Gordy, I know the feeling! Seems like I keep playing the same notes and expecting a different melody. Partly, I think, because I've forgotten my aches & pains by my next hike. So the promise that I'll never go through this again seems distant and misguided. Since I hike mostly with younger people, there's a desire not to be the 'weakest link', too. In a solo hike [my favorite] there's no excuse other than plain ol' denial. Maybe we just can't face the fact that we need to slow down. I'm thinking 10 miles a day, depending on terrain, should be my limit. We'll see if I can stick by it! Maybe you could try it, too. Let me know what happens!