Running to the Castle

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In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn how to finish Dopey and enjoy training!

Ever feel like you’re just trying to survive your training plan — counting down the days, hoping you can “hang on” until race day?

You’re not alone — but you’re stuck in what I call the survival trap.

If you’re training for Dopey, Goofy, or your first marathon, and you’re already feeling worn down, tired, or hurting, this episode is for you.

I’m breaking down:

✅ What the survival trap looks like
✅ Why more mileage isn’t always the answer
✅ How recovery (done right) makes you stronger
✅ And how to shift from “surviving the plan” to training for the experience

6 week Speed Program

Ready to stop panicking about how far ahead of the balloon ladies you are and start actually stopping for character photos? That's what the Back-of-the-Pack Runner's Speed Program is for. Join the Waitlist today to learn more and get first dibs on registration.

7 month Stronger. Faster. Finisher. Program

Ready to cross the finish line stronger, faster, and prouder at your next runDisney race? 

Get personalized support, smarter training, and strategies designed specifically for slow, back-of-the-pack runners who want to build a bigger buffer ahead of the balloon ladies, have time for character photos and energy to enjoy the Disney Parks. 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. 
• ...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn why slower runners need smarter plans, not harder plans, why running 26 miles before race day won’t guarantee you’re ready, and what you actually need to train for instead.

Have you ever followed a marathon training plan and felt more exhausted, sore, and discouraged the closer you got to race day?

You’re not alone — and it’s not your fault.

Most traditional marathon plans weren’t written for slower runners. They don’t account for longer time on your feet, slower recovery, or the toll extra miles take on your joints. And stacking more mileage isn’t the answer.

Download the best marathon training plan for slow runners here

6 week Speed Program

Ready to stop panicking about how far ahead of the balloon ladies you are and start actually stopping for character photos? That's what the Back-of-the-Pack Runner's Speed Program is for. Join the Waitlist today to learn more and get first dibs on registration.

7 month Stronger. Faster. Finisher. Program

Ready to cross the finish line stronger, faster, and prouder at your next runDisney race? 

Get personalized support, smarter training, and strategies designed specifically for slow, back-of-the-pack runners who want to build a bigger buffer ahead of the balloon ladies, have time for character photos and energy to enjoy the Disney Parks. 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. 
• ...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn what you actually need to know if you’re starting in a later corral, what challenges to plan for, and how to train for weaving, fatigue, and pacing when you’re not running straight from the start line.

If you’re starting in a back corral at a runDisney race, no one really warns you what that means for your race-day experience.

From standing around in the dark for over an hour before the start… to weaving around walkers and runners in crowded early miles… to managing bathroom breaks, staying warm, and balancing food and hydration…

Your race looks different — and it takes a different kind of preparation.

6 week Speed Program

Ready to stop panicking about how far ahead of the balloon ladies you are and start actually stopping for character photos? That's what the Back-of-the-Pack Runner's Speed Program is for. Join the Waitlist today to learn more and get first dibs on registration.

7 month Stronger. Faster. Finisher. Program

Ready to cross the finish line stronger, faster, and prouder at your next runDisney race? 

Get personalized support, smarter training, and strategies designed specifically for slow, back-of-the-pack runners who want to build a bigger buffer ahead of the balloon ladies, have time for character photos and energy to enjoy the Disney Parks. 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. 
• ...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Running to the Castle, we’re talking about the invisible mistakes that sabotage your training—even when you’re doing everything “right.” 

You followed the plan, ran your long runs, added strength, stretched, and fueled… but still ended up in pain or barely finishing. 

The problem isn’t your effort—it’s that most plans weren’t built for slower, injury-prone runners. I’ll share the top 3 mistakes that lead to breakdown, stories from real runners, and how doing less (the right way) can actually help you finish stronger.

6 week Speed Program

Ready to stop panicking about how far ahead of the balloon ladies you are and start actually stopping for character photos? That's what the Back-of-the-Pack Runner's Speed Program is for. Join the Waitlist today to learn more and get first dibs on registration.

7 month Stronger. Faster. Finisher. Program

Ready to cross the finish line stronger, faster, and prouder at your next runDisney race? 

Get personalized support, smarter training, and strategies designed specifically for slow, back-of-the-pack runners who want to build a bigger buffer ahead of the balloon ladies, have time for character photos and energy to enjoy the Disney Parks. 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. 
• ...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Running to the Castle, you'll learn why slower runners don’t need to train harder — they need to train smarter. If you've ever felt the pressure to “make up” for your pace with extra miles, strength sessions, or by pushing through pain, this one’s for you.

I’ll walk you through a powerful belief shift about overtraining, pacing, and recovery, and share the story of Emily — a dedicated runner who thought she needed to do more to be ready for her marathon, until she discovered how a smarter approach helped her run stronger, recover faster, and trust her training.

You’ll also get a practical tip for evaluating your recovery needs, and why your body’s signals — not the number of workouts — should guide your training decisions. Plus, a subtle peek into how we do things differently inside Stronger. Faster. Finisher.™, with the waitlist now open.

6 week Speed Program

Ready to stop panicking about how far ahead of the balloon ladies you are and start actually stopping for character photos? That's what the Back-of-the-Pack Runner's Speed Program is for. Join the Waitlist today to learn more and get first dibs on registration.

7 month Stronger. Faster. Finisher. Program

Ready to cross the finish line stronger, faster, and prouder at your next runDisney race? 

Get personalized support, smarter training, and strategies designed specifically for slow, back-of-the-pack runners who want to build a bigger buffer ahead of the balloon ladies, have time for character photos and energy to enjoy the Disney Parks. 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. 
• ...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn that if you get swept during the Dopey Challenge at Disney you don’t get the Dopey Challenge medal, and what to do to make sure you do finish the race so you can get all 6 medals.

In the Dopey Challenge race you’ll participate in a 5k, 10k, half marathon and full marathon with the opportunity to get rewarded with 6 medals. If you don’t finish all 4 races you won’t receive the Dopey medal.

Listen to learn the best workout to add to your training plan to make sure you are ready for 4 days in a row during Dopey.

If you’re looking for more guidance and support and guarantee you cross the finish line at Dopey 2026, I recommend my training program Stronger. Faster. Finisher. Click here to learn more.

6 week Speed Program

Ready to stop panicking about how far ahead of the balloon ladies you are and start actually stopping for character photos? That's what the Back-of-the-Pack Runner's Speed Program is for. Join the Waitlist today to learn more and get first dibs on registration.

7 month Stronger. Faster. Finisher. Program

Ready to cross the finish line stronger, faster, and prouder at your next runDisney race? 

Get personalized support, smarter training, and strategies designed specifically for slow, back-of-the-pack runners who want to build a bigger buffer ahead of the balloon ladies, have time for character photos and energy to enjoy the Disney Parks. 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. 
• ...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn why you always get pain around mile 8 when you’re running. 

Ever felt amazing at the start of your long run — only to hit mile 8 and suddenly crash?
 Heavy legs, aching joints, and the urge to stop and stretch mid-run aren’t signs of weakness. They’re signs that your body isn’t adapting fast enough to the stress you’re stacking.

Today, we’re talking about what’s really happening when you break down at 8 miles — and how you can fix it.
Spoiler: It’s not about working harder — it’s about working smarter.
Dip your toe in, don’t cannonball.

Want to stop crashing and start finishing strong?
 The Stronger. Faster. Finisher.™ waitlist is open! 

6 week Speed Program

Ready to stop panicking about how far ahead of the balloon ladies you are and start actually stopping for character photos? That's what the Back-of-the-Pack Runner's Speed Program is for. Join the Waitlist today to learn more and get first dibs on registration.

7 month Stronger. Faster. Finisher. Program

Ready to cross the finish line stronger, faster, and prouder at your next runDisney race? 

Get personalized support, smarter training, and strategies designed specifically for slow, back-of-the-pack runners who want to build a bigger buffer ahead of the balloon ladies, have time for character photos and energy to enjoy the Disney Parks. 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. 
• ...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Running to the Castle you'll learn about the myth of running more automatically making you stronger.

Feel wrecked after your long runs — no matter how many miles you stack?
Today, we're busting the myth that "running more" automatically makes you stronger.
Learn why your body isn't broken — but your training might be — and discover one simple change you can make starting this week to recover smarter and run stronger.

Plus, the waitlist for Stronger. Faster. Finisher.™ is now open — get all the details inside!

6 week Speed Program

Ready to stop panicking about how far ahead of the balloon ladies you are and start actually stopping for character photos? That's what the Back-of-the-Pack Runner's Speed Program is for. Join the Waitlist today to learn more and get first dibs on registration.

7 month Stronger. Faster. Finisher. Program

Ready to cross the finish line stronger, faster, and prouder at your next runDisney race? 

Get personalized support, smarter training, and strategies designed specifically for slow, back-of-the-pack runners who want to build a bigger buffer ahead of the balloon ladies, have time for character photos and energy to enjoy the Disney Parks. 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. 
• ...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Running to the Castle you’ll learn how to keep your body healthy if you’re a hypermobile runner.

I was asked by a member in my Free Facebook Community on what are ways hypermobility can affect running and make one prone to injury? This question included are there things someone can do to provide additional support or care to affected joints like knees, and are there strength exercises to avoid with hypermobility in their joints?

I answer these questions and give recommendations on ways to support your joints like knees and ankles when running.

6 week Speed Program

Ready to stop panicking about how far ahead of the balloon ladies you are and start actually stopping for character photos? That's what the Back-of-the-Pack Runner's Speed Program is for. Join the Waitlist today to learn more and get first dibs on registration.

7 month Stronger. Faster. Finisher. Program

Ready to cross the finish line stronger, faster, and prouder at your next runDisney race? 

Get personalized support, smarter training, and strategies designed specifically for slow, back-of-the-pack runners who want to build a bigger buffer ahead of the balloon ladies, have time for character photos and energy to enjoy the Disney Parks. 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. 
• ...

Send us Fan Mail

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. For Disney races you can submit proof of time for half marathon, challenges, and Marathon races if you are anticipating you will finish those races in a faster time than 2 hours 29 minutes for a half marathon and faster than 5 hours for the Marathon.

I recommend injury-prone runners run the shortest eligible distance for the runDisney race, and the number rule to actually build speed is to run your long runs slow and your short runs fast. Listen and learn the strategy to use to get faster now so you have a better corral placement.

6 week Speed Program

Ready to stop panicking about how far ahead of the balloon ladies you are and start actually stopping for character photos? That's what the Back-of-the-Pack Runner's Speed Program is for. Join the Waitlist today to learn more and get first dibs on registration.

7 month Stronger. Faster. Finisher. Program

Ready to cross the finish line stronger, faster, and prouder at your next runDisney race? 

Get personalized support, smarter training, and strategies designed specifically for slow, back-of-the-pack runners who want to build a bigger buffer ahead of the balloon ladies, have time for character photos and energy to enjoy the Disney Parks. 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. 
• ...