First cycle plan, 500mg test E for 12 weeks, looking for feedback before I pull the trigger

[Marc NL]

Long time lurker, first post. 26 years old, been training naturally for 4 years and feel like I have hit my ceiling. Plan is test E 500mg per week split Monday Thursday, 12 weeks, adex on hand but not planning to run it unless symptoms show. Nolvadex PCT starting 2 weeks after last pin. Have I missed anything obvious? Happy to take any advice from guys who have done this before.

[Davo]

500mg test E for 12 weeks is a solid first cycle plan. Do not wait to see symptoms before getting AI - have adex and nolvadex on hand and know the symptoms of high E2 so you can respond quickly. Bloodwork at week 4-6 to check levels. The rest of your plan sounds sensible. What are your training and diet like going into it?

[Jock]

Sound plan. One thing - add HCG 500IU twice a week from the start if you want an easier recovery option later. Nolvadex at 40-20-20-20 for PCT is fine. Run bloodwork mid cycle and 8 weeks after PCT to confirm recovery. Do not add anything else to this first run regardless of what you read.

[Beantown Rick]

Good starting point. The 12 vs 16 week question - 12 is fine for a first cycle. You will see plenty of growth and recover faster. 16 weeks adds more gains but the recovery is harder and at this stage seeing how your body responds to test is the main goal, not maximum gains.