Race Day Strategy How to Cross the Finish Line When Training Didn't Go As Planned
Season 2 of Running to the Castle Podcast w/ Dr. Ali Marty
Episode 157 Can I Run a Marathon without Training runDisney Races
In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali shares practical race-day strategies for runners who weren’t able to train as planned due to illness, surgery, or life circumstances, aka life getting lifey.
She explains why Run Disney typically won’t offer refunds or corral changes, but emphasizes what runners can control: fueling, pacing, and recovery.
Her advice includes pre-race carb loading, starting each race slow and steady instead of avoiding an early sprint for a buffer, and structuring run/walk intervals conservatively to maintain energy throughout.
She also covers how to maximize corral placement, when to sacrifice character stops, and how to recover right after the race with protein, stretching, hydration, and active recovery techniques.
Her bottom line: even without perfect training, smart race-day choices can help you cross the finish line strong and still enjoy your Disney experience.