Ben Johnson "Speed Trap"

[MakinItRain]

Just wanted to see if anyone has read the book “Speed Trap”, written by Charlie Francis who is Ben Johnson track coach. A large portion of the book is about his training methods used on his athletes, but there is also a lot written on Bens steroid protocol.

There theory on steroids was to run low doses over short periods of time, with a 3 week on 3 week off schedule. Because they were sprinters they were not looking for extreme gains in mass, or strength but more for allowing them to train at maximal levels every workout. They were using low doses originally of Dianabol, then to winstrol/ anavar. Their reasoning behind the short 3 week cycles was that the bodys HPTA would not shutdown therefore requiring no PCT, yet the anabolics would still promote enhanced recovery, muscle gain and fat loss.

Example:
40mg/day Anavar-3 weeks
3 weeks free of anabolics

This cycle would repeat throughout the year until about 21 days until competition when they new they would be clean.

From a weight class athlete or sprinter, this seems to be quite an effective way to use anabolics. I just wanted to know what some of you more knowledgeable guys think about this dosing protocol. I understand that this is back in 1988 and things have come along way since then but are people still doing this?
Is this an effective way to use anavar or is it to mild that 40mg/day is to minimal for any results?

[AlphaMaleDawg]

very interesting. I wonder what current/recent olympians do that juice

[Kdub]

I have this book and read it at least twice but that was over 10 years ago.

I recall Ben saying the Winstrol Depot made him "tight" and stretching was a must or real pain.

Ben could squat 600 lbs and bench 400 lbs and at a bodyweight of 170-175 lbs... super impressive to say the least. He came into my gym once in Edmonton, actually in the city of St. Albert - a suburb of Edmonton. Dressed in a red track suit the guy was tiny.

Dr, Jamie Astaphan, Ben's doctor, was no dummy. Ben's coach, Charlie Francis, certainly was no dummy. The world's fastest man doesn't surround himself with dummies but this isn't to say his support team are experts on anavar and dianabol and winstrol however, I would think that Ben's natural strength and spiriting ability was significantly enhanced with the outlined protocols you mentioned.

http://archives.cbc.ca/sports/drugs_...pics/368-2036/

I feel that using the anavar or dianabol or winstrol in these dosages are a sprinter's protocol from the 1980's and perhaps earlier.

Must question to you is, "Are you a sprinter? Are you looking for sprint related results?"

A bodybuilding protocol is different if you wish to gain and MAINTAIN your gains. The sprinting protocols were for reaching a temporary peak in performance to set a record. Bodybuilding is a slow and arduous task.

But then again, if Ben's team is right with a 3 week on and 3 week off non-suppressing (shutting down) HPTA protocol then some gains will be made and kept but most likely not with dianabol in a single 3 week run.

However, if a 3 week on and 3 week off 3 week on 3 week off cycle, etc... is undertaken and without it suppressing or shutting down your HPTA and your diet and training remains constant, then theory would suggest you can make gains.

The question remains, "how will this protocol effect you personally?" seeing as we are all a little bit different. Perhaps this specific protocol was perfectly suited for Ben. Maybe it will be for you as well.

Maybe 40 mgs per day of anavar for three weeks will not shut you down and perhaps anavar is an EXCELLENT drug for you.

So many variables. Am looking forward to other's responses as well...

[MakinItRain]

Ive read the book twice so far in 2 years and its a great read from a training perspective and just at an inside look of the track and field world. Sadly it shows Canadas pathetic attempt at supporting its athletes.

Me personally, I am not a sprinter, I play football. Our speed training program is very similar and partly based on the program Charlie Francis employed for his athletes. Personally I am at a weight that I feel is optimal for my postion. Previously ive done a cycle that one would say would be body builder oriented.

10 weeks of Test Enethate at 250mg/week
10 day kick start of A-50
PCT- nolvadex

However I felt that I became to bulky, stiff and heavy. My 40 times were the fastest, despite the weight gain, however laterally and mobility wise I wasnt comfortable. When looking at this program employed by Ben Johnson it seems ideal for my situation. Looking to have enhanced recovery, strength gain, minimal weight gain. I chose the Var, specifically to avoid that tightness that people have experienced on Winstrol.

Im pretty set on Anavar as my choice for this cycle. I was thinking about either running that 3 week on 3 week of cycle, however with anavar being so mild, would I really benefit off of it?
Another dosing protocol I thought of was something like this:
Week 1-2 80mg/day (kickstart)
week 3-8 60mg/day
Would this protocol require PCT?
Let me know what you guys think, Im trying to avoid any test, as ive already got some puffy nips from childhood and am trying to gain as little weight as possible. thanks

[buckeyefootball4]

I have used Charlie method several times with success, mostly with 10-30mg of tbol 3/3 on/off.

[Colts18]

I remember when he got busted... " I just do what Charlie tell me" haha