Six Moon Designs posted a great blog article on faster, longer hiking. I found it worth the read. I am, depending on the hike’s objective and my intent, seeking healthier ways to hike longer and faster when that’s the intent.
From the post, I would add 2 points, and did so in my comments.
First, as older person, off-season conditioning is absolutely necessary to prevent injury and to add happiness on those long trails that require a bit more in the tank. Both outcomes makes that hikes more enjoyable, greater happiness and bliss.
Second, you gotta pick your hike and hike it … intent, objectives, weather, partners / buddies, other conditions (like great wildlife or flowers) all can change a hike. If one only approaches it as faster, longer, … great things could be missed.