Starting now, you'll probably find it harder than it normally would be because it's so windy (unless you're lucky enough to be going in the right direction). I agree about the building up to it, you want to have some recovery days at first to let your muscles heal and strengthen.
Food-wise, you definitely need protein after each ride and you might want carbohydrates during. I think for the latter part, you can buy some stuff to add to drinks to essentially create a quick energy drink, not sure what brands though since I don't use them. It seems like carrying and eating 'energy bars' on the go is a thing, too. Unfortunately, most of the best stuff as far as food goes is only to be found in specific shops, so you probably aren't going to be able to buy anything useful from a garage. Personally, the energy drinks in the shops actually make my performance worse when I'm tired.
If you aren't getting panniers, I'd recommend investing in some sort of bag that mounts somewhere on the bike (you can get them for just about anywhere, google 'frame bags', or 'saddle bags'). Then you can keep bike stuff in the bag, which might be particularly good to store snacks in if you decide to go for some energy bars.
Oh, and don't be afraid to take a break every now and then on the ride. As long as you make sure that you don't give yourself too much of an easy time with breaks every 2 miles or something like that, I find it's a good way to catch your breath and whatnot.
Food-wise, you definitely need protein after each ride and you might want carbohydrates during. I think for the latter part, you can buy some stuff to add to drinks to essentially create a quick energy drink, not sure what brands though since I don't use them. It seems like carrying and eating 'energy bars' on the go is a thing, too. Unfortunately, most of the best stuff as far as food goes is only to be found in specific shops, so you probably aren't going to be able to buy anything useful from a garage. Personally, the energy drinks in the shops actually make my performance worse when I'm tired.
If you aren't getting panniers, I'd recommend investing in some sort of bag that mounts somewhere on the bike (you can get them for just about anywhere, google 'frame bags', or 'saddle bags'). Then you can keep bike stuff in the bag, which might be particularly good to store snacks in if you decide to go for some energy bars.
Oh, and don't be afraid to take a break every now and then on the ride. As long as you make sure that you don't give yourself too much of an easy time with breaks every 2 miles or something like that, I find it's a good way to catch your breath and whatnot.
