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 3 - Training
In this episode of Running to the Castle, you'll learn how to approach the “Training” pillar of the Finisher Framework—the part that covers your long runs, speed workouts, and cross training in a way that helps you build endurance without burnout or injury.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
5 Signs You're Headed for Another Dopey DNF
In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn 5 Signs You’re Going to Not Finish Dopey.
Top 3 Reasons runDisney Runners DNF a Race
In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn the top 3 main reasons RunDisney runners do not finish (DNF) their races:
How Injury-Prone runDisney Runners Finish Dopey without Getting Injured
In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn how to finish the Dopey Challenge even when you’re injury-prone without getting injured with strength training.
When Should You Train for Dopey?
In this episode of Running to the Castle, you’ll learn how to strategically prepare for the Dopey Challenge, especially if you're a new runner. I cover the essential steps to avoid injury and cross that finish line strong
Should You Run Race Week?
For the injury-prone runDisney runner you may want to run the week of your race to get a few final miles in… or you may feel guilty about taking time off.
Listen to this episode to find out which is best: running race week or taking some time off.
What Should I Do if I Miss a Long Run?
In this episode of Running to the Castle I’m answering a question a runner emailed me: They missed their long run, what should they do to make it up?
Questions I answer in this episode;
Can you make up that long run later in the week?
Can you tack on the extra miles onto another run?
What do you do about the long run when you’re on vacation?
Can I Jump Back Into Training After 2 Weeks Off?
Listen in to learn what to do so you don’t cause more pain and have to rest for 6 weeks, instead of the 2 you already rested.
Phases of a Running Journey and How To Use Each Phase to Run If You're Injury-Prone
Learn exactly how to run all year round even if you’re always getting hurt so you can train for runDisney races without getting injured again.
Go from Princess to Springtime Surprise Training
Train for Springtime Surprise Challenge after running Princess Half Marathon Weekend