I have been trying to prepare for a long distance thru-hike by doing shorter hiking trips. I did the Manistee River Loop the last three days. The problem is that the hike became somewhat painful for my feet. Nothing really bad, just muscle pain and a minor blister. I also had back muscle pain and stiffness. I was quite surprised when laying in bed, I could feel my body repairing my feet, the foot muscles went from painful to OK in a few hours. In the morning I had to stretch and massage them for a while and then could walk with minor pain.
The first day I walked 2 hours, the second 5 hours and the third 6 hours, with a pack that was 20 lbs plus water and food. My gear was fine, the problem is that I am just out of shape and overweight (55 years, 250 lbs, 6 foot). I do some fitness work at home, morning stretches, 10 mile bike ride about 5 days a week, bodyweight fitness about 3 days a week but not too intense.
I am thinking I should skip long distance thru hiking and focus on shorter hikes in nice areas, maybe 3 hours a day. A slower hike with shorter distances might help get me in shape. Spending more time than 3 days on the trail would also help, probably after a week or two it would become routine and I could either deal with the pain or be fit enough not to have pain.
I just arrived home an hour ago and am thinking if I really want to be involved in a sport that causes so much pain and exhaustion. Has anybody been in this situation?