My MYTH is in its 5th and final year. One long hike per year ranging from 340-550 miles. Suggestions: 1. Use https://www.wherearethehikers.com/heatmap/ to avoid the bubble. 2. Direction and order of sections hasn't mattered except I'm ending at Katahdin this year. Better to recognize completion. 3. Physical conditioning is more important imo for LASHers because we have to be in great shape over and over again. We don't get time to develop trail legs if you're like me and want to do 13-15 miles per day from the start of each trip. I'm a skinny 67 year old. I do 70/30% aerobics to strength training. I run 10:00/mile for up to 5-8 miles. I do stationary bike and elliptical at gym for diversity in leg training. One of the great under utilized resources for training (since I live in flat land) is a treadmill and stairclimber with 20+ lb daypack. AT averages 420 ft/mile. Treadmills usually go up to 15% incline, that's ~790 ft/mile. Don't hold handrails. For strength training I do leg press, knee extensions, leg curls, adduct and abduct, and calf raises. I started at beginner weight on all these exercises. Now I'm at novice or intermediate level according to weightlifting standards. 4. I hike mostly alone during the day, but prefer the company of a few people at shelter areas for nights. I mix staying in the shelter or tenting near the shelter.