Training (how does one train for thin air anyway?)

Okay, it's 3 a.m. Saturday morning, and I'm up before the chickens (at least I think I am, I don't actually have chickens, so I'm not exactly sure what time they rise). I've decided to run this morning as soon as it gets light, and here's my motivation!

One of the online training guides I found states that we need cardiovascular, weight, and endurance training, in addition to general conditioning for mountaineering. I can handle the first three, but the general conditioning is pretty impossible in Illinois, since it involves climbing with a 20 lb pack to 3500 feet within 2 to 4 hours. Any suggestions on how this might be simulated would be welcome here friends.

Also, I'm going to stop by the Savoy Recreation Center this afternoon to see about membership options. My friend Anda suggested it, and I think it's a great idea - Thanks Anda! What I thought might work well is to set a treadmill on the highest possible setting and walk, walk, walk. I know the pace of the climb will not be fast, just steady, so if I work on building the muscles that will take me up hill, it seems that will work best. There are not enough hills in central Illinois for this kind of training.

And so, the grueling training begins...I'm going to have to start taking those Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplements again for my joints...I just know it!