Mark’s powerful journey from stroke to ultramarathon runner. It offers a raw and honest look at the physical and mental hurdles he’s overcome, from relearning how to walk and speak to completing 100km+ endurance races. It’s not just about running; it’s about resilience, mindset, and proving that setbacks can be the start of something greater. Whether you’re in recovery or chasing your own comeback, this is a glimpse into what’s possible when you refuse to give up.

Article 10: Emotional recovery and identity after stroke

Article Summary This article addresses one of the most complex and deeply personal aspects of stroke recovery the reconstruction of identity and emotional stability. It reframes recovery beyond physical function to include the psychological, emotional, and identity shifts that define long-term outcomes. It reinforces a central principle of the Rewired Runner philosophy. Recovery is not

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Article 9:  Speech & articulation rebuild: Tools that helped me

Article Summary: This article addresses one of the most personal and challenging aspects of stroke recovery speech. It reframes speech impairment not as a fixed loss, but as a trainable, multi-system function that can improve through structured, consistent practice. It reinforces a core principle of the Rewired Runner approach. Speech recovery is built through small,

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Article 8:  The role of carers and family: Caring for the carer first

Article Summary This article expands the definition of stroke recovery beyond the individual survivor to include the critical, often overlooked role of carers and family. It highlights a fundamental truth. Stroke recovery is not an individual journey; it is a shared experience that impacts the entire household. It reinforces a key principle of the Rewired

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Article 7: Movement is medicine: The stroke-safe guide to exercise and recovery

Article Summary This article establishes movement not simply as physical activity, but as one of the most powerful and accessible tools for rebuilding the brain after stroke. It reframes exercise from a fitness goal into a core mechanism of neurological recovery, energy restoration, and identity rebuilding. It reinforces a central principle of the Rewired Runner

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Article 6: Sleep after stroke: The quiet multiplier of recovery

Article Summary This article addresses one of the most debilitating and misunderstood consequences of stroke fatigue and reframes it from a perceived weakness into what it truly is. A neurological consequence of the brain working harder to rewire and recover. It reinforces a core principle of the Rewired Runner approach. Fatigue is not something you

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Article 5:  Stroke fatigue, Why it happens and how to fight back

Article Summary This article addresses one of the most debilitating and misunderstood consequences of stroke fatigue and reframes it from a perceived weakness into what it truly is. A neurological consequence of the brain working harder to rewire and recover. It reinforces a core principle of the Rewired Runner approach. Fatigue is not something you

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Article 4: The science of neuroplasticity after stroke

Article Summary: This article translates complex neuroscience into a practical, empowering message for stroke survivors:Recovery is not time-limited; it is driven by neuroplasticity, which remains active for life. It challenges outdated beliefs that recovery plateaus after six months and replaces them with a more accurate, evidence-based understanding: The brain can rewire at any stage when

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Article 3: Recovery timeline

Article Summary: This article reframes one of the most common and emotionally charged questions in stroke recovery: “How long will this take?” by replacing rigid expectations with a more accurate, evidence-informed perspective: Recovery is non-linear, highly individual, and continues far beyond early clinical timelines. It reinforces a foundational principle of the Rewired Runner approach:Progress is

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Article 2:  Rewired: My journey back from stroke, one relentless step at a time

Article Summary: This article presents a deeply personal and practical account of stroke recovery, tracing the journey from acute medical crisis through rehabilitation and into long-term rebuilding of life, identity, and performance. It reinforces a central truth that underpins the Rewired Runner model. Recovery is not a single breakthrough moment; it is built through relentless,

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