Training for STP and other climbs

[MOAB149]

Just wondering how the rest of you train for a STP or any other ascent for that matter. Last year, my wife and I covered about fifty miles on the AT including trips up Canon, Lafayette, Jackson and Washington. We started training in March. Lots of hiking, walking, jogging and biking. Including three shackdown hikes on the AT here in PA. Bet we covered several hundred miles before setting off for the Franconia/Presidential ranges. Anyway, we still struggled on Mt Washington. Maybe because we did Lafayette the day before. Just wondering what some of you do to prepare. Stairmaster, Eliptical bleachers at the local stadium. Suggestions, advise please.
Cheers,
Dave

[Charlie]

well i try to go to the gym every other day but i work 4-10hr days and some times i just dont want to go after work .most of the time if i know im going on a big hile i will make sure i go to the gym a lot before that day

[Brad]

I am thinking about it.

[Snow Miser]

Usually I try to do as many hikes as possible before July to build up my endurance. When time is limited, I do a lot of aerobic walking up and down the steep hills in my neighborhood. This seems to work quite well.

[MOAB149]

Bob,
I hit the Stairmaster today at the gym. Wow, that thing can beat you up. Anyway, I'm gonna try to work up to six miles on it by July.
Cheers,
Dave

[Snow Miser]

Bob,
I hit the Stairmaster today at the gym. Wow, that thing can beat you up. Anyway, I'm gonna try to work up to six miles on it by July.
Cheers,
Dave

Dave, You will be ready for any mountain after doing six miles on a Stairmaster. Good luck.

[mtruman]

As much walking and hiking as possible is our routine. Lafayette the day before certainly could have been your problem. We did that it reverse a couple of years ago - starting a 4 day hut to hut (with Franconina Ridge the first day) the day after STP. Day 2 was really tough. Amazingly it got better after that.

[Brad&Val]

Running hills usually keeps me fairly fit, but there is nothing to compare with actually hitting the trail. I find that hiking increases my comfort level with uneven footing and helps to strengthen my core and leg muscles which help my knees on those long descents.

I would also suggest resting for a day or two prior to any major hike. When ever I do a Presi traverse or something of that magnitude, I will usually rest at least the day prior.

[MOAB149]

Thanks for the suggestions. My knees are my Achilles heel, LOL. I always wear braces and plan to for STP '10.

[Snow Miser]

Dave, I think for many of us "somewhat" older folk, the knees are a weak point. I used to have trouble with mine, but began taking NutraJoint a couple years ago, and I feel it has really helped. Some may say it doesn't work, but either way, I have far less trouble with my knees during and after hikes.