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In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali gets real about why strength training falls off the schedule, and what to actually do about it.

She breaks down how to match your strength training approach to your life, your goals, and your brain's bandwidth, including when low weight and high volume makes sense versus when machines might be your best friend.

Dr. Ali also unpacks the concept of neuromuscular demand, explaining why some exercises feel harder than they should, and why that hidden cognitive load might be secretly derailing your consistency.

Whether you're training for a Dopey challenge or just trying to stay healthy as a runner, this episode will help you build a strength training habit that actually sticks.

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. 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 Fan Mail

In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali gets real about what happens when life completely derails your training plan and why that's okay.

She walks through a chaotic few weeks of new-build home repairs, including a major shower overhaul, a family health scare, and a weeks-long air conditioning nightmare that left her with almost zero workouts.

Along the way, Dr. Ali shares her honest take on what missing two weeks of training actually does (and doesn't do) to your fitness, and how to ease back in without setting yourself up for injury or burnout.

If you've ever had to hit pause on your training, this episode is the reassurance you didn't know you needed.

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. 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 Fan Mail

In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali tackles one of the most common questions she hears from slow and back-of-the-pack runners: what actually makes you faster: running more, strength training, or speed work?

She breaks down the "gray zone," the frustrating middle ground where runners feel exhausted all the time but never seem to improve, and explains why the right answer depends entirely on where you are in your running journey.

Dr. Ali also shares a simple standing test to figure out whether your legs need more strength work or more speed practice, and why pain is never a reliable measure of whether a workout is working.

By the end, you'll understand why sequencing strength and speed correctly, instead of trying to do everything at once, is the real key to getting faster.

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. 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.