level3's training log: running, bodybuilding, and yoga

[VikingMD]

Shorter fast stride reduces eccentric tibialis anterior firing and concentric gastrocnemius contraction. This is why I suggested that change. Over striding predispose to shin splints and compartment syndrome

 

[level3]

Awesome I'll pay attention to that on my next run!

 

[level3]

Milestone!!!

It was really cold this morning so I decided to just jog on the treadmill, which I've never actually done before. Took 5g taurine an hour beforehand and just ran at a constant 4.5 mph for 42 minutes (about a 5k) with no incline. Basically as controlled as could be. NO PAIN in my calves or lower back (or anywhere else)!! At least, virtually none, probably the same as it was before the cycle. What a relief. It felt great. The first good run I've had since the half marathon. Really wasn't tiring either. I'm sure I could have done a few more miles but didn't want to be foolish and just immediately injure myself.

My weight has stayed down minus 5-6 pounds from my top since I switched to the test prop, despite a couple heavy carb/salt meals. It's only been 4 days so really can't say that was the reason yet, but I'm at least feeling pretty good about the decision so far. OTOH, I am getting the mild edema in my ankles again once I added back in the growth hormone at 3.5iu. So I guess the edema isn't directly connected to the acute compartment syndrome.

4.5 weeks until the half marathon I'm still signed up for. Running the whole thing still seems out of the question, but I'll consider pushing myself on distance for the next couple weeks and seeing if run/walking is within my grasp. Just don't get too greedy.

 

[riggspersonal]

Following. Also curious to see your cystatin c levels. I am seeing elevated cystatin c since introducing growth hormone one month ago.

You mentioned that you're expecting this. Do you have more information I can reference?

Elevated cystatin c on mild cycle

Got my cystatin c back today and it came back relatively elevated at 1.15mg/L. This was very surprising to me for a few different reasons. Here's some more context: - 35/Male/215lbs/14% BF. Healthy, very little pharmaceutical or otherwise drug use throughout life. Very little alcohol...

www.thinksteroids.com

 

[level3]

Following. Also curious to see your cystatin c levels. I am seeing elevated cystatin c since introducing growth hormone one month ago.

You mentioned that you're expecting this. Do you have more information I can reference?

Elevated cystatin c on mild cycle

Got my cystatin c back today and it came back relatively elevated at 1.15mg/L. This was very surprising to me for a few different reasons. Here's some more context: - 35/Male/215lbs/14% BF. Healthy, very little pharmaceutical or otherwise drug use throughout life. Very little alcohol...

www.thinksteroids.com

My 4 week bloods are here: 4 week bloods test/boldenone/HGH cycle, high hs-CRP and I did have slightly elevated cystatin-C. I am a little concerned with it, even though I think its most likely from HGH. My blood pressure has been pretty much perfect for the entire cycle (while taking telmisartan 40mg, cilnidipine 10mg, and nebivolol 5mg - I haven't come off of the BP meds at any point so idk what it would look like without them). I upped my astragalus root to ~15-20g per day (was only taking 1-2g per day before, lol). And I just ordered some Jardiance from PCT24x7. Planning to get Albumin:Creatinine-Protein:Creatinine ratio urine test at my 8 week bloods along with retesting cystatin-C.

I don't have more information beyond what is already in your thread - ChatGPT also looked over my bloods and told me it was probably because of the HGH, based in part on my good BP, how my weight has moved, and how much other blood markers moved apparently being consistent with that story. Kidney health is probably the aspect of AAS harm reduction I understand the least about, so I don't feel comfortable trying to say whether or not I agree with it. I just know keeping BP under 120/70, and taking astragalus root+cilnidipine+jardiance ought to do me some good, and if number go down I'll be happy, lol.

 

[riggspersonal]

My 4 week bloods are here: 4 week bloods test/boldenone/HGH cycle, high hs-CRP and I did have slightly elevated cystatin-C. I am a little concerned with it, even though I think its most likely from HGH. My blood pressure has been pretty much perfect for the entire cycle (while taking telmisartan 40mg, cilnidipine 10mg, and nebivolol 5mg - I haven't come off of the BP meds at any point so idk what it would look like without them). I upped my astragalus root to ~15-20g per day (was only taking 1-2g per day before, lol). And I just ordered some Jardiance from PCT24x7. Planning to get Albumin:Creatinine-Protein:Creatinine ratio urine test at my 8 week bloods along with retesting cystatin-C.

I don't have more information beyond what is already in your thread - ChatGPT also looked over my bloods and told me it was probably because of the HGH, based in part on my good BP, how my weight has moved, and how much other blood markers moved apparently being consistent with that story. Kidney health is probably the aspect of AAS harm reduction I understand the least about, so I don't feel comfortable trying to say whether or not I agree with it. I just know keeping BP under 120/70, and taking astragalus root+cilnidipine+jardiance ought to do me some good, and if number go down I'll be happy, lol.

Thanks for sharing. Sounds relatively consistent with what I've been experiencing and @BabaJagga as well. BP consistently low too. Notably I do take 5mg of tadalafil daily, so I am certain that helps.

FWIW OP, although I don't have a baseline cystatin c prior to starting HGH, I do have all other relevant kidney markers and they were well within range with egfr >115. The only variables that changed from that point to where my cystatin came back at 1.15 was the addition of 2-3iu of HGH and an increase in testosterone to 240mg/week, mild by most standards.

I'm just very, very surprised with how prevalent HGH use is in the PED community that HGH increasing cystatin c hasn't been discussed much, which makes me question that premise altogether.

 

[level3]

Yeah that is a good point, I do not recall ever reading that HGH increased Cystatin-C either. Seems like that would be common knowledge. I have yet to look into any academic literature on it though. I have a copy of Bolus, I will go take a peek in that later today.

 

[BabaJagga]

hey guys, so im not alone. from everything ive read it seems like gh increase jumber of cystatinin c cells or idk how to say it, their number. thats why its elevated. but not everyone has this response, same with igf1 rise (i has very small bump, like 20 units? 270-290+-)

looks like its genetic. i also plan to do urine analysis and retest again. if it will be stable at previous value (cys c) and urine will come clean that its probably okay

one easy way to test it is to remove gh gor few weeks and retest. if there will be decrease in cys c, that its for sure gh

it looks like not many of us respond this way but its possibility. ive read that in patients woth acromegaly syndrome doctors found higher cys c cells but filtration rate or function of kidneys wasnt affected.

 

[level3]

Man I thought I would like pinning every day for Test P at least until the end of the cycle but its already feeling old. I thought it would be like, yeah, doing the thing every day, keeping my mind focused and on the prize. That's one reason I like walking every day.

I think it may have made my estrogen dip a little bit too - libido has taken a small hit since starting on it like a week ago. There could be other factors involved there though.

Main plus, I do think it made a noticeable difference in water retention. My face has been looking pretty angular. Pretty sure I'm the only person who would notice or care though.

Gotta finish up the blend I made at least, though. Got another week and a half or so. I don't have to decide if I want to proceed with my plan to switch entirely to Test P for the rest of the cycle until then.

I've tried just about every injection frequency out there now and I'm pretty sure EOD is what makes me happiest. The high frequency keeps my mind focused, and I look forward to every pin. I suppose I could try my current Test C/Test P/Bold C blend EOD. Its currently 50/50 C/P but I could try like 60/40 or 75/25.

 

[BabaJagga]

Man I thought I would like pinning every day for Test P at least until the end of the cycle but its already feeling old. I thought it would be like, yeah, doing the thing every day, keeping my mind focused and on the prize. That's one reason I like walking every day.

I think it may have made my estrogen dip a little bit too - libido has taken a small hit since starting on it like a week ago. There could be other factors involved there though.

Main plus, I do think it made a noticeable difference in water retention. My face has been looking pretty angular. Pretty sure I'm the only person who would notice or care though.

Gotta finish up the blend I made at least, though. Got another week and a half or so. I don't have to decide if I want to proceed with my plan to switch entirely to Test P for the rest of the cycle until then.

I've tried just about every injection frequency out there now and I'm pretty sure EOD is what makes me happiest. The high frequency keeps my mind focused, and I look forward to every pin. I suppose I could try my current Test C/Test P/Bold C blend EOD. Its currently 50/50 C/P but I could try like 60/40 or 75/25.

ehat was goal/intention with test p in the first place? cause i see no point in poking more holes than needed.

with both test and boldenone C ester, you can pin 2, max 3 times per week and have 0 issues. i dont understand this phenomen of daily injections tbh.