Interesting question KF. I'm 6' & 166#. Dec 31, 2009 I retired and was having some trouble adjusting to all my free time. Also girl friend troubles, but that's cleared up, new GF (my age),,, old GF was 29, younger GF's are overated IMO.
Anyway I was running, biking, skiing, paddling tons to try and stay sane. One benefit, I got a lot faster at canoe racing last summer. But I was dropping weight and couldn't keep it on. I was adding powdered protein to chocolate milk, extra servings at meals,,,,I just kept getting leaner.

My main point, It's not just the big guys who can and need to eat a lot of food.

Also, I don't believe that rushing around or single carries really gets you much farther. I really believe slow and steady is better, mentally & physically. Always stay within yourself and you'll get farther. It's not what you cover in one day, but over the whole trip. Plus you can put in a longer day if you take it easy, and I believe have more fun doing it too.

Good Question KF