Vamsi,
I had a number of setbacks in my training last year and was going more or less strong eight miles into the hike, but got AMS almost at the end of the switchbacks and turned around at 13,550ft. I had been hiking consistently during winter/spring (6-8 mile outings every weekend), but it dropped to almost nothing after having my wisdom teeth pulled out in April so I could get braces.
I would recommend you do at least a 12-15 mile hike that takes you above 10,000 feet. If you live in So Cal I'd recommend San Jacinto Mountain. If you start on the Idyllwild side at Humber Park it's a 15-miler that takes you up through Devil's Slide and then through pretty beautiful So Cal forest land. Views from the peak are amazing. I went up three weeks ago and there was water at a few spots (check w/ the rangers for current conditions).
My Whitney attempt last year was on July 8th. I'm doing my 2nd attempt in less than three weeks... July 21st... and I'm hoping for snow/ice free switchbacks. I'm actually more concerned with the cables than w/ the switchbacks. Last year there was a tiny bit of ice on some parts of the switchbacks, but the cables were packed with snow. Made it across on a rock ledge less than 12" wide. I have no crampons/ice axe experience either so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for blistering weather over the next three weeks!
Regards,
Luis
