Originally Posted by
Cookerhiker
You're taking the exact right approach. I'm sure you'll do well. Maybe in addition to a training hike from Port Clinton, you could also hike up northward from Lehigh Gap.
Are you hiking all of NY or part? In my recollection, the trail east of the Hudson is markedly easier than the west side. In particular, the stretch from Greenwood Lake to the Bear Mountain bridge is quite steep with plenty of ups and downs. Once you cross the river, the ups and downs are punctuated with more rolling and gentler grades. You'll cruise there!