Walking hajj and heat

Asalamu alaikum everyone. I have the intention of going to hajj in 2025 inshallah. I know these days many people move around using buses (e.g. mina to arafat, arafat to muzdalifa, etc.). However, I am hoping to actually walk the hajj (walk from mina to arafat, from arafat to muzdalifa, etc.). I understand the distances inolved, and I have already started exercising to improve my fitness.

At the same time, I read how many people died or suffered from heat stroke in hajj 2024. I wonder from people who went in past years, is it realistic to walk these distances, or am I putting myself in unecessary harm and should use the buses with the groups?

I am in my early 40s and good health (no chronic diseases), but need to get fitter and lose a bit of weight.

If you walked the hajj, I would be curious to hear your experience