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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 104
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Hey Current7, we will all be wondering if your training made the mountain a breeze (except for the Alititude fatique). Post a message how things went when you get back.
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 17
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You'll do just fine. It will be a nice walk in the mountains.
I also live at sea level. Last year, 51 years old, 40 pounds overweight, trained 3 x week on a Nordic Track for about 3 months. Hiked on weekends. The legs did fine.
Arrived 4 days in advance. Stayed at June Lake. Hiked Little Lakes Valley above Rock Creek and a few others. Didn't feel the altitude on Whitney at all. No huffing and puffing, no headache, no nausea, nada!
Bring your filter, it makes sense.
Enjoy the walk, it's really amazing.
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 9
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In case you are hiking in Yosemite, I would suggest Mt. Dana along with/instead of Half dome. While Half Dome gets you ready distance wise, it is only at 8,900 ft. with about 400-500 ft. gain due to the cables. On the other hand, Mt. Dana is at 13,090 ft. Which gives you a better prespective of altitude and since it is a shorter hike, (6-7 miles if you don't get lost), you don't feel as stiff/fatigued. It should leave you in pretty good shape for Whitney.
In case you decide to do Mt. Dana, you will need reservations at Tuolumne meadows which is at 8,000 ft. (more aclimatization time), whereas the valley floor is at 4,000 ft.
Good luck,
Rgds!
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 86
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As far as soreness goes with the half dome hike, stretching really well before and after will help, I was much more sore after half dome because of the numerous stairs and the cable section, makes you use different muscles then Whitney. The fact that you have a few days to recover is great, you should be able to bag Whitney with no ill effects from Half dome by then.
Sounds like a great trip! Enjoy.
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The encouragement on this board is amazing...it's really fueling my mental preparation...thank you all. I will be sure to post a detailed report when I get back. GonnaSummmit - thanks for the tip on Dana. We'll have to do that. 2 1/2 weeks left (and counting!) 
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Joined: Jul 2003
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Here's a nice page with great pics of Dana--- http://kevingong.com/Hiking/MountDana.htmlIf I were giving out advice, I'd say do Half Dome. Dana is not scenic and there isn't a trail much of the way, esp. towards the top.
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 152
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I relearned something on my last 10+ mile tune up for Whitney hike. I run (mostly on the flat) and everything, but it is no preparation for the real thing. Hiking is up and down. Before my next hike, I am going to get in my car and drive to the hills a few miles away and train there. In the past I have not considered it worth it. I think I am changing my mind. Only running or walking up and down hills, I believe, prepares your legs for the jarring involved in the long downhill hike from the top.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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I trained for about 2.5 months...my traing consisted of short 2-4 miles hikes twice a week up hilly tarain, two to tree days a week I would do weight training, and longend weekend hikes up hilly tarain ranging from 7-15 miles (one hike was 24 miles). I also hiked in high altitude once about 3 weeks before the hike
(from 7k ft to 10k ft), and I also hiked a local 5200 foot moutain. I did not use my poles for any of these hikes...I also weighted my pack down...statring at 18 pouns the first week, then slowy adding weight each week. The most weight i carried was 55 pounds, once on a 8 mile hike, and a couple times on the short morning hikes. The average weight I trained with was 35lbs.
Make sure you get a good pair of hiking shoes...I would suggest shoes that are for day hikes. (I used Merrell mid ankle shoes, in my opinion, boots are not needed)
get a water filter pump...you don't want to have to carry extra water weight. your pack should be less then 20 lbs for the hike...lighter is better...my pack was 18 pounds (most do it with about 15 lbs) fully loaded with water, pump, coats (fliece and wind breaker), socks, food (i brought to much food), rain gear, emegency stuff, TP, knife, head lamp,camera, glow stick,mole skin, emergency blanket,matches,rash cream (a must).
Well good luck...be prepared for anything.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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Almost forgot...I also acclimated by camping for 2.5 days at the portal....
Drink lots of water during your camping period....I mean lots...you want to have drank so much water that you have to get up in the middle of the night to take a wiz.
Drink lots of water on the trail and eat about every 15 minutes (just a bite or two of something).
Hike up to lone pine at least one time before your hike...this will give you an idea if the alltitude will be a bother. If you can't make it to lone pine, you will never make it to the top. Plus it is so beautiful at the lake....bring a pole and do some fishing while you are at the lake.
Hiking Poles are a must.
Good luck, I look forward to doing it again.
one more thing...get an early start..be on the trail no later then 3:30 am.
GOOOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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