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
Beginner Running
Training Plans

runners heading towards a finish line with the text "5K and 10K running plans"

runners heading towards a finish line with the text "5K and 10K running plans"

5K and 10K Training Plans: Your Complete Guide From First Steps to Finish Line

Monochrome Texture

Into week 4 of the rebuild, main goal this week is to increase distance, pace I’m not concerned about. A 10mi run would be an ideal target, I’ll see how I’m feeling at the weekend for that.

Tonight was a ‘Protein with Bite’ run, if you run on a summers evening as the air cools then you’ll understand exactly what I mean by this 🪰🪰

5mi felt good today. I was thinking about my Superblast 3’s which I purchased after running about 1200km in the SB2’s. I’m not loving the SB3, they don’t work as well for me as the 2’s did and I’m not entirely sure why. If you’ve got the SB3 head into the comments 👇💬 and let me know how you get on with them.

Lace up, enjoy your miles 😊

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

Into week 4 of the rebuild, main goal this week is to increase distance, pace I’m not concerned about. A 10mi run would be an ideal target, I’ll see how I’m feeling at the weekend for that.

Tonight was a ‘Protein with Bite’ run, if you run on a summers evening as the air cools then you’ll understand exactly what I mean by this 🪰🪰

5mi felt good today. I was thinking about my Superblast 3’s which I purchased after running about 1200km in the SB2’s. I’m not loving the SB3, they don’t work as well for me as the 2’s did and I’m not entirely sure why. If you’ve got the SB3 head into the comments 👇💬 and let me know how you get on with them.

Lace up, enjoy your miles 😊

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

Well that’s been a long time coming, at long last you can comment with a photo. Awesome feature for sharing the running joy.

So get to it. 👇💬 show us all your best running medal photo. I’ll kick it off in the comments.

#run #runner #running #runnersofinstagram #instarunners

Well that’s been a long time coming, at long last you can comment with a photo. Awesome feature for sharing the running joy.

So get to it. 👇💬 show us all your best running medal photo. I’ll kick it off in the comments.

#run #runner #running #runnersofinstagram #instarunners

Strength training day with my ever entertaining coach @steve_middleton_lowes building the fitness back into the legs.

I’ve found strength training to be extremely beneficial over the last few years, especially for running in the mountains where the power is noticeable. My current focus is on strength for Chamonix at the end of August where I’ll be exploring many of the trails around the valley.

Last week Steve was on the violin, this week the double bass…anyones guess what next week will be!

#run #runner #strengthtraining #gym #ultrarunner

Strength training day with my ever entertaining coach @steve_middleton_lowes building the fitness back into the legs.

I’ve found strength training to be extremely beneficial over the last few years, especially for running in the mountains where the power is noticeable. My current focus is on strength for Chamonix at the end of August where I’ll be exploring many of the trails around the valley.

Last week Steve was on the violin, this week the double bass…anyones guess what next week will be!

#run #runner #strengthtraining #gym #ultrarunner

Three weeks completed, as you can see I’m still taking it all very easy, the plan is easy until end of the month then I’ll start a new training block, but that will just be an easy maintenance type program from @runna

Loving all this hot 🔥 weather, reminds me of when I first ran the Tour du Mont Blanc in 2023, if you want to see the temperature I ran that in swipe to picture 2. 😱

For those that have sound on you’ll be hearing my all time favourite song 🎶

Enjoy the week ahead, be careful in the heat, hydrate and remember to check in on any neighbours and friends who may struggle in the heat.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

Three weeks completed, as you can see I’m still taking it all very easy, the plan is easy until end of the month then I’ll start a new training block, but that will just be an easy maintenance type program from @runna

Loving all this hot 🔥 weather, reminds me of when I first ran the Tour du Mont Blanc in 2023, if you want to see the temperature I ran that in swipe to picture 2. 😱

For those that have sound on you’ll be hearing my all time favourite song 🎶

Enjoy the week ahead, be careful in the heat, hydrate and remember to check in on any neighbours and friends who may struggle in the heat.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

Some thoughts as I was running today. And a question for you…Why do you run? 👇💬

#run #runner #running #trailrunner #runnersofinstagram

Some thoughts as I was running today. And a question for you…Why do you run? 👇💬

#run #runner #running #trailrunner #runnersofinstagram

That face says everything, I absolutely adore running, it gives me so much rhythm to my life. This rebuild from surgery is slow but each run is a step forward.

I headed out to the rail trail, relaxed into the run and smiled through every step. I’m sure as a runner you understand exactly what I was feeling today.

So grateful to be back in the shoes, rebuilding and sharing the journey with you. I run to support others navigating cancer, most of my training blocks are for ultras I have designed that capture attention, and allow me to fundraise for cancer charities. I was handed a baton and it’s my responsibility to keep running with it.

Lace up, enjoy your miles.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

That face says everything, I absolutely adore running, it gives me so much rhythm to my life. This rebuild from surgery is slow but each run is a step forward.

I headed out to the rail trail, relaxed into the run and smiled through every step. I’m sure as a runner you understand exactly what I was feeling today.

So grateful to be back in the shoes, rebuilding and sharing the journey with you. I run to support others navigating cancer, most of my training blocks are for ultras I have designed that capture attention, and allow me to fundraise for cancer charities. I was handed a baton and it’s my responsibility to keep running with it.

Lace up, enjoy your miles.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

I love how you all engage with Follow Friday, a time to find new connections and support one another.

👉 New to Follow Friday? Here’s what it’s about
Each week I bring you 5 accounts I follow and the reasons why. Giving you the opportunity to find new connections and to drop into the comments and say hi

👇 This weeks 5 accounts

👉 @runcheerfulcharlie
Some of you may know Charlie from @clarksons_farm but did you know he is a runner? Charlie runs for a very personal reason and supports an amazing charity, and this is exactly what I do to. I hope to share a mile or two with Charlie one day, perhaps that steep mile from Chadlington village to @diddlysquat.farmshop - that is a hill! I’ve run it!

👉 @bradley_ultrarunner
The views! Always a great reel with fantastic views, getting off the road and onto the trail does something special for the heart. A must follow for great views.

👉 thepinkironman
Laura doesn’t allow a tag to posts, so search for her page. I met Laura at Arc of Attrition this year and was absolutely struck by her determination, 100% the type of person I love to follow.

👉 @theinfinitloop
Not that many people know about Infinits products in my running sphere, so I wanted to introduce you to them. Their Go Far product is super unique especially for ultras, contain massive carbs and protein in a drink mix. It’s an absolute winner.

👉 @kirsty.runs.cali
Always love a hop across the pond, especially where its to the kind of landscapes that Kirsty runs in. It always makes me want to jump on a plane with my trainers and head off to explore.

👇💬 don’t be shy, head to the comments and say hello.

#run #runner #running #runningcommunity #runnersofinstagram

I love how you all engage with Follow Friday, a time to find new connections and support one another.

👉 New to Follow Friday? Here’s what it’s about
Each week I bring you 5 accounts I follow and the reasons why. Giving you the opportunity to find new connections and to drop into the comments and say hi

👇 This weeks 5 accounts

👉 @runcheerfulcharlie
Some of you may know Charlie from @clarksons_farm but did you know he is a runner? Charlie runs for a very personal reason and supports an amazing charity, and this is exactly what I do to. I hope to share a mile or two with Charlie one day, perhaps that steep mile from Chadlington village to @diddlysquat.farmshop - that is a hill! I’ve run it!

👉 @bradley_ultrarunner
The views! Always a great reel with fantastic views, getting off the road and onto the trail does something special for the heart. A must follow for great views.

👉 thepinkironman
Laura doesn’t allow a tag to posts, so search for her page. I met Laura at Arc of Attrition this year and was absolutely struck by her determination, 100% the type of person I love to follow.

👉 @theinfinitloop
Not that many people know about Infinits products in my running sphere, so I wanted to introduce you to them. Their Go Far product is super unique especially for ultras, contain massive carbs and protein in a drink mix. It’s an absolute winner.

👉 @kirsty.runs.cali
Always love a hop across the pond, especially where its to the kind of landscapes that Kirsty runs in. It always makes me want to jump on a plane with my trainers and head off to explore.

👇💬 don’t be shy, head to the comments and say hello.

#run #runner #running #runningcommunity #runnersofinstagram

So there it is @londonmarathon officially announcing they are going for a double scoop in 2027. The TCS London Marathon will be held across 2 days, April 24th & 25th.

On my pencil and scrap of paper maths that means you may just have doubled your chances of securing a ballot entry to a whopping……(drumroll please)…..3%.

Further info on actual ballot places is still scant, so my maths is a bit of a guess but I think it will be in the right ball park.

Have you entered the ballot?
What do you think of this double day format?
👇💬 get in the comments and let me know

#run #runner #londonmarathon #london #runnersofinstagram

So there it is @londonmarathon officially announcing they are going for a double scoop in 2027. The TCS London Marathon will be held across 2 days, April 24th & 25th.

On my pencil and scrap of paper maths that means you may just have doubled your chances of securing a ballot entry to a whopping……(drumroll please)…..3%.

Further info on actual ballot places is still scant, so my maths is a bit of a guess but I think it will be in the right ball park.

Have you entered the ballot?
What do you think of this double day format?
👇💬 get in the comments and let me know

#run #runner #londonmarathon #london #runnersofinstagram

Hilly 2.5mi tonight as I continue the rebuild, definitely finding this hard, each mile is an effort and I’m feeling a bit of internal bruising too. Keeping everything light and dialled back for the next 10 days to see how I am.

Next target it a 15mi run at the end of July, one I am really looking forward to and hope @charlottekingham might be able to join me, we’ve been chatting about running for together for months. I know we’ll have a great conversation about clothing, rugby, running and beef! What could be better.

Looks like we have some warmer weather on the way again, I could do with a little sun on my face.

Lace up and enjoy your miles.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

Hilly 2.5mi tonight as I continue the rebuild, definitely finding this hard, each mile is an effort and I’m feeling a bit of internal bruising too. Keeping everything light and dialled back for the next 10 days to see how I am.

Next target it a 15mi run at the end of July, one I am really looking forward to and hope @charlottekingham might be able to join me, we’ve been chatting about running for together for months. I know we’ll have a great conversation about clothing, rugby, running and beef! What could be better.

Looks like we have some warmer weather on the way again, I could do with a little sun on my face.

Lace up and enjoy your miles.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

Thank you to every one of you. It means the world to me.

#run #runner #running #runnersofinstagram #runningmotivation

Thank you to every one of you. It means the world to me.

#run #runner #running #runnersofinstagram #runningmotivation

Back at 10K distance, a very late run, finishing at around 10pm on a wet and misty night. Feels great to increase the mileage, I’ll stay at this distance for a while before heading back towards half marathon distance in a couple of weeks time.

A very reflective run tonight. A BBC interview today about my cancer diagnosis, recovery, running and supporting others. It’s been a real journey since diagnosis, and plans for the year ahead are focused on awareness and fundraising. I have so much to share with you over the coming weeks.

As a reminder for all of us, please check your bits and bobs for lumps, bumps and think about your body, has anything changed that concerns you…please see your doctor. Early diagnosis is vital.

Peanut butter sandwich. Protein shake. Shower. Bed. In that order for me now.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

Back at 10K distance, a very late run, finishing at around 10pm on a wet and misty night. Feels great to increase the mileage, I’ll stay at this distance for a while before heading back towards half marathon distance in a couple of weeks time.

A very reflective run tonight. A BBC interview today about my cancer diagnosis, recovery, running and supporting others. It’s been a real journey since diagnosis, and plans for the year ahead are focused on awareness and fundraising. I have so much to share with you over the coming weeks.

As a reminder for all of us, please check your bits and bobs for lumps, bumps and think about your body, has anything changed that concerns you…please see your doctor. Early diagnosis is vital.

Peanut butter sandwich. Protein shake. Shower. Bed. In that order for me now.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

This is a man who saved my life, and I say that with sincerity and a huge amount of emotion. Without him I doubt I would have discovered my cancer when I did, and there is a very high chance I would not be here typing this message today. Life for my family could have been very different.

Cancer is so often unseen. I couldn’t see a cut or a bruise, but inside me was something that was about to dramatically change the course of my life. The operation was frightening, the chemotherapy lonely. Cancer can make you feel deeply alone, no matter what support you have around you.

Jeremy prompted me to check. He handed me a baton. And I feel a deep responsibility to run with that baton.

I chose to fight hard, to rebuild, to come back with purpose. I’ve talked openly, I’ve shared my story, I’ve encouraged so many to be self aware, I receive many messages from people who have checked, have found something and have gone to see the doctor. I’ve raised near £30,000 for cancer charities, especially @chemohero whose Boxes of Kindness make the biggest difference at your loneliness time.

Last year I ran a self designed ultra to @diddlysquat.farmshop to thank Jeremy for saving my life. In the last mile of that run I was completely overcome with emotion. And I have something further planned for the coming weeks, watch this space.

And I will continue to run with that baton to make a difference to everyone in the fight, those diagnosed as well as the family and friends who support.

Jeremy I can never thank you enough. But I can be with you through every step.

#run #runner #cancer #ultrarunner #strongertogether s

This is a man who saved my life, and I say that with sincerity and a huge amount of emotion. Without him I doubt I would have discovered my cancer when I did, and there is a very high chance I would not be here typing this message today. Life for my family could have been very different.

Cancer is so often unseen. I couldn’t see a cut or a bruise, but inside me was something that was about to dramatically change the course of my life. The operation was frightening, the chemotherapy lonely. Cancer can make you feel deeply alone, no matter what support you have around you.

Jeremy prompted me to check. He handed me a baton. And I feel a deep responsibility to run with that baton.

I chose to fight hard, to rebuild, to come back with purpose. I’ve talked openly, I’ve shared my story, I’ve encouraged so many to be self aware, I receive many messages from people who have checked, have found something and have gone to see the doctor. I’ve raised near £30,000 for cancer charities, especially @chemohero whose Boxes of Kindness make the biggest difference at your loneliness time.

Last year I ran a self designed ultra to @diddlysquat.farmshop to thank Jeremy for saving my life. In the last mile of that run I was completely overcome with emotion. And I have something further planned for the coming weeks, watch this space.

And I will continue to run with that baton to make a difference to everyone in the fight, those diagnosed as well as the family and friends who support.

Jeremy I can never thank you enough. But I can be with you through every step.

#run #runner #cancer #ultrarunner #strongertogether s

Continuing the rebuild into week 3, the goal this week is to increase to 10K, everything feels ok inside the body but I’m still cautious not to push too hard.

Hilly route tonight, I want to keep building the climbing strength ready for Chamonix. The year ahead is looking like this (lots of fingers crossed 🤞)

👉 August - Chamonix for UTMB week
👉 September - Ultra Challenge South Coast, I’ll be assisting in pacing someone to a world record attempt.
👉 October - Run for the Glaze. My London 50K to 20 @krispykremeuk shops. I absolutely love working with Krispy Kreme and so excited to bring this one to you. And I’ll be fundraising for cancer charity @chemohero

For now it’s about rebuilding at a sensible rate.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

Continuing the rebuild into week 3, the goal this week is to increase to 10K, everything feels ok inside the body but I’m still cautious not to push too hard.

Hilly route tonight, I want to keep building the climbing strength ready for Chamonix. The year ahead is looking like this (lots of fingers crossed 🤞)

👉 August - Chamonix for UTMB week
👉 September - Ultra Challenge South Coast, I’ll be assisting in pacing someone to a world record attempt.
👉 October - Run for the Glaze. My London 50K to 20 @krispykremeuk shops. I absolutely love working with Krispy Kreme and so excited to bring this one to you. And I’ll be fundraising for cancer charity @chemohero

For now it’s about rebuilding at a sensible rate.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

Great session tonight with my entertaining strength coach @steve_middleton_lowes as I rebuild we are focused on getting the strength back in the legs

👉 Leg press
👉 Seated calf raises
👉 Banded hip thrust (these look so dodgy)
👉 Lunges
👉 Box squats
👉 Barbell squats

Always an entertaining evening with Steve! Tonight felt much better than last week’s session, pleased with the progress.

#run #runner #strengthtraining #gym #ultrarunner

Great session tonight with my entertaining strength coach @steve_middleton_lowes as I rebuild we are focused on getting the strength back in the legs

👉 Leg press
👉 Seated calf raises
👉 Banded hip thrust (these look so dodgy)
👉 Lunges
👉 Box squats
👉 Barbell squats

Always an entertaining evening with Steve! Tonight felt much better than last week’s session, pleased with the progress.

#run #runner #strengthtraining #gym #ultrarunner

Does it actually matter? I’m rebuilding after the surgery, this is week 2 after 7 weeks out the shoes and I’m posting runs with an average pace in the high 9’s, when my tempo runs are usually in the 7’s and easy days in the 8’s.

On today’s run was I tempted to prove to myself I can run faster, yes absolutely. But does it actually matter if I’m in the high 9’s at the moment, no it really doesn’t as that’s the right pace for my recovery and that’s all that is important.

7 days ago I ran my first 5mi since getting back in the shoes, today I ran exactly the same route and distance. Last week I was concerned the run, although easy, was in Z4, today was double the temperature which affects HR but I was in a much better Z2/3. Recovery is progressing well.

Next target is 10K by next weekend.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

Does it actually matter? I’m rebuilding after the surgery, this is week 2 after 7 weeks out the shoes and I’m posting runs with an average pace in the high 9’s, when my tempo runs are usually in the 7’s and easy days in the 8’s.

On today’s run was I tempted to prove to myself I can run faster, yes absolutely. But does it actually matter if I’m in the high 9’s at the moment, no it really doesn’t as that’s the right pace for my recovery and that’s all that is important.

7 days ago I ran my first 5mi since getting back in the shoes, today I ran exactly the same route and distance. Last week I was concerned the run, although easy, was in Z4, today was double the temperature which affects HR but I was in a much better Z2/3. Recovery is progressing well.

Next target is 10K by next weekend.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

The goal, keep it easy, very easy. Rebuilding takes time and patience, something that is in short supply with me at times, but I’m ok with where I am. Major surgery and losing another organ takes time to recover from.

Started the day with an amazing leg massage, I absolutely love these each month, feel relaxed, refreshed and enjoy the conversation too. What I’m not looking forward to is the rolling eyes emoji that will be in my messages any moment from the wonderful person who looks after my legs, as I am told not to run on them today…..but it was only a little run…so that’s got to be alright….right?

Hilly route today as I want to get some climbing back in the legs, and I dialled it right back keeping in Z2/3 which was the aim.

Next target is to be back at 10K by next weekend.

Lace up, enjoy your miles and I’m off to check my text messages 😁

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

The goal, keep it easy, very easy. Rebuilding takes time and patience, something that is in short supply with me at times, but I’m ok with where I am. Major surgery and losing another organ takes time to recover from.

Started the day with an amazing leg massage, I absolutely love these each month, feel relaxed, refreshed and enjoy the conversation too. What I’m not looking forward to is the rolling eyes emoji that will be in my messages any moment from the wonderful person who looks after my legs, as I am told not to run on them today…..but it was only a little run…so that’s got to be alright….right?

Hilly route today as I want to get some climbing back in the legs, and I dialled it right back keeping in Z2/3 which was the aim.

Next target is to be back at 10K by next weekend.

Lace up, enjoy your miles and I’m off to check my text messages 😁

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

As I slowly rebuild fitness after surgery and being out the shoes for 7 weeks my sights are now set on Chamonix in late August.

The mountains are a challenging and beautiful place to run, and the town of Chamonix historic and alive with hikers and runners. I’ve run the TMB twice and will likely do it again next year. This year I’ll be in town for the full UTMB week, exploring some of the side trails, running to a glacier and soaking up the atmosphere.

I’ll be joining the @run4adventure.uk Shakeout run, which this year is in conjunction with @scottrunning - thank you to Loyd & Liga for organising this.

My cheeky ball shorts will be on the trail, they have always got a lot of attention and conversation, exactly what I designed them to do, and they appear in a lot of people’s photo streams too! I wonder if I have the most photographed butt on the trail…maybe a world record in here!!

and hoping my new t shirt will be ready too, designed for conversation and to help support the charities I fundraise for over the year.

For now I just need to rebuild fitness.

#run #runner #trailrun #chamonix #runnersofinstagram

As I slowly rebuild fitness after surgery and being out the shoes for 7 weeks my sights are now set on Chamonix in late August.

The mountains are a challenging and beautiful place to run, and the town of Chamonix historic and alive with hikers and runners. I’ve run the TMB twice and will likely do it again next year. This year I’ll be in town for the full UTMB week, exploring some of the side trails, running to a glacier and soaking up the atmosphere.

I’ll be joining the @run4adventure.uk Shakeout run, which this year is in conjunction with @scottrunning - thank you to Loyd & Liga for organising this.

My cheeky ball shorts will be on the trail, they have always got a lot of attention and conversation, exactly what I designed them to do, and they appear in a lot of people’s photo streams too! I wonder if I have the most photographed butt on the trail…maybe a world record in here!!

and hoping my new t shirt will be ready too, designed for conversation and to help support the charities I fundraise for over the year.

For now I just need to rebuild fitness.

#run #runner #trailrun #chamonix #runnersofinstagram

Follow Friday- a big community thank you for all your support on my follow Friday posts, these really are bringing people together.

👉 What is Follow Friday
Each week I bring you 5 accounts I follow and the reasons why. Giving you the opportunity to connect with new people and to drop in the comments 👇💬 and say hi.

👉 Why I do this
I believe we are stronger together. Cancer visited me in 2021, and in April this year I was rushed into hospital for emergency surgery again. Community support has been vital during this time. And seeing all your runs made a huge difference to my recovery motivation.

👇 This weeks 5 accounts

👉 @topless_parkrunner
Jenny is amazing, breast cancer a few years ago, and has come back with a mission to encourage others to be self aware and check. A person absolutely after my own heart as I do exactly the same around testicular cancer awareness.

👉 @greenbeanrunning
Phil is a new connection for me, I absolutely love the openness of his running journey. So good to see Phil complete the Manchester half. There are great things to come here.

👉 @celticbabe920
Greta! Time to hop over the pond and follow Greta’s running journey, love the energy and fun, including taking part in my inaugural Global Doughnut Running Day! Her tag ‘Community over Competition’ says it all. Love it.

👉 @runannie
Annie has been a great supporter of Follow Friday and that is a real demonstration of community. An account full of good vibes from 5K to marathon. Energy!

👉 @robertzalme
Robert is one of no drama, honest runners I love to follow, lace up, run, and share the journey and love of running. That is absolutely what running is about.

Drop into the comments 👇💬 say hi and celebrate an amazing community.

#run #runner #runningcommunity #runningmotivation #runnersofinstagram

Follow Friday- a big community thank you for all your support on my follow Friday posts, these really are bringing people together.

👉 What is Follow Friday
Each week I bring you 5 accounts I follow and the reasons why. Giving you the opportunity to connect with new people and to drop in the comments 👇💬 and say hi.

👉 Why I do this
I believe we are stronger together. Cancer visited me in 2021, and in April this year I was rushed into hospital for emergency surgery again. Community support has been vital during this time. And seeing all your runs made a huge difference to my recovery motivation.

👇 This weeks 5 accounts

👉 @topless_parkrunner
Jenny is amazing, breast cancer a few years ago, and has come back with a mission to encourage others to be self aware and check. A person absolutely after my own heart as I do exactly the same around testicular cancer awareness.

👉 @greenbeanrunning
Phil is a new connection for me, I absolutely love the openness of his running journey. So good to see Phil complete the Manchester half. There are great things to come here.

👉 @celticbabe920
Greta! Time to hop over the pond and follow Greta’s running journey, love the energy and fun, including taking part in my inaugural Global Doughnut Running Day! Her tag ‘Community over Competition’ says it all. Love it.

👉 @runannie
Annie has been a great supporter of Follow Friday and that is a real demonstration of community. An account full of good vibes from 5K to marathon. Energy!

👉 @robertzalme
Robert is one of no drama, honest runners I love to follow, lace up, run, and share the journey and love of running. That is absolutely what running is about.

Drop into the comments 👇💬 say hi and celebrate an amazing community.

#run #runner #runningcommunity #runningmotivation #runnersofinstagram

Continuing the rebuild into week 2, this is run no.6 after that pesky emergency surgery that saw me lose another organ. Life has thrown a few curve balls my way in recent years.

Very, very low miles at 2, and I dropped the pace back too, did take in a hilly route, see that in pic 2, but much happier with where the heart rate sat, an even split between Z2 & 3, rather than Z4 I was seeing last week.

Resilience
👉 make sure you have people around you that you can openly say ‘things aren’t great’ and they respond by listening

👉 remember your why

I’ve dug into those two a lot in recent weeks. And now I can see some light ahead, I can see the running will return. Just need a quiet word with my body to behave itself!

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

Continuing the rebuild into week 2, this is run no.6 after that pesky emergency surgery that saw me lose another organ. Life has thrown a few curve balls my way in recent years.

Very, very low miles at 2, and I dropped the pace back too, did take in a hilly route, see that in pic 2, but much happier with where the heart rate sat, an even split between Z2 & 3, rather than Z4 I was seeing last week.

Resilience
👉 make sure you have people around you that you can openly say ‘things aren’t great’ and they respond by listening

👉 remember your why

I’ve dug into those two a lot in recent weeks. And now I can see some light ahead, I can see the running will return. Just need a quiet word with my body to behave itself!

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

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

.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