Good afternoon,
I couldn't find a good intro thread to post in so here we are.
First, I currently live in central New Jersey and go to the gym 3x a week doing weight training and run on the treadmill. Most of my previous experience with climbing is bouldering and in regards to high climates I lived in Boone, NC(around 3k ft/1km up).
My ultimate goal is to make an attempt on the Matterhorn in 2012. RIght now my plan is to make an attempt on Mt Washington next February and Grand Teton next August and(assuming that the first two work out well) an attempt on the Matterhorn. I am planning to use a guide for all three rocks(going with Eastern Mountain Sports climbing school for Washington and Exum for Teton).
In regards to training for the Matterhorn I've read everything from "Be able to run a lot" to "OMG you must be able to climb skyscrapers with your pinky finger!" As right now it looks like an attempt on the Matterhorn will cost me just over $6000 USD I'd like to hear a little more from people who have done it.
First, in the continental US, are Washington and Teton good preparation rocks for the Matterhorn? If not, what do you think are some good ones(if you have good ideas in the eastern US, even better!)? What are some good training methods if you don't live within a stone's throw of big rocks? Are there any FAQs you'd recommend?