Running to the Castle

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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. 

I break down how to figure out exactly how much, how often, and how long to train each element so you can build a cohesive plan that keeps you injury-free, builds endurance, and improves your pace. 

Plus, I share real-life examples from my own base-building phase and explain why small, steady progress is the key to long-term success.

I also share about me personally. It’s been 100 episodes of the podcast without much information about me so you’ll also learn how I got into Physical Therapy as a career, how I got started running because I wasn’t a runner when I was in high school or for college teams, you’ll learn about my personal life including how my husband and I met how long we’ve had our four-legged fur family, Levi.

Links mentioned in this episode: Free Training Plans

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 more strength training isn't always better for injury prevention in runDisney runners. 

You'll discover how overdoing it with weights, repetitions, or frequency can lead to overuse injuries, just like brushing your teeth too much can harm enamel. 

Key signs you're overtraining include constant soreness, lack of progress, and joint swelling. 

The episode covers how to test appropriate weights, track progress during the build phase, and why strategic, balanced strength training beats simply doing 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 how to strategically prepare for the Dopey Challenge, especially if you're a new runner. I cover the essential steps to avoid injury and cross that finish line strong, including:

• How to map your training calendar realistically
• The importance of strength training 3-4 months before official Dopey training
• Adjusting your plan based on injury history and cross-training preferences
• Choosing the right training plan to fit your timeline

If you're planning Dopey 2026, this episode will set you up for success!

Links mentioned in this episode: Dopey Training Plan

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 jumping straight to heavy lifting might be sabotaging your running goals—and how starting small is the key to long-term strength and injury prevention. 

Discover how building strength is like learning to read: it's all about progression. 

You’ll also hear why "heavy" is relative, and how lifting the right way (for your starting point) can help prevent setbacks, keep you running strong, and lead you to the marathon finish line without pain. 

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 knee pain and shoe swaps might not be the root of your running struggles—and how the missing ingredient could be strength training the right way. 

Discover why expensive shoes are like fancy kitchen gadgets: helpful, but not the solution if you’re skipping critical steps. 

Tune in to hear how lifting heavy and building strength could save your knees, help you hit those long miles, and keep those pricey running shoes out of the closet pile!

Other episodes mentioned: Episode 89 5 Key Elements Your Strength Plan Needs So It Works & You Stop Getting Injured

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 eccentric exercises are essential for runners with tendon injuries and how to perform them effectively.
Discover why simply stretching or strength training with heavy weights may worsen symptoms, and instead, how slow, controlled eccentric movements like heel drops can rebuild tendon strength and connection. 
We’ll also explore the science behind tendon repair, the importance of dosage (yes, up to 180 reps daily!), and how to implement the Alfredson protocol for lasting results. Tune in to learn the key to pain-free 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 what to do if stretching hurts you and how to effectively manage pain and tightness without making things worse. 
We’ll discuss the REST’M framework—rest, equipment, stretching, temperature, massage—and why reducing stretching and incorporating temperature-based treatments, like ice or heat, can alleviate aches and swelling. 
You’ll also discover how massage and eccentric strengthening exercises address tightness by building stability in your muscles. 
Stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll dive deeper into strength exercises for recovery!

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 runners with tendinitis often make their symptoms worse with the wrong approach to recovery. 

We'll break down the signs of tendinitis, why stretching feels good but disrupts the healing process, and how pushing through pain with improper treatment prevents the body’s natural repair. 

Using a fraying rope as a metaphor, you'll understand how to avoid this cycle and give your tendons the care they need to heal fully.

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 if you want to spend time all training season googling answers to different things and do it yourself having a coach isn't for you.
This episode is a little tongue-in-cheek which is out of the norm for this podcast, and that's OK we can have a little fun even when Dr. Ali is typically on the serious side.

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 improve your speed and pace so you can run faster at the Dopey Challenge in Disney World in 2026.

Some important aspects of getting faster include

• Work on your speed
• You’ll need specific speed workouts
• Practice back to back days and running on tired legs
• Get stronger
• Run your easy runs slow so you have the energy to run hard on the shorter speed work days
• Use cross training to your benefit to improve your stamina without all the pounding on your joints
• Stay injury-free. You can’t train if you’re seriously injured
• Bonus tip: carb load the week before Dopey and practice it during your training runs

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. 
• ...