Physical Fitness Revamp

You may have outrun your headlights by doubling your mileage on terrain your feet weren't conditioned for. Loose sand/ dirt will cause your feet to roll around in your boots causing hotspots and blisters. Foot maintenance should be performed at the first sign of a problem, although you will not always be afforded the opportunity.
All in your tracking down the right path. Understand that a 14-15 minute pace is the low end of the standard. I have had to walk a lot faster, with more weight, for extended periods of time.
Now back to motor boating

SBG sends.

Definitely felt the terrain this time vs my normal ruck route. I really felt the increased mileage the next day. I adjusted my socks and relaced the boots to see if that would do the trick. Seemed to help a little, but the blisters still showed up. Since they didn't hurt all that bad I figured it might not be bad idea to get the blisters to see exactly where they show up on my heel to learn what type of maintenance will help in the future.
I completely understand the pace and weight that I'm doing now is just a work up, not a finish line. Should I keep my weight right around 40-45 lbs max, or should I start to increase it slowly over the next few months (I have heard different opinions) into around 50-55 lbs max? As far as distance would it be recommended to keep them in the 4-8 mile range or should I mix in a 12 every once in a while (again I have heard different opinions)?
Thanks for the input SBG

Is there a way to get some kind of cardio in with a cactus juiced foot? I feel like shit since I haven't been able to run or swim.

Also, just out of curiosity, is there any point in putting on some mass? I know it'll happen naturally with a good diet and more weight, but I'm just apprehensive about it, because I don't really want to hinder swimming or running later on. I have a wicked metabolism, but since I'm not running, I should be able to hit the weights in addition to the body weight stuff and pack on some useful muscle.

I forgot all about rowing, I'll get right on that.
The point would be to sustain it once I start up again, but I didn't make that very clear.
Thanks