This was a tough hike (type 2 fun) and not for everyone! It's the elevation that really kicks ass and adds a whole other dimension of challenges to overcome. If lucky enough to win the lotto, train, train, train! Plan on a couple of elevation hikes prior to Whitney. I took on Mt Conness (12,000') the weekend prior and found I don't do well in elevation above 10,000. I took some Diamox for Whitney, which helped a lot, but not 100%. It's a beautiful hike, met a ton of nice people, and the view is stunning! Watching the sunrise was also amazing. If you're heading out for this one, check out the Mt Whitney FB group, research all the water stops (their are places they say you don't have to filter water), bring lots of water and food too! Don't forget to stop and enjoy the views along the way. Also, please carry out EVERYTHING you bring in. There are places where it's starting to look/smell really bad because people don't follow this one simple rule, or leave their full wag-bags. We saw wag-bags left on the side of the trail...like there is some service that picks them up.