The first three and last three miles to the top were the hardest going up.  Coming down, once you pass Halfway Camp, it gets rough.  Definitely recommend hiking poles.  It took about 5 1/2 hours to summit and 4 1/2 to come back down.  My Fitbit logged it as 21.5 miles.  Make sure to bring a lot more water than you normally would, and pack your water filters in case you run out on the way down.

I have pretty bad altitude sickness, so I took Diamox prescribed by my doctor.  It is a game changer!

Dress in layers, it can get cold at the top.  Make sure to bring the 10 hiking essentials and a great headlamp in case you don't finish in daylight.