I agree about not overtraining. Just keep working out then maybe ramp up a month prior. As I age I find typical cardio about worthless for real world packing. Much better to actually walk up and down hills or stairs than spend time on an elliptical or stair machine. Those little muscles in your feet and front of your calves just don't get worked out like actually walking on unlevel ground. Train like you hunt..
Yeah, side hilling and downhill under load are hard to replace with gym equipment.
I do use a stationary bike for longer low intensity fitness, like an active recovery day. I don't feel that I have the coordination for an elliptical!
Some of the step and cardio classes at my gym look pretty intense though. There are some older ladies that look out of shape, but man they seem to kick ass in those classes!
