
1/2 Bell Pepper
1/2 tsp EVOO
4tbs salsa
Protein Shake
1 Tbs Natty PB

Total = (cals/fat/carbs/pro) 766/14.75/64.5/92.5

Meal 3 (Pre-Workout)
Fajitas
4oz Pork Steak
4oz Chicken
1/2 Bell Pepper
1/2 Onion
4tbs Salsa
1 Cup brown Rice
Lettuce

Total = (cals/fat/carbs/pro) 492/7.5/57/47.6

Meal 4 (PWO)

No bake cookie (w casien instead of whey)
Whole Wheat Bagel
Sugar Free Jam

Total = (cals/fat/carbs/pro) 640/13.5/92.5/48.5

Daily Total = 2474cals 47.25f 256.5.5c 267.7p
Split = p/c/f = 42/41/17

Cheat Meal Day - This will be on a non lift. I've taken a regular lift day, dropped the last 2 meals to make room for a single "eat whatever the fvck I want to" meal.

Meal 1
10 Egg whites
1/2 Bell Pepper
4tbs Salsa
1 Whole Grain Bagel
2 tbs of Sugar Free Jam
Chocolate no bake cookies (Before you flip out, this is just 1 scoop protein powder, 1/2 cup of oats, 1 tbs of natty peanut butter, and a touch of water)

Total = (cals/fat/carbs/pro) 836/13.5/101.5/89.1


Meal 2
4oz chicken Breast
1 Cup brown Rice
1/2 Bell Pepper
1/2 tsp EVOO
4tbs salsa
Protein Shake
1 Tbs Natty PB

Total = (cals/fat/carbs/pro) 766/14.75/64.5/92.5

Daily Total = 1600cals 28f 166c 181p
Split = p/c/f = 44/40/16

***This gives me a single 1400 calorie meal that I'll eat whatever I want. I'm not gonna worry about macro breakdown as long as I keep it under 1400 calories.

Obviously it's going to change as the weeks go by depending on how my body is adding/losing LBM/BF, but I feel like this is a good start.

Workout Routine: I was going back and forth between PHAT and HIT and decided to go with what I know so this cycle will be ran on a HIT platform.

Mon: chest/abs
Hammer Strength Or Smith Machine Incline Press: Warm Up Set - Drop Set 10-8-6.…..followed by rest pause x 3
Dumbell Decline - 4sets x 10
Flat DB - 4sets x 10
DB Fly's - 4sets x 10
If I can find it in me to do something else I might throw in a few sets of pec deck or cable fly's.

Abs - Superset the following 2 exercises with 60sec rest in between supersets (3 Sets)
Crunches (20 straight, 20 side right, 20 side left)
Leg Lifts (20 reps)

Tues:legs/abs
Leg Press: (The 45 degree angle one) Warm Up Set - Drop Set 10-8-6.…..followed by rest pause x 3

Superset: The following 3 exercises - (3 Sets)
Leg Ext: 10 reps
Calves 21’s (7in,7out,7straight)
Leg Curl 10 reps


Wed: Back
Hammer Strength Iso-Lateral Row - Warm Up Set - Drop Set 10-8-6.…..followed by rest pause x 3
Pull Ups - 4 x 10
Alternating weeks of Lat Pull Downs or Chin Ups - 4 x 10
Seated Cable rows - 4 x 10
***Focused much more on width than thickness.


Abs - Superset the following 2 exercises with 60sec rest in between supersets (3 Sets)
Crunches (20 straight, 20 side right, 20 side left)
Leg Lifts (20 reps)

Friday: Shoulders/arms/abs
First 3 exercises - Warm Up Set - Drop Set 10-8-6.…..followed by rest pause x 3
DB Shoulder Press
Close Grip Bench
Standing BB Curl


Superset the following 3 x 12
DB overhead tri extensions
Alternate weeks of Spider Curls and Concentration Curls
lateral and front raises
shrugs

Abs - Superset the following 2 exercises with 60sec rest in between supersets (3 Sets)
Crunches (20 straight, 20 side right, 20 side left)
Leg Lifts (20 reps)

Well that's it...Fingers crossed!

[slfmade]

So, I got started with this just a little late. My first Pin was actually on Friday evening and then again last night.

Hearing all the "Virgin Muscle" horror stories, I was expecting the worst and figured it was gonna hurt like hell, burn, and I wouldn't be able to walk for a few days. I had the little lady stick me (ventrogluteal) and I just felt a tiny sting for the first 1/8 inch or so and it was painless after that. I didn't even feel the prop go in. The next morning Saturday and again this morning I'm a little sore, but just barely. It feels similiar to running into the corner of a table or something. Not even close to as bad as I was expecting.

Also took my HCG subq on Friday too. No different than pinning any other peptide subq so nothing new there.

What WAS worse than I was expecting was the first day of this diet. Going from 1800 cals or so to almost 3100 feels miserable. I'm pretty bloated due to all the food and feel alot fatter than I actually am. I'm sure I'll get used to it soon.

Had a good workout this morning. Did chest and forgot how much I liked HIT. I don't know for sure if the prop has kicked in yet, but I did feel like I was able to push myself a little harder than I normally would've been able to. I also seem to have an overall better sense of well being (if that makes any sense). Could all be in my head too.

That's about it.

At this point should I be feeling any sides from the Prop, HCG, or AI? I've taken the AI every night the last 3 nights, HCG has only been once (I'll be pinning that on Tues & Fri), and I've pinned the prop twice (Friday and yesterday).

Thanks guys

[Back In Black]

The only PIP I've had with prop is in the quads. I ain't ever doing them again! I didn't notice an E2 build up til after about 2 weeks and needed to double my AI. Other sides? I have some pimples across the top of my shoulders but not many. Other than that, it's all positive

[slfmade]

The only PIP I've had with prop is in the quads. I ain't ever doing them again! I didn't notice an E2 build up til after about 2 weeks and needed to double my AI. Other sides? I have some pimples across the top of my shoulders but not many. Other than that, it's all positive

I forget, are you using aromasin or arimidex ?

[Back In Black]

A'dex. Had to go to 0.25mg daily. I knew I would be susceptible to E2 though so I really wasn't surprised. I was also Injecting 110mg prop EOD on top of my TRT gel. I dropped the gel but still need ED AI.

[slfmade]

I guess I'll see how it goes. Hopefully I won't have to bump up from my 12.5mg ED. That latest thread of Jimmy's has me thinking about it though. So far so good, but we'll see in the coming weeks.

Did you notice I took your advice and bumped up my calories and carbs on Non-lift days?

[Back In Black]

I did mate Obviously you need to see how it works for you and remember to constantly monitor and adjust your cals and macro's frequently to ensure the gains are quality.

[slfmade]

I did mate Obviously you need to see how it works for you and remember to constantly monitor and adjust your cals and macro's frequently to ensure the gains are quality.

That's the plan. Thanks. How long before you started to notice gains? Change in body composition?

[Back In Black]

Straight away, mostly because I came off a 6 week prime into a 300calorie surplus. I gained about 4lbs in the first week. Because I have only ever been slightly over maintenance I think all my gains have been lean but about week 4 it all became quite evident to me that there were greater forces at work than normal.

[slfmade]

Good deal - So my prime into a 500 calorie surplus and first cycle should yield some okay results. Looking forward to it.

[MickeyKnox]

Looking forward to this bro.

Sub'd.

[kelkel]

Subscribed! Best of luck and make it count!

[slfmade]

.....

[slfmade]

Looking forward to this bro.

Sub'd.

Subscribed! Best of luck and make it count!

Thanks for the support guys

[RipOwens]

I'll be watchin bro, good luck!!

[Sgt. Hartman]

Best of luck bud!

[slfmade]

Just woke up, took my AI, and noticed I got my new pins in the mail. I got some really cute 1" 25g that my delts should enjoy. Also got in some 1 1/2" 18g (for drawing) that I'm really greatful I don't have to use for injection. Besides drawing WTF are those even made for???? Surely there's no medication that is so thick you would need to use a 18g for injection.

I'm about to go do a short HIIT session. Gonna try to work myself into it though as I haven't done HIIT in a while. Probably gonna start at about 6 - 15 sec sprints with 30 sec breaks. Then to work and I've got Legs in the morning. God I hate legs.

I'm pinning delts tomorrow for the first time. Any pointers or anything I should watch out for with Delts?

I know this is gonna sound weird, but I kinda like pinning. When I have an no-stick day, I look forward to the next. I know, I'm a weirdo, but I'm seriously thinking about going to ED injections. I hear from many that this is better at keeping levels steady, but I'm a little concerned with a build up in scar tissue. I'll most likely have to include quads in the mix and I've heard a lot of horror stories about quads. I'll have to think on it.

[Sgt. Hartman]

Just woke up, took my AI, and noticed I got my new pins in the mail. I got some really cute 1" 25g that my delts should enjoy. Also got in some 1 1/2" 18g (for drawing) that I'm really greatful I don't have to use for injection. Besides drawing WTF are those even made for???? Surely there's no medication that is so thick you would need to use a 18g for injection.

I donated blood a few months ago....16g needle. I nearly left when I saw it.

[slfmade]

I donated blood a few months ago....16g needle. I nearly left when I saw it.

Yeah, but at least that's just breaking the skins surface. Could you imagine going IM with that? Might as well stab yourself with an ice pick and pour it in!

[slfmade]

Question for you guys that train HIT....Would I be over doing it if I hit chest twice a week? Do some HIT on Monday and then maybe some volume work on Thursday?

My chest has always progressed much slower than the rest of my body. Thought training twice a week might help, but I'm a little concerned about overtraining my cns with a HIT and Volume session.

What do you guys think?

[Tron3219]

Question for you guys that train HIT....Would I be over doing it if I hit chest twice a week? Do some HIT on Monday and then maybe some volume work on Thursday?

My chest has always progressed much slower than the rest of my body. Thought training twice a week might help, but I'm a little concerned about overtraining my cns with a HIT and Volume session.

What do you guys think?

I think you could get by for a few weeks doing it in cycles. And maybe take two days off during the week, get good sleep and eat well. CNS overtraining takes time, it doesn't happen in a week. Listen to your body. You'll know if your overtraining ur CNS.

[slfmade]

I think you could get by for a few weeks doing it in cycles. And maybe take two days off during the week, get good sleep and eat well. CNS overtraining takes time, it doesn't happen in a week. Listen to your body. You'll know if your overtraining ur CNS.

Thanks Man. I might give that a shot. Of course the aas might be all that's needed. I guess we'll see.

[slfmade]

I just finished with my first day of HIT for Legs. God I HATED IT. Whoever says they enjoy leg day is either a damn liar or isn't doing it right. LOL Tomorrow is Back day so I'm looking forward to that.

So tonight is gonna be my first night to pin delts and I was thinking...This week and next week shouldn't be so bad because I'm only injecting 1.2ML's, but in week 3 I'll be starting the mast at .8ML for a total of 2ml in delts. I'll have a few injections in delts under my belt by then, but is 2ML gonna be a problem for a still sorta virgin muscle???

[Papiriqui]

Subed!!! Looking fwd to results!!! Good luck!!

[Tron3219]

Thanks Man. I might give that a shot. Of course the aas might be all that's needed. I guess we'll see.

Aas def helps the muscle to recover but won't do anything for CNS. I train calves twice a week for about 2-3 weeks then once a week for 2-3 weeks. Showed good growth. Key is intensity! Pushing ur muscle past point of failure, demolish it! You'll see change!

[slfmade]

Aas def helps the muscle to recover but won't do anything for CNS. I train calves twice a week for about 2-3 weeks then once a week for 2-3 weeks. Showed good growth. Key is intensity! Pushing ur muscle past point of failure, demolish it! You'll see change!

That makes sense. Thanks again.

[slfmade]

So, I just pinned delts. I pinned the left one first and everything was fine until I got close to the end. I used a 25g 1" and at the last 1/8" or so I got a wierd instant but dull pain. It's kinda hard to explain, but it didn't feel right. I don't know what it feels like to hit a nerve, but could this have been it? I withdrew the needle and pinned the right side instead.

This time I felt no pain during the injection. However; it's only been a few minutes and I'm already feeling a little discomfort in my shoulder. I was very still and steady so I'm assuming it's probably all the oil in a smaller muscle that's giving me the discomfort this time as opposed to the last two pins in the glutes in which I had ZERO pain/discomfort?

Just curious.

[Back In Black]

Quite normal mate, I get nothing in my glutes and the same dull pain sometimes in my delt, but only the left one.

[slfmade]

Just finished my first HIT Day of Back. I had a really good workout despite the PIP discomfort in my delts. The PIP's not horrible by any means....more annoying than anything else.

It seems when I get PIP it's very minor and usually only last 24-48hrs. I'm thinking about giving quads a go but I would probably wanta time it just before work on friday so I have the weekend to recover. I can't let it effect my work. Just wanted to ask...Have any of you experienced PIP lasting longer in quads than other areas???

Thanks

[RaginCajun]

shyt man, just getting into this thread!

quad pinning always sucked for me, never had the PIP though

will be staying tuned for your progress

giddy up!

[Back In Black]

Yep, 3-4 days and not the mild discomfort of delts either. Never doing them again but I guess plenty have done it without problem.

[slfmade]

shyt man, just getting into this thread!

quad pinning always sucked for me, never had the PIP though

will be staying tuned for your progress

giddy up!

Why did it suck if you had no PIP?

[RaginCajun]

Why did it suck if you had no PIP?

my quads stay really tight so my quads stay sore after an injection for a while.

i have had a PIP on my arse and sucks very bad!

[slfmade]

my quads stay really tight so my quads stay sore after an injection for a while.

i have had a PIP on my arse and sucks very bad!

I must be confused. Doesn't PIP stand for post injection pain. Therefore being sore after an injection would be PIP? Are you sure you're not talking about a PIMP on your arse RC? LOL

[RaginCajun]

I must be confused. Doesn't PIP stand for post injection pain. Therefore being sore after an injection would be PIP? Are you sure you're not talking about a PIMP on your arse RC? LOL

Yeah, but look at PIP as more of a knot than just muscle soreness. Different pain to me.

[slfmade]

Humm. Well nevermind then. I don't have any knots. Just feels like somebody hit me in the shoulder....just not super hard.

[Sgt. Hartman]

I kind of like a little delt pip on shoulder day

[slfmade]

So week 1 of my cycle is complete. I'll start with my diet. All in all I've stuck to my diet pretty well. The first few days were pretty miserable. I went from 1800-2200 cals (carb cycle) to 3100+ cals and I didn't know how I was gonna fit all that food in everyday. By day 3 I was so damn hungry all day I usually ended up cheating a bit with a granola bar (or 10...lol). I found these new granola bars that are seriously better than any candy bar I've ever had. I went crazy on Thursday and had 11 in a row. I've heard of things like eq increasing appetite, but does prop increase it for any of you?

I've been playing the newbie card and weighing myself almost everyday and seeing little change. A few hours ago marked 1 week since my first injection and I've actually lost 1/2 a lb! I know it probably isn't a big deal, but how the hell does this happen? I've increased cals by an average of 1000 calories a day and my cardio hasn't changed from the already very little 1 HIIT session/wk. The only difference is I've switched to a HIT style routine and I started the PROP. I would've thought I would've gained a lb or two just on the calorie increase alone. Weird.

I haven't really noticed any strength increases yet, but then again I have nothing to compare them to since this is the first week of my new HIT routine.

Libido is definitely up. I've had sex 7 times in the last 4 days. Usual for me is once a week. Wait....maybe that's why I'm down 1/2 a pound. LOL

So far no signs of E- related sides so I guess my AI is good and my boys are the same size so I guess the HCG is good.

I guess that pretty much does it. If all goes as planned and my product gets here on time, I'll have one more week of PROP only and then I'll introduce the mast p.

[slfmade]

So I start my Mast P next week and I have a question. The addition of the mast will increase my injection amount to 2.2 ML EOD. While I'm not too concerned with glutes, quads and delts are a different story. So I'm considering going with ED injections which will decrease my daily ML to .6 prop and .5 mast for a total of 1.1.. What do you guys think???? Is there anything I should know or look out for when running ED?

Thanks