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

Hillbilly Scientist Lazarus Lake documentary premiere

Hillbilly Scientist Lazarus Lake documentary premiere

The Hillbilly Scientist: Inside the World Premiere of the Lazarus Lake Documentary in Chamonix

Monochrome Texture

Captured a 22 degree halo today, an amazing optical illusion around the sun. Usually made of ice crystals that bend the light at 22 degrees giving the appearance of a complete circle. It can mean snow is on its way….I hope you are ready Lanzarote!

#sunhalo #halo #opticalillusion #lanzarote #sunshine

Captured a 22 degree halo today, an amazing optical illusion around the sun. Usually made of ice crystals that bend the light at 22 degrees giving the appearance of a complete circle. It can mean snow is on its way….I hope you are ready Lanzarote!

#sunhalo #halo #opticalillusion #lanzarote #sunshine

Monday = rest and recovery day. I am getting this one right today.

I place a lot of importance on allowing the body to recover, you’ll never find me chasing streaks, or run every day challenges. Rest days are part of my training. Keeping activity on the feet light, hydrating and I may just take a leaf out of @siansecc book and weekend reel where she informed me I can eat cookies. Love ya Sian!

Happy Monday.

#monday #recovery #restday #runner #running

Monday = rest and recovery day. I am getting this one right today.

I place a lot of importance on allowing the body to recover, you’ll never find me chasing streaks, or run every day challenges. Rest days are part of my training. Keeping activity on the feet light, hydrating and I may just take a leaf out of @siansecc book and weekend reel where she informed me I can eat cookies. Love ya Sian!

Happy Monday.

#monday #recovery #restday #runner #running

Running in different places makes the run super interesting, today took me along a path at the end of the runway just as an @ryanair was landing. Unbelievably it was 15mins ahead of schedule, congratulations on a first there Ryanair!

#airport #airplane #running #ontime #run

Running in different places makes the run super interesting, today took me along a path at the end of the runway just as an @ryanair was landing. Unbelievably it was 15mins ahead of schedule, congratulations on a first there Ryanair!

#airport #airplane #running #ontime #run

Phew 🥵 that was a hot one out there today, temperature around 31C and the sky as blue as can be. Quite a headwind on the return. Super pleased that despite the heat and wind I kept this Z2/3, exactly where I wanted it to be today.

Met a couple of lovely ladies on the run, see pic two for those, absolutely love her running hat.

The algorithm - saw an interesting post from @orangerunningguy this week, his engagement has dropped significantly and was worried people had got bored with his content. It’s just the lovely algorithm playing its games, I’ve been through this and pretty sure you have too. My advice is keep being you, don’t feel the pressure or need to change who you are just because some code decides to favour someone else for a while. Always, always be true to your self.

Some of my lowest engagement is where I talk openly about cancer, but that doesn’t bother me, because if just 1 person sees it and takes action, then that is 1 person I’ve influenced and that’s success.

Don’t chase likes, comments, shares. Chase your passion, follow your heart and be you.

Lace up, enjoy your miles.

#runner #runningmotivation #lanzarote #saucony #runnersofinstagram

Phew 🥵 that was a hot one out there today, temperature around 31C and the sky as blue as can be. Quite a headwind on the return. Super pleased that despite the heat and wind I kept this Z2/3, exactly where I wanted it to be today.

Met a couple of lovely ladies on the run, see pic two for those, absolutely love her running hat.

The algorithm - saw an interesting post from @orangerunningguy this week, his engagement has dropped significantly and was worried people had got bored with his content. It’s just the lovely algorithm playing its games, I’ve been through this and pretty sure you have too. My advice is keep being you, don’t feel the pressure or need to change who you are just because some code decides to favour someone else for a while. Always, always be true to your self.

Some of my lowest engagement is where I talk openly about cancer, but that doesn’t bother me, because if just 1 person sees it and takes action, then that is 1 person I’ve influenced and that’s success.

Don’t chase likes, comments, shares. Chase your passion, follow your heart and be you.

Lace up, enjoy your miles.

#runner #runningmotivation #lanzarote #saucony #runnersofinstagram

Runners legs are rather good and definitely worth seeing! Now watch to the end and tag someone who needs to see this.

#runner #legs #awareness #runnersofinstagram #tag

Runners legs are rather good and definitely worth seeing! Now watch to the end and tag someone who needs to see this.

#runner #legs #awareness #runnersofinstagram #tag

There are worse places to be sitting working on my website.

#lanzarote #website #running #runner #pool

There are worse places to be sitting working on my website.

#lanzarote #website #running #runner #pool

First of the weekends runs, 7mi easy along the coast. Tough headwind on the return pushing the effort slightly.

Longer run tomorrow, temperatures look high again so I’m going to drive out and park the car, doing an out an back either way meaning I can grab a cold drink from the car at the halfway, saves carrying anything with me and I tend to dial into the run better that way.

Enjoyed a sunset boat trip last night, seeing a large pod of dolphins and flying fish along the way.

Lace up and enjoy your weekend miles.

#run #running #lanzarote #saucony #runnersofinstagram

First of the weekends runs, 7mi easy along the coast. Tough headwind on the return pushing the effort slightly.

Longer run tomorrow, temperatures look high again so I’m going to drive out and park the car, doing an out an back either way meaning I can grab a cold drink from the car at the halfway, saves carrying anything with me and I tend to dial into the run better that way.

Enjoyed a sunset boat trip last night, seeing a large pod of dolphins and flying fish along the way.

Lace up and enjoy your weekend miles.

#run #running #lanzarote #saucony #runnersofinstagram

Most of us head out for our long run at the weekend, it’ll be interesting to know whether you do yours on a Saturday or a Sunday?

#run #longrun #weekend #runner #runnersofinstagram

Most of us head out for our long run at the weekend, it’ll be interesting to know whether you do yours on a Saturday or a Sunday?

#run #longrun #weekend #runner #runnersofinstagram

Well that’s pretty, Lanzarote at sunset as seen from the sea.

#lanzarote #sea #boat #sunset #relaxing

Well that’s pretty, Lanzarote at sunset as seen from the sea.

#lanzarote #sea #boat #sunset #relaxing

Snuck another race in the diary in the lead up to my Krispy Kreme London 50 on November 7th.

The @maverickrace Jurassic Coast in October. Not the ultra for me as I’m in the block for the Krispy Kreme run, so I’ve added this as a B race and doing the 21K. The route looks great taking a beautiful looking course in Dorset in an area I spent quite a bit of time in many years ago.

Big thanks to @teamrunderwear for the opportunity to run this one. Keep your eyes peeled for more news about me and Runderwear.

#run #trailrun #dorset #running #runnersofinstagram

Snuck another race in the diary in the lead up to my Krispy Kreme London 50 on November 7th.

The @maverickrace Jurassic Coast in October. Not the ultra for me as I’m in the block for the Krispy Kreme run, so I’ve added this as a B race and doing the 21K. The route looks great taking a beautiful looking course in Dorset in an area I spent quite a bit of time in many years ago.

Big thanks to @teamrunderwear for the opportunity to run this one. Keep your eyes peeled for more news about me and Runderwear.

#run #trailrun #dorset #running #runnersofinstagram

8mi out and back along the coast in Lanzarote, something very relaxing about running alongside the sea and the sound of waves lapping the beach.

Strong headwind on the return leg, I guess it’s all good for endurance.

Kicked the day off with a great call with the team @krispykremeuk planning my Krispy Kreme London 50 on November 7th. I’m running 50K across the Capital visiting 20 Krispy Kreme shops along the way, and together we are supporting those diagnosed with cancer by fundraising for @chemohero it is so important to me that I support others diagnosed, it was a super scary time in my life so I’ll do everything I can for others to make that time just a little better. Thank you Krispy Kreme for all your support.

Long run tomorrow.

#runner #lanzarote #running #runna #saucony

8mi out and back along the coast in Lanzarote, something very relaxing about running alongside the sea and the sound of waves lapping the beach.

Strong headwind on the return leg, I guess it’s all good for endurance.

Kicked the day off with a great call with the team @krispykremeuk planning my Krispy Kreme London 50 on November 7th. I’m running 50K across the Capital visiting 20 Krispy Kreme shops along the way, and together we are supporting those diagnosed with cancer by fundraising for @chemohero it is so important to me that I support others diagnosed, it was a super scary time in my life so I’ll do everything I can for others to make that time just a little better. Thank you Krispy Kreme for all your support.

Long run tomorrow.

#runner #lanzarote #running #runna #saucony

Hello Insta family, a little Friday check in and thought I get a conversation going to see what everyones favourite distance is. You may also find new people to follow by jumping in the comments 👇💬

#runners #running #marathon #distance #runnersofinstagram

Hello Insta family, a little Friday check in and thought I get a conversation going to see what everyones favourite distance is. You may also find new people to follow by jumping in the comments 👇💬

#runners #running #marathon #distance #runnersofinstagram

I’m just about to ‘retire’ a pair of @saucony Speed 5’s, and that made me wonder when does every one else retire a pair of shoes?

After a certain number or miles, or when they fall apart, or when you buy a new pair and forget all about the current one?

Talk shoes to me! 👇💬

#runner #shoes #running #when #runnersofinstagram

I’m just about to ‘retire’ a pair of @saucony Speed 5’s, and that made me wonder when does every one else retire a pair of shoes?

After a certain number or miles, or when they fall apart, or when you buy a new pair and forget all about the current one?

Talk shoes to me! 👇💬

#runner #shoes #running #when #runnersofinstagram

Running in the mountains, you get to see so much more than just pounding out the miles on tarmac.

📍 Plan Praz, Chamonix

#trailrun #paragliding #mountains #fly #runner

Running in the mountains, you get to see so much more than just pounding out the miles on tarmac.

📍 Plan Praz, Chamonix

#trailrun #paragliding #mountains #fly #runner

Perfect session after yesterday’s tempo effort, a relaxed 8mi easy but into quite a strong headwind. After several very hot days the weather is cooling slightly and the wind increasing, until Friday when the temperature will climb again.

About 50+mi into the @saucony Azura now, will record a short thoughts reel on them as I know a few people are keen to hear how they have been.

Just snuck another event into the calendar for early October, one from Maverick. Will post about that soon. It comes at a perfect time as I’ll be in the block training for the Krispy Kreme London 50 in early November.

Lace up and enjoy those miles.

#runner #lanzarote #saucony #runnersofinstagram #runna

Perfect session after yesterday’s tempo effort, a relaxed 8mi easy but into quite a strong headwind. After several very hot days the weather is cooling slightly and the wind increasing, until Friday when the temperature will climb again.

About 50+mi into the @saucony Azura now, will record a short thoughts reel on them as I know a few people are keen to hear how they have been.

Just snuck another event into the calendar for early October, one from Maverick. Will post about that soon. It comes at a perfect time as I’ll be in the block training for the Krispy Kreme London 50 in early November.

Lace up and enjoy those miles.

#runner #lanzarote #saucony #runnersofinstagram #runna

After Midnight. Title track from my new album that releases early October.

Some things are best said After Midnight.

#aftermidnight #music #newrelease #rock

After Midnight. Title track from my new album that releases early October.

Some things are best said After Midnight.

#aftermidnight #music #newrelease #rock

Hot tempo session I started during the day and finished at night. A couple of miles into the session, in 36 degree heat, zero wind and relentless sun my core temperature wasn’t regulating well. I called a halt to the session and went back out at 9pm, the sun had set but the air temp was still hot.

Dialled into the run well, having to be constantly reminded by @runna to slow it back as I was running comfortably at around 7min/mi. Amazing what a world class track can do for your pace.

Had an ice cold can of @monsterenergy at the side of the track, felt so good on my head as I finished the session. And even better as I opened it post run.

#run #tempo #lanzarote #runnersofinstagram #runna

Hot tempo session I started during the day and finished at night. A couple of miles into the session, in 36 degree heat, zero wind and relentless sun my core temperature wasn’t regulating well. I called a halt to the session and went back out at 9pm, the sun had set but the air temp was still hot.

Dialled into the run well, having to be constantly reminded by @runna to slow it back as I was running comfortably at around 7min/mi. Amazing what a world class track can do for your pace.

Had an ice cold can of @monsterenergy at the side of the track, felt so good on my head as I finished the session. And even better as I opened it post run.

#run #tempo #lanzarote #runnersofinstagram #runna

My 2000th post on Instagram. Let’s make this one fly! Hit the like, drop into the comments.

How many of us scroll back over our feeds? For me.
Running - cancer - recovery - rebuilding - supporting others - £28,000 raised for charity

multiple ultras - 24 hours on a treadmill - Tour du Mont Blanc x2 - Krispy Kreme London runs - and soooo many more

Many, many new friends and relationships made
@runna @run4adventure.uk @teamrunderwear @myoddballs @chemohero @krispykremeuk @thefarmersdogpub @diddlysquat.farmshop and sooooo many more new friends.

Here is to the next 2000 posts. More friends, more supporting others and a 2027 that is shaping up to be awesome

#run #runnerscommunity #running #2000 #ig

My 2000th post on Instagram. Let’s make this one fly! Hit the like, drop into the comments.

How many of us scroll back over our feeds? For me.
Running - cancer - recovery - rebuilding - supporting others - £28,000 raised for charity

multiple ultras - 24 hours on a treadmill - Tour du Mont Blanc x2 - Krispy Kreme London runs - and soooo many more

Many, many new friends and relationships made
@runna @run4adventure.uk @teamrunderwear @myoddballs @chemohero @krispykremeuk @thefarmersdogpub @diddlysquat.farmshop and sooooo many more new friends.

Here is to the next 2000 posts. More friends, more supporting others and a 2027 that is shaping up to be awesome

#run #runnerscommunity #running #2000 #ig

Current state: feeling happy.
Weather at @clublasanta is hot. The running is enjoyable, the people are great and the ice cream, well you’ll just have to hop on a plane, book a few days here and try that for yourself.

🕶️ @oakley Permian

#lanzarote #runner #happy #sunglasses #runnersofinstagram

Current state: feeling happy.
Weather at @clublasanta is hot. The running is enjoyable, the people are great and the ice cream, well you’ll just have to hop on a plane, book a few days here and try that for yourself.

🕶️ @oakley Permian

#lanzarote #runner #happy #sunglasses #runnersofinstagram

The caption says it all. And because it’s pants, and because I want YOU to check yourself, I carefully designed my own range of mens underwear to remind you to do so, and keep you comfy too.

I’m in Lanzarote and some of the Club La Santa @clublasantagreenteam wear my pants! Like @benoitkindt

If you’d like to grab a pair, support cancer charities like @rctcharity with each purchase and remind yourself to check, then head to my website, link in BIO and order a pair.

Being diagnosed with cancer was pants, so I did something inspiring with my diagnosis.

#menswear #wellness #runner #men #underwear

The caption says it all. And because it’s pants, and because I want YOU to check yourself, I carefully designed my own range of mens underwear to remind you to do so, and keep you comfy too.

I’m in Lanzarote and some of the Club La Santa @clublasantagreenteam wear my pants! Like @benoitkindt

If you’d like to grab a pair, support cancer charities like @rctcharity with each purchase and remind yourself to check, then head to my website, link in BIO and order a pair.

Being diagnosed with cancer was pants, so I did something inspiring with my diagnosis.

#menswear #wellness #runner #men #underwear

Tempo session to start the day, hot morning here @clublasanta very little breeze today making the run even hotter. Dialled the pace back to take the heat into account.

#running #clublasanta #lanzarote #trackrun #runna

Tempo session to start the day, hot morning here @clublasanta very little breeze today making the run even hotter. Dialled the pace back to take the heat into account.

#running #clublasanta #lanzarote #trackrun #runna

Just proving to my coach @steve_middleton_lowes that just because I am away, I am following his training plan. Get the medal ready for my return Steve

#proof #gym #pumpingiron #runner #gymworkout

Just proving to my coach @steve_middleton_lowes that just because I am away, I am following his training plan. Get the medal ready for my return Steve

#proof #gym #pumpingiron #runner #gymworkout

HOT 🥵 it may be cloudy but it’s hot & humid, I was running in sweat after mile one. Trying to keep the HR low was a challenge, even dialling it back on the pace. Incredible how the heat has such an effect on the HR.

14mi is a result, last weekend I’d just completed the back half of the Ultra Challenges South Coast 100, so I’m happy the legs are recovered well.

Tomorrow is week 9 of the current block, rest day tomorrow although I’ll head to the gym here @clublasanta for some strength training, then the running week kicks off Tuesday with a tempo session.

This evening I’m looking forward to a talk by @tri.anne.haug IM World Champion, I always find time with the pros valuable, listening to their training and how they approach each session and block.

#runner #lanzarote #saucony #runnersofinstagram #runna

HOT 🥵 it may be cloudy but it’s hot & humid, I was running in sweat after mile one. Trying to keep the HR low was a challenge, even dialling it back on the pace. Incredible how the heat has such an effect on the HR.

14mi is a result, last weekend I’d just completed the back half of the Ultra Challenges South Coast 100, so I’m happy the legs are recovered well.

Tomorrow is week 9 of the current block, rest day tomorrow although I’ll head to the gym here @clublasanta for some strength training, then the running week kicks off Tuesday with a tempo session.

This evening I’m looking forward to a talk by @tri.anne.haug IM World Champion, I always find time with the pros valuable, listening to their training and how they approach each session and block.

#runner #lanzarote #saucony #runnersofinstagram #runna

I can’t believe where that time has gone. 4 years since I laced back up and ran 170mi on the @southwestcoastpath to Lands End. Just 12 months before I’d been diagnosed with cancer, had an operation and gone through chemotherapy.

At one of my lowest points I made a decision to rebuild stronger, and to support others. For me that meant working hard to achieve amazing things in my running shoes and fundraise. My run to Lands End started it all.

I have no plans on stopping. I’ve set myself a huge fundraising target of £50,000, and am already at £28,000. Every step, every £1 makes a big difference to those also at their lowest ebb.

🫶 Stronger Together.

Thank you to so many that have supported me along the way. And thank you to the team @runna who help prepare me for what I take on.

Over the past 4 years I have fundraised for
@alzheimerssoc @oddballsfdn @youngmindsuk @macmillancancer @chemohero

#runner #strongertogether #runnersofinstagram #runna cancer

I can’t believe where that time has gone. 4 years since I laced back up and ran 170mi on the @southwestcoastpath to Lands End. Just 12 months before I’d been diagnosed with cancer, had an operation and gone through chemotherapy.

At one of my lowest points I made a decision to rebuild stronger, and to support others. For me that meant working hard to achieve amazing things in my running shoes and fundraise. My run to Lands End started it all.

I have no plans on stopping. I’ve set myself a huge fundraising target of £50,000, and am already at £28,000. Every step, every £1 makes a big difference to those also at their lowest ebb.

🫶 Stronger Together.

Thank you to so many that have supported me along the way. And thank you to the team @runna who help prepare me for what I take on.

Over the past 4 years I have fundraised for
@alzheimerssoc @oddballsfdn @youngmindsuk @macmillancancer @chemohero

#runner #strongertogether #runnersofinstagram #runna cancer

Someone was spotted early morning in Chamonix and asked by Loyd @run4adventure.uk for the @scottrunning Between The Lines series an important question.

❓ What has running taught you?

Jump in the comments, and answer the question 👇💬

#running #lessons #taught #runners #run

Someone was spotted early morning in Chamonix and asked by Loyd @run4adventure.uk for the @scottrunning Between The Lines series an important question.

❓ What has running taught you?

Jump in the comments, and answer the question 👇💬

#running #lessons #taught #runners #run

Loving these. I think that’s all this post needs to say

🕶️ @oakley Permian

#sunglasses #running #oakley #style #runnersofinstagram

Loving these. I think that’s all this post needs to say

🕶️ @oakley Permian

#sunglasses #running #oakley #style #runnersofinstagram

Easy runs on Lanzarote are never easy, the combination of heat and wind always pushes the heart rate up which means the pace has to come down. Cloudy start but hot and humid, finished the run in blue sky and blazing sun.

The weeks go so fast, this time last week I was getting ready to run the @ultrachallenges South Coast Challenge pacing @tobytalksballs to his first 100K finish, a week later I’m 2500mi away running in a luna landscape.

Next event is the Krispy Kreme London 50, I’m starting to think through the logistics of that run and it looks like I’ll be joined by @jamescrawford120 this year, it will be great to share the truly unique nature of this run with someone.

🕶️ @oakley Permian

#run #lanzarote #runna #running #runnersofinstagram

Easy runs on Lanzarote are never easy, the combination of heat and wind always pushes the heart rate up which means the pace has to come down. Cloudy start but hot and humid, finished the run in blue sky and blazing sun.

The weeks go so fast, this time last week I was getting ready to run the @ultrachallenges South Coast Challenge pacing @tobytalksballs to his first 100K finish, a week later I’m 2500mi away running in a luna landscape.

Next event is the Krispy Kreme London 50, I’m starting to think through the logistics of that run and it looks like I’ll be joined by @jamescrawford120 this year, it will be great to share the truly unique nature of this run with someone.

🕶️ @oakley Permian

#run #lanzarote #runna #running #runnersofinstagram

Running in Lanzarote, hot, humid and windy. Out for an easy paced, well as easy as it can be when it’s hot, 8.5mi.

Jump in the comments, 👇💬 where are you running today?

#lanzarote #run #trailrun #saucony #runnersofinstagram

Running in Lanzarote, hot, humid and windy. Out for an easy paced, well as easy as it can be when it’s hot, 8.5mi.

Jump in the comments, 👇💬 where are you running today?

#lanzarote #run #trailrun #saucony #runnersofinstagram

I’m 50% faster than you. That’s a fact you’ll just have to accept. But it shouldn’t stop you.

#runner #humour #funny #runnersofinstagram #check

I’m 50% faster than you. That’s a fact you’ll just have to accept. But it shouldn’t stop you.

#runner #humour #funny #runnersofinstagram #check

Hill reps. HILL REPS! OMG how much do I love hill reps, this cannot be normal behaviour! Is it? 👇💬

I’m in Lanzarote for some warm weather training, getting ready for the @krispykremeuk London 50. Hard session today in the heat and wind, kept the pace for the reps in the 8min/mi range as not too overheat too much.

Thanks to @saucony for the Speed 5, a great shoe for hill reps with its lightweight and responsive mid sole. This pair are near retirement, I have another in reserve but may add a further pair before these get discontinued.

This weekend I’m attending a talk with @tri.anne.haug who I have watched race here in Lanzarote, she has a meet & greet talk at @clublasanta and I always find time with the pros so valuable.

Afternoon consists of a bit of sunbathing, and probably ice cream too!

#run #lanzarote #sauconysecond #hillrepeats #runnersofinstagram

Hill reps. HILL REPS! OMG how much do I love hill reps, this cannot be normal behaviour! Is it? 👇💬

I’m in Lanzarote for some warm weather training, getting ready for the @krispykremeuk London 50. Hard session today in the heat and wind, kept the pace for the reps in the 8min/mi range as not too overheat too much.

Thanks to @saucony for the Speed 5, a great shoe for hill reps with its lightweight and responsive mid sole. This pair are near retirement, I have another in reserve but may add a further pair before these get discontinued.

This weekend I’m attending a talk with @tri.anne.haug who I have watched race here in Lanzarote, she has a meet & greet talk at @clublasanta and I always find time with the pros so valuable.

Afternoon consists of a bit of sunbathing, and probably ice cream too!

#run #lanzarote #sauconysecond #hillrepeats #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