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
Ultra Running

table with variety of food and protein shakes, running shoes and text "A runners guide to recovery fuel"

table with variety of food and protein shakes, running shoes and text "A runners guide to recovery fuel"

What to Eat After a Run: A Runner's Guide to Recovery Fuel

Ultra Running Adventures

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

picture of bowls of pasta, cereal, banana with runners and text "carbing up for a marathon"

picture of bowls of pasta, cereal, banana with runners and text "carbing up for a marathon"

Carb Loading for a Marathon or Ultra: A Practical Guide (Plus How They Fuelled the First Sub-2 Marathon)

Running Ramblings

Monochrome Texture

Saw this on today’s run and made me wonder what is it you love, about running and life, about anything. I’ll kick it off in the comments.

#run #seen #love #runners #runnersofinstagram

Saw this on today’s run and made me wonder what is it you love, about running and life, about anything. I’ll kick it off in the comments.

#run #seen #love #runners #runnersofinstagram

The Run
6mi easy at conversational pace, a pace you determine and can differ from day to day, genuinely easy and relaxed. Headed out on a fairly flat route, enjoying the early evening and signs of Autumn that appear to be fast approaching. 🍂

The Training Block
Coming back after the surgery this year I chose to enter a maintenance programme with @runna there are a couple of planned runs in their, last weekends South Coast Challenge and this block will take me up to Nov 7th and the Krispy Kreme London 50. A run in partnership with Krispy Kreme where we are making a difference to those travelling the cancer journey. I can never thank Krispy Kreme enough for their support of what I do. 🍩

The 3rd photo
Signs of Autumn and a gentle reminder for all you guys.

The week ahead
Hill reps next, heading to one of my favourite hills for this one, catch up with me Friday to see where. Then its a long run and an easy one to wrap the week.

#runners #saucony #runna #surrey #runnersofinstagram

The Run
6mi easy at conversational pace, a pace you determine and can differ from day to day, genuinely easy and relaxed. Headed out on a fairly flat route, enjoying the early evening and signs of Autumn that appear to be fast approaching. 🍂

The Training Block
Coming back after the surgery this year I chose to enter a maintenance programme with @runna there are a couple of planned runs in their, last weekends South Coast Challenge and this block will take me up to Nov 7th and the Krispy Kreme London 50. A run in partnership with Krispy Kreme where we are making a difference to those travelling the cancer journey. I can never thank Krispy Kreme enough for their support of what I do. 🍩

The 3rd photo
Signs of Autumn and a gentle reminder for all you guys.

The week ahead
Hill reps next, heading to one of my favourite hills for this one, catch up with me Friday to see where. Then its a long run and an easy one to wrap the week.

#runners #saucony #runna #surrey #runnersofinstagram

Good news for fans of @tailwindnutrition a new UK distributor is due to start shipping out to stores in the coming couple of weeks. I caught up with the Red Bull Athlete and Adventure racer behind the distribution whilst in Chamonix and again when back in the UK.

New Blog article all about him, the company and news on an expanded range. Link to the blog in BIO

#nutrition #tailwindnutrition #running #runner #news

Good news for fans of @tailwindnutrition a new UK distributor is due to start shipping out to stores in the coming couple of weeks. I caught up with the Red Bull Athlete and Adventure racer behind the distribution whilst in Chamonix and again when back in the UK.

New Blog article all about him, the company and news on an expanded range. Link to the blog in BIO

#nutrition #tailwindnutrition #running #runner #news

Are you running London. Saturday or Sunday? Drop into the comments and let’s see who is running, which day and it’s a good way to follow new, like minded runners as you train for the @londonmarathon

I’ll start it off in the comments 💬👇

#londonmarathon #marathon #marathontraining #runners #running

Are you running London. Saturday or Sunday? Drop into the comments and let’s see who is running, which day and it’s a good way to follow new, like minded runners as you train for the @londonmarathon

I’ll start it off in the comments 💬👇

#londonmarathon #marathon #marathontraining #runners #running

Well they lit up better than I expected after the weekends Ultra Challenge run. Took Sunday & Monday as rest days, looked at the @runna programme for today, it was 2.5mi tempo repeats. Considered calling it and going to an easy run but then thought if the legs don’t play ball I’ll just dial it back.

Turns out the legs were happy, so much so that the cheery Runna coach kept telling me to slow down. Ok, Ok I’m listening to you. 1.75mi WU, 2.5mi/8.05 x2, 1.75mi CD.

Really do get on with the @saucony Speed 5, a shoe that is currently working well for me, fast and light.

Good week ahead, easy tomorrow, hill reps Thursday, heading to a hill I’ve not been too for a while, then long run Saturday and easy Sunday. Up next is the Krispy Kreme London 50 on November 7th. Keep an eye out for posts about this as you’ll be able to join the run and come to a Krispy Kreme party at the end. Doughnut anyone? 😁

#run #saucony #speedrun #runnersofinstagram #runna

Well they lit up better than I expected after the weekends Ultra Challenge run. Took Sunday & Monday as rest days, looked at the @runna programme for today, it was 2.5mi tempo repeats. Considered calling it and going to an easy run but then thought if the legs don’t play ball I’ll just dial it back.

Turns out the legs were happy, so much so that the cheery Runna coach kept telling me to slow down. Ok, Ok I’m listening to you. 1.75mi WU, 2.5mi/8.05 x2, 1.75mi CD.

Really do get on with the @saucony Speed 5, a shoe that is currently working well for me, fast and light.

Good week ahead, easy tomorrow, hill reps Thursday, heading to a hill I’ve not been too for a while, then long run Saturday and easy Sunday. Up next is the Krispy Kreme London 50 on November 7th. Keep an eye out for posts about this as you’ll be able to join the run and come to a Krispy Kreme party at the end. Doughnut anyone? 😁

#run #saucony #speedrun #runnersofinstagram #runna

Do our butts look big in this! Love this photo from the @ultrachallenges South Coast Challenge. Just as @tobytalksballs and I were ready to head out from Hove carrying our very clear message of Checking Your Balls.

This photo shows how much we were looking forward to the next 50ish K and I can say we had an absolute blast. It was one of the most enjoyable runs I’ve done.

#run #runners #ultra #awareness #brighton

Do our butts look big in this! Love this photo from the @ultrachallenges South Coast Challenge. Just as @tobytalksballs and I were ready to head out from Hove carrying our very clear message of Checking Your Balls.

This photo shows how much we were looking forward to the next 50ish K and I can say we had an absolute blast. It was one of the most enjoyable runs I’ve done.

#run #runners #ultra #awareness #brighton

When Chamonix comes alive in UTMB week. The air is electric, the atmosphere charged, the energy pulsating.

#utmb #chamonix #ultrarunning #run #france

When Chamonix comes alive in UTMB week. The air is electric, the atmosphere charged, the energy pulsating.

#utmb #chamonix #ultrarunning #run #france

Medal Monday. And this is one to celebrate. The @ultrachallenges South Coast Challenge. I met @tobytalksballs at the halfway and made a promise that I’d pace him and get him to the finish of the 100K.

Toby was wearing the @rctcharity Check Your Balls costume, 100K in that on a hot day is staggering, see my previous posts for pictures.

To get him through the night and stop the focus on the distance we

👉 Went Yeti hunting on the Downs
👉 Wrote, produced and then sung our own song
👉 Danced
👉 Talked, talked, talked

After my major surgery earlier this year big distances have been off the agenda, so to finish this, as the sun was rising, with Toby, was just what I needed.

A few well deserved shoutouts

👉 @kailasfuga for the EX330s - an awesome shoe
👉 @precisionfandh for the PF90 - the jumbo gel
👉 @theinfinitloop for the GO:FAR - fuel with protein

There are medals, then there are MEDALS and this is definitely the latter.

#medalmonday #ultra #runner #southdowns #runnersofinstagram

Medal Monday. And this is one to celebrate. The @ultrachallenges South Coast Challenge. I met @tobytalksballs at the halfway and made a promise that I’d pace him and get him to the finish of the 100K.

Toby was wearing the @rctcharity Check Your Balls costume, 100K in that on a hot day is staggering, see my previous posts for pictures.

To get him through the night and stop the focus on the distance we

👉 Went Yeti hunting on the Downs
👉 Wrote, produced and then sung our own song
👉 Danced
👉 Talked, talked, talked

After my major surgery earlier this year big distances have been off the agenda, so to finish this, as the sun was rising, with Toby, was just what I needed.

A few well deserved shoutouts

👉 @kailasfuga for the EX330s - an awesome shoe
👉 @precisionfandh for the PF90 - the jumbo gel
👉 @theinfinitloop for the GO:FAR - fuel with protein

There are medals, then there are MEDALS and this is definitely the latter.

#medalmonday #ultra #runner #southdowns #runnersofinstagram

Running in the dark is scary enough, and then on a remote trail you chance upon…….😱👻

@tobytalksballs
@rctcharity

#scary #run #runner #ghost #dark

Running in the dark is scary enough, and then on a remote trail you chance upon…….😱👻

@tobytalksballs
@rctcharity

#scary #run #runner #ghost #dark

The start of my pacing @tobytalksballs from @rctcharity to the finish of the @ultrachallenges South Coast Challenge. The engagement from everyone, participants, and the public was fantastic.

We loved going through the night, chatting to many of the other hikers and runners, as well as the sheep, pigs and cows!

As someone was was diagnosed with testicular cancer I will do everything possible to encourage men to be open, to talk and to check and I’ve no doubt that Toby and I reached so many people and many will do something today, tomorrow, this week or this month and check their 🍒 when they wouldn’t have otherwise.

So what’s next for the ball costume ……WELL

Toby hands the ball costume to me for 2027 and it’s first outing will be….the London Marathon!

Saving lives….that’s what it’s all about.

#run #runningmotivation #runnersofinstagram #ultrarunner #runna

The start of my pacing @tobytalksballs from @rctcharity to the finish of the @ultrachallenges South Coast Challenge. The engagement from everyone, participants, and the public was fantastic.

We loved going through the night, chatting to many of the other hikers and runners, as well as the sheep, pigs and cows!

As someone was was diagnosed with testicular cancer I will do everything possible to encourage men to be open, to talk and to check and I’ve no doubt that Toby and I reached so many people and many will do something today, tomorrow, this week or this month and check their 🍒 when they wouldn’t have otherwise.

So what’s next for the ball costume ……WELL

Toby hands the ball costume to me for 2027 and it’s first outing will be….the London Marathon!

Saving lives….that’s what it’s all about.

#run #runningmotivation #runnersofinstagram #ultrarunner #runna

OMG! That was something else. Toby completed the full 100K, I met him and the halfway point and had one goal, to get him to the finish, and that we successfully did.

So many, so many conversations about balls, so many photos, people feeling Toby’s balls, people committing to check their balls, drivers hooting and calling out the window and some interesting propositions too!

We went through the night, we sang, we wrote and made songs, we laughed, we chatted and we got to the finish.

Awesome run @tobytalksballs, loved every minute of it, thanks for asking me to get you to the finish.

And @ultrachallenges you were amazing again, every person we met was helpful, interested, and a joy to chat too.

#run #ultrarunner #balls #trailrunning #runnersofinstagram

OMG! That was something else. Toby completed the full 100K, I met him and the halfway point and had one goal, to get him to the finish, and that we successfully did.

So many, so many conversations about balls, so many photos, people feeling Toby’s balls, people committing to check their balls, drivers hooting and calling out the window and some interesting propositions too!

We went through the night, we sang, we wrote and made songs, we laughed, we chatted and we got to the finish.

Awesome run @tobytalksballs, loved every minute of it, thanks for asking me to get you to the finish.

And @ultrachallenges you were amazing again, every person we met was helpful, interested, and a joy to chat too.

#run #ultrarunner #balls #trailrunning #runnersofinstagram

Getting ready to run - @ultrachallenges South Coast Challenge. Pacing and supporting good friend @tobytalksballs on the 2nd half of the 100K.

@chamoisbuttr applied! IYKYK 😳

This one will be through the night, I have the @fenixlight charged and ready as we’ll lose the daylight quickly.

#southcoast #runner #runna #trailrun #runnersofinstagram

Getting ready to run - @ultrachallenges South Coast Challenge. Pacing and supporting good friend @tobytalksballs on the 2nd half of the 100K.

@chamoisbuttr applied! IYKYK 😳

This one will be through the night, I have the @fenixlight charged and ready as we’ll lose the daylight quickly.

#southcoast #runner #runna #trailrun #runnersofinstagram

Being diagnosed with cancer was incredibly frightening, the surgery and chemotherapy was a very lonely time. And again this year I’ve been in for emergency surgery. I now run to support others in the fight. Over £28,000 raised for cancer charities.

Today I’m running the South Coast Challenge, and my cheeky ball shorts will be on the course getting conversations going.

If you can, please click the JustGiving link in my BIO 👆🙏

Let’s make a difference together.

👉 @ultrachallenges South Coast Challenge
👉 @chemohero charity I’m supporting
👉 @kailasfuga EX330 shoe choice today

#runner #southcoast #kailasfuga #runnersofinstagram #cancer

Being diagnosed with cancer was incredibly frightening, the surgery and chemotherapy was a very lonely time. And again this year I’ve been in for emergency surgery. I now run to support others in the fight. Over £28,000 raised for cancer charities.

Today I’m running the South Coast Challenge, and my cheeky ball shorts will be on the course getting conversations going.

If you can, please click the JustGiving link in my BIO 👆🙏

Let’s make a difference together.

👉 @ultrachallenges South Coast Challenge
👉 @chemohero charity I’m supporting
👉 @kailasfuga EX330 shoe choice today

#runner #southcoast #kailasfuga #runnersofinstagram #cancer

One of my favourite pictures from Chamonix this year. I always feel so alive and happy when running the mountain trails, they are challenging, technical, with views upon views. I often don’t see another person for mile after mile, then round a corner and see a group of happy hikers.

If you’ve never been I can recommend Chamonix as a great base, there are plenty of accommodation options, and trails to suit everyone. I’ve plenty of gpx files of routes if you’d like them, just comment below.

If you’d like to run the full Tour du Mont Blanc route, through all 3 countries, France, Switzerland and Italy, and I’ve now done this twice, take a look at @altitudemontblanc who organise an amazing, and manageable run including baggage transfer. I’ll probably be back next year to run the TMB for a 3rd time with Altitude Mont Blanc.

Great gear choice this year, pack from @salomonrunning, poles from @leki.trailrunning, shoes from @kailasfuga and shorts and undershorts from @t8.run

Looking at this picture makes me smile 😊

#un #trailrun #chamonix #montblanc #runnersofinstagram

One of my favourite pictures from Chamonix this year. I always feel so alive and happy when running the mountain trails, they are challenging, technical, with views upon views. I often don’t see another person for mile after mile, then round a corner and see a group of happy hikers.

If you’ve never been I can recommend Chamonix as a great base, there are plenty of accommodation options, and trails to suit everyone. I’ve plenty of gpx files of routes if you’d like them, just comment below.

If you’d like to run the full Tour du Mont Blanc route, through all 3 countries, France, Switzerland and Italy, and I’ve now done this twice, take a look at @altitudemontblanc who organise an amazing, and manageable run including baggage transfer. I’ll probably be back next year to run the TMB for a 3rd time with Altitude Mont Blanc.

Great gear choice this year, pack from @salomonrunning, poles from @leki.trailrunning, shoes from @kailasfuga and shorts and undershorts from @t8.run

Looking at this picture makes me smile 😊

#un #trailrun #chamonix #montblanc #runnersofinstagram

I never thought that would be possible, an incredible fundraising total to date, supporting those diagnosed with cancer. Thank you for all your support.

My next big fundraising run is November 7th in London with @krispykremeuk and you can come and join me as we walk the last KM and head for a big Krispy Kreme party. Watch this space for more details.

Huge thank you to everyone who has supported me and my charities.

#runner #charity #fundraiser #cancer #runnersofinstagram

I never thought that would be possible, an incredible fundraising total to date, supporting those diagnosed with cancer. Thank you for all your support.

My next big fundraising run is November 7th in London with @krispykremeuk and you can come and join me as we walk the last KM and head for a big Krispy Kreme party. Watch this space for more details.

Huge thank you to everyone who has supported me and my charities.

#runner #charity #fundraiser #cancer #runnersofinstagram

I grew up loving this comic, made me realise that as an ultra runner I am absolutely like this. Hope you enjoy the madness and a peek inside my life!

#comic #humour #runner #ultra #carbloading

I grew up loving this comic, made me realise that as an ultra runner I am absolutely like this. Hope you enjoy the madness and a peek inside my life!

#comic #humour #runner #ultra #carbloading

A week doesn’t seem to pass when I don’t receive an email about a data breach from a company I have an account with and have trusted with my data and @livetrail_official seems to be the latest.

Whilst I appreciate the heads up it does make me stop and think about why I am using these companies and if they are not taking their cyber security seriously, and come on let’s be honest here, they only seem to ‘step things up’ when they have a breach, before that I fully suspect they are sipping tea and dunking their digestives, should I stop opening new accounts.

Do you think this will harm companies in the long term?
Are you more reticent to hand over your personal data today?
Have you been affected by the Live Trail data breach?

#running #livetrail #data #caution #runnersofinstagram

A week doesn’t seem to pass when I don’t receive an email about a data breach from a company I have an account with and have trusted with my data and @livetrail_official seems to be the latest.

Whilst I appreciate the heads up it does make me stop and think about why I am using these companies and if they are not taking their cyber security seriously, and come on let’s be honest here, they only seem to ‘step things up’ when they have a breach, before that I fully suspect they are sipping tea and dunking their digestives, should I stop opening new accounts.

Do you think this will harm companies in the long term?
Are you more reticent to hand over your personal data today?
Have you been affected by the Live Trail data breach?

#running #livetrail #data #caution #runnersofinstagram

A few post run thoughts and chat about where I’ll be this weekend, with the @ultrachallenges team.

#runner #thoughts #devon #dark #runnersofinstagram

A few post run thoughts and chat about where I’ll be this weekend, with the @ultrachallenges team.

#runner #thoughts #devon #dark #runnersofinstagram

I’m running the @londonmarathon next year! So excited to be in London for this iconic marathon and even more so as I will be running in a very special costume to raise awareness of testicular cancer, a cancer that nearly took me away from running for good.

The guys @runna will be getting me prepared for the start line, we’ll be build the training programme soon ready to start in the early new year. Runna has helped me rebuild after cancer, and again this year after a very unexpected emergency surgery. I love how to programme meets you where you are and builds you up.

If you’re looking for your marathon training plan then I can give you a very special 2 week Runna Premium free trial, build your personalised plan, and train with a cheeky coach in you ear that keeps you on track.

👉 Download the app
👉 use code ANDY2

And let me know how your training goes. Are you going to be at London next year too?

#ad #marathontraining #marathon #london #runners

I’m running the @londonmarathon next year! So excited to be in London for this iconic marathon and even more so as I will be running in a very special costume to raise awareness of testicular cancer, a cancer that nearly took me away from running for good.

The guys @runna will be getting me prepared for the start line, we’ll be build the training programme soon ready to start in the early new year. Runna has helped me rebuild after cancer, and again this year after a very unexpected emergency surgery. I love how to programme meets you where you are and builds you up.

If you’re looking for your marathon training plan then I can give you a very special 2 week Runna Premium free trial, build your personalised plan, and train with a cheeky coach in you ear that keeps you on track.

👉 Download the app
👉 use code ANDY2

And let me know how your training goes. Are you going to be at London next year too?

#ad #marathontraining #marathon #london #runners

Hilly 6mi run tonight, keen to get some climbing in the legs this week. Went on my 2mi out and back, which is straight out my back door and onto the single track lanes.

The @saucony Speed 5 are a shoe I’ve found very good on the hills, light, responsive and most importantly comfortable.

Rest for the next 2 days as this weekend I’m headed for the @ultrachallenges South Coast Ultra. Doing the 2nd half of this as I’m@still recovering from the major operation from a while back, and have to be sensible, but getting to a finish and grabbing a medal is something I need to do as part of my rebuilding.

And I won’t be alone, I’m helping good friend @tobytalksballs complete a very special run. I’ll share all that with you Saturday.

Noted the sloe berries are plentiful but very small this year, a sign of the extremely dry summer. Nature has a way of telling you a story of the year.

And I was met by someone special when I got home who clearly wanted their dinner!

Lace up and enjoy it out there.

#run #devon #saucony #hills #runnersofinstagram

Hilly 6mi run tonight, keen to get some climbing in the legs this week. Went on my 2mi out and back, which is straight out my back door and onto the single track lanes.

The @saucony Speed 5 are a shoe I’ve found very good on the hills, light, responsive and most importantly comfortable.

Rest for the next 2 days as this weekend I’m headed for the @ultrachallenges South Coast Ultra. Doing the 2nd half of this as I’m@still recovering from the major operation from a while back, and have to be sensible, but getting to a finish and grabbing a medal is something I need to do as part of my rebuilding.

And I won’t be alone, I’m helping good friend @tobytalksballs complete a very special run. I’ll share all that with you Saturday.

Noted the sloe berries are plentiful but very small this year, a sign of the extremely dry summer. Nature has a way of telling you a story of the year.

And I was met by someone special when I got home who clearly wanted their dinner!

Lace up and enjoy it out there.

#run #devon #saucony #hills #runnersofinstagram

There are some absolute bargains out there at the moment just take a look at this @saucony Speed 5, look how much I paid for it, I almost felt guilty buying it, felt like I was stealing it!!

What do we think, bargain?

#saucony #bargain #run #runnersofinstagram pin

There are some absolute bargains out there at the moment just take a look at this @saucony Speed 5, look how much I paid for it, I almost felt guilty buying it, felt like I was stealing it!!

What do we think, bargain?

#saucony #bargain #run #runnersofinstagram pin

Dialled into that run perfectly tonight, a very easy, very relaxed Z2 8mi run on the rail trail. Keeping everything light this week as I have a hilly, trail marathon at the weekend, running through the night.

Z2 does help build the engine, over the years I’ve got much better at running in the zone, I used to be terrible at it, always going too fast because a Z2 just felt far too slow, but there is no such thing as too slow.

I’ll run tomorrow and probably Friday, short easy runs keeping the legs prepped for Saturday as I run from Hove to Arundel with the awesome guys at @ultrachallenges and help to crew/pace good friend @tobytalksballs. It will be my first event since the emergency surgery in April, I definitely need this one.

Lace up, hit the road/trail and enjoy.

#devon #runner #zone2 #saucony #runna

Dialled into that run perfectly tonight, a very easy, very relaxed Z2 8mi run on the rail trail. Keeping everything light this week as I have a hilly, trail marathon at the weekend, running through the night.

Z2 does help build the engine, over the years I’ve got much better at running in the zone, I used to be terrible at it, always going too fast because a Z2 just felt far too slow, but there is no such thing as too slow.

I’ll run tomorrow and probably Friday, short easy runs keeping the legs prepped for Saturday as I run from Hove to Arundel with the awesome guys at @ultrachallenges and help to crew/pace good friend @tobytalksballs. It will be my first event since the emergency surgery in April, I definitely need this one.

Lace up, hit the road/trail and enjoy.

#devon #runner #zone2 #saucony #runna

Chamonix during UTMB week is incredible, full of runners who leave everything out there and I was up in the middle of the night cheering so many in. But I also saw something very different and I’m not sure about it.

My thoughts and observations are in my latest blog article. Link in BIO

#utmb #problem #chamonix #ultrarunner #run

Chamonix during UTMB week is incredible, full of runners who leave everything out there and I was up in the middle of the night cheering so many in. But I also saw something very different and I’m not sure about it.

My thoughts and observations are in my latest blog article. Link in BIO

#utmb #problem #chamonix #ultrarunner #run

First Tuesday of the month and it’s my reminder to you to check your 🍒 for the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer. Don’t just scroll by the post and think yeah, yeah. I was diagnosed and it sucks, so take a moment to do something and check yourself.

👉 help the algorithm by liking/commenting/sharing the post, the more people who see it, the more lives we can potentially impact

👉 look for, lumps, bumps, changes in size or shape, or anything that feels unusual to you.

👉 checking monthly means you can detect changes

👉 see your doctor about anything that concerns you, early diagnosis is vital

👉 testicular cancer can affect men aged 15+

❓ are you going to be the one that checks or the one that scrolls?

#runner #cancer #awareness #check #testestuesday

First Tuesday of the month and it’s my reminder to you to check your 🍒 for the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer. Don’t just scroll by the post and think yeah, yeah. I was diagnosed and it sucks, so take a moment to do something and check yourself.

👉 help the algorithm by liking/commenting/sharing the post, the more people who see it, the more lives we can potentially impact

👉 look for, lumps, bumps, changes in size or shape, or anything that feels unusual to you.

👉 checking monthly means you can detect changes

👉 see your doctor about anything that concerns you, early diagnosis is vital

👉 testicular cancer can affect men aged 15+

❓ are you going to be the one that checks or the one that scrolls?

#runner #cancer #awareness #check #testestuesday

Back in the UK, don’t usually run a Monday but yesterday was a lot of travelling so I wanted to get in some miles, decided to make up a tempo interval run and see how the legs are. Surprisingly good it turns out.

1mi WU, 1mi 8.18/mi, 1mi 7.36/mi, 1mi recovery, 1mi 7.17/mi, 1mi CD

Knew I’d lose the light part way through the run, the @fenixlight head torch had an outing and it’s actually playing up so I need to sort that, as this Saturday I’m running a marathon through the night.

I’ll restart the actual training block tomorrow, after a week out running the mountains last week.

Lace up, enjoy your miles.

#run #devon #dark #runnersofinstagram #runna

Back in the UK, don’t usually run a Monday but yesterday was a lot of travelling so I wanted to get in some miles, decided to make up a tempo interval run and see how the legs are. Surprisingly good it turns out.

1mi WU, 1mi 8.18/mi, 1mi 7.36/mi, 1mi recovery, 1mi 7.17/mi, 1mi CD

Knew I’d lose the light part way through the run, the @fenixlight head torch had an outing and it’s actually playing up so I need to sort that, as this Saturday I’m running a marathon through the night.

I’ll restart the actual training block tomorrow, after a week out running the mountains last week.

Lace up, enjoy your miles.

#run #devon #dark #runnersofinstagram #runna

First run back in the UK after an amazing time in the mountains around Mont Blanc. We are losing the light much earlier now, the head torch is definitely needed for tonight’s run as I’ll lose all the light half way through.

Summer I miss you already.

#uk #run #devon @runna #runnersofinstagram

First run back in the UK after an amazing time in the mountains around Mont Blanc. We are losing the light much earlier now, the head torch is definitely needed for tonight’s run as I’ll lose all the light half way through.

Summer I miss you already.

#uk #run #devon @runna #runnersofinstagram

Come on, admit it you do this too. I saw SO many people staring at other people’s shoes….love it when you get the approval nod 😁

#funny #runner #shoes #approved #runnersofinstagram

Come on, admit it you do this too. I saw SO many people staring at other people’s shoes….love it when you get the approval nod 😁

#funny #runner #shoes #approved #runnersofinstagram

UTMB 100M started 2 hours later than planned, heading out of Chamonix at 1945. Due to some intense storms in the valley.

This meant by the time runners were at the first climb at Les Houches it was already dark. At this point runners have about another 105 miles to go! Running in the dark, especially on trails takes an immense amount of concentration, it is mentally exhausting.

📸 @starkly_boy

Thanks Harry for sending me the videos and allowing me to post. I met Harry and his Dad in Chamonix during UTMB week.

#utmb #ultrarunning #chamonix #night #runnersofinstagram

UTMB 100M started 2 hours later than planned, heading out of Chamonix at 1945. Due to some intense storms in the valley.

This meant by the time runners were at the first climb at Les Houches it was already dark. At this point runners have about another 105 miles to go! Running in the dark, especially on trails takes an immense amount of concentration, it is mentally exhausting.

📸 @starkly_boy

Thanks Harry for sending me the videos and allowing me to post. I met Harry and his Dad in Chamonix during UTMB week.

#utmb #ultrarunning #chamonix #night #runnersofinstagram

Chamonix 2026. Word that sums it up ‘futhgedhjuer’ yep I actually have no words so made one up.

I adore the town, when you take a moment to look beneath the surface you see its history, the epic adventurers, explorers, entrepreneurs, engineers and mountain people that made this town.

Some of my absolute highlights, take that running in the mountains was top of my list, what follows below were other top of the list highlights

👉 The Hillybilly Scientist World Premier in the presence of Lazuras Lake - thank you @raidlight @mounttocoast @mellorandsmith @mrpaulmellor for an incredible evening

👉 Shake out run with @teamrunderwear an epic route, great conversation and new connections made

👉 The guys @lesfrereschaussettes who were friendly, funny and also checked their balls! The socks are amazing and I will be posting out several pairs to people this week

👉 Seeing Loyd & Liga from @run4adventure.uk - I sound like a fan boy when I say it but I genuinely mean it, I love the teamwork between Loyd & Liga and I can see the love they have for each other, as well as for running and their supporters.

👉 @scottrunning x Run4Adventure shake out run, a huge turnout, lovely riverside route and a group of lovely people

👉 Ian (I think I’ve remembered the name right) from MountoCoast, we sat next to each other at the Premier and shared stories of overcoming adversity and finding a new self.

👉 Eli at Happy Valley Rentals, it was so good to meet you, and thank you for making everything so seamless, even when I didn’t read the instructions!!

👉 and at the top of this list, watching incredible runners from @ben_dhiman absolutely smash UTMB, seeing @vlad_protrailrunner finish on Sunday morning and watching all the golden hour finishers who left everything out there on all the races.

I could go on, Aiguille du Midi views, stopping at La Flegere and chatting to the @hoka guys about checking balls. So many moments. And finally to everyone who saw my Check Ya Balls shorts and have gone away to go something about it.

My heart is full ❤️

#incredible #utmb #chamonix #run #runners

Chamonix 2026. Word that sums it up ‘futhgedhjuer’ yep I actually have no words so made one up.

I adore the town, when you take a moment to look beneath the surface you see its history, the epic adventurers, explorers, entrepreneurs, engineers and mountain people that made this town.

Some of my absolute highlights, take that running in the mountains was top of my list, what follows below were other top of the list highlights

👉 The Hillybilly Scientist World Premier in the presence of Lazuras Lake - thank you @raidlight @mounttocoast @mellorandsmith @mrpaulmellor for an incredible evening

👉 Shake out run with @teamrunderwear an epic route, great conversation and new connections made

👉 The guys @lesfrereschaussettes who were friendly, funny and also checked their balls! The socks are amazing and I will be posting out several pairs to people this week

👉 Seeing Loyd & Liga from @run4adventure.uk - I sound like a fan boy when I say it but I genuinely mean it, I love the teamwork between Loyd & Liga and I can see the love they have for each other, as well as for running and their supporters.

👉 @scottrunning x Run4Adventure shake out run, a huge turnout, lovely riverside route and a group of lovely people

👉 Ian (I think I’ve remembered the name right) from MountoCoast, we sat next to each other at the Premier and shared stories of overcoming adversity and finding a new self.

👉 Eli at Happy Valley Rentals, it was so good to meet you, and thank you for making everything so seamless, even when I didn’t read the instructions!!

👉 and at the top of this list, watching incredible runners from @ben_dhiman absolutely smash UTMB, seeing @vlad_protrailrunner finish on Sunday morning and watching all the golden hour finishers who left everything out there on all the races.

I could go on, Aiguille du Midi views, stopping at La Flegere and chatting to the @hoka guys about checking balls. So many moments. And finally to everyone who saw my Check Ya Balls shorts and have gone away to go something about it.

My heart is full ❤️

#incredible #utmb #chamonix #run #runners

An incredible way to finish my time in Chamonix, I was tracking @vlad_protrailrunner all night, through every checkpoint and went to the finish to cheer him in.

Vlad & @chrisbeavon have an awesome YouTube channel @runlabhq and their content has made me a better runner, especially climbing and the descents. So today was about giving back in a small way by supporting Vlad as he completed UTMB 100M

Thanks Vlad & Chris for taking a moment to chat.

#utmb #ultrarunner #chamonix #run #montblanc

An incredible way to finish my time in Chamonix, I was tracking @vlad_protrailrunner all night, through every checkpoint and went to the finish to cheer him in.

Vlad & @chrisbeavon have an awesome YouTube channel @runlabhq and their content has made me a better runner, especially climbing and the descents. So today was about giving back in a small way by supporting Vlad as he completed UTMB 100M

Thanks Vlad & Chris for taking a moment to chat.

#utmb #ultrarunner #chamonix #run #montblanc

.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