In a revealing podcast episode, renowned grappler Craig Jones openly discussed his history with PEDs, admitting that he began his first cycle in 2017 and has remained on them ever since.
Jones, who is set to put on the upcoming high-stakes grappling tournament, detailed his initial foray into the world of PEDs, recounting how he embarked on a six-month cycle of testosterone enanthate at a high dose of 500mg per week. However, the transition off proved to be an emotional and difficult experience.
“The PCT (post-cycle therapy) didn’t feel good,” Jones said. “I felt emotionally unhealthy, so I ended up crossing the border into Mexico, going to a pharmacy, and slamming some test into my quad. From that point on, I never really came off.”
PED expert, Derek of More Plates More Dates, went on to explain the reasoning behind many athletes that forgo the traditional cycling approach, citing the negative impact it has on mental and physical well-being.
“Becoming more widely understood, the old cycling dogma doesn’t really work the best sustainably,” Jones said. “The transition in general for guys who are going on, crashing themselves coming off, trying to recover, and then right when they recover, they jump back on – that’s arguably worse than just staying on a baseline replacement.”
Derek, the host of the popular “More Plates More Dates” podcast, acknowledged the risks and challenges associated with long-term PED use, particularly in regards to cardiovascular health and blood pressure.
“Your blood pressure was pretty high, and when you went to donate blood, your iron levels were so high they wouldn’t even accept it,” Derek said.
Increased red blood cell production and iron metabolism associated with PED use can often lead to elevated markers that raise concerns.
The conversation delved deeper into the nuances of managing the side effects of PED use, with Derek emphasizing the importance of taking a proactive and individualized approach to health optimization, rather than simply obtaining what you think might work for you.
“It’s not just about giving you the dr**s you want,” Derek said. “It’s about making sure you’re doing it safely, that you’re not killing yourself in the process, and that you’re maintaining performance and health concurrently.”
The candid exchange shed light on the complex realities faced by elite athletes navigating the world of performance-enhancing substances, underscoring the need for open dialogue and a holistic approach to health and safety.
While Jones’ PED use has attracted some criticism, it’s very refreshing to see a high level grappler talk openly about the realities and complexities of PED use.
