Running to the Castle
A podcast for injury-prone runDisney runners on a journey to running magical miles. Join me, Dr. Ali, as I share the secrets I've gathered as a runner, Doctor of Physical Therapy and coach. You'll learn the exact ways I get my clients to the castle strong without feeling broken or held together with KT tape as they cross the finish line.
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How to Train for a Race When Your Schedule Is Wild (Nurses, Shift Workers, and the Overloaded!)
In this episode of Running to the Castle, you’ll learn how to train for a marathon when your schedule is anything but predictable.
The Most Important Weeks in Training When You’re Slow or Injury-Prone
In this episode of Running to the Castle, you’ll learn why the first and last four weeks of your training plan matter more than most runners realize… especially if you’re slow, back-of-the-pack, or injury-prone.
Fearing the Balloon Ladies Why You Have It (and How to Crush It)
In this episode of Running to the Castle, you’ll learn why so many runDisney runners live in fear of the Balloon Ladies—and how that fear is often rooted in past experiences, not a lack of effort.
The Lie of Strength Training for runDisney Runners
In this episode of Running to the Castle, you’ll learn why strength training isn’t the magic fix for every slow or injury-prone runner—and why blindly adding more strength may be doing more harm than good.
Why You Can't Diagnose Running Pain from a Facebook Post
In this episode of Running to the Castle, you’ll learn why you can’t diagnose running pain from a Facebook post—and what you should be asking instead.
Should You Train for Dopey on Your Own or With a Coach?
In this episode of Running to the Castle, you’ll learn how to decide whether to train for the Dopey Challenge on your own or with a coach.
The Top 3 Training Plan Mistakes Slow Runners Make
In this episode of Running to the Castle, you’ll learn the top 3 mistakes slower runners make that quietly sabotage their progress—even when they’re doing everything “right.”
The Dopey, Goofy, Marathon Survival Trap (And How to Escape It)
In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn how to finish Dopey and enjoy training!
Why Traditional Marathon Plans Don’t Work for Slower Runners
In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn why slower runners need smarter plans, not harder plans, why running 26 miles before race day won’t guarantee you’re ready, and what you actually need to train for instead.
What No One Tells You About runDisney Corrals
In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn what you actually need to know if you’re starting in a later corral, what challenges to plan for, and how to train for weaving, fatigue, and pacing when you’re not running straight from the start line.
The Invisible Mistakes Killing Your Finish Line Dreams
In this episode of Running to the Castle, you’ll learn why you aren’t doing better when it comes to running, even though you’re doing everything right.
Slow Runners Need Smarter Plans, Not Harder Plans
In this episode of Running to the Castle, you'll learn why slower runners don’t need to train harder — they need to train smarter. If you've ever felt the pressure to “make up” for your pace with extra miles, strength sessions, or by pushing through pain, this one’s for you.
Do I Still Get My Dopey Medal If I Get Swept?
In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn that if you get swept during the Dopey Challenge at Disney you don’t get the Dopey Challenge medal, and what to do to make sure you do finish the race so you can get all 6 medals.
Why You Break Down at 8 Miles (And How to Stop It)
In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn why you always get pain around mile 8 when you’re running.
The Myth of Running More to Get Stronger
In this episode of Running to the Castle you'll learn about the myth of running more automatically making you stronger.
Hypermobile Runners
In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn how to keep your body healthy if you’re a hypermobile runner.
runDisney Proof of Time - How to Get Fast Enough
In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn how to get a faster proof of time as a slow runner or injury-prone runner so you get a better corral placement.
Fast Enough for Photo Stops
In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn how to be fast enough for photo stops at runDisney races like the Disney Marathon.