brake pedal needs pumping

I'll 3rd the drive in reverse in an empty parking lot and jam the brakes on many times so the self-adjusters do their thing. I usually adjust the shoes a bit loose so no risk of dragging and over-heating. I can feel the play reduce each time I jam them. After about 3 times the travel greatly reduces. After driving a few weeks the shoes wear to better match the drum, so even less travel.