Endurance

Hi guys.

Has anyone on this forum, had any experience with EPO, erythropoietin ?

It is what cyclists use to increase there RBC.

Testosterone and numerous other steroids increase red blood cell counts which increases endurance. Test will also keep you from going catabolic and losing muscle. No high dosages. 300mg once a week is good.

My research suggests that EPO is the best when it comes to endurance. However I find your post very interesting as I have had little (by little I mean none) success in finding a source for EPO is RSA. But I do however have a reliable source for AAS.

Can't go wrong with the test option. Dirt cheap, and effective. At 300mg weekly you don't have to worry about side effects either.

Thanks Jakes, have heard EPO is pricey. Though I have heard it is worth it.

So the question now seems to be 2 fold.

First and foremost. Does anyone have any experience with EPO ?
Second. Has anyone used Test for endurance racing, cycling, rowing , running ?

I have experience cycling while on test cycles. My opinion: Use it out of season when you are on your strength training phase. It helps with recovery but it comes with weight gain which is a big no no for cycling (racing). It effects my endurence negatively on the bike. EPO is about the only thing in my opinion that does the job for cycling. I have no experience using it though. You need really high dosages for it to be effective and that is why its dangerous. The pro's use it with success because they have team docters monitoring them daily.

"it affects my endurance negatively on the bike" - well that answers one of the questions. Shot for that, I don't think you need a doctor to use it safely. You need to monitor your haematocrit, haemoglobin and iron levels, which can be observed through a blood test at your local lancet. You also need to keep a sharp eye on your hydration levels. Administration is also of importance, but easing into the dosage will keep it safe.

Thanks for that contribution. Would still be great to hear from someone who has firsthand experience on EPO.

Vitamin b12 is also a good way to increase Red blood cells. I know a lot of the guy who do the Duzi here in durban take vit b 12 shots to improve endurance.

I'm not sure what EPO is all about but I have heard of sprinters who actually draw a pint of blood and save it for race day and have an IV before the race for this exact reason you are talking about. Don't know how safe it is though.

As jakes say all steroids increase RBC, the more androgenic they are the more chance of increased RBC..

When it comes to bicycle racing nothing holds a candle to EPO for increase in red blood cells. Know a guy who used it this year. Cost about R3200 for 6 weeks so its not so bad. He went with dosages recommended for patients that suffer from anemia (i think). It did absolutely "fuck all" to his haematocrit levels. I get mine checked now and then and there is no difference in the reading on steroid cycle or off steroid cycle.

You need high EPO dosages for the effect you are looking for