top of page

Andy Hood.

ULTRA & ENDURANCE RUNNER

About
Press & PR
Completed Ultras
Merch
Blog
Runna
Contact

local business community people working (3).png

Blog

Home - Blog

All Posts
Runna
Ultra Running Adventures
Running Ramblings
Race Reports
Ultra Training Guidance
Cancer Awareness
Press Release
Product Reviews

salomon sports water bottle next to packet on sports drink with text "Infinit Go Far Review"

salomon sports water bottle next to packet on sports drink with text "Infinit Go Far Review"

Infinit :GO FAR Endurance Fuel: A Runner's Review

Product Reviews

Monochrome Texture

The upside, I’ve run 5 times this week, a combined total of about 13mi. 7 weeks after the emergency surgery and having to completely rest. The downside is the 7 weeks and after effects of surgery are having a major impact on my HRZ. This should be a very, very easy Z2 run, but look at pic 2, it’s Z4 which is crazy.

Dread to think what a 6min/mi would do to me right now, we’d probably have to rewrite the scale and make it Z1 - Z10!

Anyway I’m out there, run no.5 of the rebuild, it’s definitely going to take some time to get back to the longer, faster days.

#run #runner #runna #runnersofinstagram #runningmotivation

The upside, I’ve run 5 times this week, a combined total of about 13mi. 7 weeks after the emergency surgery and having to completely rest. The downside is the 7 weeks and after effects of surgery are having a major impact on my HRZ. This should be a very, very easy Z2 run, but look at pic 2, it’s Z4 which is crazy.

Dread to think what a 6min/mi would do to me right now, we’d probably have to rewrite the scale and make it Z1 - Z10!

Anyway I’m out there, run no.5 of the rebuild, it’s definitely going to take some time to get back to the longer, faster days.

#run #runner #runna #runnersofinstagram #runningmotivation

It feels so incredibly frustrating. 7 weeks out the shoes after emergency surgery and having another organ removed, and these rebuilding runs are ridiculously hard. My heart rate is so high; usually this kind of run, at this dialled back pace wouldn’t even touch Zone 2, but today was a mix of Z3/4, utterly insane.

Ok I had a 40mph+ headwind on the outward mile which didn’t help. But 7 weeks ago I would be out for 20, 25, 30mi training runs, now 2mi feels hard.

I know you’ll head to the comments 👇💬 and tell me to be patient, and I genuinely appreciate you doing that. But I can’t help but feel a little useless today.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

It feels so incredibly frustrating. 7 weeks out the shoes after emergency surgery and having another organ removed, and these rebuilding runs are ridiculously hard. My heart rate is so high; usually this kind of run, at this dialled back pace wouldn’t even touch Zone 2, but today was a mix of Z3/4, utterly insane.

Ok I had a 40mph+ headwind on the outward mile which didn’t help. But 7 weeks ago I would be out for 20, 25, 30mi training runs, now 2mi feels hard.

I know you’ll head to the comments 👇💬 and tell me to be patient, and I genuinely appreciate you doing that. But I can’t help but feel a little useless today.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

I am always on the hunt for products that support my ultra/endurance running. Taking in carbs, electrolytes, sodium and protein on long runs takes a lot of planning.

Go Far drink mix from @theinfinitloop promises to make that a much easier affair, putting everything you need in your 500ml bottle. But does it work?

⚠️ A note about my product reviews
👉 Link to my blog is in my BIO - find the article there
👉 I buy the products with my own money, no sponsored reviews - you get complete honesty from me
👉 I have actually tried the products I review (not just taken a pouty face photo of me holding it!!)

Drop a comment below 👇💬 have you tried Go Far?

#run #runner #running #endurance #runnersofinstagram

I am always on the hunt for products that support my ultra/endurance running. Taking in carbs, electrolytes, sodium and protein on long runs takes a lot of planning.

Go Far drink mix from @theinfinitloop promises to make that a much easier affair, putting everything you need in your 500ml bottle. But does it work?

⚠️ A note about my product reviews
👉 Link to my blog is in my BIO - find the article there
👉 I buy the products with my own money, no sponsored reviews - you get complete honesty from me
👉 I have actually tried the products I review (not just taken a pouty face photo of me holding it!!)

Drop a comment below 👇💬 have you tried Go Far?

#run #runner #running #endurance #runnersofinstagram

Yes it really is a day! How awesome is that 🍩

👉 Did you know I ran over 50K through London visiting 20 Krispy Kreme shops along the way. I actually did it twice and will be back later this year with a new route to do it again.

👉 on this special day I’d like to say a very personal and heartfelt thank you 🙏 to @krispykremeuk who over the last couple of years I have got to know well. There are the kindest, most thoughtful and funny team I work with and absolutely love my time with them. I’m not an employee, just a guy who dreamt up an idea of running an ultra to their shops, and they have embraced me and the runs with so much passion.

They have helped me raise over £27,000 for cancer charities. I do all this as I was diagnosed with cancer and it’s such a tough time, my mission now is to support others going through the same.

So when you are out today, or this weekend pick up a Krispy Kreme as a way to support them back. And tag me to your posts to let me know which flavour you choose.

Happy International Doughnut Day 🍩

#run #runner #ultrarunner #krispykreme #runnersofinstagram

Yes it really is a day! How awesome is that 🍩

👉 Did you know I ran over 50K through London visiting 20 Krispy Kreme shops along the way. I actually did it twice and will be back later this year with a new route to do it again.

👉 on this special day I’d like to say a very personal and heartfelt thank you 🙏 to @krispykremeuk who over the last couple of years I have got to know well. There are the kindest, most thoughtful and funny team I work with and absolutely love my time with them. I’m not an employee, just a guy who dreamt up an idea of running an ultra to their shops, and they have embraced me and the runs with so much passion.

They have helped me raise over £27,000 for cancer charities. I do all this as I was diagnosed with cancer and it’s such a tough time, my mission now is to support others going through the same.

So when you are out today, or this weekend pick up a Krispy Kreme as a way to support them back. And tag me to your posts to let me know which flavour you choose.

Happy International Doughnut Day 🍩

#run #runner #ultrarunner #krispykreme #runnersofinstagram

Follow Friday- which it seems you all love 🙏😊

👉What is it all about?
Each Friday I bring you 5 accounts I follow and the reason why. And give you the opportunity to say hi in the comments 👇💬

👉 I believe we are stronger together, and for me this is all about building strong connections who support one another.

This week’s 5 accounts 👇

👉 @orangerunningguy
We’ve only been connected for a couple of months but the account has become a fast favourite, not least for the colour orange which is such a happy and powerful colour. Love the honesty of the posts and following the running journey.

👉 @dannyb_run_ton
I’ve been connected with Danny for a long time, someone who has completed the Lakeland 100 5 times is absolutely up my street! Awesome running.

👉 @gary_b_runs
Gary’s drone footage is always excellent as are his morning commute runs always culminating in a fantastic picture of his workplace breakfast. Gary is definitely worth connecting with.

👉 @ballbag51
Matt is in one of my favourite countries to run, France. I’ll be back in France this August for UTMB week. Matts pictures are always so good, usually of the stunning countryside.

👉 @chemohero
Not a runner one, but I wanted to introduce you to ChemoHero, a charity I run and fundraise for. Started by Lisa Wallis after she was diagnosed with breast cancer age 30, Lisa started a charity that gifts Boxes of Kindness to cancer patients. Lisa passed away 9 years after diagnosis, and leaves behind an amazing legacy in ChemoHero. Link in my BIO to my fundraising page gives more details on ChemoHero.

💬👇 jump in the comments and say hello 👋

#run #runningcommunity #runner #running #runnersofinstagram

Follow Friday- which it seems you all love 🙏😊

👉What is it all about?
Each Friday I bring you 5 accounts I follow and the reason why. And give you the opportunity to say hi in the comments 👇💬

👉 I believe we are stronger together, and for me this is all about building strong connections who support one another.

This week’s 5 accounts 👇

👉 @orangerunningguy
We’ve only been connected for a couple of months but the account has become a fast favourite, not least for the colour orange which is such a happy and powerful colour. Love the honesty of the posts and following the running journey.

👉 @dannyb_run_ton
I’ve been connected with Danny for a long time, someone who has completed the Lakeland 100 5 times is absolutely up my street! Awesome running.

👉 @gary_b_runs
Gary’s drone footage is always excellent as are his morning commute runs always culminating in a fantastic picture of his workplace breakfast. Gary is definitely worth connecting with.

👉 @ballbag51
Matt is in one of my favourite countries to run, France. I’ll be back in France this August for UTMB week. Matts pictures are always so good, usually of the stunning countryside.

👉 @chemohero
Not a runner one, but I wanted to introduce you to ChemoHero, a charity I run and fundraise for. Started by Lisa Wallis after she was diagnosed with breast cancer age 30, Lisa started a charity that gifts Boxes of Kindness to cancer patients. Lisa passed away 9 years after diagnosis, and leaves behind an amazing legacy in ChemoHero. Link in my BIO to my fundraising page gives more details on ChemoHero.

💬👇 jump in the comments and say hello 👋

#run #runningcommunity #runner #running #runnersofinstagram

The Rebuild run no.3 a very relaxed 5K and the furthest distance since getting back into the shoes after emergency surgery.

It’s Global Doughnut Running Day - never heard of it?👇
Yesterday, June 3rd is Global Running Day
Tomorrow, June 5th is International Doughnut Day
So I added June 4, right in the middle and combined the two days!

Lace up, grab a doughnut, take a selfie and tag me in, just like @deardensharon did with her delicious @krispykremeuk

👉 If you’d like the Global Doughnut Running Day sticker DM me and I’ll send to you.

The run felt good, my heart rate zones are all over the place, it is clear my body is still trying to recover internally and there is pressure on the heart and this should have been a 100% Zone 2 run, but was far from it.

Recovery and rebuild is going to take sometime.

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runnersofinstagram

The Rebuild run no.3 a very relaxed 5K and the furthest distance since getting back into the shoes after emergency surgery.

It’s Global Doughnut Running Day - never heard of it?👇
Yesterday, June 3rd is Global Running Day
Tomorrow, June 5th is International Doughnut Day
So I added June 4, right in the middle and combined the two days!

Lace up, grab a doughnut, take a selfie and tag me in, just like @deardensharon did with her delicious @krispykremeuk

👉 If you’d like the Global Doughnut Running Day sticker DM me and I’ll send to you.

The run felt good, my heart rate zones are all over the place, it is clear my body is still trying to recover internally and there is pressure on the heart and this should have been a 100% Zone 2 run, but was far from it.

Recovery and rebuild is going to take sometime.

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runnersofinstagram

What is going on out there? The follow/unfollow crowd have been out in force again this week. Honesty do people really think we are fooled by your high numbers. For me Instagram, especially the Instagram running community is about one thing, supporting one another.

We celebrate together, we support on the bad days, we lift each other up, and we are genuinely helpful. There is no doubt we are stronger together.

Coming through cancer in recent years, and being out the shoes again recently due to emergency surgery has shown me what an amazing community we really are.

So I’ll leave this post here. Feel free to share it, repost it, like it, comment on it, and show just how strong we are and that we know what you are up to follow/unfollowers.

#run #running #runner #community #strongertogether

What is going on out there? The follow/unfollow crowd have been out in force again this week. Honesty do people really think we are fooled by your high numbers. For me Instagram, especially the Instagram running community is about one thing, supporting one another.

We celebrate together, we support on the bad days, we lift each other up, and we are genuinely helpful. There is no doubt we are stronger together.

Coming through cancer in recent years, and being out the shoes again recently due to emergency surgery has shown me what an amazing community we really are.

So I’ll leave this post here. Feel free to share it, repost it, like it, comment on it, and show just how strong we are and that we know what you are up to follow/unfollowers.

#run #running #runner #community #strongertogether

June kicks off with two fantastic days 👇

👉 Wednesday 3rd June - Global Running Day
👉 Friday 5th June - International Doughnut Day

If you’ve been around my posts for anytime you’ll know I love running 🏃 and I absolutely love a doughnut 🍩

Myself and the amazing crew @krispykremeuk support a fantastic cancer charity @chemohero each year, I run a 50K+ ultra round London visiting 20 of their shops and they keep me fuelled with doughnuts! It’s a marriage made in heaven 😊

So as I love both I have COMBINED them to create….drumroll…

GLOBAL DOUGHNUT RUNNING DAY 🍩🏃

👉 Thursday 4th June 👈

Maybe I should have asked Krispy Kreme for a special code, something like…go into their shops say ‘Andy loves a doughnut’ and you’ll get a special treat!! (Ok please don’t actually try that!!)

If you are up for the amazing day, on Thursday, grab a doughnut, lace up, take a selfie a tag me in!

Let’s make this a thing 😁

#run #running #doughnut #runners #runnersofinstagram

June kicks off with two fantastic days 👇

👉 Wednesday 3rd June - Global Running Day
👉 Friday 5th June - International Doughnut Day

If you’ve been around my posts for anytime you’ll know I love running 🏃 and I absolutely love a doughnut 🍩

Myself and the amazing crew @krispykremeuk support a fantastic cancer charity @chemohero each year, I run a 50K+ ultra round London visiting 20 of their shops and they keep me fuelled with doughnuts! It’s a marriage made in heaven 😊

So as I love both I have COMBINED them to create….drumroll…

GLOBAL DOUGHNUT RUNNING DAY 🍩🏃

👉 Thursday 4th June 👈

Maybe I should have asked Krispy Kreme for a special code, something like…go into their shops say ‘Andy loves a doughnut’ and you’ll get a special treat!! (Ok please don’t actually try that!!)

If you are up for the amazing day, on Thursday, grab a doughnut, lace up, take a selfie a tag me in!

Let’s make this a thing 😁

#run #running #doughnut #runners #runnersofinstagram

The Rebuild begins. 6 weeks after emergency surgery took me out the shoes. 6 weeks after an ambulance took me in the middle of the night. 6 weeks after I had the rhythm of my life taken away.

Tonight I laced up, did a very easy pace 1 mile. I’ll now rest for the next day to see how my insides feel before lacing up again.

It’s been a hard 6 weeks, of a range of emotions. My determination dial has been turned up to 11 (thanks Spinal Tap) and I’m back, I’m ready and I’ll run to make a difference to those diagnosed with cancer.

Thank you for all your support over the past few weeks, I have an amazing Insta community and appreciate every one of you, every message, every comment, every call and text. 🙏

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #thecomeback

The Rebuild begins. 6 weeks after emergency surgery took me out the shoes. 6 weeks after an ambulance took me in the middle of the night. 6 weeks after I had the rhythm of my life taken away.

Tonight I laced up, did a very easy pace 1 mile. I’ll now rest for the next day to see how my insides feel before lacing up again.

It’s been a hard 6 weeks, of a range of emotions. My determination dial has been turned up to 11 (thanks Spinal Tap) and I’m back, I’m ready and I’ll run to make a difference to those diagnosed with cancer.

Thank you for all your support over the past few weeks, I have an amazing Insta community and appreciate every one of you, every message, every comment, every call and text. 🙏

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #thecomeback

Incredible performance last night by the @thehawkstonefarmerschoir a clear demonstration that the public love music, love community, love a powerful message and love farmers.

Living in a very rural community, and being a trail runner I am so grateful to our farmers for 👇

👉 the food they produce
the vast majority of of my food comes straight from the farm, all our meat from the farmer, a lot of our veg, our potatoes from a few miles down the road and eggs from less than 2 miles away. Meeting with, chatting too and seeing where your food is produced is amazing.

👉 running in nature
I am always so grateful for the access across farmland that makes my trail running so enjoyable, there isn’t a field I cross where I don’t say out loud ‘thank you farmer for the access’ and I’ve stopped many a time to chat with those working on the farm.

So from me, and hundreds of thousands of other trail runners - thank you 🙏 😊

And to the Hawkstone Choir - it has to be Christmas No.1 next

📸 photo note - photo 4 was taken with the permission of the farmer who I know well.

#choir #farmer #runner #running #trailrun

Incredible performance last night by the @thehawkstonefarmerschoir a clear demonstration that the public love music, love community, love a powerful message and love farmers.

Living in a very rural community, and being a trail runner I am so grateful to our farmers for 👇

👉 the food they produce
the vast majority of of my food comes straight from the farm, all our meat from the farmer, a lot of our veg, our potatoes from a few miles down the road and eggs from less than 2 miles away. Meeting with, chatting too and seeing where your food is produced is amazing.

👉 running in nature
I am always so grateful for the access across farmland that makes my trail running so enjoyable, there isn’t a field I cross where I don’t say out loud ‘thank you farmer for the access’ and I’ve stopped many a time to chat with those working on the farm.

So from me, and hundreds of thousands of other trail runners - thank you 🙏 😊

And to the Hawkstone Choir - it has to be Christmas No.1 next

📸 photo note - photo 4 was taken with the permission of the farmer who I know well.

#choir #farmer #runner #running #trailrun

May should have been a solid month, an ultra in London with @krispykremeuk where together we’d be supporting those navigating cancer, then into a new training block for the @ultrachallenges ND50 at the start of August, leading me up to UTMB week in Chamonix later the same month.

Emergency surgery mid April threw all that out the window and I’ve not run for 6 weeks now as I recover. So this is what May actually looked like.

👉 delayed Krispy Kreme run until October
👉 deferred ND50 until 2027
👉 lot of time on sofa with my cat
👉 writing extensively for my blog
👉 planning some potential 2027 world record attempts

I am incredibly grateful for everyones support on the fundraising for what would have been the Krispy Kreme ultra, despite not running it I still achieved the target and that’s pushed my total fundraising since recovery from cancer to over £27,000. So a huge thank you 🙏 for all your support.

Hope to be back in the shoes soon and some gentle training for Chamonix.

Lace up, enjoy your miles and have a great weekend.

-Andy

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runnersofinstagram

May should have been a solid month, an ultra in London with @krispykremeuk where together we’d be supporting those navigating cancer, then into a new training block for the @ultrachallenges ND50 at the start of August, leading me up to UTMB week in Chamonix later the same month.

Emergency surgery mid April threw all that out the window and I’ve not run for 6 weeks now as I recover. So this is what May actually looked like.

👉 delayed Krispy Kreme run until October
👉 deferred ND50 until 2027
👉 lot of time on sofa with my cat
👉 writing extensively for my blog
👉 planning some potential 2027 world record attempts

I am incredibly grateful for everyones support on the fundraising for what would have been the Krispy Kreme ultra, despite not running it I still achieved the target and that’s pushed my total fundraising since recovery from cancer to over £27,000. So a huge thank you 🙏 for all your support.

Hope to be back in the shoes soon and some gentle training for Chamonix.

Lace up, enjoy your miles and have a great weekend.

-Andy

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runnersofinstagram

Follow Friday - thank you for all your support as I started this a few weeks ago, so much amazing and genuine engagement.

👉 what it’s about - every Friday I bring you 5 accounts I follow and the reasons why
👉 why I do this - we are stronger together, in a fragmented world supporting one another is ever more important and runners are great supporters of runners.
👉 getting involved - follow the accounts, introduce yourself in the comments 👇💬 and celebrate everyone’s achievements

⛔️ note of caution - if you are a follower/unfollower please jog on by, it’s not big or clever your ‘strategy’ and man alive are they out in force this week!

👇 5 accounts I follow and why

👉 @the.ginger.runner
Jax is a trail runner, which is my favourite place to run, she also runs on the North Downs Way, which is beautiful and a place I always run when visiting family. Jax is often joined by a great friend who features in the run photos, take a look! 🐾

👉 @run.barton.run
Richard is one of those runners who genuinely just loves running, ParkRuns to half marathons and beyond. Love that he just gets up and gets on with it, no dramas. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Richard IRL. Also super musical 🎶

👉 @adamrunsdaily
Jersey Shore to Liberty Park, Adam runs in some great places, and always brings along a great photo to his post. I do wonder if he’s seen the ever topless @kennybaldotherealtor on his Jersey runs as Kenny is always on the boards.

👉 @andysrunningaccountability
No dramas, gets up, laces up and runs. Love Andy’s account as it’s one of those genuine running because he loves running accounts. Been connected with Andy for a while and always enjoy seeing his posts, also being an Andy I have to follow! Maybe I need to see how many Andy’s I can get in the comments this week!

👉 @tri.anne.haug
Had the absolute pleasure seeing Anne race at @clublasanta and talk afterwards. Ironman all the way, inspirational speaker and genuine lovely person. Anne’s posts always bring a smile and a huge dose of inspiration. A must follow.

👇💬 jump in the comments, say hi 👋

#run #runner #runningcommunity #followfriday #running

Follow Friday - thank you for all your support as I started this a few weeks ago, so much amazing and genuine engagement.

👉 what it’s about - every Friday I bring you 5 accounts I follow and the reasons why
👉 why I do this - we are stronger together, in a fragmented world supporting one another is ever more important and runners are great supporters of runners.
👉 getting involved - follow the accounts, introduce yourself in the comments 👇💬 and celebrate everyone’s achievements

⛔️ note of caution - if you are a follower/unfollower please jog on by, it’s not big or clever your ‘strategy’ and man alive are they out in force this week!

👇 5 accounts I follow and why

👉 @the.ginger.runner
Jax is a trail runner, which is my favourite place to run, she also runs on the North Downs Way, which is beautiful and a place I always run when visiting family. Jax is often joined by a great friend who features in the run photos, take a look! 🐾

👉 @run.barton.run
Richard is one of those runners who genuinely just loves running, ParkRuns to half marathons and beyond. Love that he just gets up and gets on with it, no dramas. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Richard IRL. Also super musical 🎶

👉 @adamrunsdaily
Jersey Shore to Liberty Park, Adam runs in some great places, and always brings along a great photo to his post. I do wonder if he’s seen the ever topless @kennybaldotherealtor on his Jersey runs as Kenny is always on the boards.

👉 @andysrunningaccountability
No dramas, gets up, laces up and runs. Love Andy’s account as it’s one of those genuine running because he loves running accounts. Been connected with Andy for a while and always enjoy seeing his posts, also being an Andy I have to follow! Maybe I need to see how many Andy’s I can get in the comments this week!

👉 @tri.anne.haug
Had the absolute pleasure seeing Anne race at @clublasanta and talk afterwards. Ironman all the way, inspirational speaker and genuine lovely person. Anne’s posts always bring a smile and a huge dose of inspiration. A must follow.

👇💬 jump in the comments, say hi 👋

#run #runner #runningcommunity #followfriday #running

Cancer doesn’t ask permission. Neither do I. 🩷

Coming through cancer changes you. Even in remission, not a single day passes without that quiet voice, the why. The what if. The when will.

I could let that voice slow me down. Instead, I run.

I run for everyone who has ever heard that voice. For those still in the fight. For the families holding it all together in the waiting rooms. For the ones who never got to finish the race.

Over £27,000 raised. And I’m just getting started.

That bright pink shirt isn’t just kit, it’s a statement and a conversation. Cancer Survivor. Running for those in the fight. Visible from a mile away, and carrying a scannable QR code, so anyone who spots me on a trail can support the charity I’m running for, right there and then. The message moves with every mile.

👉 How can YOU help?
Every follow. Every like. Every comment pushes this to someone who needs to see it.

Spot me on an ultra or mountain trail? Take a photo. Share it. Tag me.

With cancer affecting 1 in 2 of us, this is everyone’s fight.

Tag someone in the comments 👇 — a friend, a fellow runner, someone who needs this community today.

Recovering from recent surgery right now, but this shirt has already found its backdrop. UTMB week in Chamonix 🏔️ and Mont Blanc doesn’t lie. I’ll wear this at every ultra, round the world, to show support, to bring us together.

I made a commitment to show up for others.
I will keep showing up.

-Andy

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runnersofinstagram

Cancer doesn’t ask permission. Neither do I. 🩷

Coming through cancer changes you. Even in remission, not a single day passes without that quiet voice, the why. The what if. The when will.

I could let that voice slow me down. Instead, I run.

I run for everyone who has ever heard that voice. For those still in the fight. For the families holding it all together in the waiting rooms. For the ones who never got to finish the race.

Over £27,000 raised. And I’m just getting started.

That bright pink shirt isn’t just kit, it’s a statement and a conversation. Cancer Survivor. Running for those in the fight. Visible from a mile away, and carrying a scannable QR code, so anyone who spots me on a trail can support the charity I’m running for, right there and then. The message moves with every mile.

👉 How can YOU help?
Every follow. Every like. Every comment pushes this to someone who needs to see it.

Spot me on an ultra or mountain trail? Take a photo. Share it. Tag me.

With cancer affecting 1 in 2 of us, this is everyone’s fight.

Tag someone in the comments 👇 — a friend, a fellow runner, someone who needs this community today.

Recovering from recent surgery right now, but this shirt has already found its backdrop. UTMB week in Chamonix 🏔️ and Mont Blanc doesn’t lie. I’ll wear this at every ultra, round the world, to show support, to bring us together.

I made a commitment to show up for others.
I will keep showing up.

-Andy

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runnersofinstagram

Hats off to anyone who has been racing or running in the last few days. The constant sun and heat absolutely changes everything about running. I ran London2Brighton in 2023 in 30 degree and Tour du Mont Blanc the same year when it was 35. Back then I decided the standard emoji was not sufficient! So here are the correct ones for hot weather!

Lace up, hydrate, wear a hat and be sensible out there.

#run #runner #runnerscommunity #hot #running

Hats off to anyone who has been racing or running in the last few days. The constant sun and heat absolutely changes everything about running. I ran London2Brighton in 2023 in 30 degree and Tour du Mont Blanc the same year when it was 35. Back then I decided the standard emoji was not sufficient! So here are the correct ones for hot weather!

Lace up, hydrate, wear a hat and be sensible out there.

#run #runner #runnerscommunity #hot #running

Of all the medals I have the message on the back of this one is so on point. The hours of training, the runners high, the low days, the sacrifices we make, injuries, nutrition experiments, planning, logistics…it all adds up. The medal isn’t just for the race/event, it’s for everything that came before.

Thanks to @mounttocoast for the medal, it was a multi-day virtual event they ran and the medals are really cool.

Enjoy the journey.

#run #runner #running #medal #runningmotivation

Of all the medals I have the message on the back of this one is so on point. The hours of training, the runners high, the low days, the sacrifices we make, injuries, nutrition experiments, planning, logistics…it all adds up. The medal isn’t just for the race/event, it’s for everything that came before.

Thanks to @mounttocoast for the medal, it was a multi-day virtual event they ran and the medals are really cool.

Enjoy the journey.

#run #runner #running #medal #runningmotivation

Brief recap for those who are new.
5 weeks ago today I had emergency surgery, not to be too detailed but I had an organ removed after falling extremely ill over the course of a day. I’m out the running shoes for now. The second time in recent years, as cancer took me out the shoes in 2021. I’m being open and honest in my posts during this time about how it feels.

Word of the day: Frustrated

I had expected to be back doing some very gentle jogging by week 5, but internal pain means that’s not possible and I feel extremely frustrated by that. Especially as the weather is so good and I would usually have been up on the coast path enjoying some trail miles.

I’ve been trying to keep myself busy with the following
👉 following and supporting other runners as they run races
👉 writing on my blog (link in BIO)
👉 planning my trip to Chamonix in August for UTMB week
👉 working on some epic world record breaking runs for 2027

I’ve tried to maintain some normality during this time; I’ve had my monthly leg massage, which feels great and always enjoy a good chat. And I’ve booked in future dates with my strength coach, as I need a future focus and goal.

Progress is positive, but slower than I had hoped for. For now I have to have patient, and as someone who loves running and is extremely competitive with myself, that’s hard.

Little shoutout to @jeremyclarkson1 @thetallirish @markthebrewer75 @charlottekingham @scottwatson23 and many others for the awesome content from @farmfest_uk - I’ve loved following it all, just so sorry I wasn’t well enough to be there. I have good history with those above, have a look at my pinned posts about that.

Enjoy the lovely weather 😊

#run #runner #running #runningcommunity #runningmotivation

Brief recap for those who are new.
5 weeks ago today I had emergency surgery, not to be too detailed but I had an organ removed after falling extremely ill over the course of a day. I’m out the running shoes for now. The second time in recent years, as cancer took me out the shoes in 2021. I’m being open and honest in my posts during this time about how it feels.

Word of the day: Frustrated

I had expected to be back doing some very gentle jogging by week 5, but internal pain means that’s not possible and I feel extremely frustrated by that. Especially as the weather is so good and I would usually have been up on the coast path enjoying some trail miles.

I’ve been trying to keep myself busy with the following
👉 following and supporting other runners as they run races
👉 writing on my blog (link in BIO)
👉 planning my trip to Chamonix in August for UTMB week
👉 working on some epic world record breaking runs for 2027

I’ve tried to maintain some normality during this time; I’ve had my monthly leg massage, which feels great and always enjoy a good chat. And I’ve booked in future dates with my strength coach, as I need a future focus and goal.

Progress is positive, but slower than I had hoped for. For now I have to have patient, and as someone who loves running and is extremely competitive with myself, that’s hard.

Little shoutout to @jeremyclarkson1 @thetallirish @markthebrewer75 @charlottekingham @scottwatson23 and many others for the awesome content from @farmfest_uk - I’ve loved following it all, just so sorry I wasn’t well enough to be there. I have good history with those above, have a look at my pinned posts about that.

Enjoy the lovely weather 😊

#run #runner #running #runningcommunity #runningmotivation

The mountains are a place where I feel absolutely alive. First time I ran the Tour du Mont Blanc I was frightened about what was to come, what the terrain demanded of me, was I trained for it? On my first step of my first mile I put all that doubt aside, and let what was to be, to be.

Getting uncomfortable is real living.

📸 from my 2023 & 2025 Tour du Mont Blanc run

#run #runner #trailrunner #ultrarunner #running

The mountains are a place where I feel absolutely alive. First time I ran the Tour du Mont Blanc I was frightened about what was to come, what the terrain demanded of me, was I trained for it? On my first step of my first mile I put all that doubt aside, and let what was to be, to be.

Getting uncomfortable is real living.

📸 from my 2023 & 2025 Tour du Mont Blanc run

#run #runner #trailrunner #ultrarunner #running

Good morning from Devon 👋😊 What are your plans today?

#run #runner #running #runningcommunity #view

Good morning from Devon 👋😊 What are your plans today?

#run #runner #running #runningcommunity #view

So many of you are racing this weekend, here are 3 I am following today. I’m still recovering from major surgery so no running for me, but I get lot of motivation following you all. Shoutout to 3 great people.

@benderruns - doing the 145mi @canalracecic
@chasingironat50 - @ukultraltd 100
@deardensharon - at the UKUltra

Show your support to them in the comments 👇💬

And I’ll also be following the @ultrachallenges London2Brighton today, this is one of my favourite ultras of the year, I’ve run it twice and will hopefully be back for next year.

#run #runner #ultrarunners #runningcommunity

So many of you are racing this weekend, here are 3 I am following today. I’m still recovering from major surgery so no running for me, but I get lot of motivation following you all. Shoutout to 3 great people.

@benderruns - doing the 145mi @canalracecic
@chasingironat50 - @ukultraltd 100
@deardensharon - at the UKUltra

Show your support to them in the comments 👇💬

And I’ll also be following the @ultrachallenges London2Brighton today, this is one of my favourite ultras of the year, I’ve run it twice and will hopefully be back for next year.

#run #runner #ultrarunners #runningcommunity

You know that feeling on a 100K….hey it’s just 10K to go, that’s 6 easy miles…just two Park Runs. And then it’s the hardest 10K of your life!

📸 Race to the Stones 2023

Whilst I’m recovering from surgery and out the shoes I’ve been scrolling the ultra pics from the last couple of years. I remember this one well. The next 5 miles were so muddy, it was like someone had poured oil all over the mud, staying upright wasn’t easy!

#run #runner #ultrarunner #running #runningmotivation

You know that feeling on a 100K….hey it’s just 10K to go, that’s 6 easy miles…just two Park Runs. And then it’s the hardest 10K of your life!

📸 Race to the Stones 2023

Whilst I��’m recovering from surgery and out the shoes I’ve been scrolling the ultra pics from the last couple of years. I remember this one well. The next 5 miles were so muddy, it was like someone had poured oil all over the mud, staying upright wasn’t easy!

#run #runner #ultrarunner #running #runningmotivation

Well…I’m still in the ‘no running training block’ thanks to some very sudden and unexpected major surgery. This week I was desperately missing the running shoes, so in my typical style I got them out the cupboard for a little light conversation and wrote a blog article about my current rotation.

👆 link in my BIO to the Blog
👉 Do you own any of the shoes in my current rotation?
👇 Get in the comments 💬 and let me know.

Little shoutout to a few people in the article - they are all worth a follow
👉 @run4adventure.uk
👉 @runnersneed
👉 @run_north_west
👉 @asicsrunning
👉 @kailasfuga
👉 @hoka

#running #runner #runners #shoes #runningmotivation

Well…I’m still in the ‘no running training block’ thanks to some very sudden and unexpected major surgery. This week I was desperately missing the running shoes, so in my typical style I got them out the cupboard for a little light conversation and wrote a blog article about my current rotation.

👆 link in my BIO to the Blog
👉 Do you own any of the shoes in my current rotation?
👇 Get in the comments 💬 and let me know.

Little shoutout to a few people in the article - they are all worth a follow
👉 @run4adventure.uk
👉 @runnersneed
👉 @run_north_west
👉 @asicsrunning
👉 @kailasfuga
👉 @hoka

#running #runner #runners #shoes #runningmotivation

It was never going to be just about the running. When I rebuilt from the cancer operation and chemotherapy, made my way towards ultra and endurance running, it was with a purpose.

👉 Awareness - talk openly, encourage guys to check their 🍒 for signs and symptoms of testicular cancer

👉 Get as many column inches as possible, TV, Radio, Podcasts, Papers, YouTube channels, posts, reposts, shares, likes, comments, conferences. As many eyes 👀 and ears 👂 as possible on the message

👉 Support others through fundraising- over £27,000 to date

👉 Saves lives - by being open

and meet amazing people along the way and do amazing things.

In my BIO there is a link 🔗 to my website and the Press & PR section.

Thank you to everyone who has taken an interest, has covered my runs and has helped make a difference.

As I rebuild again from major surgery I’m already working on the next incredible runs.

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runners

It was never going to be just about the running. When I rebuilt from the cancer operation and chemotherapy, made my way towards ultra and endurance running, it was with a purpose.

👉 Awareness - talk openly, encourage guys to check their 🍒 for signs and symptoms of testicular cancer

👉 Get as many column inches as possible, TV, Radio, Podcasts, Papers, YouTube channels, posts, reposts, shares, likes, comments, conferences. As many eyes 👀 and ears 👂 as possible on the message

👉 Support others through fundraising- over £27,000 to date

👉 Saves lives - by being open

and meet amazing people along the way and do amazing things.

In my BIO there is a link 🔗 to my website and the Press & PR section.

Thank you to everyone who has taken an interest, has covered my runs and has helped make a difference.

As I rebuild again from major surgery I’m already working on the next incredible runs.

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runners

London2Brighton 100K from @ultrachallenges was the first ultra I ran after getting back into the running shoes from my cancer operation and chemotherapy. The team at Ultra Challenge run what are arguably the best, most inclusive, and supportive ultras I run. The Trek Masters make you feel very special and build your confidence when it inevitably dips during those tough miles.

I’m out of the shoes at the moment after major surgery, which is gutting as I love running and sharing many moments with other runners on an ultra. I’ve met so many amazing people, I think an ultra has a magical way of bringing people together like no other race distance can. And for me, it’s all about the people.

London2Brighton has the best support from the public as well, as you go through villages, towns and across the Downs there are so many people cheering you on, children with their parents handing out sweets, biscuits and drinks - the smile on their faces when you accept a jelly baby from them is such a motivator for tired legs. Community at its best 👏

If you’ve never run London2Brighton I highly recommend it, and plan to be back up to fitness to be running it again in 2027.

📸 Photo from my 2024 run.

#run #runner #runnerscommunity #ultrarunner #london2brighton

London2Brighton 100K from @ultrachallenges was the first ultra I ran after getting back into the running shoes from my cancer operation and chemotherapy. The team at Ultra Challenge run what are arguably the best, most inclusive, and supportive ultras I run. The Trek Masters make you feel very special and build your confidence when it inevitably dips during those tough miles.

I’m out of the shoes at the moment after major surgery, which is gutting as I love running and sharing many moments with other runners on an ultra. I’ve met so many amazing people, I think an ultra has a magical way of bringing people together like no other race distance can. And for me, it’s all about the people.

London2Brighton has the best support from the public as well, as you go through villages, towns and across the Downs there are so many people cheering you on, children with their parents handing out sweets, biscuits and drinks - the smile on their faces when you accept a jelly baby from them is such a motivator for tired legs. Community at its best 👏

If you’ve never run London2Brighton I highly recommend it, and plan to be back up to fitness to be running it again in 2027.

📸 Photo from my 2024 run.

#run #runner #runnerscommunity #ultrarunner #london2brighton

August I’ll be back in Chamonix for UTMB 2026. I’ve run the Tour du Mont Blanc twice, outside of the official race but always in the week leading up to it. This year I’ll be in town for the full race week. And off exploring new trails around the valley.

Chamonix feels like home, it is giving me motivation to recover from the recent surgery, regain fitness and take my awesome shorts (zoom in to check those out) onto the trails in Chamonix. The shorts always get conversations and they are in plenty of peoples photo streams as I am regularly asked for photos!

👉 are you at UTMB 2026? Drop me a line to catch up.
👉 I’ll be posting frequently during race week to bring you all the atmosphere of this incredible event.

#run #runner #ultrarunner #utmb #chamonix

August I’ll be back in Chamonix for UTMB 2026. I’ve run the Tour du Mont Blanc twice, outside of the official race but always in the week leading up to it. This year I’ll be in town for the full race week. And off exploring new trails around the valley.

Chamonix feels like home, it is giving me motivation to recover from the recent surgery, regain fitness and take my awesome shorts (zoom in to check those out) onto the trails in Chamonix. The shorts always get conversations and they are in plenty of peoples photo streams as I am regularly asked for photos!

👉 are you at UTMB 2026? Drop me a line to catch up.
👉 I’ll be posting frequently during race week to bring you all the atmosphere of this incredible event.

#run #runner #ultrarunner #utmb #chamonix

My first big run back after cancer was 170mi to Land’s End, all on the trails of the South West Coast Path. It really reinforced my love of being off road and shaped my running for the next few years.

I ran this over 5 days, an ultra a day. And I ate my body weight in Jaffa Cakes!

As I got to Land’s End, in floods of tears, the ladies at the photo booth setup the sign with the word DETERMINED and took my photo. Determined was what I was. Determined to rebuild stronger, determined to make a difference to others, determined to lead a fulfilling life.

Life knocks us down, but it’s how we choose to respond that defines us.

#run #runner #trailrunner #running #ultrarunner

My first big run back after cancer was 170mi to Land’s End, all on the trails of the South West Coast Path. It really reinforced my love of being off road and shaped my running for the next few years.

I ran this over 5 days, an ultra a day. And I ate my body weight in Jaffa Cakes!

As I got to Land’s End, in floods of tears, the ladies at the photo booth setup the sign with the word DETERMINED and took my photo. Determined was what I was. Determined to rebuild stronger, determined to make a difference to others, determined to lead a fulfilling life.

Life knocks us down, but it’s how we choose to respond that defines us.

#run #runner #trailrunner #running #ultrarunner

Lots of new followers recently so a quick recap.
Emergency surgery just over 3 weeks ago has taken me out the shoes again, just as cancer did in 2021. I’m being very open and honest in my posts as how I am, as being out the shoes is not great, running gives me rhythm.

So where am I.
Definitely making progress, but still have internal muscle pain, the muscle is reconnecting and I can hear my strength coach @steve_middleton_lowes in my ear telling me to increase my protein intake! I hear you Steve!!

My body is getting used to a different way of working as it’s been rewired inside, and that’s going to take sometime, many many months. And I’ve been very tired in recent days.

I’m always thinking about designing runs that will support others, raising money for cancer charities is so important to me. Runs that capture attention and media interest. I had a great call this week with a company for an incredible run for next year - a World Record breaking run. These types of calls give me a focus for the road ahead.

Have a great weekend, I know many of you are racing this weekend, have a fantastic time and many of you are training for you first or next event, lace up and enjoy all the miles.

And finally, and most importantly, thank you to everyone who has messaged, called, text over this time. I really do appreciate it.

-Andy

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runna

Lots of new followers recently so a quick recap.
Emergency surgery just over 3 weeks ago has taken me out the shoes again, just as cancer did in 2021. I’m being very open and honest in my posts as how I am, as being out the shoes is not great, running gives me rhythm.

So where am I.
Definitely making progress, but still have internal muscle pain, the muscle is reconnecting and I can hear my strength coach @steve_middleton_lowes in my ear telling me to increase my protein intake! I hear you Steve!!

My body is getting used to a different way of working as it’s been rewired inside, and that’s going to take sometime, many many months. And I’ve been very tired in recent days.

I’m always thinking about designing runs that will support others, raising money for cancer charities is so important to me. Runs that capture attention and media interest. I had a great call this week with a company for an incredible run for next year - a World Record breaking run. These types of calls give me a focus for the road ahead.

Have a great weekend, I know many of you are racing this weekend, have a fantastic time and many of you are training for you first or next event, lace up and enjoy all the miles.

And finally, and most importantly, thank you to everyone who has messaged, called, text over this time. I really do appreciate it.

-Andy

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runna

Yesterday’s post was all about my 2023/25 Tour du Mont Blanc runs, today we are back in the UK and winding the clock back to 2022. My first big multi-day run back after cancer. 170mi to Land’s End on the South West Coast Path.

Over 5 days, running an ultra a day, taking me across North Devon and Cornwall coastlines. This run was about my recovery, my journey and to support those navigating tough times too.

I used a fantastic service from @luggagetransfers who each day picked up my overnight bag from one hotel and delivered it to the next, meaning I could just run each day with my @ultimatedirectioneu mountain vest.

If you are looking for somewhere spectacular to run, the South West Coast Path definitely delivers.

#run #trailrun #runner #southwestcoastpath #running

Yesterday’s post was all about my 2023/25 Tour du Mont Blanc runs, today we are back in the UK and winding the clock back to 2022. My first big multi-day run back after cancer. 170mi to Land’s End on the South West Coast Path.

Over 5 days, running an ultra a day, taking me across North Devon and Cornwall coastlines. This run was about my recovery, my journey and to support those navigating tough times too.

I used a fantastic service from @luggagetransfers who each day picked up my overnight bag from one hotel and delivered it to the next, meaning I could just run each day with my @ultimatedirectioneu mountain vest.

If you are looking for somewhere spectacular to run, the South West Coast Path definitely delivers.

#run #trailrun #runner #southwestcoastpath #running

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Quick Links

About
Press & PR
Completed Ultras
Merch
Blog
Contact
Privacy Policy

Andy Hood.

ULTRA & ENDURANCE RUNNER

Supporting those navigating cancer through a passion for running. Founder of Check Ya Balls gear, menswear that saves lives.

Newsletter

Subscribe Now and Get Access to Exclusive Check Ya Balls news and updates

Email*

Copyright ©2025 ANDY HOOD — ULTRA RUNNER, CANCER SURVIVOR AND ADVOCATE | All Rights Reserved

bottom of page