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Andy Hood.

ULTRA & ENDURANCE RUNNER

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Ultra Running

UTMB 2026 race guide and start times and spectator information

UTMB 2026 race guide and start times and spectator information

UTMB 2026: Every Race Start Time, Date, Location and Distance

Runna training plans explained, smart phone and watch showing runna training plan

Runna training plans explained, smart phone and watch showing runna training plan

Runna Training Plans Explained: Which One Is Right for You

London running events, runners in london with a list of events

London running events, runners in london with a list of events

London Running Events: The Complete Guide to Races Beyond the London Marathon (2026/27)

main in blue running top with text "how to increase your running cadence safely"

main in blue running top with text "how to increase your running cadence safely"

How to Increase Your Running Cadence Safely (and the Truth About 180)

Running Ramblings

Runners in a Ikea store with text "Ikea Marathon"

Runners in a Ikea store with text "Ikea Marathon"

IKEA Marathon 2026: Running 26.2 Miles Inside the Croydon Store (Aisle Be Back)

Running Ramblings

Ben Parker is leaving Runna, and why that matters to me

Running Ramblings

Smiling woman running in a white sports top, light shorts and white visor holding a water bottle in bright sun, with text "How to Run in Hot Weather: 10 Tips to Stay Cool and Safe"

Smiling woman running in a white sports top, light shorts and white visor holding a water bottle in bright sun, with text "How to Run in Hot Weather: 10 Tips to Stay Cool and Safe"

How to Run in Hot Weather: 10 Tips to Stay Cool and Safe

Running Ramblings

Monochrome Texture

Perfect colour way to match the new running top, what do you think? These @saucony Speed 5’s were an absolute bargain of a running shoe at just £97. You can’t go wrong at that price.

What do you think of the colour combo?

#run #saucony #shoes #temporun #filming

Perfect colour way to match the new running top, what do you think? These @saucony Speed 5’s were an absolute bargain of a running shoe at just £97. You can’t go wrong at that price.

What do you think of the colour combo?

#run #saucony #shoes #temporun #filming

My photography skills score a 3/10. I’ll practice and be ready for the next one in 2090.

And not a colander in sight!

#eclipse #fail #devon #photographer #zerotalent

My photography skills score a 3/10. I’ll practice and be ready for the next one in 2090.

And not a colander in sight!

#eclipse #fail #devon #photographer #zerotalent

Eclipse run tonight, well post eclipse really as I went out after the sun popped back out. Runna called for an easy paced 6.5mi so I delivered on that perfectly.

I had the rail trail to myself tonight, miles and miles of nobody but me and a squirrel who thought it was a tempo run judging by his speed!

I often get asked if I can give a Runna freebie and yes I can, just download the app and use promo code ANDY2 it doubles the free trial to 2 full weeks of premium access. These guys helped me rebuild after cancer, and again this year after emergency surgery so I’m also happy to recommend them.

Hope you got to see the eclipse tonight. There could only be one song for tonight’s post!

#running #devon #saucony #eclipse #runnersofinstagram

Eclipse run tonight, well post eclipse really as I went out after the sun popped back out. Runna called for an easy paced 6.5mi so I delivered on that perfectly.

I had the rail trail to myself tonight, miles and miles of nobody but me and a squirrel who thought it was a tempo run judging by his speed!

I often get asked if I can give a Runna freebie and yes I can, just download the app and use promo code ANDY2 it doubles the free trial to 2 full weeks of premium access. These guys helped me rebuild after cancer, and again this year after emergency surgery so I’m also happy to recommend them.

Hope you got to see the eclipse tonight. There could only be one song for tonight’s post!

#running #devon #saucony #eclipse #runnersofinstagram

Under 10 days until I head out to run in Chamonix, I’ll be there for the full UTMB week, following the races and running some of the mountain trails.

Shoes are dialled in, with Kailas Fuga and Hoka both head out with me.

#utmb #runner #chamonix #hoka #runnersofinstagram

Under 10 days until I head out to run in Chamonix, I’ll be there for the full UTMB week, following the races and running some of the mountain trails.

Shoes are dialled in, with Kailas Fuga and Hoka both head out with me.

#utmb #runner #chamonix #hoka #runnersofinstagram

Hill repeats, isn’t it just the best day in the running week, hard efforts time and time again, 16 of them today with about 2.5mi warm up and cool down miles. That’s 10mi of hills in the legs.

Waited for the sun to go down a little to try and catch some cooler air, was still pretty sweaty and it seems that runners sweat transports flies to a state of extreme excitement! They couldn’t get enough of me tonight.

I’m still keeping the repeats dialled back as the body continues its recovery from surgery, usually I’d go RPE 9-10 on these but I kept it controlled at RPE 7-8.

Time for a pasty now as I’m starving.

#runners #devon #hillrepeats #saucony #runna

Hill repeats, isn’t it just the best day in the running week, hard efforts time and time again, 16 of them today with about 2.5mi warm up and cool down miles. That’s 10mi of hills in the legs.

Waited for the sun to go down a little to try and catch some cooler air, was still pretty sweaty and it seems that runners sweat transports flies to a state of extreme excitement! They couldn’t get enough of me tonight.

I’m still keeping the repeats dialled back as the body continues its recovery from surgery, usually I’d go RPE 9-10 on these but I kept it controlled at RPE 7-8.

Time for a pasty now as I’m starving.

#runners #devon #hillrepeats #saucony #runna

I’m throwing my @asics Superblast 3 in the bin, find out why.

And get busy in the comments, what’s your thoughts on max stack shoes, are they working for you?

#asics #runner #review #rubbish #running

I’m throwing my @asics Superblast 3 in the bin, find out why.

And get busy in the comments, what’s your thoughts on max stack shoes, are they working for you?

#asics #runner #review #rubbish #running

This weekend I had a conversation that started, ‘What’s it like to run an ultra marathon’ finding it hard to articulate myself in words I turned on my creative skills instead.

Stage 1 - the start line
Full of freshness from the taper, and hyper from the pre-workout shot and gel you’ve just consumed, the miles ahead seem exciting and you are about to become a hero.

Stage 2 - a few aid stations later
drenched it sweat only the flies find exciting, your initial enthusiasm has been lost in the last 20 miles, you force in another gel, tell the volunteers all is good, and lying through your teeth head out.

Stage 3 - darkness falls
Heading into the darkness it’s not just the sunlight that has been lost, your stomach has lost any interest in gels, food or fluid, your brain lost to hallucinations and the ‘it’s only 2 parkruns to go’ are met with complete distain by your legs

Stage 4 - never again
Never ever again, mention the word running and you are likely to throttle someone, the medal round your neck feels like an anchor. How bad can a post run selfie look, the night of the living dead is pretty in comparison.

And that my non-running friends is why I keep signing up.

#ultrarunner #humour #finishline #neveragain #run

This weekend I had a conversation that started, ‘What’s it like to run an ultra marathon’ finding it hard to articulate myself in words I turned on my creative skills instead.

Stage 1 - the start line
Full of freshness from the taper, and hyper from the pre-workout shot and gel you’ve just consumed, the miles ahead seem exciting and you are about to become a hero.

Stage 2 - a few aid stations later
drenched it sweat only the flies find exciting, your initial enthusiasm has been lost in the last 20 miles, you force in another gel, tell the volunteers all is good, and lying through your teeth head out.

Stage 3 - darkness falls
Heading into the darkness it’s not just the sunlight that has been lost, your stomach has lost any interest in gels, food or fluid, your brain lost to hallucinations and the ‘it’s only 2 parkruns to go’ are met with complete distain by your legs

Stage 4 - never again
Never ever again, mention the word running and you are likely to throttle someone, the medal round your neck feels like an anchor. How bad can a post run selfie look, the night of the living dead is pretty in comparison.

And that my non-running friends is why I keep signing up.

#ultrarunner #humour #finishline #neveragain #run

7.5mi run on the rail trail this evening, relaxed, easy pace and through my favourite tunnel, see pic 2.

Took the @saucony Speed 5’s for a spin, a shoe that just works so well for me. I’ve just ordered another pair to keep for when the current ones reach their mileage, an absolute bargain of a shoe at £97.

Week 4 of the @runna programme has been a deload week, easy days, hill repeats and a hilly longer run yesterday. Heading into week 5 I see I have 1min hill repeats x16 on Tuesday 😳

Under 2 weeks until I’m in Chamonix for UTMB week, then it’s a busy few weeks when I come back with the following in the running calendar

September - South Coast 50
October - Krispy Kreme London 50

Lace up and enjoy your miles

#runner #devon #runnerslife #saucony #runna

7.5mi run on the rail trail this evening, relaxed, easy pace and through my favourite tunnel, see pic 2.

Took the @saucony Speed 5’s for a spin, a shoe that just works so well for me. I’ve just ordered another pair to keep for when the current ones reach their mileage, an absolute bargain of a shoe at £97.

Week 4 of the @runna programme has been a deload week, easy days, hill repeats and a hilly longer run yesterday. Heading into week 5 I see I have 1min hill repeats x16 on Tuesday 😳

Under 2 weeks until I’m in Chamonix for UTMB week, then it’s a busy few weeks when I come back with the following in the running calendar

September - South Coast 50
October - Krispy Kreme London 50

Lace up and enjoy your miles

#runner #devon #runnerslife #saucony #runna

Conversational paced hilly 8.50mi on a warm, very warm afternoon. Today was about controlling the pace, keeping it to a speed where I could easily hold a conversation even up the hills.

See photo 2 for the hilly route and you’ll understand why that was a sweaty run today!

The @saucony Speed 5 worked an absolute charm, they really are one of the best shoes I’ve put in the rotation this year. May order another pair in case they go ex-stock anytime soon.

Now to cool down, hydrate and get some carbs in.

Lace up and enjoy your miles.

#run #runner #runna #runningmotivation #runnersofinstagram

Conversational paced hilly 8.50mi on a warm, very warm afternoon. Today was about controlling the pace, keeping it to a speed where I could easily hold a conversation even up the hills.

See photo 2 for the hilly route and you’ll understand why that was a sweaty run today!

The @saucony Speed 5 worked an absolute charm, they really are one of the best shoes I’ve put in the rotation this year. May order another pair in case they go ex-stock anytime soon.

Now to cool down, hydrate and get some carbs in.

Lace up and enjoy your miles.

#run #runner #runna #runningmotivation #runnersofinstagram

One of the best shoes I’ve in the rotation in the last few months, @saucony Speed 5, such a versatile shoe, easy days, tempos and hill repeats, it takes them all.

#run #runner #running #saucony #runnersofinstagram

One of the best shoes I’ve in the rotation in the last few months, @saucony Speed 5, such a versatile shoe, easy days, tempos and hill repeats, it takes them all.

#run #runner #running #saucony #runnersofinstagram

Two weeks until I head to the trails of Chamonix, time to make a decision on which shoes I’ll be taking.

This year it’s
@kailasfuga EX330
@hoka Tecton X2

Let me know what shoe you’d be taking to the trails.

#run #runner #trailrun #utmb #chamonix

Two weeks until I head to the trails of Chamonix, time to make a decision on which shoes I’ll be taking.

This year it’s
@kailasfuga EX330
@hoka Tecton X2

Let me know what shoe you’d be taking to the trails.

#run #runner #trailrun #utmb #chamonix

My family have reminded me all I talk about is running, this I dispute, there are other topics…I just can’t think of what at the moment. So that got me thinking about only things a runner would say.

Hear yourself in any of these?

Add your own in the comments and give us a laugh

👇💬

#run #runners #funny #really #saywhat

My family have reminded me all I talk about is running, this I dispute, there are other topics…I just can’t think of what at the moment. So that got me thinking about only things a runner would say.

Hear yourself in any of these?

Add your own in the comments and give us a laugh

👇💬

#run #runners #funny #really #saywhat

The way a runner views the world!

#run #hills #runners #runnersofinstagram #igrun

The way a runner views the world!

#run #hills #runners #runnersofinstagram #igrun

Love this still taken from one of my run videos tonight, running absolutely makes me happy. Jump in the comments if running makes you happy too. 👇💬

#runningcommunity #runhappy #smile #happy #instarunners

Love this still taken from one of my run videos tonight, running absolutely makes me happy. Jump in the comments if running makes you happy too. 👇💬

#runningcommunity #runhappy #smile #happy #instarunners

Out for 8 easy miles, a little too quick really, should have kept it dialled back a bit further as I strayed into Z3 for around 40%. This pace would usually be very much in Z2 but as I’m still rebuilding the cardio is taking time to recover.

2 weeks I head out to Chamonix, the mountains are definitely my happy place, I’ve mapped out several runs around the valley, crossing into Switzerland.

As it’s UTMB week I’ll bring you some content if trail running is your thing too, my apartment is in the middle of town right where all the action is.

#run #runner #running #runnersofinstagram #runners

Out for 8 easy miles, a little too quick really, should have kept it dialled back a bit further as I strayed into Z3 for around 40%. This pace would usually be very much in Z2 but as I’m still rebuilding the cardio is taking time to recover.

2 weeks I head out to Chamonix, the mountains are definitely my happy place, I’ve mapped out several runs around the valley, crossing into Switzerland.

As it’s UTMB week I’ll bring you some content if trail running is your thing too, my apartment is in the middle of town right where all the action is.

#run #runner #running #runnersofinstagram #runners

Breakfast has always been one of my most important meals of the day. Done right and it sets me up perfectly for a busy day ahead, and sets the stage for running later if its an afternoon or evening run.

I’m an absolute creature of habit, just ask my family about that and they’ll tell you this breakfast hasn’t evolved much in years.

I don’t need to tell you what’s in the bowl, the image will show you that; but there has been one BIG change in recent years and that’s to the honey.

Chancing upon a podcast about honey and well, what isn’t honey, it turned out that what I’d been using for years has barely seen a bee 🐝 turns out most honey you buy is corn or sugar syrup.

Today I use @diddlysquat.farmshop Bee Juice, it is 100% honey from the hard working bees on the farm, and I encourage you to try that compared to what you buy in the supermarket; when you do you’ll understand what I’m saying.

👇💬 head to the comments and tell me what’s in your breakfast bowl or plate.

(Oh and this isn’t a paid advertisement from Diddly Squat…but followers will know how much I love the place!)

#run #runner #running #honey #breakfast

Breakfast has always been one of my most important meals of the day. Done right and it sets me up perfectly for a busy day ahead, and sets the stage for running later if its an afternoon or evening run.

I’m an absolute creature of habit, just ask my family about that and they’ll tell you this breakfast hasn’t evolved much in years.

I don’t need to tell you what’s in the bowl, the image will show you that; but there has been one BIG change in recent years and that’s to the honey.

Chancing upon a podcast about honey and well, what isn’t honey, it turned out that what I’d been using for years has barely seen a bee 🐝 turns out most honey you buy is corn or sugar syrup.

Today I use @diddlysquat.farmshop Bee Juice, it is 100% honey from the hard working bees on the farm, and I encourage you to try that compared to what you buy in the supermarket; when you do you’ll understand what I’m saying.

👇💬 head to the comments and tell me what’s in your breakfast bowl or plate.

(Oh and this isn’t a paid advertisement from Diddly Squat…but followers will know how much I love the place!)

#run #runner #running #honey #breakfast

Well the @bbcnews say that due to all the hot and dry weather our fruit and veg are going to be very small this year….yep appears they are right.

#seenonmyrun #run #humour #laugh #fun

Well the @bbcnews say that due to all the hot and dry weather our fruit and veg are going to be very small this year….yep appears they are right.

#seenonmyrun #run #humour #laugh #fun

That’s the way to start a week, with a spicy hill reps session. After being ill over the weekend I kept this dialled back, instead of my usual RPE10 that I’d approach each rep, I kept this to RPE7-8 as not to stress the body too much.

🔥 2.0mi WU
👉 30s reps x14
🥶 2.0mi CD

I spent many hours working on my hill climbing form, watching many of the videos from @runlabhq with @chrisbeavon & Vlad I am definitely more efficient up and down the hills thanks to them. They’ll be in Chamonix when I’m there so hope to have a quick catch up.

👇💬 hill reps - love them / hate them?

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

That’s the way to start a week, with a spicy hill reps session. After being ill over the weekend I kept this dialled back, instead of my usual RPE10 that I’d approach each rep, I kept this to RPE7-8 as not to stress the body too much.

🔥 2.0mi WU
👉 30s reps x14
🥶 2.0mi CD

I spent many hours working on my hill climbing form, watching many of the videos from @runlabhq with @chrisbeavon & Vlad I am definitely more efficient up and down the hills thanks to them. They’ll be in Chamonix when I’m there so hope to have a quick catch up.

👇💬 hill reps - love them / hate them?

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

Just a smidge over 2 weeks until I board an @easyjet flight and head down to Chamonix for UTMB week.

I’ll be on some of the shakeout runs, including the awesome one from @run4adventure.uk with Loyd & Liga.l, so excited to see those guys.

Be heading out on some of the side trails I’ve not explored before, bringing you views that will make your heart sing.

And it will be the first time my new Cancer Survivor - running for those in the fight, bright raspberry pink running top will have been in Chamonix. Hoping it will get conversations and support.

Can you tell I’m excited. I absolutely love @chamonixmontblanc

#run #runner #chamonix #utmb #runnersofinstagram

Just a smidge over 2 weeks until I board an @easyjet flight and head down to Chamonix for UTMB week.

I’ll be on some of the shakeout runs, including the awesome one from @run4adventure.uk with Loyd & Liga.l, so excited to see those guys.

Be heading out on some of the side trails I’ve not explored before, bringing you views that will make your heart sing.

And it will be the first time my new Cancer Survivor - running for those in the fight, bright raspberry pink running top will have been in Chamonix. Hoping it will get conversations and support.

Can you tell I’m excited. I absolutely love @chamonixmontblanc

#run #runner #chamonix #utmb #runnersofinstagram

Running can so often be a solo pursuit, so it was an absolute treat and joy to be joined on my run from @thefarmersdogpub to @diddlysquat.farmshop by two amazing people.

@ethyn_hood who drove ahead of me, finding me on route as I popped out of a track across a field, carrying in the boot of his car cool refreshments as the day hit 33 degrees.

And @sophiemediaproductions who took incredible photos and video of me running, capturing the day and some of its most emotional and memorable moments.

Stronger together 🫶

#run #runner #running #runningcommunity #runnersofinstagram

Running can so often be a solo pursuit, so it was an absolute treat and joy to be joined on my run from @thefarmersdogpub to @diddlysquat.farmshop by two amazing people.

@ethyn_hood who drove ahead of me, finding me on route as I popped out of a track across a field, carrying in the boot of his car cool refreshments as the day hit 33 degrees.

And @sophiemediaproductions who took incredible photos and video of me running, capturing the day and some of its most emotional and memorable moments.

Stronger together 🫶

#run #runner #running #runningcommunity #runnersofinstagram

Running is all about the people, the people I meet, the people I interact with on Instagram/Facebook, the people who open up and share their stories with me. I will always do runs that inspire me, create good content for awareness and support every single person navigating cancer.

My montage and huge thank you to @diddlysquat.farmshop and @thefarmersdogpub for making me feel so welcome. I really look forward to seeing you all soon, Lara for those Diddly runs, Mark for that final mile you promised and Scott for those burgers, they are soooooo good.

And come on @cooper_kaleb was this your stack of bales, it was seriously impressive!

And if you’ve never visited, go. You’ll love it.

#run #runner #running #runners #runnersofinstagram

Running is all about the people, the people I meet, the people I interact with on Instagram/Facebook, the people who open up and share their stories with me. I will always do runs that inspire me, create good content for awareness and support every single person navigating cancer.

My montage and huge thank you to @diddlysquat.farmshop and @thefarmersdogpub for making me feel so welcome. I really look forward to seeing you all soon, Lara for those Diddly runs, Mark for that final mile you promised and Scott for those burgers, they are soooooo good.

And come on @cooper_kaleb was this your stack of bales, it was seriously impressive!

And if you’ve never visited, go. You’ll love it.

#run #runner #running #runners #runnersofinstagram

Blog link in my BIO 👆

Extract:
I’d originally planned this run for April. At the exact time I was due to set off, I was instead lying in the A&E department of Guildford hospital, having been taken in by ambulance a few hours earlier. My health had deteriorated in a matter of hours late on the Friday night, so much so that 111 was called, an ambulance dispatched, and more morphine than can possibly be good for anyone administered.

With cancer affecting 1 in 2, this run was for everyone who has ever been affected. And the conversation I had @diddlysquat.farmshop reminded me why I do these things.

Thanks for reading 📖 🙏

#run #runner #running #cancer #runnersofinstagram

Blog link in my BIO 👆

Extract:
I’d originally planned this run for April. At the exact time I was due to set off, I was instead lying in the A&E department of Guildford hospital, having been taken in by ambulance a few hours earlier. My health had deteriorated in a matter of hours late on the Friday night, so much so that 111 was called, an ambulance dispatched, and more morphine than can possibly be good for anyone administered.

With cancer affecting 1 in 2, this run was for everyone who has ever been affected. And the conversation I had @diddlysquat.farmshop reminded me why I do these things.

Thanks for reading 📖 🙏

#run #runner #running #cancer #runnersofinstagram

A highly unusual occurrence in my garden overnight, best dust off the winter running gear.

#run #runner #running #rain #winter

A highly unusual occurrence in my garden overnight, best dust off the winter running gear.

#run #runner #running #rain #winter

Some runs are there to remind me that my body is still recovering from major surgery. Today was one of those runs.

On top of that I went into the run feeling tired, last night I did legs at the gym, and they felt heavy. Add in 26 degrees and it all added up to a run that despite the ‘conversational pace’ was way harder than it should have been.

Listen to your body.

And I will. Tomorrow is a 9mi easy run and I’ll either shorten that to 5 or skip it altogether depending on how I feel.

I need some 💤 so off to get some.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

Some runs are there to remind me that my body is still recovering from major surgery. Today was one of those runs.

On top of that I went into the run feeling tired, last night I did legs at the gym, and they felt heavy. Add in 26 degrees and it all added up to a run that despite the ‘conversational pace’ was way harder than it should have been.

Listen to your body.

And I will. Tomorrow is a 9mi easy run and I’ll either shorten that to 5 or skip it altogether depending on how I feel.

I need some 💤 so off to get some.

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

What’s it like receiving a cancer diagnosis. I’ll be honest with you and tell you how I’ve reframed it.

#run #runner #cancer #ultrarunner #running

What’s it like receiving a cancer diagnosis. I’ll be honest with you and tell you how I’ve reframed it.

#run #runner #cancer #ultrarunner #running

July - 10 of the best. Scroll and drop in the comments to share your favourite July pictures. 👇💬

It was a month that I went into a new training block as I rebuild from the very unexpected emergency surgery in late April.

I headed to Italy, exploring the mountains.

I ran to @diddlysquat.farmshop from the @thefarmersdogpub meeting some good friends and making new ones.

I got out early morning for some sunrise runs.

Life has been really tough recently, July was about finding myself again with the running. I love the physical nature of running, the people I meet and the Instagram family too.

I also incredibly grateful to my @runna family too, you are always so supportive, and I appreciate that so much.

Thank you to everyone who made my July amazing.

3 weeks tomorrow I fly out to Chamonix, my next step in the rebuild. And I look forward to seeing more good friends, Loyd & Liga from @run4adventure.uk and the guys @moodycoffeeroasters too.

Stronger together.

#run #runner #running #july #runna

July - 10 of the best. Scroll and drop in the comments to share your favourite July pictures. 👇💬

It was a month that I went into a new training block as I rebuild from the very unexpected emergency surgery in late April.

I headed to Italy, exploring the mountains.

I ran to @diddlysquat.farmshop from the @thefarmersdogpub meeting some good friends and making new ones.

I got out early morning for some sunrise runs.

Life has been really tough recently, July was about finding myself again with the running. I love the physical nature of running, the people I meet and the Instagram family too.

I also incredibly grateful to my @runna family too, you are always so supportive, and I appreciate that so much.

Thank you to everyone who made my July amazing.

3 weeks tomorrow I fly out to Chamonix, my next step in the rebuild. And I look forward to seeing more good friends, Loyd & Liga from @run4adventure.uk and the guys @moodycoffeeroasters too.

Stronger together.

#run #runner #running #july #runna

What do you see when you look at this photo?

A runner?
A man walking towards the start line?
Someone about to take on another challenge?

I see something completely different.

If you could hear the conversation I was having with myself in this exact moment, it would sound something like this…

“This isn’t about the run, Andy. You already know you can do that. You’ve run in the heat before. You’ve faced harder miles.”

“This is about everything that’s happened since cancer entered your life.”

The fear.
The uncertainty.
The loneliness.
The vulnerability.

Standing here outside The Farmer’s Dog, about to run to Diddly Squat, I realised something that still feels strange to say out loud…

I’m grateful.

Not for cancer itself, but for what it changed.

Because without that diagnosis, I wouldn’t be on this path. I wouldn’t have met the incredible people I have. I wouldn’t have experienced the moments, conversations and purpose that now shape my life.

I know that won’t make sense to everyone. That’s okay.

During the miles ahead, I thought about the man whose words encouraged me to check myself. A simple message that led me to finding my cancer early enough to save my life.

I don’t know if he’ll ever truly understand what he gave me.

As I ran, I hoped for something else too.

That I’d meet people who needed a conversation.
That I’d connect with others walking their own unexpected path.
That someone seeing this run, or reading this post, might decide to check themselves, start a conversation, or make a donation to help someone facing the toughest days of their life.

Because sometimes the smallest actions change someone else’s story forever.

This journey isn’t over.

In many ways…

It’s only just beginning. ❤️

#run #runner #running #runnersofinstagram #runningmotivation

What do you see when you look at this photo?

A runner?
A man walking towards the start line?
Someone about to take on another challenge?

I see something completely different.

If you could hear the conversation I was having with myself in this exact moment, it would sound something like this…

“This isn’t about the run, Andy. You already know you can do that. You’ve run in the heat before. You’ve faced harder miles.”

“This is about everything that’s happened since cancer entered your life.”

The fear.
The uncertainty.
The loneliness.
The vulnerability.

Standing here outside The Farmer’s Dog, about to run to Diddly Squat, I realised something that still feels strange to say out loud…

I’m grateful.

Not for cancer itself, but for what it changed.

Because without that diagnosis, I wouldn’t be on this path. I wouldn’t have met the incredible people I have. I wouldn’t have experienced the moments, conversations and purpose that now shape my life.

I know that won’t make sense to everyone. That’s okay.

During the miles ahead, I thought about the man whose words encouraged me to check myself. A simple message that led me to finding my cancer early enough to save my life.

I don’t know if he’ll ever truly understand what he gave me.

As I ran, I hoped for something else too.

That I’d meet people who needed a conversation.
That I’d connect with others walking their own unexpected path.
That someone seeing this run, or reading this post, might decide to check themselves, start a conversation, or make a donation to help someone facing the toughest days of their life.

Because sometimes the smallest actions change someone else’s story forever.

This journey isn’t over.

In many ways…

It’s only just beginning. ❤️

#run #runner #running #runnersofinstagram #runningmotivation

Link 🔗 in BIO to full article and BLOG

Article extract…
Six months ago I raised my eyebrows at my wife. Now I’m standing in the kitchen at stupid o’clock, stirring a collagen supplement into a splash of water with a dash of fresh orange juice, and downing it with a smile. This is the story of how that happened, what the science actually says, and whether collagen for runners is worth the money or just clever marketing. Just please, whatever you do, don’t tell my wife.

Read 👀 the full article on my BLOG - link in BIO

#run #runner #collagen #runnersofinstagram #blog

Link 🔗 in BIO to full article and BLOG

Article extract…
Six months ago I raised my eyebrows at my wife. Now I’m standing in the kitchen at stupid o’clock, stirring a collagen supplement into a splash of water with a dash of fresh orange juice, and downing it with a smile. This is the story of how that happened, what the science actually says, and whether collagen for runners is worth the money or just clever marketing. Just please, whatever you do, don’t tell my wife.

Read 👀 the full article on my BLOG - link in BIO

#run #runner #collagen #runnersofinstagram #blog

Yep I am definitely laying on the bench, that was a warm fast run. Rolling 800s, always a good session that gets the legs moving, the heart beating and every dog walker wondering if I am about to collapse in front of them.

🔥 1.50mi WU
👉 0.50mi at 7.55/mi, 0.50mi at 9.00/mi - repeat x5
👉 90s recovery
🥶 1.50mi CD

If you have a pair of @saucony Speed 5 in your rotation then I expect, like me, you appreciate how quick these dial up the pace. So much that the cheeky coach voice that is @runna kept nagging me to ‘slow down’. I am so glad Runnas coach cannot hear me talk back to them!

Rest day tomorrow, long run Saturday and an easy on Sunday.

Lace up, enjoy your miles and eat 🍦 😋

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

Yep I am definitely laying on the bench, that was a warm fast run. Rolling 800s, always a good session that gets the legs moving, the heart beating and every dog walker wondering if I am about to collapse in front of them.

🔥 1.50mi WU
👉 0.50mi at 7.55/mi, 0.50mi at 9.00/mi - repeat x5
👉 90s recovery
🥶 1.50mi CD

If you have a pair of @saucony Speed 5 in your rotation then I expect, like me, you appreciate how quick these dial up the pace. So much that the cheeky coach voice that is @runna kept nagging me to ‘slow down’. I am so glad Runnas coach cannot hear me talk back to them!

Rest day tomorrow, long run Saturday and an easy on Sunday.

Lace up, enjoy your miles and eat 🍦 😋

#run #runner #running #runna #runnersofinstagram

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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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