Don't Dream It's Over - Fight Stroke Like it is the 80s
To my fellow Stroke Survivors,
My Brothers (and Sisters) in ARMS,
FACE it! Stroke recovery is not easy, so I would like to say to you "Don't Dream It's Over".
You will hear people SPEAK of neuroplasticity, so I would like to point out to you that something like this post is neuroplasticity in action. One of the ways to stimulate neural growth is novelty and complexity - like writing a post in song titles as given below. Not only was it challenging, but it was fun and that, in my opinion, is something that you need plenty of.
It is great to see researchers such as #Matthew Berryman challenging the notions of what is possible during recovery, so take note.
Take the TIME to heal and recover, but never let go of the impossible. Take last week-end (late April 2026) for example, not one but two runners officially completed the London Marathon in under 2 hours, a feat that was said to be impossible by many. Stroke recovery may seem like a impossibility, so look at the world around you and find your passion, drive and persistence.
At the heart of the feat of the London Marathon, was a behind the scenes battle of two brands and their shoes - Adidas vs. Nike.
Adidas - "Impossible is Nothing", "You Got This", "All in or nothing", "All Originals Make Moves", "Don’t stop until you’re proud".
VS.
Nike - "Just Do It.", "Why Do It?", "Yesterday you said tomorrow.", "Earned. Not Given."
Adidas won.
We are the "People Who Lived", Harry Potter had it easy to survive the killing curse as he is just a fictional character. Stroke, cancer and other major health related issues are real and we survived. We have our scars, mine is no small lightning bolt on the forehead, it is a huge lightning bolt that runs down the back of my skull (and it removed some that skull as well. After all, it did result from a Thunderclap headache).
Let them drive you forward.
Live Well and Prosper, because we know it is not about how long you have, but what you do with it that counts.
The Living Years (Mike & The Mechanics)
* * *
I'm So Excited, I Can't Wait, The Final Countdown to the Celebration of Lillydale Lake Parkrun's 12th Birthday is In the Air Tonight. (2 May 2026).
U2 don't have to be Mental as Anything or in Dire Straits to do Parkrun, Don't You (Forget About Me) Blue Jeans, follow the Orinoco Flow (Sail Away), and wait till later to Breakfast at Sweethearts.
At the lake, You'll be Hungry Like the Wolf with Every Little Step, Every Breath You Take, Running to Stand Still. In The Flat Field, there's no Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God), You Spin Me Round (Like A Record) twice.
Whether you Run DMC or Walk This Way, Be-FAST to fight The Stroke and Help save lives by I Remember You tunes from the 80s !
FACE the Face by Pete Townshend
Brothers in ARMS by Dire Straits
SHOUT by Tears for Fears
TIME After Time by Cyndi Lauper
You're the Voice, Telephone 000 if you Think The Stroke !
At Parkrun, We Are The World, it could be a Crowded House, What You Need is to Respect Yourself and others, Listen Like Thieves to the briefing, before you Start Me Up to Get Up and Go.
Get Into The Groove, Bust A Move, Express Yourself with The Look, Be a Man of Colours or a Material Girl, Girls Just Want to Have Fun. (80s Neon Vibes).
With or Without You, This is The Way Life's Meant to Be, I Will Follow, so Wake Me Before You Go-Go!
Whammed !!! A-Ha
The Living Years
