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
Race Entry
Race Guides

Humorous square cover image for a running blog article titled “Strava vs Chip Time.” The image features exhausted runners checking Strava on an Apple Watch Ultra, race spectators holding cardboard protest signs reading “Chip Time Only” with “Strava” crossed out, and a gym influencer filming fake workouts with a tripod and ring light. Bright, vibrant colors, bold typography, energetic race atmosphere, and comedic fitness culture satire designed to grab attention on Instagram and social media.

Humorous square cover image for a running blog article titled “Strava vs Chip Time.” The image features exhausted runners checking Strava on an Apple Watch Ultra, race spectators holding cardboard protest signs reading “Chip Time Only” with “Strava” crossed out, and a gym influencer filming fake workouts with a tripod and ring light. Bright, vibrant colors, bold typography, energetic race atmosphere, and comedic fitness culture satire designed to grab attention on Instagram and social media.

Strava Time vs Chip Time: No, Mine Doesn't Count, And Neither Does Yours

Running Ramblings

Run for the Glaze: Andy Hood to Attempt 50KM Krispy Kreme Run Across London for Cancer Charity

Ultra Running Adventures

runner with text "testicular cancer my story"

runner with text "testicular cancer my story"

My Testicular Cancer Story: How One Diagnosis Changed Everything

Running Ramblings

Why Run a 50K on a Treadmill in a Shopping Centre?

Why Run a 50K on a Treadmill in a Shopping Centre?

Why Run a 50K on a Treadmill in a Shopping Centre?

man wearing running gear in dark sunglasses

man wearing running gear in dark sunglasses

Cancer and me and the launch of Check Ya Balls

Cancer Awareness

Monochrome Texture

Setting the alarm to get ahead of the heat of the day.

Salomon water bottles in the fridge.

Precision gels out and ready.

Longest run since surgery, the rebuild continues.

See you in the morning.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

Setting the alarm to get ahead of the heat of the day.

Salomon water bottles in the fridge.

Precision gels out and ready.

Longest run since surgery, the rebuild continues.

See you in the morning.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

🚨 STOP SCROLLING… I’ve got a challenge for you! 👀

It’s Follow Friday, but today I’m breaking tradition because it’s World Emoji Day! 🎉

Instead of me sharing my favourite accounts…

I want to know YOU.

👇 In the comments, describe your mood using just 3 emojis.
❌ No words.
❌ No explanations.
✅ Just 3 emojis.

Then…
❤️ Like the ones that make you laugh.
👏 Vote for your favourite.
🤣 Get creative.

The emoji combo with the most love—or the one that makes me laugh the hardest—wins today’s Follow Friday spotlight! 🌟

Ready? I’ll go first…

💻🥵🏃

Your turn… ⬇️

#run #runner #runnersofinstagram #followfriday #worldemojiday

🚨 STOP SCROLLING… I’ve got a challenge for you! 👀

It’s Follow Friday, but today I’m breaking tradition because it’s World Emoji Day! 🎉

Instead of me sharing my favourite accounts…

I want to know YOU.

👇 In the comments, describe your mood using just 3 emojis.
❌ No words.
❌ No explanations.
✅ Just 3 emojis.

Then…
❤️ Like the ones that make you laugh.
👏 Vote for your favourite.
🤣 Get creative.

The emoji combo with the most love—or the one that makes me laugh the hardest—wins today’s Follow Friday spotlight! 🌟

Ready? I’ll go first…

💻🥵🏃

Your turn… ⬇️

#run #runner #runnersofinstagram #followfriday #worldemojiday

Strength session tonight with coach @steve_middleton_lowes who not only pushes me hard, but provides significant amounts of entertainment too.

👇
👉 Kettlebell lunges
👉 Abductors
👉 Adductors
👉 Banded hip thrusts (sorry Ash!)
👉 Good mornings

Steve has quite the collection 📸 2 😁

We had a good conversation tonight about how my return to running is going and Steve reminded me that my body is still recovering from a major operation, so as much as I am a little frustrated with my running progress, it is to be expected. It’s easy to forget what I’ve been through when I’m so focused on rebuilding.

#run #runner #strength #gym #runnersofinstagram

Strength session tonight with coach @steve_middleton_lowes who not only pushes me hard, but provides significant amounts of entertainment too.

👇
👉 Kettlebell lunges
👉 Abductors
👉 Adductors
👉 Banded hip thrusts (sorry Ash!)
👉 Good mornings

Steve has quite the collection 📸 2 😁

We had a good conversation tonight about how my return to running is going and Steve reminded me that my body is still recovering from a major operation, so as much as I am a little frustrated with my running progress, it is to be expected. It’s easy to forget what I’ve been through when I’m so focused on rebuilding.

#run #runner #strength #gym #runnersofinstagram

7.5 miles. Easy pace. Didn’t feel easy.

Some runs tell you exactly where you are.

I was up with the 5am club this morning to get the miles done before the heat arrived. The cool morning air was a welcome companion, although you could already feel the temperature beginning to climb.

This was meant to be an easy run.

A few months ago it would have been exactly that. Today it took work.

That’s the reality of rebuilding after surgery. The engine is coming back, but it’s coming back one run at a time. Some days are a reminder that I’ve still got a fair way to go before longer distances feel comfortable again.

The positive? Every run moves me forward.

The plan today was simple. Stay disciplined, keep everything in Zone 2 and Zone 3, and I managed 100% of the run exactly where it needed to be.

No heroics. Just consistency.

In 10 days I’ll be running from @thefarmersdogpub to @diddlysquat.farmshop . Around half marathon distance, plenty of hills, and probably the biggest test of my rebuild so far.

It won’t be fast.

It won’t be easy.

But I’ll be there. 🏃‍♂️💚

And I’m looking forward to the @bastefood burger 🍔

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

7.5 miles. Easy pace. Didn’t feel easy.

Some runs tell you exactly where you are.

I was up with the 5am club this morning to get the miles done before the heat arrived. The cool morning air was a welcome companion, although you could already feel the temperature beginning to climb.

This was meant to be an easy run.

A few months ago it would have been exactly that. Today it took work.

That’s the reality of rebuilding after surgery. The engine is coming back, but it’s coming back one run at a time. Some days are a reminder that I’ve still got a fair way to go before longer distances feel comfortable again.

The positive? Every run moves me forward.

The plan today was simple. Stay disciplined, keep everything in Zone 2 and Zone 3, and I managed 100% of the run exactly where it needed to be.

No heroics. Just consistency.

In 10 days I’ll be running from @thefarmersdogpub to @diddlysquat.farmshop . Around half marathon distance, plenty of hills, and probably the biggest test of my rebuild so far.

It won’t be fast.

It won’t be easy.

But I’ll be there. 🏃‍♂️💚

And I’m looking forward to the @bastefood burger 🍔

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

Back at it, new training block started today with sights firmly set on rebuilding fitness ready for Chamonix at the end of August. Started the new programme with a tempo run

🔥 1.5mi WU
👉 1mi at 8.35/mi then 1mi at 7.55/mi repeat x2
👉 90s recovery
🥶 1mi CD

I threw in an additional recovery period between the two sets of intervals, getting the HR back down to Z2 before going again. This training block is about taking it easy, rebuilding slowly and I’m not afraid to do it my way, if I want an additional recovery I’ll do it, thats the beauty of Runna, hit the pause for a moment. Never be afraid to run your way, it’s your programme and you should always do what you feel right.

28 degrees as I headed out tonight. That had me running with sweat!

Lace up and enjoy your miles.

#run #running #runner #runna #runnersofinstagram

Back at it, new training block started today with sights firmly set on rebuilding fitness ready for Chamonix at the end of August. Started the new programme with a tempo run

🔥 1.5mi WU
👉 1mi at 8.35/mi then 1mi at 7.55/mi repeat x2
👉 90s recovery
🥶 1mi CD

I threw in an additional recovery period between the two sets of intervals, getting the HR back down to Z2 before going again. This training block is about taking it easy, rebuilding slowly and I’m not afraid to do it my way, if I want an additional recovery I’ll do it, thats the beauty of Runna, hit the pause for a moment. Never be afraid to run your way, it’s your programme and you should always do what you feel right.

28 degrees as I headed out tonight. That had me running with sweat!

Lace up and enjoy your miles.

#run #running #runner #runna #runnersofinstagram

Beautiful day in the mountains, no running today, but plenty of power hiking! The stillness of the mountains and the coolness to the air are both so relaxing. I could spend a lifetime up in the mountains.

Less than 6 weeks until I’m in Chamonix for 10 days in the mountains around Mont Blanc, a trip I’m very much looking forward too.

#run #runner #mountains #trailrunner #runnersofinstagram

Beautiful day in the mountains, no running today, but plenty of power hiking! The stillness of the mountains and the coolness to the air are both so relaxing. I could spend a lifetime up in the mountains.

Less than 6 weeks until I’m in Chamonix for 10 days in the mountains around Mont Blanc, a trip I’m very much looking forward too.

#run #runner #mountains #trailrunner #runnersofinstagram

Hot! Headed out not long after breakfast for a few miles, and that was a run way harder than the miles show. Likely for the following reasons

👉 I’m at c5000ft - running at elevation takes effort
👉 It was already hot - still sweating an hour after the run!
👉 Cold is still sitting on my chest
👉 Still in recovery phase from operation

Despite all the above and the fact far too much of that run was Z5 threshold (see pic 2) it was an absolutely enjoyable run. Being in the mountains, the views, the air, the pine scented forests make me feel like I’m home.

Lace up and enjoy your miles.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

Hot! Headed out not long after breakfast for a few miles, and that was a run way harder than the miles show. Likely for the following reasons

👉 I’m at c5000ft - running at elevation takes effort
👉 It was already hot - still sweating an hour after the run!
👉 Cold is still sitting on my chest
👉 Still in recovery phase from operation

Despite all the above and the fact far too much of that run was Z5 threshold (see pic 2) it was an absolutely enjoyable run. Being in the mountains, the views, the air, the pine scented forests make me feel like I’m home.

Lace up and enjoy your miles.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

On what is London Marathon Ballot Email Day, I thought I’d say a HUGE thank you to @rctcharity who I have been fundraising for over the last couple of years, for giving me the opportunity to run London’27. But not just any run, running as a pair of 🍒

Testicular cancer nearly got me, the story on how I found it is quite remarkable and it was @jeremyclarkson1 who prompted me to check. A guy who I have a huge amount of respect for.

Running in this costume will spark awareness, potentially save lives, get guys thinking and checking and raise vital funds for The Robin Cancer Trust. I’ll have a lot of fun with this costume as I train for London.

And maybe we can get Jeremy to come and cheer me on, I’ll leave you to tag him in your comments!

London….I’m coming for you.

#run #runner #running #londonmarathon #runnersofinstagram

On what is London Marathon Ballot Email Day, I thought I’d say a HUGE thank you to @rctcharity who I have been fundraising for over the last couple of years, for giving me the opportunity to run London’27. But not just any run, running as a pair of 🍒

Testicular cancer nearly got me, the story on how I found it is quite remarkable and it was @jeremyclarkson1 who prompted me to check. A guy who I have a huge amount of respect for.

Running in this costume will spark awareness, potentially save lives, get guys thinking and checking and raise vital funds for The Robin Cancer Trust. I’ll have a lot of fun with this costume as I train for London.

And maybe we can get Jeremy to come and cheer me on, I’ll leave you to tag him in your comments!

London….I’m coming for you.

#run #runner #running #londonmarathon #runnersofinstagram

Some incredibly hilly trail miles this morning, a lot of power hiking and a steady run up about 2mi of switchbacks. One of the greatest moments I’ve had running in the mountains of France, Switzerland and Italy are coming across water fountains. They are everywhere. Cold, pure mountain water. There is nothing to compare to it when you are hot and dripping in sweat.

I got hit by a bug last week that is still sitting on my chest, so taking everything very easy this week.

#run #runner #running #trailrun #runnersofinstagram

Some incredibly hilly trail miles this morning, a lot of power hiking and a steady run up about 2mi of switchbacks. One of the greatest moments I’ve had running in the mountains of France, Switzerland and Italy are coming across water fountains. They are everywhere. Cold, pure mountain water. There is nothing to compare to it when you are hot and dripping in sweat.

I got hit by a bug last week that is still sitting on my chest, so taking everything very easy this week.

#run #runner #running #trailrun #runnersofinstagram

It’s London Marathon ballot email day! And as promised I’ve made you a post you can share, a vest you can wear and a badge you can display with honour. I got rejected too!

👇💬 jump in the comments and let is all know you are proud to be rejected.

#run #runner #running #londonmarathon #runnersofinstagram

It’s London Marathon ballot email day! And as promised I’ve made you a post you can share, a vest you can wear and a badge you can display with honour. I got rejected too!

👇💬 jump in the comments and let is all know you are proud to be rejected.

#run #runner #running #londonmarathon #runnersofinstagram

6:42am in the mountains of Italy. The skies in the mountains are like no other place, cloud formations are visually stunning. It’s why I love getting off the road and onto the trail, you see things you never would otherwise.

My recommendation
👉 buy a pair of trail shoes
👉 explore the mountains

Your future self will thank you.

#run #trailrunner #mountains #views #cloud

6:42am in the mountains of Italy. The skies in the mountains are like no other place, cloud formations are visually stunning. It’s why I love getting off the road and onto the trail, you see things you never would otherwise.

My recommendation
👉 buy a pair of trail shoes
👉 explore the mountains

Your future self will thank you.

#run #trailrunner #mountains #views #cloud

The mountains are my spiritual home, before I head out to Chamonix at the end of August I’m spending time in Italy exploring the Dolomites and surrounding areas.

Came across this refugio that served the best hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted, more like chocolate soup.

#trail #trailrunning #italy #dolomites

The mountains are my spiritual home, before I head out to Chamonix at the end of August I’m spending time in Italy exploring the Dolomites and surrounding areas.

Came across this refugio that served the best hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted, more like chocolate soup.

#trail #trailrunning #italy #dolomites

Can you keep a secret. It’s a big one.

As a testicular cancer survivor this is something I felt compelled to do.

#run #runner #running #londonmarathon #runnersofinstagram

Can you keep a secret. It’s a big one.

As a testicular cancer survivor this is something I felt compelled to do.

#run #runner #running #londonmarathon #runnersofinstagram

Hilly 10K on my 2mi out and back route. I was thinking about another 10mi today but 2 things stopped me, first I’ve picked up a cold somewhere and I didn’t want to push it too much, and secondly, and probably more importantly I know my amazing sports massage therapist will be reading this post and she gave me a wonderful leg massage this morning. She will be rolling her eyes and giving me a telling off for running today!So 10K only results in a small telling off!

Any hoo, super pleased with the run, despite the hilly nature of the route I kept HR in Z2/Z3. These last few weeks of keeping the pace dialled back is paying off.

Lace up, enjoy your weekend.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

Hilly 10K on my 2mi out and back route. I was thinking about another 10mi today but 2 things stopped me, first I’ve picked up a cold somewhere and I didn’t want to push it too much, and secondly, and probably more importantly I know my amazing sports massage therapist will be reading this post and she gave me a wonderful leg massage this morning. She will be rolling her eyes and giving me a telling off for running today!So 10K only results in a small telling off!

Any hoo, super pleased with the run, despite the hilly nature of the route I kept HR in Z2/Z3. These last few weeks of keeping the pace dialled back is paying off.

Lace up, enjoy your weekend.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

It’s seems that you not only love Follow Friday, with fantastic engagement, but it seems to have sparked lots of others also embracing Follow Friday on their accounts too.

This week I am bringing you something different…a LONDON MARATHON SPECIAL EDITION.

It’s a week where 1.3million runners are waiting for ‘that’ email. So in recognition of this nerve wracking time I am opening up the comments to everyone who has

👉 entered the ballot for 2027
get in the comments and tell us you are keeping everything crossed

👉 have been rejected once or more
tell us how many times you’ve had the Not This Year email

👉 have actually ran London
tell us which year you ran

👉 and for everyone else let’s support our fellow runners by jumping in the comments and wishing them good luck

👇💬 into the comments you go!

#run #runner #running #runnersofinstagram londonmarathon

It’s seems that you not only love Follow Friday, with fantastic engagement, but it seems to have sparked lots of others also embracing Follow Friday on their accounts too.

This week I am bringing you something different…a LONDON MARATHON SPECIAL EDITION.

It’s a week where 1.3million runners are waiting for ‘that’ email. So in recognition of this nerve wracking time I am opening up the comments to everyone who has

👉 entered the ballot for 2027
get in the comments and tell us you are keeping everything crossed

👉 have been rejected once or more
tell us how many times you’ve had the Not This Year email

👉 have actually ran London
tell us which year you ran

👉 and for everyone else let’s support our fellow runners by jumping in the comments and wishing them good luck

👇💬 into the comments you go!

#run #runner #running #runnersofinstagram londonmarathon

I am always entertained by my coach @steve_middleton_lowes as he puts me through my paces. Good leg session tonight, feeling pretty happy the normality is resuming and I’m settling back into strength training.

We are still being cautious on the weight, but some positive increases over last week. Tonight’s session was 👇

Kettlebell lunges
Leg curls
Adductors/abductors
Seated calf raises
Banded hip thrust (sorry other gym members you had to see this!)
The odd squat or two

Each day I also do banded ankle strengthening exercises, which definitely help on the technical terrain and give confidence especially on the downhills.

Lace up and enjoy your miles.

#run #runner #gym #strengthtraining #runnersofinstagram

I am always entertained by my coach @steve_middleton_lowes as he puts me through my paces. Good leg session tonight, feeling pretty happy the normality is resuming and I’m settling back into strength training.

We are still being cautious on the weight, but some positive increases over last week. Tonight’s session was 👇

Kettlebell lunges
Leg curls
Adductors/abductors
Seated calf raises
Banded hip thrust (sorry other gym members you had to see this!)
The odd squat or two

Each day I also do banded ankle strengthening exercises, which definitely help on the technical terrain and give confidence especially on the downhills.

Lace up and enjoy your miles.

#run #runner #gym #strengthtraining #runnersofinstagram

Half and half run tonight. As I rebuild the engine I wanted to see where I was cardio wise when I increase the pace slightly. Did an out and back on the rail trail, first 2.5mi at easy Z2, the return 2.5mi at a faster pace.

All felt good. I’m more focused on increasing distance this month rather than pace, but it feels good just to see where I’m at. I’ve put all the data in pic 2.

Undecided about distance this weekend, I may try and squeeze in another 10mi at a Z2 pace.

If you’ve entered the London ballot no doubt you’ll be refreshing your emails every 30seconds, and I can’t blame you!

Lace up and enjoy your miles.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

Pleased with how that went, not run at any speed since before the operation in April. HRZ held where I expected it to be on the second half of the run.

#runningmotivation #igrun #igrunner #instarunners #tempo

Half and half run tonight. As I rebuild the engine I wanted to see where I was cardio wise when I increase the pace slightly. Did an out and back on the rail trail, first 2.5mi at easy Z2, the return 2.5mi at a faster pace.

All felt good. I’m more focused on increasing distance this month rather than pace, but it feels good just to see where I’m at. I’ve put all the data in pic 2.

Undecided about distance this weekend, I may try and squeeze in another 10mi at a Z2 pace.

If you’ve entered the London ballot no doubt you’ll be refreshing your emails every 30seconds, and I can’t blame you!

Lace up and enjoy your miles.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

Pleased with how that went, not run at any speed since before the operation in April. HRZ held where I expected it to be on the second half of the run.

#runningmotivation #igrun #igrunner #instarunners #tempo

Unbelievable the lengths some runners will go to.

#run #londonmarathon #runner #running #runnersofinstagram

Unbelievable the lengths some runners will go to.

#run #londonmarathon #runner #running #runnersofinstagram

Continuing to rebuild the engine. As July starts my focus is on rebuilding the cardio engine as well as power in the legs and increasing distance.

Tonights run was a controlled effort 2mi out and back hilly route, done twice. Working on hill climbing and descent form, keeping the HR in Z2/3. I’ve seen the HR continue to drop which is a good indicator the fitness is returning.

Later this month I’ll start a new @runna training block, preparing for Chamonix, then the @ultrachallenges South Coast event in September, I’m doing the back half of this and then into the Krispy Kreme London 50 early October.

Lace up, enjoy your miles. And if you want to join me on Runna, download the app, use code ANDY2 for an exclusive 2 weeks free of Premium and get running! See you there.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

Continuing to rebuild the engine. As July starts my focus is on rebuilding the cardio engine as well as power in the legs and increasing distance.

Tonights run was a controlled effort 2mi out and back hilly route, done twice. Working on hill climbing and descent form, keeping the HR in Z2/3. I’ve seen the HR continue to drop which is a good indicator the fitness is returning.

Later this month I’ll start a new @runna training block, preparing for Chamonix, then the @ultrachallenges South Coast event in September, I’m doing the back half of this and then into the Krispy Kreme London 50 early October.

Lace up, enjoy your miles. And if you want to join me on Runna, download the app, use code ANDY2 for an exclusive 2 weeks free of Premium and get running! See you there.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

It’s July fellow runners and that can mean only one thing. Over 1.3million of us will be constantly refreshing our inbox, checking out junk and spam folders for that converted golden ticket 🎫

Yes folks, its the real start of summer for many, the school holidays are upon us, your escape from the office to the beaches of Europe are one step closer…but for the 1.3 million endorphin hooked, PEBA outsole crew it’s…London Marathon Rejection Month. LMRM should be a recognised illness.

We don’t know the exact day or time the miracle or misery making fairies 🧚 will send YOUR email but we do know that 97% of us will be crying into our protein porridge. So here is your safe space to let it all out in the comments 👇💬

Say with pride ‘I too was rejected by London’

#run #runner #running #londonmarathon #runnersofinstagram

It’s July fellow runners and that can mean only one thing. Over 1.3million of us will be constantly refreshing our inbox, checking out junk and spam folders for that converted golden ticket 🎫

Yes folks, its the real start of summer for many, the school holidays are upon us, your escape from the office to the beaches of Europe are one step closer…but for the 1.3 million endorphin hooked, PEBA outsole crew it’s…London Marathon Rejection Month. LMRM should be a recognised illness.

We don’t know the exact day or time the miracle or misery making fairies 🧚 will send YOUR email but we do know that 97% of us will be crying into our protein porridge. So here is your safe space to let it all out in the comments 👇💬

Say with pride ‘I too was rejected by London’

#run #runner #running #londonmarathon #runnersofinstagram

As June wraps I look toward July and the goals I wish to achieve.

👉 Continue the rebuild
June saw a return to running after the operation. July is about building the engine, building miles and cardio fitness at a sustainable pace.

👉 Italy
A few days in the Dolomites, there will be some running, I’ve already identified a switchback that is calling my name! Not run here before so look forward to exploring somewhere new

👉 The not so Tiddly Diddly
I’m heading off to the Cotswolds late July to run from @thefarmersdogpub to @diddlysquat.farmshop a run I was due to do in April before I got taken into hospital. It will be great to catch up with some of the team at both. Probably be one of the longest runs since getting back in the shoes. Keep an eye out for details on this one, I’ll announce the date soon.

👇💬 whats in your July plans?

#run #runner #running #runna runnersofinstagram

As June wraps I look toward July and the goals I wish to achieve.

👉 Continue the rebuild
June saw a return to running after the operation. July is about building the engine, building miles and cardio fitness at a sustainable pace.

👉 Italy
A few days in the Dolomites, there will be some running, I’ve already identified a switchback that is calling my name! Not run here before so look forward to exploring somewhere new

👉 The not so Tiddly Diddly
I’m heading off to the Cotswolds late July to run from @thefarmersdogpub to @diddlysquat.farmshop a run I was due to do in April before I got taken into hospital. It will be great to catch up with some of the team at both. Probably be one of the longest runs since getting back in the shoes. Keep an eye out for details on this one, I’ll announce the date soon.

👇💬 whats in your July plans?

#run #runner #running #runna runnersofinstagram

Why do I run.

#run #runner #running #runnerscommunity #runnersofinstagram

Why do I run.

#run #runner #running #runnerscommunity #runnersofinstagram

Rebuilding the engine, with one eye on the mountains of Mont Blanc. Headed straight out the door on a 2 mile out and back that takes in a lot of ups and downs, zero flat ground on the run. Did it twice for a nice 4mi run.

Hills are my happy place, I much prefer a hilly run to a flat road, the effort required for the uphill and control on the down make it interesting. Working on my hill technique again, thanks to the guys @runlabhq they have some excellent YouTube content on hill technique.

Next week I’m going to treat like a deload week, less days and miles, before I head into July with a focus of increasing the distance, pace can wait a while, I don’t need the speed right now.

Lace up, enjoy your miles.

#run #runner #running #runna runnersofinstagra

Rebuilding the engine, with one eye on the mountains of Mont Blanc. Headed straight out the door on a 2 mile out and back that takes in a lot of ups and downs, zero flat ground on the run. Did it twice for a nice 4mi run.

Hills are my happy place, I much prefer a hilly run to a flat road, the effort required for the uphill and control on the down make it interesting. Working on my hill technique again, thanks to the guys @runlabhq they have some excellent YouTube content on hill technique.

Next week I’m going to treat like a deload week, less days and miles, before I head into July with a focus of increasing the distance, pace can wait a while, I don’t need the speed right now.

Lace up, enjoy your miles.

#run #runner #running #runna runnersofinstagra

August I’ll be heading back out to Chamonix for 10 days, including for the full UTMB week. This year I’m not running the Tour du Mont Blanc, having done that twice in 2023/2025. I may return to do that next year again.

This year is about enjoying some of the additional trails, views and meeting people along the way, I’ve been using @komoot to map out some runs in the valley including this one to Aguille du Midi to Mer du Glace and back into town.

I’ll also be on the @run4adventure.uk Shakeout Run on the Wednesday - as Loyd says one of the most relaxed friendly and dialled back shakeout runs of the week - perfect for the legs, and it finishes at the legendary @moodycoffeeroasters 😁 I’ll be chatting to Moody’s for a blog article.

If you are out in Chamonix at anytime, want the routes, drop a message below and I’ll send you the full GPX links.

#run #trailrun #chamonix #running #runnersofinstagram

August I’ll be heading back out to Chamonix for 10 days, including for the full UTMB week. This year I’m not running the Tour du Mont Blanc, having done that twice in 2023/2025. I may return to do that next year again.

This year is about enjoying some of the additional trails, views and meeting people along the way, I’ve been using @komoot to map out some runs in the valley including this one to Aguille du Midi to Mer du Glace and back into town.

I’ll also be on the @run4adventure.uk Shakeout Run on the Wednesday - as Loyd says one of the most relaxed friendly and dialled back shakeout runs of the week - perfect for the legs, and it finishes at the legendary @moodycoffeeroasters 😁 I’ll be chatting to Moody’s for a blog article.

If you are out in Chamonix at anytime, want the routes, drop a message below and I’ll send you the full GPX links.

#run #trailrun #chamonix #running #runnersofinstagram

The goal was 10, and 10 it was. It wasn’t an easy or pleasant run, rebuilding this engine is definitely a lot harder than I thought it would be. Legs are all good but cardiovascular system is definitely not happy.

The engine is not firing on all cylinders, perhaps I need to take it to @autoalex & @taylorhetherington_ for a full strip and service!

This operation has taken so much out of me.

I need to plan the next couple of weeks carefully to balance rebuilding the cardio and getting power into the legs, I’ll have a think over the weekend about how I’ll approach it.

Food. Shower. And an Auto Alex episode. In that order.

Lace up, enjoy your miles this weekend.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram I

The goal was 10, and 10 it was. It wasn’t an easy or pleasant run, rebuilding this engine is definitely a lot harder than I thought it would be. Legs are all good but cardiovascular system is definitely not happy.

The engine is not firing on all cylinders, perhaps I need to take it to @autoalex & @taylorhetherington_ for a full strip and service!

This operation has taken so much out of me.

I need to plan the next couple of weeks carefully to balance rebuilding the cardio and getting power into the legs, I’ll have a think over the weekend about how I’ll approach it.

Food. Shower. And an Auto Alex episode. In that order.

Lace up, enjoy your miles this weekend.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram I

When I came back to running after cancer I made a commitment to

👉 Support
others diagnosed with cancer, through fundraising with over £27,000 raised to date

👉 Advocate
the awareness around checking yourself, and the physical and mental aspects of cancer

👉 Create
content the is open and honest, and my own solo ultras that grab headlines and allow me to wrap the cancer messaging and fundraising around them.

2027 is going to be a HUGE year. HUGE.

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runna

When I came back to running after cancer I made a commitment to

👉 Support
others diagnosed with cancer, through fundraising with over £27,000 raised to date

👉 Advocate
the awareness around checking yourself, and the physical and mental aspects of cancer

👉 Create
content the is open and honest, and my own solo ultras that grab headlines and allow me to wrap the cancer messaging and fundraising around them.

2027 is going to be a HUGE year. HUGE.

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runna

Worked hard tonight on the upper body, always an entertaining evening thanks to my strength coach @steve_middleton_lowes

Over the past few years I’ve found training upper body helps when using poles in the mountains, reduces fatigue from arm swing on ultras and improves core strength.

Tonight Steve had his ukulele! Drop into the comments 👇💬 and guess next week’s instrument.

#strengthtraining #gym #runner #gymworkout

Worked hard tonight on the upper body, always an entertaining evening thanks to my strength coach @steve_middleton_lowes

Over the past few years I’ve found training upper body helps when using poles in the mountains, reduces fatigue from arm swing on ultras and improves core strength.

Tonight Steve had his ukulele! Drop into the comments 👇💬 and guess next week’s instrument.

#strengthtraining #gym #runner #gymworkout

Couple of miles after an upper body gym session, wanted to keep everything very light today as I wish to try something longer tomorrow. Body is feeling good, pace is edging in the right direction. Still super cautious not to over stress the body.

Heading out tomorrow for some longer miles, fingers crossed 🤞 as I wish to work back towards half marathon distance in the next couple of weeks.

Did you get a storm ⛈️ last night, we seemed to miss it here, saw some flashes but nothing dramatic, which is a shame as I love a good storm.

Lace up, see you tomorrow.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

Couple of miles after an upper body gym session, wanted to keep everything very light today as I wish to try something longer tomorrow. Body is feeling good, pace is edging in the right direction. Still super cautious not to over stress the body.

Heading out tomorrow for some longer miles, fingers crossed 🤞 as I wish to work back towards half marathon distance in the next couple of weeks.

Did you get a storm ⛈️ last night, we seemed to miss it here, saw some flashes but nothing dramatic, which is a shame as I love a good storm.

Lace up, see you tomorrow.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

.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 ©2026 ANDY HOOD — ULTRA RUNNER, CANCER SURVIVOR AND ADVOCATE | All Rights Reserved

bottom of page