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In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali walks listeners through exactly how to approach race week so they can cross the finish line feeling calm, prepared, and confident instead of panicked and second-guessing themselves.

She reminds runners that the hay is in the barn: the training is done, and this is not the time for bonus miles, pace tests, or trying to cram in fitness at the last minute.

Instead, she explains how slow, back-of-the-pack runners should focus on the things that matter most in the final days before a race: resting, walking instead of running, hydrating early and consistently, fueling on the course based on time on feet instead of distance, and carb loading intentionally instead of assuming one pasta dinner is enough.

Dr. Ali also speaks directly to runDisney runners who have been told their pace “doesn’t count” and reinforces that slower runners often need to fuel even more strategically because they are out on the course longer.

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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.

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In this episode of Running to the Castle Dr. Ali sits down with Page Bittner to walk through her full journey from a gymnast who hated running to a Dopey Challenge finisher, and not just any finish, but one that required adaptability, trust, and grit in brutal race conditions.

Page shares how she went from sprinting and pole vaulting to her first half marathon on a whim, fell in love with runDisney, stepped away for years, and then returned with a renewed purpose, including tackling Dopey 2026.

The conversation dives deep into her structured, type-A approach to training, how she practiced race logistics down to the minute, and the mindset shifts that helped her succeed, especially when things didn’t go as planned.

From panic over starting in the last corral, to navigating heat exhaustion symptoms mid-marathon, to ultimately choosing to walk and still finish strong, Page’s story highlights the power of slowing down, trusting your training, and redefining success.

Along the way, she also shares how this journey changed her relationship with her body and what it meant to model resilience for her daughter, making this episode both practical and deeply meaningful for any runner who’s ever doubted themselves.

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 Fan Mail

In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali breaks down one of the most frustrating experiences for runners…when your pace slows down and your stamina feels worse despite months of training.

She explains why this is incredibly common, especially for slow, back-of-the-pack runDisney runners, and why it’s usually not a sign that you’re failing, but a signal that something needs to change.

From ruling out medical issues like iron deficiency, to addressing under-fueling, to the most common culprit of all…training too hard in the wrong places…

Dr. Ali walks you through how runners accidentally trap themselves in the “gray zone” where nothing improves.

She shows how pushing harder actually makes things worse, and how pulling back, slowing down, and training with purpose is what ultimately leads to better endurance, faster paces, and a stronger race day experience.

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.