HTank,
I'd say keep your expectations low, don't make it a do or die trip to summit. Take in every part of the trip, travel to, and every step along the way. It's not always about the destination but more the journey. My first try was june 2011, due to snow i didn't even make it into the whitney zone just above lone pine lake. i tried again in june 2012 and i summited in 11 hours and completed the trek in 16 hours.
Take it slow to avoid altitude symptoms. Eat and drink the entire time. When you reach a high altitude your body doesn't want to eat or drink but you must force it.
Get started early, i started at 3:45am. the short time before the sun rose was the sweetest part. i'll never forget turning off my headlamp and walking on the trail by moon light.
And as others have said training hikes are essential. hike up in some high places, above 10k ft. i summited mt baldy, mt san jacinto, and half dome before my successful trip to whitney. also i walked my dog with 20 lbs of bottle water in my pack just to make sure i was doing all i could.
Those are my tips to a successful and fun hike. And remember the top is only half way!
