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 20: Resilience in Action: Series 1.4: UTMB: Control the controllables

Article Summary Control the Controllables explores how resilience involves learning from setbacks without becoming trapped by what cannot be changed. Drawing on Mark Ford’s experience after UTMB and lessons first learned through stroke recovery, the article distinguishes useful reflection from endless “what ifs” and reframes acceptance as acknowledging reality rather than giving up. The central

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Article 17: Resilience in Action: Series 1.1: UTMB: I came within kilometres of my dream: Then everything fell apart!

Article Summary UTMB: The Dream I Didn’t Finish tells the story of Mark Ford’s extraordinary journey from rebuilding his life after stroke to standing on the start line of one of the world’s most demanding ultramarathons. After years of recovery and progressively harder challenges, Mark reached UTMB only to face injury, vomiting, sleep deprivation, hallucinations

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Article 16: AI and stroke recovery: New tool in the palm of your hand

Article Summary This Rewired Runner article explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can serve as a practical companion for stroke survivors, especially during the long gaps between formal rehabilitation appointments. Its central message is that AI should support recovery, not replace healthcare professionals. The article repeatedly stresses that AI can make mistakes and should not be

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Article 15: Nutrition and brain recovery

Article Summary This article positions nutrition as a foundational but often overlooked component of stroke recovery. It reframes food not as a secondary lifestyle factor, but as a support system that enables energy, cognitive clarity, and effective neuroplastic change. It reinforces a core principle of the Rewired Runner philosophy:Nutrition doesn’t replace recovery work it supports

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Article 14: Momentum Over Motivation: The Recovery Loop

Article Summary This article challenges one of the most common misconceptions in stroke recovery that motivation is required to begin. Instead, it introduces a more accurate and powerful framework: Recovery is driven by momentum, not motivation. It reinforces a central principle of the Rewired Runner philosophy: Action creates momentum, and momentum creates belief and motivation.

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Article 13: Micro goals for long-term resilience

Article Summary This article reframes goal-setting in stroke recovery by shifting focus away from overwhelming long-term ambitions toward small, structured, and repeatable daily actions. It highlights that while big goals provide direction, it is micro-goals that create momentum, consistency, and lasting neurological change. It reinforces a core principle of the Rewired Runner philosophy: Recovery is

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Article 12: Exercise: My greatest recovery tool

Article Summary This article positions exercise not as a supplementary activity, but as the most powerful and consistent tool for rebuilding the brain, body, and identity after stroke. It reframes recovery from a passive process into an active, movement-driven system of neurological and functional improvement. It reinforces a central principle of the Rewired Runner philosophy.

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Article 11: Building to endurance: My 300 km ultra journey

Article Summary This article presents a powerful long-term perspective on stroke recovery, demonstrating how sustained, structured effort can evolve from basic rehabilitation into high-level physical and personal achievement. It reframes recovery not as a finite process, but as a continuum that can extend into endurance, resilience, and purpose-driven performance. It reinforces a central principle of

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