I’m going to be doing an incline next month with over 2000 stairs up and then 5k down on a trail around Christmas. Any tips for training for that?

At first I thought a couch to 5k would be enough but then I remembered I hate running and we don’t plan to run down. Then I started doing flights of stairs at my house, but the going down part has gotten obnoxious at only 20 flights. I’d need ~175.

Now I’m thinking just doing a bunch of squats and lunges then walking most days. For strength, I do a modified minimalist routine.

I’m not looking for it to be easy, but the person I’m going with is super fit so I’d like to not want to die on the stairs or be sore for the three weeks after.

Edit: I really should have mentioned I don’t have gym access or a schedule that allows me to drive to hiking. Nonetheless, I got a bunch of good ideas and tips! Thanks all.