physical conditioning for rainier

[AR_Guy]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet except in passing is the altitude factor. It doens't directly apply to the question of conditioning, but it will affect the climb. If you're in shape, sure, you'll be sucking wind, but you'll keep going, although at a slower pace.

 

I saw this first hand on my PCT hike in 2006. Heading up Whitney, many of the folks coming up from the portal looked like they were going to puke up a lung - take 3 steps, stop, huff and puff for a while, repeat. Most of them were probably at sea level, or nearly so, only two days earlier. Most were probably in good shape - at sea level.

 

Us thru hikers heading up from Crabtree had all been out on the trail for 6 weeks (excellent conditioning, but probably not much better than many of the portal folks), but we all had been fully aclimated to trail elevation (~6 to 8k) and had spent the previous few nights at near 10k. Sure, the altitude was kicking my butt, but nothing like the portal folks. We all flew by the portal folks like they were standing still. (The plastic boots, head to toe goretex, 12 point crampons, ice axes and large packs were in stark contrast to our running shoes, shorts, nearly empty packs and only the occasional ice axe or instep crampons - nothing to do with the conditioning, but it was an interesting contrast).

 

I guess what I'm suggesting is that if you can, get out there a couple of days early and get a jump on the elevation as well instead of trying to to the 0 to 14+k in 2 days. In combination with the training, it'll make the climb a lot more enjoyable.

[KaskadskyjKozak]

 

Regarding concerns about altitude? Diamox.