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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How to Run A Faster Half Marathon As a Slow runDisney Runner
In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali breaks down how slow, back-of-the-pack runDisney runners can actually get faster in the half marathon without exhausting themselves or overtraining.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
How Fast to Walk During Run/Walk Intervals
In this episode of Running to the Castle Dr. Ali discusses how fast to walk during run/walk intervals.
Is It Possible to Get Faster for Dopey 2026 in December 2025
In this episode of Running to the Castle Dr. Ali answers a listeners question if it’s possible to actually get faster with 5 weeks left before Dopey 2026 race.
Dr. Ali dives into the nuance of yes, it is, and no it’s not, possible to get faster about 1 month before Dopey 2026.
Speed Workouts That Actually Work for 13+ Min per Mile runDisney Runners
Learn the 4 speed workouts that finally help 13+ minute-per-mile runDisney runners get faster without blowing up their long runs... and why pace testing is the secret to unlocking real progress.
Getting Faster When You’re Slow The runDisney Runner’s Guide
A practical and encouraging guide where Dr. Ali teaches slow, back-of-the-pack runDisney runners three simple changes that reliably build speed, confidence, and buffer time so they can finally enjoy character stops without fear of getting swept.
How to Run a Faster Marathon
In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali tackles how back-of-the-pack marathoners can get meaningfully faster before January races so they have a bigger buffer from the balloon ladies and time for character stops.
From 4 Hours to 3:15 How Amanda Shaved 45 Minutes Off Her Half Interview with Amanda Mueller
In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn how Amanda transformed her half marathon experience from a 4-hour struggle to a confident 3:15 finish.
My Easy Pace Is Too Slow for My Plan
In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali answers a common question: “What if my easy pace feels too fast for me?”
Easy runs should feel truly easy—conversational and sustainable—not like a struggle to hit a number.
runDisney Proof of Time - How to Get Fast Enough
In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn how to get a faster proof of time as a slow runner or injury-prone runner so you get a better corral placement.
Fast Enough for Photo Stops
In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn how to be fast enough for photo stops at runDisney races like the Disney Marathon.
Make Your Easy Pace Faster, Better, Easier
In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn how to make your easy pace easier so running doesn’t feel so hard.
The Real Reason You’re Still Slow (It’s Not What You Think)
In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn what’s keeping you from getting faster. You’ll learn the #1 mistake that makes slow runners even slower, when they’re actually trying to get faster. Are you making this mistake?
Get Faster to Beat the Balloon Ladies and About Dr. Ali
In this episode of Running to the Castle, you'll learn how to beat the Balloon Ladies and avoid getting swept using the Triple S Method: Speed, Strength, and Stamina.
You’ll also learn personal information about me, Dr. Ali and get to know me better.