please dont adjust it using the cable first this is incorrect. remove road wheels and drums. at the top where the shoes meet the wheel cylinder you will see and adjuster get a flat blade screwdriver and mark where the adjuster sits in case you need to return to where you started, then put the flat blade of the screwdriver in between the shoe and the cylinder on the adjuster side and lever gently this will bring the shoes out adjust the footbrake and the handbrake simultaneously. you just do it a couple of clips and refit the drum after removing any lips on the edge of the braking surface. if it goes on easily go a touch more if it is tight back the adjuster off slightly by separating the two sections with teeth this is the reason for marking it. when you have done this on both sides 9 times out 10 this will minmise the amount of footbrake travel and also sort the handbrake travel out if not this is the time you need to gradually adjust the cable ensuring it does not start to bind the brakes on. best bet is to have the vehicle jacked up and on axle stands and keep spinning both rear wheels to check for binding and also check the lever to ensure it has a small amount of free travel before you feel it start to pull the cable
hope this helps if you have not already done it.