Send us a text

In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali breaks down one of the most confusing questions for slow, back-of-the-pack runners…when should you actually run fast, and when should you slow way down.

She explains why long runs should almost always be easy and slow, even if that feels counterintuitive, and why trying to “prove” your pace on long runs often leads to injury, burnout, or stalled progress.

Dr. Ali walks through how to decide the purpose of each run, why speed workouts need to be hard to actually make you faster, and how running too fast on easy days can sabotage your ability to run fast when it actually matters.

This episode reframes pacing in a way that helps slow runners build endurance, stay consistent, and finally see real gains without feeling 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 strategies designed specifically for slow, back-of-the-pack or injury-prone 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.
• 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, Dr. Ali breaks down why fueling advice made for elite runners and the general population completely misses the mark for slow, back-of-the-pack, or injury-prone runDisney runners tackling long, slow miles.

Using examples from Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, Dr. Ali explains why carbs…not protein…are the priority before and during long runs, why fasted running and high-protein breakfasts often backfire, and how fueling should be based on time on feet, not miles.

She walks through simple carb math, real-world fueling options like candy and sports drinks, and why slower runners actually need more fuel, not less, to avoid crashing, bonking, or feeling wrecked after long runs and race weekends.

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 or injury-prone 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.
• 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, Dr. Ali breaks down her run training philosophy and explains why any runner can complete any distance…as long as the timeline and training approach are appropriate.

She walks listeners through what alignment with a coach really means, why sustainable training matters more than doing “more,” and how slow, back-of-the-pack, or injury-averse runners can train without feeling broken.

Dr. Ali introduces the five phases of a successful running journey and the six categories of training and support that must work together for long-term success.

This episode gives runners clarity on how to evaluate their own training, identify imbalances, and understand why thoughtful, individualized programming is the key to finishing strong and staying healthy for years to come.

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 or injury-prone 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.
• 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.