Thru Hike Training with Trekking Poles

I use poles and like them.
I say take the poles with you while training. If nothing, you'll figure out a rhythm and how you might use them a little different while ascending or descending. You can always lash them to your pack if you feel your legs aren't getting worked hard enough; you'll also get a slightly different work out with those poles, which can be advantageous to the upper body, as well as the knees, hips, and/or back (especially if one of those areas often bothers you while hiking).

I don't know what the trails look like in your area right now, but where I was hiking in the Whites this week, I hit ice, snow, and wet rock. For me, the safety of having trekking poles and micro spikes is critical. I won't be doing much backpacking this summer if I'm injured, ya know?

Also, if I believe in training with what you plan on using. If things change, well, that happens. But, if you intend to take a certain pair of pants, poles, or whatever, use them when you're training.

That's my 2 cents.

finally registered, been a lazy-lurker for months.

Ive had many ankle/knee injuries, just came off an avulsion fracture and began training again. I cant afford to not use poles. even though you may feel as if your training's intensified, it may not be the best thing for your joints- to alternate. hike w/poles, hike w/out…,my 2¢=)

My reco.. Have your gear, weight, food etc as close to your planned conditions as possible. Then pick routes that work up to a more difficult day than you will see on any day of your hike. For my PCT hike I am not expecting any day to be in the top 5 days from a difficulty standpoint. That way I can do multiple days without dropping dead