I like to track my progress with Strava segments. One in particular I have data for since last October so it shows my progress since I began training almost a year ago. The segment is .53 miles, 240 feet of gain, average grade is 8%. These are hiking only, with no running. The most recent one was three days after my trail marathon so I was taking it easy.
I have noticed I can hike at a much faster clip uphill now than when I started (I was constantly having to walk in slo-mo last year!) and also now I can jog under AeT on flat, downhill, and sometimes even on gentle uphills.
Date Pace Avg HR Time
Sep 17, 2019 19:53/mi 117bpm 10:38
Mar 31, 2019 20:24/mi 129bpm 10:55
Nov 25, 2018 26:12/mi 131bpm 14:01
Oct 15, 2018 29:41/mi 125bpm 15:53