You WILL get the biggest blisters you have ever had in your life. And then you will force yourself to walk on them for days. Changing your socks mid-day, applying mole skin to hotspots before walking, draining (not popping) blisters that are causing pressure, and experimenting with the way you lace your shoes can greatly reduce discomfort.
Everyone out here has a story, and most of the time they can teach you something new if you choose to listen.
It took about a week for my appetite to catch up to my activity level. I have had to increase the number of 'snack items' I carry, so I can eat about 3 small mid-day meals between breakfast in dinner. Yes, 5 meals a day (at least).
Crying is okay, in fact it is a great way to relieve tension and rid your hike of self doubt and other types of negative energy.
Carry tp. You will be digging cat-holes even if you plan on staying at shelters with a privies.
It takes 2-3 weeks of hiking for your body get used to hiking daily. Many people drop out due to injury in these weeks. The consensus seems to be that pushing too hard too early on leads to these injuries and drop outs. Taking time off is respectable, not shameful. Plus, towns close to the trail are extremely receptive of hikers.
Never skimp, short yourself, or plan food/meds etc. to the hour you anticipate to resupply. Always carry enough and then just a little more. It's okay to have a little extra 'just in case'. This phrase is not a jynx. Its simply being smart, an acknowledgment that plans and appetites sometimes change.
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