... that is, until you have get on your feet.

On five Marathon Mondays, the enormity of the physical challenge I was about to embrace always struck me on the bus ride to Hopkinton.

"This is a really long bus ride," I would think.  "And I'm returning to Boston on my own two feet."

Once in Hopkinton, you have a lot of time to kill.  Try to kill it in one place, off your feet.

1976 Boston Marathon Champion Jack Fultz, who coaches the Dana Farber Marathon team, says the only physical activity you need is a little jogging to loosen up in the half hour before the gun.  So, you might jog from the Athletes' Village to your starting corral.

Until that point, find a nice spot, lounge around with your running pals, listen to inspirational music.  But don't expend too much energy exploring Hopkinton (and nothing against Hopkinton-- the folks there do a marvelous job.).  You'll need most of what you've got if you want to celebrate in Boston.