First time BULKERS apply here ;)
I'll start. To summarize....
when *I* started~I'm not sure when to say my bulk began. Initially I went from eating at a deficit to eating at what I perceived as maintenance(1900-2000ish) around mid-August. Started eating about 200-300ish above maintenance by the 3rd week in August. BUT my workout program at the time didn't have a set progression and IDK if those calories were actually used to 'bulk" muscle or just went to my love handles LOL! August 29th I started the "allpro's beginner workout" from the workout forums and just started my 2nd 5 wk cycle of that. So hopefully I've got the diet *and* the workout covered now to be officially bulking.
weight gained~went from 123ish to 125 when I went back to maintenance. Then gradually to 126 and 127. I usually weigh 2-3x a week and take the average. Curious to see where this week ends up since I was 129 this morning! I know weight gain is not linear and does flucuate ALOT but I am trying to keep a rough idea of how I am gaining so I am not putting on too much too fast.(<<----somedays I give a fuk about this and somedays I don't. My goal is to build muscle and I'd rather err on the side of getting too many calories than too few. Being an active SAHM my energy out varies so it's hard to really *know* what my maintenance is.)
goal~bulk til Feb-March. It'll depend on what I see in the mirror as far as muscle gain *and* fat gain.
mind fuk~most days I am good about all this. The feeling of strength has always been more important to me than feeling "thin" for lack of a better word. BUT there have been a few times that I've felt a bit mushy etc. already. Overall though it's been a positive, enjoyable experience thus far....hoping to continue that way.
Okay other first timers! I *know* you are out there! Your turn to chime in!