I have been watching this thread for several weeks and if it is Ok with you guys I may jump in from time to time. I walk my local mountain 4-5 times a week. A 1.5 mi trail to summit with 1050 ft vertical. I am getting fit enough to run the flats and my time to the top has gone from 36 min. to right at 26 min. I am 59 yrs old and knees are my biggest issue. This entire fitness gig started last June when I got a one in a lifetime bighorn sheep tag. I got a nice mature sheep but no world record. I also was successful last Elk season. I was amazed how being in a little better condition made my hunts so much easier to get around in the Mountains. I am staying with it and today I will climb my hill with my new mystery ranch crew cab loaded with about forty lbs. Once I get to the summit (drop the pack) I do 2 set of 25 push ups. I normally do 2 trips to the top for a total of 6 miles and 100 push-ups. takes me under 2 hrs. I go to the Gym but it is not the same as being outside for me.
