Hi Chris.... of hikers on this board, I may be the biggest worry wort. So, with that said, your first obstacle will be how wide and deep the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek is. You'll need to decide howm to cross it and keep from getting wet. Should be fairly easy to Outpost Camp, then from reports, the snow starts. Not sure how much has melted since last report. After Outpost Camp and Mirror Lake, the trail goes up into large Boulders and Pocks. If there is snow, it may be hard to find the trail....and even without snow, it can be tricky. Not hard, but tricky as the trail looks to go different directions in the dark. Also, you may have to deal with lots of boot prints going different directions. I have followed others and/or looked for headlamps to help.
Check out Bob R's post "Whitney Trail, June 22 & 23" from a week or so ago as well as all the latest reports in the Current Conditions.
As far as age, yes that will help, though doing a marathon, half or otherwise doesn't mean a whole bunch. Being in exce3llent shape does mean something. Not acclimating may cause your biggest problem. Just breath well, concentrate on getting full and steady breaths when up high and take your time. Hydrate and eat. Your mountaineering skills will help. Chute is easy to find.....again, check Bob R's post. It's the large snowfield to the right of the switchbacks :-)
Trail past the chute should be fairly clear. It's not "treacherous" IMO, but with some snow on it, it could cause a couple of interesting moments.
Take your time, take pictures, bring your ice axe and have fun.
Lots of luck.
"Turtles, Frogs & other Environmental Sculpture"
