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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The Finisher Framework Part 4 Rest and Recovery
In this episode of Running to the Castle, you'll learn about the Rest & Recovery pillar of the Finisher Framework and why it’s just as essential as strength and training when preparing for your runDisney race.
The Finisher Framework Part 2 - Strength
In this episode of Running to the Castle, you'll learn how to incorporate strength training into your runDisney race prep without overdoing it or making your pain worse.
How to Actually Cross the Finish Line Without Feeling Broken The Finisher Framework - Part 1
In this episode of Running to the Castle, you'll learn about the Finisher Framework—Dr. Ali's signature method for helping slow, back-of-the-pack, injury-prone, or “not really a runner” type of runners train smarter and finish strong.
Hip and Groin Pain Training for Wine and Dine and Dopey - What to Do Now
In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn how to decide how to move forward with training for your race if you have hip and groin pain with running.
runDisney Training - Fix the Long run, Finish without Pain
In this episode of Running to the Castle, you’ll learn how to train for your runDisney race—whether that’s Dopey, Goofy, Wine & Dine, or another event—without being wrecked after every long run.
How to Stay Motivated for Dopey and Marathon Training
In this episode of Running to the Castle, you’ll learn why motivation isn’t something you either have or don’t—it’s something you build.
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.”
How Any Runner Can Train for Dopey without Popping Advil Like Candy
In this episode of Running to the Castle, you’ll learn why pain isn’t just a normal part of marathon training—especially if your long runs leave you limping for days. I walk you through why so many slower, back-of-the-pack runners end up sore, taped up, and relying on Advil just to survive weekend miles, even when they’re following the plan.
Permission to Pivot How to Keep Training When Life Gets in the Way
In this episode of Running to the Castle, you’ll learn why missing runs doesn’t mean you’ve failed — it means you’re human.
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.