A focused training regimen is critical for any high altitude expedition. I used road racing to keep my cardio in check for a majority of the year. My final race of the season,
Iron Cross, provided a good transition from cycling to hiking and running. Once October hit, I started the weekend hiking trips, hill repeats with pack weight, and running. I ususally packed about 50-60 lbs whenever I trained. I would find local hills and do brisk uphill repeats with weight. On several occasions, I targeted ~4000 ft of elevation gain to simulate summit day. Unfortunately, living in Philadelphia, I don't have the advantage of altitude training, but I adapted as best possible. I worked up to running about 25 miles/week and included hills as much as possible. I also used the following routine each day starting in October to help prepare my body and mind.
Levitation
Focus on not touching the ground, no matter how hard it may seem. This is the fastest way to ascend the mountain. I usually wear my mountaineering boots and fill my pack with about 50 lbs. 3 sets of 5 reps (5 min each)
I hope to reach 12 in. before I leave. Right now, I'm about 1 in. away.
Caloric Ingestion
I try to do this once in the morning, mid-day, and evening. Sometimes I'll throw in a snack during the day. I highly recommend
Big Texas for maximum caloric ingestion. You don't win Pastry of the Year in Automatic Vending Machine magazine 5 years in a row for nothing. 3 sets of 1 rep (20 min each)
Rest
Levitation training and caloric ingestion take their toll on your body. You'll want to make sure and rest at least once a day. 1 rep (5-7 hrs), preferably at night.
