304. Disney Marathon Training: The Strength Work Most Runners Skip

Disney Marathon Weekend isn't just a marathon… it's one of the most unique endurance events you'll ever train for. Between miles on unforgiving concrete, long days walking through the parks, early morning wake-ups, and for many runners, back-to-back races like Goofy and Dopey, your body needs more than just a running plan. It needs a strength plan. In this episode, Dr. Duane Scotti, running physical therapist, running coach, and two-time Dopey finisher, shares the exact 20-week strength training roadmap he uses to help runners prepare for Disney Marathon Weekend without breaking down. You'll learn: -Why strength training is the missing piece for most Disney runners -The 4 phases of a 20-week strength training plan -The best exercises to build stronger hips, glutes, calves, and core -How to progress your strength work as marathon mileage increases -When to reduce strength training during your taper -The three biggest strength training mistakes Disney runners make -How to stay healthy, recover faster, and enjoy the parks after your race Whether you're training for the Walt Disney World Marathon, Half Marathon, Goofy Challenge, or Dopey Challenge, this episode will help you build the strength and resilience you need to cross the finish line feeling strong… not just survive it.   Grab your FREE RunDisney Marathon Training Guide Here!    If you're ready for structured strength plans, recovery routines, nutrition, and coaching support so you're not guessing week to week during your rundisney training, join the Healthy Runner Academy!   Episodes and Resources mentioned in this episode: Listen to my previous episode on 6 Steps to Mastering runDisney Training Listen to my previous episode on How to Prepare for RunDisney Marathon Weekend: 7 Race Week Essentials for Dopey Challenge Runners Listen to my previous episode on How I Conquered the 2026 Dopey Challenge Feeling Strong, Durable, and Healthy Listen to my previous episode on my 2024 Disney Marathon Weekend Recap Conquering the Dopey Challenge Listen to my previous episode on what to do after you sign up for the Dopey challenge    Watch how Sonya overcame her fears to finish her first marathon in Disney by getting stronger not only physically but mentally here!  Watch how Dipti went from chronic shin splints for over a year to running the Disney Dopey Challenge in 6 months here! Watch how Stephanie went from IT band pain with every long run to conquering the 48.6 mile Dopey Challenge here!   Want to work with Dr. Duane as your running physical therapist and coach with structured rehab, strength, nutrition, and a run plan with full support and accountability to crush your Disney Marathon Weekend experience? Book a call and learn more about Healthy Runner coaching here  Connect with Dr. Duane: - Instagram - @sparkhealthyrunner - Sign up for the Healthy Runner Newsletter - Join our Healthy Runner Facebook Community - Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - duane@sparkhealthyrunner.com - www.sparkhealthyrunner.com</a