[Scott Johnston]

Highpointer:

Biran and 14rcole have given you some good advice from their own experience.  I can only reinforce what they have said.  It does sound like you ADS, which, while disappointing, is the easiest fitness thing to fix.  All it takes is patience and perseverance.   We often see AeT heart rates in the 120s and lower.  Like Brian, you may need to start with run/walks.

It is possible to climb big mountains without this aerobic base- you have proven that- but was it fun or a suffer-fest?  Could you keep that level of work up for another several days, like will be required on Denali?  Can you operate safely day after day? Could you respond to an emergency situation?

Because this intensity is so easy for many who have ADS, you can do a high volume of this kind of training if you have the time.  The single biggest driver of aerobic base development is volume.  I’d also go with option two and monitor AeT progress with a drift test every 6-8 weeks.  When you see your pace improving, do another test at 5bpm higher.

Since you live in a terrain-challenged place, you can benefit from doing your aerobic base training on a steep treadmill and stair master.  FOr the ME work, it is hard to beat the Stairmaster.

I hope this helps.

Scott