I live in New York City and work 12 hours a day all year. I have climbed Mt. Washington, Mt. Mitchell, Mt. Elbert, Ben Nevis, and got nearly to the top of Mt. Baker. I do get some breaks throughout the year and I am excited to set goals to climb during those breaks. I lift weights three times a week. I bought a Heart Rate Monitor (Garmin 610). Does anyone here use a StepMill (basically a Stairmaster but with 'real' stairs)?
The thread is based on a quote in Freedom of the Hills that says that a base level of fitness is being able to climb 1,200 to 1,800 vertical feet with about 1/3 of your body weight in your hiking boots. Since I don't have any mountains, I'm using a Stepmill. Right now I'm doing about 1,500 feet in 30 minutes, with no pack or boots. Would you suggest adding weight, or time?