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In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali answers a common question: “What if my easy pace feels too fast for me?” 

She explains why relying on apps that calculate training paces from a 5K PR can be misleading, since factors like distance, heat, stress, sleep, fueling, and hydration all impact heart rate and effort. 

Easy runs should feel truly easy—conversational and sustainable—not like a struggle to hit a number. 

Dr. Ali shares why slowing down, even to a pace that feels “too slow,” is critical for building fitness, preventing burnout, and saving energy for harder workouts and race day. 

She emphasizes that race day adrenaline, carb loading, and training efficiency often result in runners averaging 60–90 seconds per mile faster than their training paces, proving that running slower in practice ultimately leads to stronger, faster results at runDisney races.

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Ready to cross the finish line stronger, faster, and prouder at your next runDisney race? Get personalized support, smarter training, and injury-prevention strategies designed specifically for slow, injury-prone, and “not really a runner yet” runners. Learn more about the Stronger. Faster. Finisher. Program today and be the first to know when doors open!

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  Hi, I'm Dr. Ali
  I've been running for 15+ years and been in the rehab space since 2012 when I earned my Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree. I get injury prone runDisney runners across the finish line without feeling broken.