So I think I will be hiking Mt. Whitney sometime in August hopefully.
Some questions I was wondering were:
1) Getting a permit. A friend of mine also would like to come, what are the chances that there will be a permit available when we arrive (so that he can get the permit)?
2) I live in the SF bay area (to give an idea of the altitude I'm at.. which is none, basically sea level). I'm in pretty good shape from running, etc. but I haven't really done a serious "hike." I've done hills, trails, etc. but these were all run and none of them really climbed altitude. I haven't really done any hikes on trails that were long etc. Could I just hope that my fitness could possibly pull me through (if I climb up slowly etc)?
3) How badly can the altitude affect you? Is it a good idea to take some medicine or something to counteract it? I have not really been up in altitude or have gotten used to it at all, so should I take it pretty slowly (so maybe finish in around ~20-21 hours?), and make sure to rest if I feel dizzy/light headed?
4) I've had some asthma problems in the past. Would I be okay just taking an inhaler, and just rest if I feel tired?
Thanks a lot for any responses.