I am going on my virgin hike in a month or so.
I have been pouring over the trail Journals and reports here in a typical newbie fashion.
One thing stands out. The people who try to force miles or to stay up with someone else break down
Time and again, I read "Good day today. Most miles I ever hiked!" Followed by "My knee/ foot/ toe/etc. is killing me today" on the next day's entry.
Zero impressed me with his body awareness. Although I doubt I have the ability to sleep in to mid day like he does (Some things are wasted on the young!!!<G>) and worry about doing nothing for a whole day at a shelter, He certainly has the right idea about body conditioning.Stress and then rest.
Thanks to Jessebrent, who said "Don't worry about miles. Just get out there and hike. There are plenty of chances to bail out if you need to."
Left to my own devices, I would be sweating blood and checking the schedule every five minutes.
Miles of Smiles
Tom