Shadow Pro Q&A 2.0

[quote]Shadow Pro wrote:

[quote]thor159 wrote:
Been reading some Dan Duchaine’s stuff lately and would like to know your opinion on the following if you don’t mind…

1 - Nolvadex ONLY, when dieting. Without any steroids.

2- Vanadyl sulfate.

3 - Chromium picolinate.

Also could youl include dosages and dose timing if in your opinion any of these are worth using?

All the best and thanks a million.[/quote]

Never used nolvadex only and I’m not familiar with anyone who does… I’ve heard of some female competitors taking arimidex by itself to stay drier in offseason.

I like chromium picolinate, it helps balance blood sugar… I usually take it before my biggest carb meal or split it into a few doses throughout the day. 200-400mcg is a good dose. The benefits are all very minor and I think there’s much better things to spend your money on.
[/quote]
You wrote you like chromium picolinate and then you wrote the benefits are all very minor and there are better stuff to spend the money on. Were you referring to vanadyl then in the end?

What would be this better stuff you mentioned?

[quote]Tweeder wrote:
Shadow,

Would you also tell an experienced bodybuilder to go up to/from 100/150/175mg a day of tren for 4 weeks @ each dose? Or was your recommendation primarily for an experienced powerlifter?
The orals in that cycle seem crazy(compounds, stack, non-stop)

Also, with regards to GH and Slin, I see you are very clear with Humalog 10-15min pre workout and if I remember correctly…IM to act and clear quickly. I presume you also do GH IM and I am guessing 45min pre workout? Let me know.
Also, have you ever tried 10iu Humalog pre and 10iu Humalog post? How are results from that?[/quote]

This cycle would be recommended for an experienced powerlifter, not so much for a bodybuilder. Yes, the orals are crazy but it will give you the most insane strength gains and as long as liver care is taken into consideration you can get away with it. No one said it was healthy but the main goal is to be strong as fuck and something like this will do the trick perfectly.

As for the tren, I know bodybuilders who go up to 150mg everyday and it makes you harder but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you are at a very high level. There’s better combinations for bodybuilders.

GH depends on your goal, I usually do it 60-90 min prior to my workout and first thing in the morning. I have done the 10iu pre and post, you are gaining more weight this way (mostly water weight) but because the shots are so close I experienced more cramping and also I found that I would go hypo after the second shot even if I was eating enough carbs. If I’m doing insulin twice, I prefer to do it before breakfast and pre workout.

Yes, I do both IM

[quote]Warner wrote:
Hello, just a quick question I want cleared up Shadow.
Is it true that a man’s natural testosterone levels dip slightly after each cycle.
So iow yes you recover but never to the same natural level as before you took the cycle and that with each consecutive cycle your natural test levels come back but slightly weaker?[/quote]

It’s never been proven and I believe that what actually happens is that guys start using steroids in their early 20’s and then when they stop somewhere in their mid 30’s and come off completely they expect their test levels to go back to where they were in their 20’s but unfortunately that will never be the case.

In theory, if you are doing a proper pct after a cycle and not doing insane dosages then you will return back to normal after the pct. There hasn’t been any studies done on recreational steroid users and there never will be (because it’s illegal) so trial and error by long term users such as myself will always be your best tool for knowledge.

[quote]thor159 wrote:

[quote]Shadow Pro wrote:

[quote]thor159 wrote:
Been reading some Dan Duchaine’s stuff lately and would like to know your opinion on the following if you don’t mind…

1 - Nolvadex ONLY, when dieting. Without any steroids.

2- Vanadyl sulfate.

3 - Chromium picolinate.

Also could youl include dosages and dose timing if in your opinion any of these are worth using?

All the best and thanks a million.[/quote]

Never used nolvadex only and I’m not familiar with anyone who does… I’ve heard of some female competitors taking arimidex by itself to stay drier in offseason.

I like chromium picolinate, it helps balance blood sugar… I usually take it before my biggest carb meal or split it into a few doses throughout the day. 200-400mcg is a good dose. The benefits are all very minor and I think there’s much better things to spend your money on.
[/quote]
You wrote you like chromium picolinate and then you wrote the benefits are all very minor and there are better stuff to spend the money on. Were you referring to vanadyl then in the end?

What would be this better stuff you mentioned?[/quote]

I always used chromium picolinate before but I recently switched to Rhodiola which gives similar benefits as well as helping lower stress levels and many other health benefits so I am using this as a supplement now. I don’t used Vanadyl sulphate, tried it when I was younger but didn’t notice much in terms of benefits.

Just update. Reread your advice to me and said obviously you know what your doing so I’ll give it ago. No need to respond unless you just have a clear statement. Just wanted say thanks mostly.

20 weeks currently about 4 weeks in.

Test E 1000mg
EQ 1000mg (have enough to bump to 1200mg)
Tren E 600mg

Weeks 1-4 leading into meet next Sunday
Above plus
100mg Tren Ace ( my temper fucking blows but I’m just doing everything to be left alone.)
100mg of Winnistrol ( only oral had on hand )

4 Weeks out of November meet same protocol but hopefully with Halo.

After 20 weeks Cruise on 500mg Test for 8 weeks and then blast off again.

High doses relatively but my goal is to add 100lbs to my Squat in 12 months for a 700 squat at under 242 BW.

[quote]Shadow Pro wrote:

[quote]Warner wrote:
Hello, just a quick question I want cleared up Shadow.
Is it true that a man’s natural testosterone levels dip slightly after each cycle.
So iow yes you recover but never to the same natural level as before you took the cycle and that with each consecutive cycle your natural test levels come back but slightly weaker?[/quote]

It’s never been proven and I believe that what actually happens is that guys start using steroids in their early 20’s and then when they stop somewhere in their mid 30’s and come off completely they expect their test levels to go back to where they were in their 20’s but unfortunately that will never be the case.

In theory, if you are doing a proper pct after a cycle and not doing insane dosages then you will return back to normal after the pct. There hasn’t been any studies done on recreational steroid users and there never will be (because it’s illegal) so trial and error by long term users such as myself will always be your best tool for knowledge. [/quote]

those are some really interesting points! Never thought of it like that before.

Here a question for you brother

On TRT with my doctor of 100mg of Cyp a week. No AI or hcg.

Out of nowhere I’m getting sensitive nips and maybe a small lump, but have aromasin and nolva on hand from prior cycles.

Why would this happen all of a sudden?

And what’s the best protocol to alleviate the symptoms?

The doc is not too hip on TRT which is causing me to not have the best care, and therefore a new doc is being looked for.

But in the meantime…?

[quote]Shadow Pro wrote:

[quote]thor159 wrote:

[quote]Shadow Pro wrote:

[quote]thor159 wrote:
Been reading some Dan Duchaine’s stuff lately and would like to know your opinion on the following if you don’t mind…

1 - Nolvadex ONLY, when dieting. Without any steroids.

2- Vanadyl sulfate.

3 - Chromium picolinate.

Also could youl include dosages and dose timing if in your opinion any of these are worth using?

All the best and thanks a million.[/quote]

Never used nolvadex only and I’m not familiar with anyone who does… I’ve heard of some female competitors taking arimidex by itself to stay drier in offseason.

I like chromium picolinate, it helps balance blood sugar… I usually take it before my biggest carb meal or split it into a few doses throughout the day. 200-400mcg is a good dose. The benefits are all very minor and I think there’s much better things to spend your money on.
[/quote]
You wrote you like chromium picolinate and then you wrote the benefits are all very minor and there are better stuff to spend the money on. Were you referring to vanadyl then in the end?

What would be this better stuff you mentioned?[/quote]

I always used chromium picolinate before but I recently switched to Rhodiola which gives similar benefits as well as helping lower stress levels and many other health benefits so I am using this as a supplement now. I don’t used Vanadyl sulphate, tried it when I was younger but didn’t notice much in terms of benefits.
[/quote]

What dosages would you recommend for Rhodiola and when/how to take it?

Would you recommend both Chromium and Rhodiola or only Rhodiola?

[quote]Shadow Pro wrote:

[quote]Uncreative123 wrote:
Shadow, here’s a pic from this morning after my last workout before the show. Seems like I’m drying out decently. I will keep you updated after the show. I’m headed to Denver now. Probably won’t have to run any water pills or anything. A friend is suggesting to have a bunch of fat the night before (peanut butter etc.) Any thoughts on that? He was even saying pizza…but I’m going to wait until after the show and see how I look the next day to see whether or not I’ll do that before the next show. Anyway, Thank you again so much for everything you’ve helped me with.
[/quote]

Already looking much better! DO NOT EAT PIZZA OR ANY JUNK FOOD BEFORE THE SHOW!!!
It will make you hold water and you will look like shit in general… Wait until after the show. Stick with your normal diet, you’re on the right track so don’t mess it up.

Lower or cut water out at 16 hours before the show. Have a big steak and potato the night before. 8-10oz of steak and 10oz potato. Don’t mess around with sodium either, keep it as is.

Good luck![/quote]

Alright, no candy or pizza or anything. I was looking really dry this morning…I’m just weary of cutting water. Usually my body ends up holding on to it if I try cutting it…but if you are suggesting it I will try it. I’ll have some, not cut it completely.
What do you suggest I eat in the morning prior to pre-judging? It’s fairly early, like 8:30 a.m. I’m thinking maybe just a rice cake or two, edamame, and I don’t know. Suggestions?

[quote]Shadow Pro wrote:

[quote]Fathermithras wrote:
Quick question on HCG. I’ve never used it before. last week of my show, I was basically doing only winstrol, tren, and anavar to avoid water retention. The day after the show, i started a 10 week cycle. Weekly running test e500mg, deca 300mg, Tren a 300mg, dbol first 4 weeks 50mg a day. Using test prop and NPP to get the test and deca in right off while the long term esters build up. But, this will bring my total cycle time to about 22 weeks.

Now, I’ve not been using the HCG, and see you recommend 250iu 2x a week to keep suppression from happening. Obviously it’s too late for that. i’ve done PCT with just nolva and just clomid (I tend to do better with nolva). I hear so much mixed stuff about HCG for PCT. Some saying about 1000iu a week, in 2 doses for ten days after last shot, then traditional PCT, to as high as 2500iu a day for weeks. It’s bonkers town reading the variances. Some even say it’s a complete waste of time to use it. What’s your opinion and advice for PCT, when HCG is available for PCT but hasn’t been used during the cycle?

I know using deca and tren makes the cycle VERY suppressive and both were used during my show prep as well. Also, would you recommend tapering down after the ten weeks and then doing PCT, or not? As always, appreciate the feedback. Switching to the Test, Eq, Tren combo you suggested for my next bulking session after some time off.[/quote]

Since you did deca and tren in the same cycle and didn’t use HCG I would recommend an aggressive pct once you’ve finished the cycle. Before the pct taper down off the cycle slowly.

In order to recover I would do this…
3000iu of HCG every 3rd day for a total of 10shots (30,000iu)
Clomid (2 weeks on 100mg and 2 weeks on 50mg)
Nolvadex 10-20mg/day START NOW keep it until 1 week after you finish the clomid, while you are taking clomid increase it to 40/40/40/20/20
Finish 2 bottles of AlphaMale(start it with the pct and keep going til the bottle are done) take 6 a day, not 4

By the time you are finished this, you’ll be good!

As for your next cycle, add an oral like dbol, tbol or Anadrol to the combo I suggested and you’ll have awesome gains.[/quote]

Thanks! I intend to do dbol during the next cycle as well. As I mentioned before, going to train in phases for a LONG cycle, with blasting and cruising for the first time. I figure 9 months on, taper off, 2-3 months off, blood work, repeat. I got a lot of very positive reviews on my structure and shape from my last show and want to see how far i can take it. Quick question though. My first phase next year is a Powerliftin one, with bodybuilding being used as the accessory work. I was considering just running higher test (I have only gone as high as 500mg test e, was considering going up to 750mg) would a 3-4 week run of Halo be helpful? I figure the strength gains will indirectly lead to some growth, and will carry over after the 8 weeks of powerlifting into the next, lighter, bodybuilding phase. During the first month of bodybuilding i was going to cruise on 250mg of test and then go back to 500mg test e, 300 tren e, and 400 eq with 4 weeks of dbol. I really feel I do well on this level of doses and don’t want to up it until i feel its no longer working. my nutrition changes have been so positive i feel they’ll help me get another 10-12 pounds at this level. Anyway, how does that sound? I was also going to run adex (works better for me then nolva from past experience) and hcg 500iu a week, 2 shots like i’ve seen you recommend. I’m sure I’m fucking up somewhere, or you have some tips.

Hi Shadow! Me again. So I talked to you about my desire to begin a cycle very soon on the other thread.

I switched the Trenbolone enanthate for the acetate form. I’m a little prone to gynecomastia.

I have :

30mL Test enanthate (250mg)
30mL Tren acetate (100mg)
100x Dianabol (10mg)
100x Clomid (25mg)
58x Nolvadex (20mg), I have some pharma grade (30) plus 28 pills remaining from my previous cycle.
Some HCG

I also have some Letrozole + Proviron on hand.

I plan to run Test for 12 weeks at 500mg.
As for the Tren, should I shoot 50mg daily for like 8 weeks or 75mg for 6 weeks? And is it necessary to shoot it every day or doing it EOD will be fine?
And for the DBol, should I take 30mg for 33 days or 40mg for 25 days? Or maybe should I buy more?

I also want to know (maybe you’ve already answered that previously. If it’s the case, I apologize): what dosage should I take from Nolvadex during the cycle to prevent gyno? I read somewhere that it is a bad idea to combine nolvadex and trenbolone.

Thanks man.

[quote]2kdime wrote:
Here a question for you brother

On TRT with my doctor of 100mg of Cyp a week. No AI or hcg.

Out of nowhere I’m getting sensitive nips and maybe a small lump, but have aromasin and nolva on hand from prior cycles.

Why would this happen all of a sudden?

And what’s the best protocol to alleviate the symptoms?

The doc is not too hip on TRT which is causing me to not have the best care, and therefore a new doc is being looked for.

But in the meantime…?[/quote]

Start running nolvadex @20mg everyday, ask your doctor for this and he should give it to you. If that’s not working up it to 40mg… Give it a week before you increase it. If 40mg doesn’t work you can try the letrozole but I don’t think you’ll need to resort to this at such a low dose.

There’s no rules for gyno, everyone is effected differently and some people are very sensitive.

And yes, look for a new doctor!

[quote]thor159 wrote:

[quote]Shadow Pro wrote:

[quote]thor159 wrote:

[quote]Shadow Pro wrote:

[quote]thor159 wrote:
Been reading some Dan Duchaine’s stuff lately and would like to know your opinion on the following if you don’t mind…

1 - Nolvadex ONLY, when dieting. Without any steroids.

2- Vanadyl sulfate.

3 - Chromium picolinate.

Also could youl include dosages and dose timing if in your opinion any of these are worth using?

All the best and thanks a million.[/quote]

Never used nolvadex only and I’m not familiar with anyone who does… I’ve heard of some female competitors taking arimidex by itself to stay drier in offseason.

I like chromium picolinate, it helps balance blood sugar… I usually take it before my biggest carb meal or split it into a few doses throughout the day. 200-400mcg is a good dose. The benefits are all very minor and I think there’s much better things to spend your money on.
[/quote]
You wrote you like chromium picolinate and then you wrote the benefits are all very minor and there are better stuff to spend the money on. Were you referring to vanadyl then in the end?

What would be this better stuff you mentioned?[/quote]

I always used chromium picolinate before but I recently switched to Rhodiola which gives similar benefits as well as helping lower stress levels and many other health benefits so I am using this as a supplement now. I don’t used Vanadyl sulphate, tried it when I was younger but didn’t notice much in terms of benefits.
[/quote]

What dosages would you recommend for Rhodiola and when/how to take it?

Would you recommend both Chromium and Rhodiola or only Rhodiola?[/quote]

Just the Rhodiola is fine without chromium. I would recommend taking 200mg first thing in the morning and 200mg before bed. Some people will take the second dose in the middle of the day and it’s usually the recommendation but I am forgetful. Either way is fine. The one they make here is awesome, very potent.

[quote]Uncreative123 wrote:

[quote]Shadow Pro wrote:

[quote]Uncreative123 wrote:
Shadow, here’s a pic from this morning after my last workout before the show. Seems like I’m drying out decently. I will keep you updated after the show. I’m headed to Denver now. Probably won’t have to run any water pills or anything. A friend is suggesting to have a bunch of fat the night before (peanut butter etc.) Any thoughts on that? He was even saying pizza…but I’m going to wait until after the show and see how I look the next day to see whether or not I’ll do that before the next show. Anyway, Thank you again so much for everything you’ve helped me with.
[/quote]

Already looking much better! DO NOT EAT PIZZA OR ANY JUNK FOOD BEFORE THE SHOW!!!
It will make you hold water and you will look like shit in general… Wait until after the show. Stick with your normal diet, you’re on the right track so don’t mess it up.

Lower or cut water out at 16 hours before the show. Have a big steak and potato the night before. 8-10oz of steak and 10oz potato. Don’t mess around with sodium either, keep it as is.

Good luck![/quote]

Alright, no candy or pizza or anything. I was looking really dry this morning…I’m just weary of cutting water. Usually my body ends up holding on to it if I try cutting it…but if you are suggesting it I will try it. I’ll have some, not cut it completely.
What do you suggest I eat in the morning prior to pre-judging? It’s fairly early, like 8:30 a.m. I’m thinking maybe just a rice cake or two, edamame, and I don’t know. Suggestions?[/quote]

Don’t cut it completely, you can have 4oz with each meal. DO NOT DRINK MORE THAN 4 EACH MEAL.

Where did you get the idea of edamame!? DONT EAT THIS! Get up 3 hours before prejudging and have normal breakfast… Something like 4oz of protein (lean steak preferably) and 6-8oz of dry carbs (rice cakes or cooked rice will work here) backstage you can nibble on rice cakes (these can be sweet flavored) because you never know how long the show will go… They’re always hours behind!!

[quote]Fathermithras wrote:

[quote]Shadow Pro wrote:

[quote]Fathermithras wrote:
Quick question on HCG. I’ve never used it before. last week of my show, I was basically doing only winstrol, tren, and anavar to avoid water retention. The day after the show, i started a 10 week cycle. Weekly running test e500mg, deca 300mg, Tren a 300mg, dbol first 4 weeks 50mg a day. Using test prop and NPP to get the test and deca in right off while the long term esters build up. But, this will bring my total cycle time to about 22 weeks.

Now, I’ve not been using the HCG, and see you recommend 250iu 2x a week to keep suppression from happening. Obviously it’s too late for that. i’ve done PCT with just nolva and just clomid (I tend to do better with nolva). I hear so much mixed stuff about HCG for PCT. Some saying about 1000iu a week, in 2 doses for ten days after last shot, then traditional PCT, to as high as 2500iu a day for weeks. It’s bonkers town reading the variances. Some even say it’s a complete waste of time to use it. What’s your opinion and advice for PCT, when HCG is available for PCT but hasn’t been used during the cycle?

I know using deca and tren makes the cycle VERY suppressive and both were used during my show prep as well. Also, would you recommend tapering down after the ten weeks and then doing PCT, or not? As always, appreciate the feedback. Switching to the Test, Eq, Tren combo you suggested for my next bulking session after some time off.[/quote]

Since you did deca and tren in the same cycle and didn’t use HCG I would recommend an aggressive pct once you’ve finished the cycle. Before the pct taper down off the cycle slowly.

In order to recover I would do this…
3000iu of HCG every 3rd day for a total of 10shots (30,000iu)
Clomid (2 weeks on 100mg and 2 weeks on 50mg)
Nolvadex 10-20mg/day START NOW keep it until 1 week after you finish the clomid, while you are taking clomid increase it to 40/40/40/20/20
Finish 2 bottles of AlphaMale(start it with the pct and keep going til the bottle are done) take 6 a day, not 4

By the time you are finished this, you’ll be good!

As for your next cycle, add an oral like dbol, tbol or Anadrol to the combo I suggested and you’ll have awesome gains.[/quote]

Thanks! I intend to do dbol during the next cycle as well. As I mentioned before, going to train in phases for a LONG cycle, with blasting and cruising for the first time. I figure 9 months on, taper off, 2-3 months off, blood work, repeat. I got a lot of very positive reviews on my structure and shape from my last show and want to see how far i can take it. Quick question though. My first phase next year is a Powerliftin one, with bodybuilding being used as the accessory work. I was considering just running higher test (I have only gone as high as 500mg test e, was considering going up to 750mg) would a 3-4 week run of Halo be helpful? I figure the strength gains will indirectly lead to some growth, and will carry over after the 8 weeks of powerlifting into the next, lighter, bodybuilding phase. During the first month of bodybuilding i was going to cruise on 250mg of test and then go back to 500mg test e, 300 tren e, and 400 eq with 4 weeks of dbol. I really feel I do well on this level of doses and don’t want to up it until i feel its no longer working. my nutrition changes have been so positive i feel they’ll help me get another 10-12 pounds at this level. Anyway, how does that sound? I was also going to run adex (works better for me then nolva from past experience) and hcg 500iu a week, 2 shots like i’ve seen you recommend. I’m sure I’m fucking up somewhere, or you have some tips.[/quote]

You’re not fucking up, it looks great to me. The only thing I would add is HGH if you can afford it (60-90min preworkout) and possibly a low dose of insulin pre workout (5-10iu) with Plazma intraworkout.

You’ve done your research and you know your shit, keep it up you’ll do fine.

1 Like

[quote]Reed wrote:
Just update. Reread your advice to me and said obviously you know what your doing so I’ll give it ago. No need to respond unless you just have a clear statement. Just wanted say thanks mostly.

20 weeks currently about 4 weeks in.

Test E 1000mg
EQ 1000mg (have enough to bump to 1200mg)
Tren E 600mg

Weeks 1-4 leading into meet next Sunday
Above plus
100mg Tren Ace ( my temper fucking blows but I’m just doing everything to be left alone.)
100mg of Winnistrol ( only oral had on hand )

4 Weeks out of November meet same protocol but hopefully with Halo.

After 20 weeks Cruise on 500mg Test for 8 weeks and then blast off again.

High doses relatively but my goal is to add 100lbs to my Squat in 12 months for a 700 squat at under 242 BW.[/quote]

700 would be a very impressive squat and I’m sure you’ll get it. Glad I was able to help.

If you don’t have halo for the first meet then throw in dbol or Anadrol with the winstrol (50mg of one or the other) for the last 4 weeks before the meet.

Also, drop the tren-e to 300mg and keep doing the tren-a @100mg everyday. Try to take 5htp before bed and it will help you with the mood swings from the tren (200mg) it works pretty well.

Keep me posted on your progress and don’t worry about adding the dbol or Anadrol for the last 4 weeks, it’s a short time and it won’t kill you, just make sure to take NAC @600mg everyday to keep your liver safe. This will give you a big strength increase.

shadow your opinion about shawn ray?it was one of the all time best bodybuilders but his character is realy arrogant i must saycan you talk about who was best and worst from the top names in the 90s?iam talkin about the top guys like yates,levrone,cormier,dillet,cormier,nasser,flex?do you believe that it was more interesting back then?

What is it about MAG-10 that makes you utilize protein from meals afterward more efficiently? I would think that Plazma does the same thing and does it just fine. However, you suggest sometimes using Plazma intra and MAG-10 post before a meal…

I can understand how MAG-10 in the AM upon waking makes you possibly utilize your next real food meal, but I don’t understand the need to pulse it post workout when the di and tri peptides from Plazma are already making your body “more sensitive to protein”. I’m not trying to be a dick or stump you…I am really wondering what is specifically unique about the MAG-10 formula that doesn’t seem to be the same with Plazma.

Shadow, why do you recommend GH 60-90 mins pre-workout? Most recommendations I see are directly post-workout, just wondering about the logic behind it.

For running GH off season do you think its better to run smaller dose of say 3-4iu everyday for the whole off season or do higher dose of 6-8iu for 3 months and take a break or go down to 1-2iu per day?