Sleep is gear. Food is gear. A zero is gear. None of them are character tests.
- Nero and zero. A near-zero into town with a shower and a real meal often does more than a full zero spent walking asphalt on errands. Decide the purpose of the day before you arrive.
- Eat enough. Most hikers lose weight. That is expected. Bonking every afternoon is not. Carry a snack you will actually eat when you do not want food.
- Pain scales. Soreness that eases after twenty minutes of walking can be trained through. Pain that sharpens, swells, or wakes you is a medical decision. Get help sooner than pride wants.