I don't know when it started, but lately I've neglected stretching afterwards. So first off, thank you. Last year when I was starting out and getting plantar tendonitis stretching helped tremendously.

I borrowed a indoor cycle a few months back.. I use it on off, or rainy days. I'll see if I can borrow a rowing machine, or find one second hand..

true. only way to "practice" is to hike. I had an appointment today and asked about weighing my pack and she liked the idea but warned me to take breaks, and watch my level of pain. I'll ask her about core excercises at my next appointment. I assume one area is abdominals.