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Andy Hood.

ULTRA & ENDURANCE RUNNER

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110 Brands, One Stomach: How to Choose Running Nutrition

110 Brands, One Stomach: How to Choose Running Nutrition

110 Brands, One Stomach: How to Choose Running Nutrition

Running Ramblings

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Well that was naughty. I love my @kailasfuga EX330 a trail shoe that works so well for me, a shoe I often say you can’t feel you are wearing. And with a Kailas Fuga store in town, actually right next to the UTMB finish line, how could I resist.

The guys in the store were so accommodating, knowledgeable and so very persuasive (actually there was no persuasion needed!)

#runningshoes #trail #kailasfuga #utmb #runnersofinstagram

Well that was naughty. I love my @kailasfuga EX330 a trail shoe that works so well for me, a shoe I often say you can’t feel you are wearing. And with a Kailas Fuga store in town, actually right next to the UTMB finish line, how could I resist.

The guys in the store were so accommodating, knowledgeable and so very persuasive (actually there was no persuasion needed!)

#runningshoes #trail #kailasfuga #utmb #runnersofinstagram

Watching @vlad_protrailrunner finish the UTMB 100M, I’d been tracking Vlad through the night and wanted to support him finish.

Vlad’s YouTube channel @runlabhq along with @chrisbeavon has improved the way I run massively, especially on the up and downhills. If you’ve not discovered RunLab yet I definitely recommend you do.

Congratulations again Vlad, outstanding performance and so good to see you welcomed by so many family and friends as you crossed the UTMB arch finish line.

#utmb #chamonix #ultrarunner #runningmotivation #youtube

Watching @vlad_protrailrunner finish the UTMB 100M, I’d been tracking Vlad through the night and wanted to support him finish.

Vlad’s YouTube channel @runlabhq along with @chrisbeavon has improved the way I run massively, especially on the up and downhills. If you’ve not discovered RunLab yet I definitely recommend you do.

Congratulations again Vlad, outstanding performance and so good to see you welcomed by so many family and friends as you crossed the UTMB arch finish line.

#utmb #chamonix #ultrarunner #runningmotivation #youtube

Chamonix as the sun is setting casting its colours across the mountain range. Wow, just wow. Mornings and evenings here are absolutely beautiful. I adore being in the mountains.

#sunset #colours #montblanc #chamonix #stunning

Chamonix as the sun is setting casting its colours across the mountain range. Wow, just wow. Mornings and evenings here are absolutely beautiful. I adore being in the mountains.

#sunset #colours #montblanc #chamonix #stunning

Wednesday was a busy day in Chamonix, it kicked off early with a shake out run organised by @run4adventure.uk and @scottrunning and beautiful 5K route alongside the river under blue skies and the gaze of Mont Blanc.

I caught up with Loyd Purvis from Run4Adventure before we laced up and headed out.

#run #utmb #chamonix #friends #runners

Wednesday was a busy day in Chamonix, it kicked off early with a shake out run organised by @run4adventure.uk and @scottrunning and beautiful 5K route alongside the river under blue skies and the gaze of Mont Blanc.

I caught up with Loyd Purvis from Run4Adventure before we laced up and headed out.

#run #utmb #chamonix #friends #runners

When you have the opportunity to see this film, do it. It is insightful, moving and full of meaning.

@raidlight
@mounttocoast
@mellorandsmith

And don’t even ask if the Laz signed limited edition hat is for sale - you wouldn’t want to know the number!

🎬 The Hillbilly Scientist

#barkleymarathons #movie #ultrarunning #extreme #chamonix

When you have the opportunity to see this film, do it. It is insightful, moving and full of meaning.

@raidlight
@mounttocoast
@mellorandsmith

And don’t even ask if the Laz signed limited edition hat is for sale - you wouldn’t want to know the number!

🎬 The Hillbilly Scientist

#barkleymarathons #movie #ultrarunning #extreme #chamonix

Took my balls for a fantastic run this morning, Aiguille du Midi - Mer de Glace - Chamonix. Stopping at Mer de Glace to visit the ice cave.

The shorts got lots of attention, positive comments, 2 boys who couldn’t stop laughing and plenty of photos again.

Every pair of eyes is another person who stops to think about checking for the signs of testicular cancer. They are cheeky, fun and have a potentially life saving message. I love taking my balls out.

Question!
Where do you want to see my balls next? 👇💬

#awareness #runnersofinstagram #trailrun #humour #chamonix

Took my balls for a fantastic run this morning, Aiguille du Midi - Mer de Glace - Chamonix. Stopping at Mer de Glace to visit the ice cave.

The shorts got lots of attention, positive comments, 2 boys who couldn’t stop laughing and plenty of photos again.

Every pair of eyes is another person who stops to think about checking for the signs of testicular cancer. They are cheeky, fun and have a potentially life saving message. I love taking my balls out.

Question!
Where do you want to see my balls next? 👇💬

#awareness #runnersofinstagram #trailrun #humour #chamonix

Final run in the mountains, Aiguille du Midi - Mer de Glace - Chamonix. Beautiful day to be in the mountains. Stopped at Mer de Glace and took the cable car down to the ice cave, I’ve been meaning to do this for a while. Love combining a run with some sightseeing.

Chamonix you’ve been amazing again.

Going to watch some of the UTMB finishers tonight and I’m current tracking @vlad_protrailrunner as he is on the course. Massively appreciate the YouTube content he and @chrisbeavon put together on @runlabhq it’s definitely improved my climbing and downhill form and speed, so would be good to cheer him in.

#mountains #run #runnersofinstagram #chamonix #runna

Final run in the mountains, Aiguille du Midi - Mer de Glace - Chamonix. Beautiful day to be in the mountains. Stopped at Mer de Glace and took the cable car down to the ice cave, I’ve been meaning to do this for a while. Love combining a run with some sightseeing.

Chamonix you’ve been amazing again.

Going to watch some of the UTMB finishers tonight and I’m current tracking @vlad_protrailrunner as he is on the course. Massively appreciate the YouTube content he and @chrisbeavon put together on @runlabhq it’s definitely improved my climbing and downhill form and speed, so would be good to cheer him in.

#mountains #run #runnersofinstagram #chamonix #runna

Where in the mountains are we going to be today? A run with a little less elevation today as I have the @ultrachallenges South Coast Ultra this time next week, with the awesome @tobytalksballs Headed up Aiguille du Midi then a run along the Balcon Nord trail before a lively downhill section back into town.

#running #mountains #trailrun #chamonix #saturday

Where in the mountains are we going to be today? A run with a little less elevation today as I have the @ultrachallenges South Coast Ultra this time next week, with the awesome @tobytalksballs Headed up Aiguille du Midi then a run along the Balcon Nord trail before a lively downhill section back into town.

#running #mountains #trailrun #chamonix #saturday

Chamonix seems to be absolutely full of ‘influencers’ so I decided to try and give it a shot myself….

Did I influence you?

#breakfast #influencer #humour #justforfun #chamonix

Chamonix seems to be absolutely full of ‘influencers’ so I decided to try and give it a shot myself….

Did I influence you?

#breakfast #influencer #humour #justforfun #chamonix

UTMB 2026. After a 2 hour delayed start due to storms in the mountains the UTMB got underway in Chamonix. That 2 hour delay must have shattered nerves as the runners headed into the dark.

#utmb #chamonix #ultrarunner #run #trailrunning

UTMB 2026. After a 2 hour delayed start due to storms in the mountains the UTMB got underway in Chamonix. That 2 hour delay must have shattered nerves as the runners headed into the dark.

#utmb #chamonix #ultrarunner #run #trailrunning

UTMB 2026. Runners holding waiting to start. You can feel the emotion, the nerves, the excitement, the passion.

What an atmosphere.

#utmb #chamonix #ultrarunning #running

UTMB 2026. Runners holding waiting to start. You can feel the emotion, the nerves, the excitement, the passion.

What an atmosphere.

#utmb #chamonix #ultrarunning #running

Now runners, as we all seem to be focussed on UTMB and the trail racing world series I thought I’d run past you a little reminder to check the bits downstairs.

You maybe super fit, have quads and calves that would make Godzilla envious, and know your gels from your protein shakes but that doesn’t make you are immune from testicular cancer. It got me and I eat loads of salads!

Let’s just do it.
Let’s share the post
And lets get the algorithm working by liking & commenting

as the more people who see this, the bigger a difference we can make.

Right, who’s first?

#ultrarunning #utmb #awareness #check #run

Now runners, as we all seem to be focussed on UTMB and the trail racing world series I thought I’d run past you a little reminder to check the bits downstairs.

You maybe super fit, have quads and calves that would make Godzilla envious, and know your gels from your protein shakes but that doesn’t make you are immune from testicular cancer. It got me and I eat loads of salads!

Let’s just do it.
Let’s share the post
And lets get the algorithm working by liking & commenting

as the more people who see this, the bigger a difference we can make.

Right, who’s first?

#ultrarunning #utmb #awareness #check #run

UTMB 100M DELAYED. A 2 hour delay to the planned start time of 17:45, currently the organisers are giving a time of 19:45.

There are a lot of storms around the mountains, not currently in Chamonix but the talk is we are due them over the next couple of hours.

#utmb #storm #chamonix #ultrarunner #run

UTMB 100M DELAYED. A 2 hour delay to the planned start time of 17:45, currently the organisers are giving a time of 19:45.

There are a lot of storms around the mountains, not currently in Chamonix but the talk is we are due them over the next couple of hours.

#utmb #storm #chamonix #ultrarunner #run

The start of UTMB has been delayed by a full 2 hours. It’s stormy in the mountains and there is talk of a lot of rain and thunder storms arriving this afternoon.

This definitely can’t help with pre race nerves of the runners. I’ll be donning my full waterproof jacket from @asics and heading to the start line for 1915.

#utmb #storm #running #delayed #ultrarunning

The start of UTMB has been delayed by a full 2 hours. It’s stormy in the mountains and there is talk of a lot of rain and thunder storms arriving this afternoon.

This definitely can’t help with pre race nerves of the runners. I’ll be donning my full waterproof jacket from @asics and heading to the start line for 1915.

#utmb #storm #running #delayed #ultrarunning

Thanks Team @teamrunderwear for an enjoyable run this morning on the trails around Chamonix. And treated to a lovely breakfast when we got back.

#chamonix #trails #run #runderwear #runnersofinstagram

Thanks Team @teamrunderwear for an enjoyable run this morning on the trails around Chamonix. And treated to a lovely breakfast when we got back.

#chamonix #trails #run #runderwear #runnersofinstagram

The energy is building in Chamonix, you can feel the air charging as the town gets ready to host the UTMB 100M. Over 100 gruelling miles in the mountains, a run the will test even the strongest.

1745 is start time and I’ll be down their early to secure my place near the start line.

#utmb #ultrarunning #chamonix #run #racing

The energy is building in Chamonix, you can feel the air charging as the town gets ready to host the UTMB 100M. Over 100 gruelling miles in the mountains, a run the will test even the strongest.

1745 is start time and I’ll be down their early to secure my place near the start line.

#utmb #ultrarunning #chamonix #run #racing

Where are my balls heading to this morning? The @teamrunderwear Shakeout run in Chamonix.

I’ve a connection to Runderwear in that they are a partner with cancer charity @rctcharity who I fundraise a lot for, and I’ll be pacing/crewing their founder @tobytalksballs on an ultra in a weeks time. I’m also running the @londonmarathon for them in 2027 dressed in a giant balls costume!

So my mission today, to get some runners to see the shorts and go away thinking ‘yeah I should really check’

#chamonix #utmb #awareness #run #cancer

Where are my balls heading to this morning? The @teamrunderwear Shakeout run in Chamonix.

I’ve a connection to Runderwear in that they are a partner with cancer charity @rctcharity who I fundraise a lot for, and I’ll be pacing/crewing their founder @tobytalksballs on an ultra in a weeks time. I’m also running the @londonmarathon for them in 2027 dressed in a giant balls costume!

So my mission today, to get some runners to see the shorts and go away thinking ‘yeah I should really check’

#chamonix #utmb #awareness #run #cancer

What an incredible evening, never in my wildest dreams would I had imagined talking to Lazarus Lake. Tonight was the World Premiere of The Hillybilly Scientist. If you have the opportunity to watch this it will talk to you in way you could never imagine.

An incredible film made possible by @raidlight & @mounttocoast you’ll explore Laz and the Barkley Marathons in a way that will captivate you.

Wow. Just wow.

#lazaruslake #chamonix #ultrarunning #filmpremiere #run

What an incredible evening, never in my wildest dreams would I had imagined talking to Lazarus Lake. Tonight was the World Premiere of The Hillybilly Scientist. If you have the opportunity to watch this it will talk to you in way you could never imagine.

An incredible film made possible by @raidlight & @mounttocoast you’ll explore Laz and the Barkley Marathons in a way that will captivate you.

Wow. Just wow.

#lazaruslake #chamonix #ultrarunning #filmpremiere #run

Big thanks to @scottrunning x @run4adventure.uk for a great evening panel discussion about the future of trail running. Great insights into shoe development, balancing the desire to explore with the respect and responsibility we have for the environment and many more topics and Q&A

Well thought through panel, hosted incredibly well by Loyd Purvis (Run4Adventure) with Liga Purvis handling the live stream so people around the world could watch.

And even some giveaways of Scott Running and Run4Adventure goodie bags (sadly not a winner) but plenty of happy runners enjoyed one.

#trailrunning #future #scott #chamonix #utmb

Big thanks to @scottrunning x @run4adventure.uk for a great evening panel discussion about the future of trail running. Great insights into shoe development, balancing the desire to explore with the respect and responsibility we have for the environment and many more topics and Q&A

Well thought through panel, hosted incredibly well by Loyd Purvis (Run4Adventure) with Liga Purvis handling the live stream so people around the world could watch.

And even some giveaways of Scott Running and Run4Adventure goodie bags (sadly not a winner) but plenty of happy runners enjoyed one.

#trailrunning #future #scott #chamonix #utmb

Trail running has so many magic moments, I discovered Chalet de la Floria a few years ago and was pleased I could work in a run to it today. The trail runs through the cafe…so cool.

#chamonix #trails #cafe #run #coolfinds

Trail running has so many magic moments, I discovered Chalet de la Floria a few years ago and was pleased I could work in a run to it today. The trail runs through the cafe…so cool.

#chamonix #trails #cafe #run #coolfinds

A pair of limited edition Check Ya Balls socks heading off to @run.barton.run - if you want a pair too, be quick 👇

These are custom printed right here in Chamonix by @lesfrereschaussettes who have a stand at the UTMB Village. They are a very high quality running sock. And great for casual wear too.

Tomorrow (Friday) is the last day I can get these printed. They are 16.95€ a pair and I’ll post them to you when I’m back in the UK next week.

Make a great gift, with a serious and potentially life saving message too.

Comment or DM me if you’d like a pair.

#running #socks #limitededition #chamonix #runner

A pair of limited edition Check Ya Balls socks heading off to @run.barton.run - if you want a pair too, be quick 👇

These are custom printed right here in Chamonix by @lesfrereschaussettes who have a stand at the UTMB Village. They are a very high quality running sock. And great for casual wear too.

Tomorrow (Friday) is the last day I can get these printed. They are 16.95€ a pair and I’ll post them to you when I’m back in the UK next week.

Make a great gift, with a serious and potentially life saving message too.

Comment or DM me if you’d like a pair.

#running #socks #limitededition #chamonix #runner

Plan A run was scrapped as Aiguille du Midi is closed due to high winds, so a quick replan and Plan B was made. Chamonix - La Flegere - Les Tines - Chamonix if you want to get an idea of how my legs feel zoom in on the elevation graph. A brutal up followed by a extremely technical and steep down.

Stopped at La Flegere for a drink and a chat with the guys from Hoka who were setting up ready for the UTMB 100M race.

Now add into the mix it’s 30 degrees here today and you’ll get an idea of how that run felt.

Shower, lunch and get ready for an evening in the presence of a true legend in the ultra world. Look forward to bringing you the details on that later tonight.

It’s a good job Instagram doesn’t have a smell facility….man do I need to shower off!

#run #hoka #chamonix #utmb #trailrun

Plan A run was scrapped as Aiguille du Midi is closed due to high winds, so a quick replan and Plan B was made. Chamonix - La Flegere - Les Tines - Chamonix if you want to get an idea of how my legs feel zoom in on the elevation graph. A brutal up followed by a extremely technical and steep down.

Stopped at La Flegere for a drink and a chat with the guys from Hoka who were setting up ready for the UTMB 100M race.

Now add into the mix it’s 30 degrees here today and you’ll get an idea of how that run felt.

Shower, lunch and get ready for an evening in the presence of a true legend in the ultra world. Look forward to bringing you the details on that later tonight.

It’s a good job Instagram doesn’t have a smell facility….man do I need to shower off!

#run #hoka #chamonix #utmb #trailrun

My Check Ya Balls short and underwear are at La Flegere today, and they were snapped by the @hoka camera. The Hoka guys there were really cool, nice conversation (about balls) and handshakes too as they really engaged with the message.

Every conversation is a potential life saved.

Wonder how many trail runners myself and Hoka could get to commit to checking this UTMB week.

#chamonix #utmb #run #awareness #hoka

My Check Ya Balls short and underwear are at La Flegere today, and they were snapped by the @hoka camera. The Hoka guys there were really cool, nice conversation (about balls) and handshakes too as they really engaged with the message.

Every conversation is a potential life saved.

Wonder how many trail runners myself and Hoka could get to commit to checking this UTMB week.

#chamonix #utmb #run #awareness #hoka

That somewhat changes the planned run for today. Sitting in the valley there isn’t a breeze to be seen, but that just shows you how much weather can change as you get up into the mountains. No cable cars running on Aiguille du Midi.

Always respect the mountains. When you don’t think you’ll need a jacket pack one, extra fluids and nutrition take them, first aid kit, take it.

Now off the consider plan B. Whatever that looks like!

#aiguilledumidi #chamonix #run #mountains #planb

That somewhat changes the planned run for today. Sitting in the valley there isn’t a breeze to be seen, but that just shows you how much weather can change as you get up into the mountains. No cable cars running on Aiguille du Midi.

Always respect the mountains. When you don’t think you’ll need a jacket pack one, extra fluids and nutrition take them, first aid kit, take it.

Now off the consider plan B. Whatever that looks like!

#aiguilledumidi #chamonix #run #mountains #planb

Hot days, sweaty days. IYKYK.

#trailrun #stopthechafe #chamonix #painfree

Hot days, sweaty days. IYKYK.

#trailrun #stopthechafe #chamonix #painfree

This is what trail racing is all about, some of the last finishes in the TDS, they have been in the mountains for more than 40 hours, run 145KM on mountain trails. You just cannot even imagine that.

Look at the love and support. You can watch the elites, but for me, this is where it’s at.

#trailrun #chamonix #utmb #support #tough

This is what trail racing is all about, some of the last finishes in the TDS, they have been in the mountains for more than 40 hours, run 145KM on mountain trails. You just cannot even imagine that.

Look at the love and support. You can watch the elites, but for me, this is where it’s at.

#trailrun #chamonix #utmb #support #tough

Chamonix during UTMB week sees many of the running community come together for a morning shakeout run, a way to give the legs some gentle miles and calm the nerves before many head into the mountains taking on one of the UTMB races.

This morning it was the @run4adventure.uk x @scottrunning run, a superb early morning 5K under the gaze of Mont Blanc.

Were you there this morning? Drop in the comments and say hello 👋 👇💬

#run #utmb #chamonix #runners #scottrunning

Chamonix during UTMB week sees many of the running community come together for a morning shakeout run, a way to give the legs some gentle miles and calm the nerves before many head into the mountains taking on one of the UTMB races.

This morning it was the @run4adventure.uk x @scottrunning run, a superb early morning 5K under the gaze of Mont Blanc.

Were you there this morning? Drop in the comments and say hello 👋 👇💬

#run #utmb #chamonix #runners #scottrunning

Looking for a trail shoe that is responsive and grips like I hold the packet of Malteasers when I know someone is after them. Give the EX330 a go, I adore this shoe.

Not a sponsored post, just some absolute honesty about the @kailasfuga EX330 which is the main trail shoe I bought out to Chamonix with me.

#trailrun #kailasfuga #shoe #chamonix #utmb

Looking for a trail shoe that is responsive and grips like I hold the packet of Malteasers when I know someone is after them. Give the EX330 a go, I adore this shoe.

Not a sponsored post, just some absolute honesty about the @kailasfuga EX330 which is the main trail shoe I bought out to Chamonix with me.

#trailrun #kailasfuga #shoe #chamonix #utmb

TDS finish is going right past my apartment, just love the noise Chamonix is making for the runners…come on.

I may be up very late tonight!

#runningmotivation #chamonix #utmb #support #runners

TDS finish is going right past my apartment, just love the noise Chamonix is making for the runners…come on.

I may be up very late tonight!

#runningmotivation #chamonix #utmb #support #runners

UTMB TDS 2026 winner, @remy_brassac_ what an incredible evening in Chamonix, the support, the noise, the atmosphere. After 150K in the mountains that energy as the final corner was rounded by Remy must have been extremely emotional.

There is nothing in the world that beats a finish line cheer when you have given everything and have little to nothing left.

Remy 🔥

#chamonix #utmb #finish #cheer #atmosphere

UTMB TDS 2026 winner, @remy_brassac_ what an incredible evening in Chamonix, the support, the noise, the atmosphere. After 150K in the mountains that energy as the final corner was rounded by Remy must have been extremely emotional.

There is nothing in the world that beats a finish line cheer when you have given everything and have little to nothing left.

Remy 🔥

#chamonix #utmb #finish #cheer #atmosphere

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Andy Hood.

ULTRA & ENDURANCE RUNNER

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

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