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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From 7-Hour Marathoner to 6:19 at Dopey… A Real runDisney Success Story with Amanda Mueller
In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali talks with returning guest Amanda Mueller about what changed between her previous runDisney races and her most recent Dopey Challenge and Disneyland races… and how trusting her training completely transformed her experience.
If You Passed Character Stops But Really Wanted to Stop… This is How You Do It
In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali explains why many runDisney runners end up skipping character stops even when they really want them, and what actually needs to change so you can stop without worrying about getting swept.
Why Am I Not Getting Faster?
In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali tackles one of the most frustrating questions in the running community: "Why am I not getting faster?"
By focusing on running with purpose and changing only one variable at a time, Dr. Ali provides a roadmap for slow, back-of-the-pack runners to see real, measurable improvements in their pace.
I Just Finished Princess Now What?
In this episode of Running to the Castle Dr. Ali congratulates all the Princess Half Marathon Weekend finishers and dives deep into the crucial "what comes next" phase of the training cycle.
If You’re Slow and Training for runDisney, This Is for You
In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali celebrates the podcast's 200th episode milestone by dedicating it to the "slow, back-of-the-pack" runners who often feel out of place in a speed-obsessed running culture.
Calf Tightness in the First 2 Miles of a Run for Slow Runners
In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali tackles a frustration shared by many back-of-the-pack runners: that stubborn calf tightness that seems to haunt the first two miles of every run.
What Training and Mileage Should Look Like Between Races
In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali addresses a common listener question regarding how to manage training and mileage during the "off-season" or the gaps between major race weekends.
Should I Still Taper When I Missed 2 Weeks of Running?
In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali addresses a common dilemma for runDisney participants: whether to continue tapering for a race even after missing significant training time due to illness or "life getting lifey".
How to Incorporate Daily Walking into Your Running Routine
In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali addresses a listener's question about how to balance a long-standing daily walking habit... particularly in a hilly neighborhood... with the added physical demands of training for a runDisney race challenge.
How to Train for Wine and Dine Half Marathon, 10k or 2 Course Challenge as a Slow Run/Walk Runner
In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali discusses the essential preparation steps for the upcoming Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend, emphasizing that even though the races are months away, the work begins now.
When Should a Slow Runner Run Fast and When Should They Run Slow?
In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali breaks down one of the most confusing questions for slow, back-of-the-pack runners…when should you actually run fast, and when should you slow way down.
My Run Training Philosophy Why Anyone Can Do Any Distance
In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali breaks down her run training philosophy and explains why any runner can complete any distance…as long as the timeline and training approach are appropriate.
Why Am I So Nervous for My Race…Even Though the Last One Went Well?
In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali explores a surprisingly common experience for runDisney runners…feeling more nervous before a race when the last one went really well.
How to Stay Consistent Training for runDisney Races
In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali breaks down why consistency is the real challenge for runDisney runners…and why it feels harder when you sign up for a race eight to nine months before you actually start training.
Dopey 2027 Marathon 2027 Start Here
In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali Marty explains why January 2026 is not too early to start thinking about Dopey 2027 or Marathon Weekend 2027, especially for slow, back-of-the-pack, or injury-prone runDisney runners who want to finish strong instead of just surviving.
How Slow runDisney Runners Can Have Time for Character Stops
In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali breaks down how slow, back-of-the-pack runDisney runners can actually have time for character stops without risking a sweep.
Dopey Race Part 6 After the Races
In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali walks you through exactly what to do after you finish the Dopey Challenge so you can recover without losing fitness or falling into the all-or-nothing trap that leads to injury or burnout.
Dopey Race Part 5 Warm Up and Stretching
In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali breaks down exactly how to warm up and stretch during the Dopey Challenge so you can protect your body across 4 straight race days and still feel strong by marathon morning.
Dopey Race Part 4 Fueling & Hydrating
In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali breaks down exactly how slow, back-of-the-pack runners should approach fueling and hydration during Dopey and other runDisney races, shifting the focus away from miles and onto time on course.