Fearing the Balloon Ladies Why You Have It (and How to Crush It)

Podcast
Written By Ali Marty

Season 2 of Running to the Castle Podcast w/ Dr. Ali Marty

Episode 137 How to get rid of worrying about not finishing a race runDisney Races

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. 

Dr. Ali breaks down the truth about finish line anxiety: it’s not about being lazy or underprepared, it’s about training systems that push you too hard, too fast, and leave your body in survival mode. 

You’ll hear how common mistakes—like blindly following one-size-fits-all plans, overloading strength training, and confusing consistency with actual progress—can sabotage your confidence. 

Plus, you’ll walk away with three specific strategies to rewire your training, calm your nervous system, and start building real trust in your body again.

If you’ve ever been swept, barely finished, or limped through the parks post-race, this episode is for you.

Ali Marty

Hi! I’m Ali. I’ve been in the health and wellness space since graduating with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2012. I worked in the typical outpatient clinic with active men and women with orthopedic injuries (shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, muscle and ligament tears, knee pain, IT Band pain, plantar fasciitis, and hip and knee arthritis until 2018 at which point I started Mobile Physical Therapy in Las Vegas, Nevada. Over the past few years I’ve transitioned to helping women running runDisney races after they’ve had an injury and they want to finish strong and enjoy the rest of their runcation.

https://dralipt.com
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The Lie of Strength Training for runDisney Runners