Started pinning April 10th. This will be a weekly log of the real-time effects, sides, and progress for anyone curious about running a first cycle.
Weight & Physique
Started at 175 lbs after being quite sick beforehand. Weighed in this morning at 185 lbs (+10 lbs). This appears to be a mix of regaining water/glycogen lost during illness plus some water retention from the elevated hormones. Visual changes are minimal so far, as expected at only day 7.
Training
Have completed 3 workouts since starting (Upper, Legs, Push). No dramatic strength increases yet, which aligns with the early ramp-up phase. However, today’s push session showed noticeably fuller pumps, especially in the triceps, and I felt less fatigued between sets than usual. Hoping to see more consistent strength progression by next week’s update.
Daily Life & Mental Effects
Libido has been significantly elevated, with random strong spikes throughout the day, especially the first 4–5 days. My mood and focus have improved. I’ve been noticeably more dialed in during schoolwork, able to sit down and complete 4–5 hours of homework on a weekend without my usual resistance and overall feeling calmer and less stressed, though still early.
Injection Experience & Sides
Pinning daily in the glutes with 0.3 mL (30 units). The first few pins had minor soreness and a slight sting, but the last 3 have been essentially painless with almost zero post-injection soreness. No visible sides yet (no acne, no significant bloat beyond the expected water weight, no mood swings). I have Arimidex on standby and will begin 0.5 mg EOD once high E2 symptoms appear or after bloodwork at week 3–4.
That wraps up Week 1. Still very early in the ramp-up phase, but already noticing subtle positive shifts in pumps, focus, and libido. Any tips or experiences for Week 2 are welcome.
Weight & Physique
Started at 175 lbs after being quite sick beforehand. Weighed in this morning at 185 lbs (+10 lbs). This appears to be a mix of regaining water/glycogen lost during illness plus some water retention from the elevated hormones. Visual changes are minimal so far, as expected at only day 7.
Training
Have completed 3 workouts since starting (Upper, Legs, Push). No dramatic strength increases yet, which aligns with the early ramp-up phase. However, today’s push session showed noticeably fuller pumps, especially in the triceps, and I felt less fatigued between sets than usual. Hoping to see more consistent strength progression by next week’s update.
Daily Life & Mental Effects
Libido has been significantly elevated, with random strong spikes throughout the day, especially the first 4–5 days. My mood and focus have improved. I’ve been noticeably more dialed in during schoolwork, able to sit down and complete 4–5 hours of homework on a weekend without my usual resistance and overall feeling calmer and less stressed, though still early.
Injection Experience & Sides
Pinning daily in the glutes with 0.3 mL (30 units). The first few pins had minor soreness and a slight sting, but the last 3 have been essentially painless with almost zero post-injection soreness. No visible sides yet (no acne, no significant bloat beyond the expected water weight, no mood swings). I have Arimidex on standby and will begin 0.5 mg EOD once high E2 symptoms appear or after bloodwork at week 3–4.
That wraps up Week 1. Still very early in the ramp-up phase, but already noticing subtle positive shifts in pumps, focus, and libido. Any tips or experiences for Week 2 are welcome.

