Don't try and cover too many miles per day, especially at first. Take some time to smell the roses or it can become grueling work. I can't tell you how many people that I've seen burn out and quit because of this alone.

Try and keep your gear reasonably light, as "the road will provide"

Start with a short overnight (or couple days) out and back shake down ride in order to see what changes you might want to make before you head out on that big adventure.

And finally, don't believe anything you read on bike touring forums : )