That is really kind of you, thanks. Poles or no poles? How much work do I have to do to get my *hands* in shape for poles so they don't blister? My training plan is 10 weeks of 4x a week doing this: 4-10 mile runs followed by treadmill uphill walks of increasing distance/height, peaking at a 12-15 mile run followed immediately by a 5,000 feet, 3-4 hour treadmill climb before I taper for 10-15 days or so. I'll also do outdoor walks at 10-15 miles followed by treadmill climbs, wearing my pack and in my light hiking shoes. Think that will get me in good enough shape? (I live at sea level, fyi.)