when to bulk?

I play football and run track. Since the end of football season I’ve been in the weight room working on strength and explosiveness but I haven’t been able to put on the weight I need. I was wondering when would be a good time to go through a bulking phase. In late March, track season starts and I want to be able to improve my speed before then but I’m looking to put a good ten pounds of lean muscle on. I’m not afraid of putting on 20 pounds and shaving off 10. So when should I bulk and for how long?

If you can lift more weight and not gain more weight that’s even better - bigger muscles don’t always mean bigger advantages in strength. If you get stronger in the gym and don’t gain any extra kg’s on your body, then its better for you, as you don’t have to carry around extra heavy muscle.

Whats more important to you, football or track?

I run track to get faster for football. So football is more important.