Tri-Harder
Newbie
- Thread Author
- #1
Introduction: The Endurance GoalIs anyone here interested in joining my journey into the world of endurance sports and hormonal optimization?
I am a 40-year-old recreational triathlete (middle and full distance) with a history of podium finishes in local races. My goal is to compete at the highest level, break barriers, and set new PBs, but most importantly, I want to boost my overall health, well-being, and longevity. I currently balance a high-volume training schedule (12–22 hours/week) with a full-time job and life commitments.
History & ContextI have been "clean" for many months now. In the past, I ran HGH for a year (sourced from a "friend"), but blood work showed IGF-1 levels under 200 ng/mL after 6 months, suggesting it was underdosed.
I also want to be transparent about my history with endurance compounds: I have used EPO twice in the past for two separate major races with great results. However, I am hoping to never go back to it. Since Testosterone increases red blood cell count, I am banking on TRT providing enough of a hematocrit boost to replace the need for EPO entirely. My goal is to manage my hematocrit safely (keeping it under 50-51%), utilizing blood donations if it creeps too high, rather than risking it with further EPO use.
Current Health & "The Why"
I’ve been monitoring my health with blood work for 5 years. My most recent labs (3 months ago) highlight exactly why I need to jump on TRT. Despite high training volume and a solid diet, I feel tired all day with zero drive for work or training.
Key Stats (Pre-Cycle - Dec 2025):
The Protocol
I have placed an order with Driada Medical for Somatropin HGH Powder (100iu) and Testosterone Cypionate (250 mg/ml). My goal is not "superhuman" numbers, but to sit at the upper limit of a genetically gifted, healthy male (Trough ~700 ng/dL, Peak ~1000 ng/dL) to maximize recovery.
I am also considering adding TB-500 and BPC-157 to my stack solely for injury prevention and support against overuse, especially for the high-impact load of running. I honestly have very little knowledge about these two compounds. If they can genuinely reduce injury risk without significant side effects, I would be happy to add them. Does anyone here have experience using them prophylactically for endurance training?
Immediate Next Steps: Pre-Cycle Bloods
Before I pin anything, I am scheduling a comprehensive fresh blood panel to establish a serious baseline and ensure I am dialing this in correctly. I will be testing:
I will be logging my training hours (Swim/Bike/Run), CSS speed, LT1 & LT2 for bike and run to document how these compounds affect endurance recovery vs. pure strength.
I’m open to suggestions: What do you think about the pre-cycle testing plan? Is there anything else I should look for before starting?
I am a 40-year-old recreational triathlete (middle and full distance) with a history of podium finishes in local races. My goal is to compete at the highest level, break barriers, and set new PBs, but most importantly, I want to boost my overall health, well-being, and longevity. I currently balance a high-volume training schedule (12–22 hours/week) with a full-time job and life commitments.
History & ContextI have been "clean" for many months now. In the past, I ran HGH for a year (sourced from a "friend"), but blood work showed IGF-1 levels under 200 ng/mL after 6 months, suggesting it was underdosed.
I also want to be transparent about my history with endurance compounds: I have used EPO twice in the past for two separate major races with great results. However, I am hoping to never go back to it. Since Testosterone increases red blood cell count, I am banking on TRT providing enough of a hematocrit boost to replace the need for EPO entirely. My goal is to manage my hematocrit safely (keeping it under 50-51%), utilizing blood donations if it creeps too high, rather than risking it with further EPO use.
Current Health & "The Why"
I’ve been monitoring my health with blood work for 5 years. My most recent labs (3 months ago) highlight exactly why I need to jump on TRT. Despite high training volume and a solid diet, I feel tired all day with zero drive for work or training.
Key Stats (Pre-Cycle - Dec 2025):
- Total Testosterone: ~220 ng/dL (7.65 nmol/L) – Clinically hypogonadal.
- Free Testosterone: 39.3 pg/mL
- IGF-1: 157.6 ng/mL
- Hematocrit: 43.2% – Healthy baseline, room to grow.
- Ferritin: 147.6 ng/ml
- Glucose: 107 mg/dL
- Vitamin D3: ~29 ng/ml – Currently supplementing to fix this.
The Protocol
I have placed an order with Driada Medical for Somatropin HGH Powder (100iu) and Testosterone Cypionate (250 mg/ml). My goal is not "superhuman" numbers, but to sit at the upper limit of a genetically gifted, healthy male (Trough ~700 ng/dL, Peak ~1000 ng/dL) to maximize recovery.
- Testosterone Cypionate:150mg/week
- Split: Monday / Wednesday / Friday.
- HGH: 3 IU daily (4 weeks initial run before testing).
I am also considering adding TB-500 and BPC-157 to my stack solely for injury prevention and support against overuse, especially for the high-impact load of running. I honestly have very little knowledge about these two compounds. If they can genuinely reduce injury risk without significant side effects, I would be happy to add them. Does anyone here have experience using them prophylactically for endurance training?
Immediate Next Steps: Pre-Cycle Bloods
Before I pin anything, I am scheduling a comprehensive fresh blood panel to establish a serious baseline and ensure I am dialing this in correctly. I will be testing:
- SHBG: To confirm my theory about low binding globulin.
- Estradiol (Sensitive E2): To get a baseline before introducing exogenous T.
- Thyroid Panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4): To ensure my metabolism/thyroid isn't the hidden cause of my fatigue.
- CBC (Hematocrit & RBC): To double-check my starting point for blood viscosity.
- AM: Creatine, Omega-3, D3/K2, Probiotics, Iron (EOD).
- PM: Magnesium, Lysine, Ashwagandha, Glycine, Microdose Melatonin (300mcg).
I will be logging my training hours (Swim/Bike/Run), CSS speed, LT1 & LT2 for bike and run to document how these compounds affect endurance recovery vs. pure strength.
I’m open to suggestions: What do you think about the pre-cycle testing plan? Is there anything else I should look for before starting?
Last edited:
