Alright guys, this post is a three month update from the first time I stepped in the gym.
I've been drinking half a gallon of milk a day on top of a "normal person" amount of food so I probably hit anywhere from 3000-3500 kcals a day; my maintenance is roughly 2600 kcals according to some calculator online. I've had plenty of days where I just don't have much of an appetite and end up undereating. I never aimed for a huge increase in caloric intake just because bulking/cutting doesn't sound fun and I'd rather build lean(er) mass more slowly. Pretty hard goal but I think I'm doing a decent job. No supplements other than delicious cow milk.
I weighed in at 153 lbs (69 kg) at the beginning and I'm now around 165 lbs (75 kg). I started with SL 5x5 but changed that after a month or so to 4x8 instead. I didn't max out on lifts before starting my routine but I can definitely say my strength has improved significantly. I've been failing a lot recently so I should probably deload and build my way back up again. My weight gain has also plateaued as of the last 3 weeks.
I've been taking progress pictures the whole way through but haven't looked at any til tonight.
Noticeable differences:
-I actually have traps! I started with a long ass pencil neck and it kind of filled in.
-My back and chest are getting a bit wider and the V shape is started to come in a bit. This is cool to see because I've had the typical cross country runner upper body for my entire life.
-My forearms got a lot bigger.
-T shirts fit tighter. I used to have some loose shirts that fit decently now. Some of my shorts also fit tighter and I feel like I'm going to rip them open while bending over or something... I already had pretty big legs/glutes but squats and deadlifts made them grow too.
-My running endurance is terrible. I can still sprint or run a 400m but I don't think I could run a 5k in 25 minutes.
-I'm growing a little bit of a double chin but that's the only place I've noticed any fat buildup.
First couple before pictures, 3 months ago. Pardon the nasty bathroom mirror in my college dorm...
Aaand some pictures I took today. Also cleaned the nasty bathroom mirror today so the water makes some of these look weird. As you can see I feel like I didn't put on too much fat weight. Please ignore the nice sunburn I got for myself today!
Took my standard picture first but I had to flex for you guys of course
Thanks to everyone in here for information, support, and motivation! You all helped me get into the gym for the first time and that was the hardest step.