How should I prepare for my up coming mountain climbing trip?

[Cobalt Violet]

I am planning a mountain climbing trip to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. They've some pretty big mountains up there and the climbs are intense.

In the past I have had some pretty sore legs for a few days after these climbs. It was painful to the point it was hard to just walk down a flight of stairs.

Does anyone know if there is anything I can take or do to prepare and avoid this as much as possible either before, during, and/or after? Is it some kind of acid build up I can neutralize?

[seemunkee]

1. What do you mean by mountain climbing?

Vertical rock or hiking?
Will you be carrying a full backpack or day pack?
When I was getting ready to do Mt Ranier I loaded up a pack with about 50lbs, put on my double boots and went to a local park that had some steep hills. It was an earth damn and I would hike up and down the damn for about 2 miles 3 days a week. If I couldn't get out to the park I would set the treadmill as steep as I could and walk a mile with the pack.
Another thing if you really need to up your cardio capacity is to try some Tabata intervals.

[Cobalt Violet]

3. I will be hiking. Most likely Cannon Mt.

I will be carrying a day pack. I'm going next Friday so I don't have too long to prepare for it. I do cardio every other day so I will do the steep setting on the treadmill until then. I have some small but steep hills around so I could do hike up and down them. I also have the treadmill option available to me. I have always felt that it is the descent that I am most unconditioned for. It is those muscles that hurt the most.

[seemunkee]

4. So you have 11 days. Not much time to train

I would do the hills with a heavier pack than you would normally be carrying. Make sure you wear your hiking boots.
Squats may be a good idea too. If you don't like using weights try doing wall squats where you put your back against the wall and slide down to a seated position. Hold for 1-2 minutes if possible.
Don't do anything 2 days before you go. Let your body rebuild so it is strong for the hike.

[MissMillie]

2. what about some stair climbing exercises?

either on a stair master or on actual stairs (like stadium stairs)? Wouldn't that give you some practice at using those muscles?