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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. 

Dr. Ali breaks down what each type of workout is for, how to schedule your week based on your phase of training, and how to make slow, steady progress that doesn’t wreck your body. 

You’ll hear exactly how to structure your week with just 5 workout days—including tips for pacing, progression, and choosing the best types of speed workouts for runDisney runners who use run/walk intervals. 

This episode will help you train smarter and finish stronger—without being exhausted, in pain, or missing the parks.

Learn more about Stronger. Faster. Finisher. !

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!

Free Resources

• Follow me on Instagram @rundisneydpt
• Join the Facebook Community to get training support
• Check out FREE training plans for injury-prone runDisney runners on my website.
• Book a Free 30 minute Call with me if you're wondering how you should train and if working together makes sense.
  
  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.

Send us a text

In this episode of Running to the Castle, you'll learn how to incorporate strength training into your runDisney race prep without overdoing it or making your pain worse. 

Dr. Ali breaks down the Strength category of her Finisher Framework—the signature process she uses with injury-prone, back-of-the-pack, or “not really a runner” types in Stronger. Faster. Finisher. 

You’ll find out who strength training is actually for (and when it might not be helpful), how to adapt it depending on whether you’re in the build, training, taper, race, or recovery phase, and how to choose the best exercises based on your body, equipment, and goals. 

She shares practical tips for finding the right weight range, prioritizing consistency, and managing pain before loading an injured area. 

Whether you’re lifting at home or in the gym, this episode gives you a smarter, safer way to build strength and support your training without risking burnout or injury.

Learn more about Stronger. Faster. Finisher. !

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!

Free Resources

• Follow me on Instagram @rundisneydpt
• Join the Facebook Community to get training support
• Check out FREE training plans for injury-prone runDisney runners on my website.
• Book a Free 30 minute Call with me if you're wondering how you should train and if working together makes sense.
  
  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.

Send us a text

In this episode of Running to the Castle, you'll learn about the Finisher Framework—Dr. Ali's signature method for helping slow, back-of-the-pack, injury-prone, or “not really a runner” type of runners train smarter and finish strong. 

This is the exact framework she uses with her 1-on-1 clients and inside Stronger. Faster. Finisher. to help runners cross the finish line without feeling broken—and actually enjoy the Disney parks afterward. 

You’ll get a high-level overview of the six core categories that must stay in balance to prevent burnout, avoid injury, and make real progress. 

Dr. Ali will dive deeper into each of these categories in future episodes, but this one lays the foundation for how to train with confidence, clarity, and consistency all the way to race day.

Learn more about Stronger. Faster. Finisher. !

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!

Free Resources

• Follow me on Instagram @rundisneydpt
• Join the Facebook Community to get training support
• Check out FREE training plans for injury-prone runDisney runners on my website.
• Book a Free 30 minute Call with me if you're wondering how you should train and if working together makes sense.
  
  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.

Send us a text

In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn how to decide how to move forward with training for your race if you have hip and groin pain with running.

Dr. Ali received a question from an Instagram follower regarding how to keep training for Wine and Dine half marathon to Dopey race with hip and groin pain.

Dr. Ali walks you through the questions she asks her clients, and recommends you ask yourself, and how to start relieving the pain so you can keep running.

As always this is for educational purposes and you should seek medical advice from your provider based on your specific case.

Learn more about Stronger. Faster. Finisher. !

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!

Free Resources

• Follow me on Instagram @rundisneydpt
• Join the Facebook Community to get training support
• Check out FREE training plans for injury-prone runDisney runners on my website.
• Book a Free 30 minute Call with me if you're wondering how you should train and if working together makes sense.
  
  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.

Send us a text

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. 

Dr. Ali breaks down the biggest mistakes she sees from slow, back-of-the-pack, or injury-prone runners: following aggressive training plans, trying to hit the same paces each week, and pushing through soreness like it’s just “part of the process.” 

Instead, you’ll hear five strategies she teaches her clients to stay consistent and pain-free—like slowing down, and building mileage so gradually your body barely notices. You’ll also hear how to recognize if your long runs are too much, and how to adjust if you’re already behind or hurting. 

With a powerful story of a Dopey runner who trained differently and came back stronger, this episode reminds you: your long runs should build confidence, not fear—and your plan should help you finish strong, not broken.

Learn more about Stronger. Faster. Finisher. !

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!

Free Resources

• Follow me on Instagram @rundisneydpt
• Join the Facebook Community to get training support
• Check out FREE training plans for injury-prone runDisney runners on my website.
• Book a Free 30 minute Call with me if you're wondering how you should train and if working together makes sense.
  
  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.

Send us a text

In this episode of Running to the Castle, you’ll learn why motivation isn’t something you either have or don’t—it’s something you build. 

Dr. Ali unpacks why so many runners lose motivation during Dopey and marathon training, and why that doesn’t mean you’re lazy or undisciplined. 

You’ll hear practical, coach-approved tips like using “workout-only” rewards, setting smaller weekly goals, and slowing your pace to make runs more enjoyable. 

Plus, Ali shares a powerful mindset shift: if your training feels terrible every week, motivation won’t fix it—but smarter, more compassionate planning will. 

Whether you’re in a slump or just need a boost, this episode will help you find joy in the process again.

Learn more about Stronger. Faster. Finisher. !

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!

Free Resources

• Follow me on Instagram @rundisneydpt
• Join the Facebook Community to get training support
• Check out FREE training plans for injury-prone runDisney runners on my website.
• Book a Free 30 minute Call with me if you're wondering how you should train and if working together makes sense.
  
  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.

Send us a text

In this episode of Running to the Castle, you’ll learn how to train for a marathon when your schedule is anything but predictable. 

If you’re a nurse, shift worker, or someone juggling long hours and call shifts, this episode breaks down why traditional 7-day training plans often fail—and how to shift to a flexible 14-day framework that actually fits your life. 

You’ll learn how to space out your long runs, where cross-training fits in, and how to stop cramming runs into your only free days. 

Because your training should support you—not burn you out.

Learn more about Stronger. Faster. Finisher. !

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!

Free Resources

• Follow me on Instagram @rundisneydpt
• Join the Facebook Community to get training support
• Check out FREE training plans for injury-prone runDisney runners on my website.
• Book a Free 30 minute Call with me if you're wondering how you should train and if working together makes sense.
  
  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.

Send us a text

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. 

Dr. Ali breaks down why early overload or recent mileage spikes are often the hidden cause of pain, burnout, or plateaus. 

You’ll discover how those first few weeks set the foundation for the entire cycle, and why the last few weeks reveal if your body’s keeping up or falling apart. 

If you’ve been frustrated, hurting, or unsure why training isn’t clicking, this episode will help you zoom out, spot the pattern, and start making smarter adjustments. 

And if you’re tired of figuring it out alone, Dr. Ali shares how Stronger. Faster. Finisher. can help.

Learn more about Stronger. Faster. Finisher. !

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!

Free Resources

• Follow me on Instagram @rundisneydpt
• Join the Facebook Community to get training support
• Check out FREE training plans for injury-prone runDisney runners on my website.
• Book a Free 30 minute Call with me if you're wondering how you should train and if working together makes sense.
  
  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.

Send us a text

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.

Learn more about Stronger. Faster. Finisher. !

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!

Free Resources

• Follow me on Instagram @rundisneydpt
• Join the Facebook Community to get training support
• Check out FREE training plans for injury-prone runDisney runners on my website.
• Book a Free 30 minute Call with me if you're wondering how you should train and if working together makes sense.
  
  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.

Send us a text

In this episode of Running to the Castle, you’ll learn why strength training isn’t the magic fix for every slow or injury-prone runner—and why blindly adding more strength may be doing more harm than good. 

Dr. Ali breaks down the well-meaning but misguided advice often given to runDisney runners in pain, and explains why pain and pace issues usually come from overload, not weakness. 

You’ll hear what might actually be causing your symptoms, what to do instead of piling on more squats and deadlifts, and how a smart training audit can help you finish strong without running yourself into the ground.

Learn more about Stronger. Faster. Finisher. !

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!

Free Resources

• Follow me on Instagram @rundisneydpt
• Join the Facebook Community to get training support
• Check out FREE training plans for injury-prone runDisney runners on my website.
• Book a Free 30 minute Call with me if you're wondering how you should train and if working together makes sense.
  
  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.