I thought the thread "Any specific training to help with knee pain from descents " was a good one and didn't want to hijack the post so I will ask my question here for those who have been there;
In your estimation, what percentage of the trail is more than a 45 degree (just an arbitrary number) incline or decline? I want to hike it next year and my weakness is my left knee. I had a torn meniscus about 15 years ago which was corrected with surgery. I also had a cortisone shot a year ago which also helped greatly. I am walking 5-10 miles several times a week with 30 lbs in my pack. I'm not a runner but I can jog 3 miles or so on my treadmill with no problems. My stamina and legs are definitely getting stronger. Watching YouTube videos I see lots of level ground and slight inclines which would be no problem. So being concerned about what I would be facing, how much of the trail is actually step ascents and descents that would test my knee? Many thanks.