You’ll want to treat the trail like a long meal. Start with a solid breakfast of dried fruit, nuts, and a bit of whole‑grain bread so your glycogen stores are topped up. Keep a small stash of high‑protein, high‑fat snacks—think jerky or a few hard cheeses—so you can refuel when you hit a plateau. When you’re out, walk at a pace that keeps your breathing at a steady rhythm: about 30–40 breaths per minute. If you feel the breath getting tight, slow down a touch. The breathing rhythm naturally trains your heart rate to stay in a sustainable zone. Use the terrain to your advantage: pick a route that alternates hills with flats. Climb hard on the steep bits, then ease into a normal pace on the flats. Your muscles get a good workout without burning out. Hydration is key, but add electrolytes from crushed sea salt or a pinch of Himalayan salt to the water. It keeps your nerves firing and reduces cramps. If you’re into mindfulness, pause every 10 miles to check in. Notice the scent of pine, the texture of the ground, the sound of distant water. That mental reset keeps your focus sharp and the body relaxed. Finally, trust the body’s signals. If the chest feels tight or you’re gasping more than your usual rhythm, pull back. Endurance is a marathon, not a sprint. The steady, thoughtful pacing will make the long solo trek a sustainable habit.