Running to the Castle

RTTC #224 Cross Training What It Is and Why Every Slow Runner Needs It

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2318942/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali redefines what cross training actually means for slow runners, and it goes way beyond strength training.  She makes the case that true cross training is any cardiovascular activity that challenges your heart and lungs the same way a run would, from stationary bikes and ellipticals to paced walking.  She also digs into how to use cross training to train to replace overloaded run days, and stop letting your breathing be the thing that slows you down on race day.  If you've ever felt like your legs were ready but your lungs weren't, this episode is your answer. 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 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. [https://dralipt.com/strong-fast-runner-pod] Program today and be the first to know when doors open! Free Resources * Follow me on Instagram @rundisneydpt [https://instagram.com/rundisneydpt] * Join the Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainforrundisneyrace] to get training support * Check out FREE training plans [https://dralipt.com/rundisney-race-training] for injury-prone runDisney runners on my website.  * Book a Free 30 minute Call [https://calendar.app.google/zPti7T9rNLMiuNAN7] 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.

RTTC #223 Proof of Time Half Marathon Training Week 1

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2318942/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali kicks off her real-time proof of time training experiment as she prepares for a September 10K to earn a faster runDisney corral placement. She shares why she chose a longer training runway instead of rushing into a summer race, how she structured her weekly schedule around speed workouts, cross training, and long runs, and what she learned during her very first week of pace testing and 30-20-10 intervals.  Dr. Ali also gets honest about the realities of learning to strength train for speed, adjusting her run/walk strategy, and how a low blood pressure day on Mother's Day is a reminder that progress isn't linear  and consistency always matters more than perfection. 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 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. [https://dralipt.com/strong-fast-runner-pod] Program today and be the first to know when doors open! Free Resources * Follow me on Instagram @rundisneydpt [https://instagram.com/rundisneydpt] * Join the Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainforrundisneyrace] to get training support * Check out FREE training plans [https://dralipt.com/rundisney-race-training] for injury-prone runDisney runners on my website.  * Book a Free 30 minute Call [https://calendar.app.google/zPti7T9rNLMiuNAN7] 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.

RTTC# 222 How Should I Carry Water for runDisney Races and Training?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2318942/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali answers a listener question about the best way to carry water during runDisney training and races… and whether hydration vests are basically the same thing as weighted vests.  She breaks down the pros and cons of handheld bottles versus hydration vests, explains why hydration needs are different from adding extra weight for training, and shares why she personally prefers a handheld bottle because of sensory overload and claustrophobia.  Dr. Ali also dives into one of the biggest mistakes slow, back-of-the-pack, or injury-prone runners make… waiting until long runs to test hydration gear instead of gradually building tolerance from the beginning.  Along the way, she shares practical hydration strategies, discusses how heat and environment affect training decisions, and explains why thoughtful planning matters so much for Dopey and marathon training. 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 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. [https://dralipt.com/strong-fast-runner-pod] Program today and be the first to know when doors open! Free Resources * Follow me on Instagram @rundisneydpt [https://instagram.com/rundisneydpt] * Join the Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainforrundisneyrace] to get training support * Check out FREE training plans [https://dralipt.com/rundisney-race-training] for injury-prone runDisney runners on my website.  * Book a Free 30 minute Call [https://calendar.app.google/zPti7T9rNLMiuNAN7] 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.

RTTC #221 How Many Races Should You Sign Up For?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2318942/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali breaks down how many races slow, back-of-the-pack, or injury-prone runners should realistically sign up for each year without ending up burnt out, injured, or hating training.  She shares her own strategy of training for a 10K proof of time months in advance instead of rushing into races unprepared, and explains why shorter races can actually help runners earn better placements for runDisney events.  Dr. Ali also dives into the physical reality of marathon recovery, why constantly signing up for races can backfire, and how social media can create unrealistic expectations about racing frequency.  She encourages runners to choose races strategically, focus on enjoying training, and remember that consistency and staying healthy matter. 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 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. [https://dralipt.com/strong-fast-runner-pod] Program today and be the first to know when doors open! Free Resources * Follow me on Instagram @rundisneydpt [https://instagram.com/rundisneydpt] * Join the Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainforrundisneyrace] to get training support * Check out FREE training plans [https://dralipt.com/rundisney-race-training] for injury-prone runDisney runners on my website.  * Book a Free 30 minute Call [https://calendar.app.google/zPti7T9rNLMiuNAN7] 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.

RTTC #220 Should Slow Runners Wear a Weighted Vest?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2318942/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali answers a Stronger.Faster.Finisher. listener question… should slow runners wear a weighted vest?  She explains why weighted vests might make sense for firefighters, military personnel, police officers, paramedics, or anyone who needs to train with heavy tactical gear, but why they usually are not the best choice for slow, back-of-the-pack, or injury-prone runDisney runners.  Instead of making every workout harder, Dr. Ali encourages runners to ask what the purpose of the workout is: endurance, speed, cross-training, or strength? And keep that purpose clear.  She also explains how adding weight can make you fatigue faster, cause your form to break down sooner, and potentially increase stress on your knees, ankles, hips, and back… especially if you already believe weight or impact is contributing to your pain. 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 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. [https://dralipt.com/strong-fast-runner-pod] Program today and be the first to know when doors open! Free Resources * Follow me on Instagram @rundisneydpt [https://instagram.com/rundisneydpt] * Join the Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainforrundisneyrace] to get training support * Check out FREE training plans [https://dralipt.com/rundisney-race-training] for injury-prone runDisney runners on my website.  * Book a Free 30 minute Call [https://calendar.app.google/zPti7T9rNLMiuNAN7] 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.