Two key messages about the Boston Marathon Course: Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline, Boston.Head Away From Nature West Near Ballpark Boston. and Only 17% of the course climbs at a rate of greater than 1%.I’ve learned many lessons from this course. The Boston Marathon has taught me to conserve on the downhills, and pace myself on the uphills. It’s taught me to have humility amid the cheering crowds, to smile despite the pain gastronomical discomfort, to savor the race as if it were my last, and to celebrate the achievement no matter how physically and mentally exhausted I might be at the end. I’m not expecting to set a course PR or even come close to 4 hours in the 113th Boston Marathon. I am expecting to enjoy the day, and appreciate my life all the more. Patriots Day will be a day to celebrate the successful completion of my 20th Marathon…a milestone of sorts that I can quite honestly feel proud of despite all the pain and weariness I’ve had to overcome. Life is short, but it should be long enough: and I am grateful for my life and the time I’ve had and whatever happens to me on Marathon Monday will only add to my experience of this course, both of the Boston Marathon and the road of life. Show Links:http://www.runningpodcasts.org/http://www.the22miler.blogspot.comhttp://www.worldwidefestivalofraces.comFdip Blog of the Week: http://returnrunners.wordpress.comFeatured http://www.runningpodcasts.org PodCast: The Neuman ShowThe Song “Dirty Water” was by the Standells