Never mind not "training" , it is just good to exercise at least 3 times a week for your overall health. Even if you don't plan a thru-hike, why would you not want to do this basic component of physical health?

Finally, life is too fun to just wait for a thru-hike to enjoy outside. Why hike just 5-7 mos every once in a while?

I LOVE my thru-hikes. But I also like hiking in the local mountains, or biking around town, or taking a run in the local park or skiing. I am the first to admit I am spoiled where I live...but even when I lived back in RI, I found something to do that did not involve driving very far to enjoy the outdoors.

As with Alligator, I do not view backpacking as a sport..but as lifestyle. But it is lifestyle that can be physically demanding. Why not enjoy it?