>>653074What route are you doing? There's technical routes and easy walk ups.
In any case, I think you should hit the stairmaster with a loaded pack for a reasonable amount of time. I personally do half an hour w/ 30 pounds to prepare for 14er summit bagging season. That puts me in pretty acceptable shape.
If you're doing technical routes, I'd say start climbing.
You should also train hard. Harder than you think you need to because you'll likely be doing a 2-4am start in air much thinner than you're used to. Fatigue sets in way faster in those conditions.
I think mental strength is also really important,because chances are you'll get a headache, or your feet will cramp, or you'll just want to stop. It's important to go train even when you don't want to so you can steel yourself for any shit that happens on the mountain.
Things to ask your friend:
Technical route or walkup?
If technical, will it be snow, rock, mixed?
Here's a trip report from 14ers.
http://14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=8392