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Andy Hood.

ULTRA & ENDURANCE RUNNER

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A week since major surgery, so where am I this week.

Word of the day: Take Two

It feels like I am right back at 2021 when I was diagnosed with cancer, had surgery and chemo and was out the running shoes for quite a period. This road to recovery I hope will be shorter but it’s not any less frustrating and honestly a bit miserable too.

Each day out the shoes feels like a day I am go backwards and as I approach May 9th, the date I was due to run my London ultra I know I will find it harder and harder seeing what I have lost.

I’m still very sore, sneezing is not a great experience! Nor is coughing or laughing, but I’ve definitely made progress these last few days, and thankfully now sleeping better, thanks to 2 amazingly comfortable pillows one of our sons purchased me.

Let’s hope Take Two is the final take and there is no need for a Take Three.

#run #runner #running #taketwo #recovery

A week since major surgery, so where am I this week.

Word of the day: Take Two

It feels like I am right back at 2021 when I was diagnosed with cancer, had surgery and chemo and was out the running shoes for quite a period. This road to recovery I hope will be shorter but it’s not any less frustrating and honestly a bit miserable too.

Each day out the shoes feels like a day I am go backwards and as I approach May 9th, the date I was due to run my London ultra I know I will find it harder and harder seeing what I have lost.

I’m still very sore, sneezing is not a great experience! Nor is coughing or laughing, but I’ve definitely made progress these last few days, and thankfully now sleeping better, thanks to 2 amazingly comfortable pillows one of our sons purchased me.

Let’s hope Take Two is the final take and there is no need for a Take Three.

#run #runner #running #taketwo #recovery

In what’s been an incredibly difficult week, resulting in emergency surgery and now the road to recovery and many weeks out the running shoes - this was a moment of pure joy.

A surprise delivery from @krispykremeuk with a lovely get well soon note.

If you’ve followed me for any amount of time you’ll know I love a doughnut 🍩 and I’ve worked closely on some incredible London ultras with the team at Krispy Kreme where we have together been supporting cancer charities. I was due to run a 50K across London visiting 20 Krispy Kreme stores and supporting cancer charity @chemohero on May 9th but that is now on hold.

I’ll be back and I’ll do this run later on the year.

Last year one of the Krispy Kreme senior team said of our relationship ‘this is just the beginning’ and I genuinely feel he is right. Together we are going to achieve amazing things.

Receiving a box of Krispy Kremes has brought a smile to me that has been very lost this week. I cannot thank them enough for their kindness and thoughtfulness ❤️

A doughnut this delicious really does brighten your day.

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #krispykreme

In what’s been an incredibly difficult week, resulting in emergency surgery and now the road to recovery and many weeks out the running shoes - this was a moment of pure joy.

A surprise delivery from @krispykremeuk with a lovely get well soon note.

If you’ve followed me for any amount of time you’ll know I love a doughnut 🍩 and I’ve worked closely on some incredible London ultras with the team at Krispy Kreme where we have together been supporting cancer charities. I was due to run a 50K across London visiting 20 Krispy Kreme stores and supporting cancer charity @chemohero on May 9th but that is now on hold.

I’ll be back and I’ll do this run later on the year.

Last year one of the Krispy Kreme senior team said of our relationship ‘this is just the beginning’ and I genuinely feel he is right. Together we are going to achieve amazing things.

Receiving a box of Krispy Kremes has brought a smile to me that has been very lost this week. I cannot thank them enough for their kindness and thoughtfulness ❤️

A doughnut this delicious really does brighten your day.

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #krispykreme

It’s been a pretty tough few days since the emergency operation, and these last couple of days I’ve felt pretty miserable about it all. Running gives me a rhythm to my life; that rhythm has suddenly stopped.

Word of the day: Humour

So today I have woken after another restless sleep and decided I need to start my day with a some humour.

After my 2021 cancer diagnosis and operation to remove one of my 🍒 it made me a lighter runner, well one less body part has to be good for a pace increase right. So this week I now have 2 less body parts so when I get back to running at some distant future date I’ll be knocking on the door of a sub 2 marathon time!

Have a lovely weekend, let me know in the comments ⬇️ where you are running this weekend - it’ll give me a boost for sure 😊

Humour.

#runner #running #ultrarunner #runna #humour

It’s been a pretty tough few days since the emergency operation, and these last couple of days I’ve felt pretty miserable about it all. Running gives me a rhythm to my life; that rhythm has suddenly stopped.

Word of the day: Humour

So today I have woken after another restless sleep and decided I need to start my day with a some humour.

After my 2021 cancer diagnosis and operation to remove one of my 🍒 it made me a lighter runner, well one less body part has to be good for a pace increase right. So this week I now have 2 less body parts so when I get back to running at some distant future date I’ll be knocking on the door of a sub 2 marathon time!

Have a lovely weekend, let me know in the comments ⬇️ where you are running this weekend - it’ll give me a boost for sure 😊

Humour.

#runner #running #ultrarunner #runna #humour

Entries to one of the most iconic and sort after marathons opens today. Will you be throwing your name into the 2027 ballot hat? Let me know below ⬇️

Your chances could be doubled in 2027 as rumours have it that organisers are exploring a 2 day event in 2027.

#londonmarathon #marathon #runner #entry #2027

Entries to one of the most iconic and sort after marathons opens today. Will you be throwing your name into the 2027 ballot hat? Let me know below ⬇️

Your chances could be doubled in 2027 as rumours have it that organisers are exploring a 2 day event in 2027.

#londonmarathon #marathon #runner #entry #2027

Some of the updates during this time will be longer, like yesterday and some shorter. Update 1.2 (week 1 day 2)

Word of the day: Loss

Today I caught sight of my running shorts, top, socks, shoes, pack and water bottles I’d laid out ready for my run through the Cotswolds last weekend, until a late night hospital admission and emergency surgery stopped any idea of that happening.

It bought with it a lot of sadness of what I’ve lost in the blink of an eye, from super fit training for an ultra to zero running recovering from major surgery. I put a hoodie over the pile of gear as I really don’t want to see it.

That loss of running, of the event I was training for, of posting my daily running achievements, of building the engine, is quite hard to come to terms with. I was 9 weeks into a 12 week training block.

Will I recover, yes. Will I get back to running in the months ahead, yes. But that’s little consolation for now.

Loss is hard to accept.

#runner #running #ultrarunner #recovery #loss

Some of the updates during this time will be longer, like yesterday and some shorter. Update 1.2 (week 1 day 2)

Word of the day: Loss

Today I caught sight of my running shorts, top, socks, shoes, pack and water bottles I’d laid out ready for my run through the Cotswolds last weekend, until a late night hospital admission and emergency surgery stopped any idea of that happening.

It bought with it a lot of sadness of what I’ve lost in the blink of an eye, from super fit training for an ultra to zero running recovering from major surgery. I put a hoodie over the pile of gear as I really don’t want to see it.

That loss of running, of the event I was training for, of posting my daily running achievements, of building the engine, is quite hard to come to terms with. I was 9 weeks into a 12 week training block.

Will I recover, yes. Will I get back to running in the months ahead, yes. But that’s little consolation for now.

Loss is hard to accept.

#runner #running #ultrarunner #recovery #loss

So here we go with the non-running training block updates. Update 1.1 (week 1 day 1)

Word of the day: People

Walking the road of life alone is very difficult, especially when life decides to throw one of its curve balls at you, as it did me last Friday. My own cancer journey in 2021, my rebuild and rediscovery has meant I have crossed paths with so many incredible people, people I doubt I would have ever met if it wasn’t for the big C.

Today’s update is about so many people I met over the last few days, many of them @royalsurreycountyhospital our people in the NHS are so incredibly special. Friday late morning I started feeling unwell, by lunchtime I was being sick, by mid afternoon a pain that was becoming unbearable. I worked as normal through the day. By 11PM I was in too much distress. I happened to be at my parents as I was due to run not far from them over the weekend.

They called 111 for advice, and a decision made to dispatch an emergency ambulance. The paramedics were so kind, I could hardly talk to them. They decided I needed to go straight to hospital, a decision that made me cry for many different reasons. I don’t remember a lot about that time, just that I felt safe and cared for.

At hospital I met A&E teams, nurses, doctors, surgeons, various medical teams, health care workers, porters, fellow patients and so many others. Everyone listened, reassured and cared for. I won’t use full names here, but M a health care assistant on the ward was the most caring, gentle person I’ve met, some of my fellow patients were much older than I, frail and clearly in need. If that was my parents I would want M looking after them, he treated them like his own family. I told him so.

Continued in comments…….

#runner #running #ultrarunner #nhs #health

So here we go with the non-running training block updates. Update 1.1 (week 1 day 1)

Word of the day: People

Walking the road of life alone is very difficult, especially when life decides to throw one of its curve balls at you, as it did me last Friday. My own cancer journey in 2021, my rebuild and rediscovery has meant I have crossed paths with so many incredible people, people I doubt I would have ever met if it wasn’t for the big C.

Today’s update is about so many people I met over the last few days, many of them @royalsurreycountyhospital our people in the NHS are so incredibly special. Friday late morning I started feeling unwell, by lunchtime I was being sick, by mid afternoon a pain that was becoming unbearable. I worked as normal through the day. By 11PM I was in too much distress. I happened to be at my parents as I was due to run not far from them over the weekend.

They called 111 for advice, and a decision made to dispatch an emergency ambulance. The paramedics were so kind, I could hardly talk to them. They decided I needed to go straight to hospital, a decision that made me cry for many different reasons. I don’t remember a lot about that time, just that I felt safe and cared for.

At hospital I met A&E teams, nurses, doctors, surgeons, various medical teams, health care workers, porters, fellow patients and so many others. Everyone listened, reassured and cared for. I won’t use full names here, but M a health care assistant on the ward was the most caring, gentle person I’ve met, some of my fellow patients were much older than I, frail and clearly in need. If that was my parents I would want M looking after them, he treated them like his own family. I told him so.

Continued in comments…….

#runner #running #ultrarunner #nhs #health

So laying in my hospital bed I put a lot of thought towards what my social media will look like over the next few weeks as I recover and am out of the running shoes.

Honesty. That’s what it will look like.

When cancer took me out the shoes in 2021 I came back being open and honest about the experience, I talk openly about coping, about being health aware and about supporting others.

This weeks unplanned operation means I will be returning to square one on running. So in the weeks ahead I’ll update my social on how I feel, what’s happening physically and mentally, I’ll give an insight into what I am thinking. All in a hope that anyone in a similar position can take solace, can find hope and support. Each day I will choose a word of the day which reflects where I am.

Word of the day: Support
The outpouring of support from you all, the comments, DMs, texts means the absolute world. I cannot thank you enough. I’m sore, in a lot of pain, but every message helps me to refind that smile.

See you tomorrow for the first of the non-running training block updates. Because sometimes training isn’t about the physical it’s about the mental aspects.

#runner #running #runningmotivation #illness #ultrarunner

So laying in my hospital bed I put a lot of thought towards what my social media will look like over the next few weeks as I recover and am out of the running shoes.

Honesty. That’s what it will look like.

When cancer took me out the shoes in 2021 I came back being open and honest about the experience, I talk openly about coping, about being health aware and about supporting others.

This weeks unplanned operation means I will be returning to square one on running. So in the weeks ahead I’ll update my social on how I feel, what’s happening physically and mentally, I’ll give an insight into what I am thinking. All in a hope that anyone in a similar position can take solace, can find hope and support. Each day I will choose a word of the day which reflects where I am.

Word of the day: Support
The outpouring of support from you all, the comments, DMs, texts means the absolute world. I cannot thank you enough. I’m sore, in a lot of pain, but every message helps me to refind that smile.

See you tomorrow for the first of the non-running training block updates. Because sometimes training isn’t about the physical it’s about the mental aspects.

#runner #running #runningmotivation #illness #ultrarunner

If you’ve followed me for any amount of time you’ll know I was taken out the running shoes in 2021 by a cancer diagnosis. After an operation and chemotherapy, and a steely determination I got back to the running shoes, moving from marathon to ultra/endurance running with a focus to support others, raising over £25,000 to date for various cancers charities. It takes a resilient mindset to rebuild stronger.

Today I need to call on the resilience again.

On Friday night I was taken into hospital and today have to undergo surgery, all very sudden and unplanned. This will take me out the running shoes again for several weeks.

My May 9th ultra in London - Run for the Glaze - with @krispykremeuk and supporting cancer charity @chemohero will have to be postponed. I am absolutely devastated.

But I’ll rebuild again. And I’ll train for that run for later in the year. Life can be so hard.

I am keeping the fundraising page open if you’d like to support Chemohero and give me a boost too. Link in my BIO.

Running shoes hung up for now.

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runna

If you’ve followed me for any amount of time you’ll know I was taken out the running shoes in 2021 by a cancer diagnosis. After an operation and chemotherapy, and a steely determination I got back to the running shoes, moving from marathon to ultra/endurance running with a focus to support others, raising over £25,000 to date for various cancers charities. It takes a resilient mindset to rebuild stronger.

Today I need to call on the resilience again.

On Friday night I was taken into hospital and today have to undergo surgery, all very sudden and unplanned. This will take me out the running shoes again for several weeks.

My May 9th ultra in London - Run for the Glaze - with @krispykremeuk and supporting cancer charity @chemohero will have to be postponed. I am absolutely devastated.

But I’ll rebuild again. And I’ll train for that run for later in the year. Life can be so hard.

I am keeping the fundraising page open if you’d like to support Chemohero and give me a boost too. Link in my BIO.

Running shoes hung up for now.

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runna

Tempo Thursday, solid interval session. Strong and controlled throughout keeping consistent on each rep.

🔥 2.0mi WU
👉 0.62/mi at 6.55/mi, 90s recovery x 5
🥶 1.40mi CD

Switched the week around so have an easy run tomorrow instead of a rest day, then Saturday I am running from Jeremy Clarkson’s pub the @thefarmersdogpub to his farm @diddlysquat.farmshop - the teams at both are so welcoming and friendly it will be lovely to see them again. If you don’t know the story @jeremyclarkson1 saved my life, and that is not something I say lightly. Search the blog on my website (link in BIO) for the full story.

I wouldn’t be here writing this, I wouldn’t be experiencing what I am, I wouldn’t be in a position where I’ve supported and raised over £25,000 for cancer charities without him. So as I arrive at Diddly Squat, I will get myself one of the amazing burgers from @bastefood and have a private moment of reflection as I thank Jeremy for changing my life. This run for me is my way to say thank you and express my gratitude. @thetallirish is so lucky to have such an amazing man in her life (and he her!)

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runna

Tempo Thursday, solid interval session. Strong and controlled throughout keeping consistent on each rep.

🔥 2.0mi WU
👉 0.62/mi at 6.55/mi, 90s recovery x 5
🥶 1.40mi CD

Switched the week around so have an easy run tomorrow instead of a rest day, then Saturday I am running from Jeremy Clarkson’s pub the @thefarmersdogpub to his farm @diddlysquat.farmshop - the teams at both are so welcoming and friendly it will be lovely to see them again. If you don’t know the story @jeremyclarkson1 saved my life, and that is not something I say lightly. Search the blog on my website (link in BIO) for the full story.

I wouldn’t be here writing this, I wouldn’t be experiencing what I am, I wouldn’t be in a position where I’ve supported and raised over £25,000 for cancer charities without him. So as I arrive at Diddly Squat, I will get myself one of the amazing burgers from @bastefood and have a private moment of reflection as I thank Jeremy for changing my life. This run for me is my way to say thank you and express my gratitude. @thetallirish is so lucky to have such an amazing man in her life (and he her!)

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runna

Where am I running this week? It’s going to be an exciting week of running in some great places.

#run #runner #ultrarunner #runna

Where am I running this week? It’s going to be an exciting week of running in some great places.

#run #runner #ultrarunner #runna

Week 9 starts with a run along the South Coast, starting at Hill Head and out towards Gosport. Tempo run with a couple of spicy miles in the middle, made tougher by a strong headwind.

🔥 2.0mi WU
👉 2.0mi at 7.25/mi
👉 1.0mi at 7.10/mi
🥶 1.50mi CD

Good to run somewhere different, I’ve not run here for a few years, and it’s good to be back. The path alongside the beach is wide in most places, giving plenty of space for everyone to enjoy.

Heading off to the Cotswolds this weekend for a run between the @thefarmersdogpub and @diddlysquat.farmshop - it’s a lovely run of about 16ish miles. Going to be good to catch up with a few friendly faces.

@saucony Speed 5 are enjoying these tempo efforts, what a great shoe they are, just what I was looking for.

See you on the next run 😊

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runna

Week 9 starts with a run along the South Coast, starting at Hill Head and out towards Gosport. Tempo run with a couple of spicy miles in the middle, made tougher by a strong headwind.

🔥 2.0mi WU
👉 2.0mi at 7.25/mi
👉 1.0mi at 7.10/mi
🥶 1.50mi CD

Good to run somewhere different, I’ve not run here for a few years, and it’s good to be back. The path alongside the beach is wide in most places, giving plenty of space for everyone to enjoy.

Heading off to the Cotswolds this weekend for a run between the @thefarmersdogpub and @diddlysquat.farmshop - it’s a lovely run of about 16ish miles. Going to be good to catch up with a few friendly faces.

@saucony Speed 5 are enjoying these tempo efforts, what a great shoe they are, just what I was looking for.

See you on the next run 😊

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runna

Week 8 in review. A deload week, with a cheeky HM and a massage.

Deload weeks don’t mean you can’t have fun, a spicy session on Tuesday and Thursday, both enjoyable, with the drop set hill reps taking top spot (as you know I love a hill)

Monday with PT @steve_middleton_lowes a good leg session that keeps the power building.

Throw in a cheeky relaxed pace HM on Saturday in strong wind and hail. Relaxed into the run well despite the face receiving an ice bath. And finished off the weekend with my monthly leg massage…ah that feels so good. Could easily make that a weekly date for my legs!

This week is special as at the weekend I am running to @diddlysquat.farmshop - looking forward to seeing you guys.

#run #running #runner #runna #ultrarunner

Week 8 in review. A deload week, with a cheeky HM and a massage.

Deload weeks don’t mean you can’t have fun, a spicy session on Tuesday and Thursday, both enjoyable, with the drop set hill reps taking top spot (as you know I love a hill)

Monday with PT @steve_middleton_lowes a good leg session that keeps the power building.

Throw in a cheeky relaxed pace HM on Saturday in strong wind and hail. Relaxed into the run well despite the face receiving an ice bath. And finished off the weekend with my monthly leg massage…ah that feels so good. Could easily make that a weekly date for my legs!

This week is special as at the weekend I am running to @diddlysquat.farmshop - looking forward to seeing you guys.

#run #running #runner #runna #ultrarunner

Run for the Glaze - a London ultra with Krispy Kreme.

⏰ May 9th
📍 London 50K

When I returned to running after my cancer diagnosis I made a commitment to create awareness and to support others through fundraising.

Each week I receive DMs from guys who are grateful for the reminder to check their 🍒 some go on to seek medical advice after detecting something. Awareness ☑️

My wider support for those diagnosed with cancer has seen me raise over £25,000 for various charities. And I will keep supporting those in the fight. Fundraising ☑️

May 9th I will lace up, run across the capital, visit 20 Krispy Kreme shops along the way. A tough run. Navigating cancer is tough too. I’ll be fundraising for @chemohero who gift Boxes of Kindness to cancer patients. It is very meaningful to receive a box, full of incredibly useful and thoughtful items. Making the cancer journey just a little better.

Win win win! Keep an eye on my posts, soon you’ll be able to win Krispy Kreme merch and doughnuts too.

And on the day if you are in London there will be prizes to be won. Including hidden gift cards in certain Krispy Kreme shops. Thank you to Krispy Kreme for making this happen.

So excited for this run and thank you for all your support so far. Link 🔗 in BIO for run details and fundraising link too 🍩🧡🙏

#run #runner #london #londonrunning #ultrarunner

Run for the Glaze - a London ultra with Krispy Kreme.

⏰ May 9th
📍 London 50K

When I returned to running after my cancer diagnosis I made a commitment to create awareness and to support others through fundraising.

Each week I receive DMs from guys who are grateful for the reminder to check their 🍒 some go on to seek medical advice after detecting something. Awareness ☑️

My wider support for those diagnosed with cancer has seen me raise over £25,000 for various charities. And I will keep supporting those in the fight. Fundraising ☑️

May 9th I will lace up, run across the capital, visit 20 Krispy Kreme shops along the way. A tough run. Navigating cancer is tough too. I’ll be fundraising for @chemohero who gift Boxes of Kindness to cancer patients. It is very meaningful to receive a box, full of incredibly useful and thoughtful items. Making the cancer journey just a little better.

Win win win! Keep an eye on my posts, soon you’ll be able to win Krispy Kreme merch and doughnuts too.

And on the day if you are in London there will be prizes to be won. Including hidden gift cards in certain Krispy Kreme shops. Thank you to Krispy Kreme for making this happen.

So excited for this run and thank you for all your support so far. Link 🔗 in BIO for run details and fundraising link too 🍩🧡🙏

#run #runner #london #londonrunning #ultrarunner

Wrapped week 8, a deload week, with a gentle few miles after yesterday’s HM. Sun out, music on, Megablasts soaking up the miles.

Been an enjoyable week in the shoes, lovely massage yesterday has made my legs feel like new and today’s sun certainly improves running enjoyment.

Now where did I put that easter egg…🍫😋

#run #runner #running #runna #ultrarunner

Wrapped week 8, a deload week, with a gentle few miles after yesterday’s HM. Sun out, music on, Megablasts soaking up the miles.

Been an enjoyable week in the shoes, lovely massage yesterday has made my legs feel like new and today’s sun certainly improves running enjoyment.

Now where did I put that easter egg…🍫😋

#run #runner #running #runna #ultrarunner

Blown sideways! That was quite the half marathon, wind so strong it was taking my legs out from under me, actually difficult to run at times. And then there was the hail…that hurt!

But I got it done, a relaxed pace HM in my deload week. Followed that up with my monthly leg massage which is absolutely heavenly. Legs feel so good after, and some work being done on my piriformis that is grumbling away.

This time next week I shall be running to @diddlysquat.farmshop where I shall enjoy a delicious burger from @bastefood, honestly if you have never been go, the farm shop is full of amazing goodies, the team there will meet you with a fantastic smile and the burger is next world delicious.

Enjoy your weekend.

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runna

Blown sideways! That was quite the half marathon, wind so strong it was taking my legs out from under me, actually difficult to run at times. And then there was the hail…that hurt!

But I got it done, a relaxed pace HM in my deload week. Followed that up with my monthly leg massage which is absolutely heavenly. Legs feel so good after, and some work being done on my piriformis that is grumbling away.

This time next week I shall be running to @diddlysquat.farmshop where I shall enjoy a delicious burger from @bastefood, honestly if you have never been go, the farm shop is full of amazing goodies, the team there will meet you with a fantastic smile and the burger is next world delicious.

Enjoy your weekend.

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runna

Exactly 1 year ago I ran an ultra to thank a man for literally saving my life. It was a tough ultra, on a hot day, full of emotion.

@jeremyclarkson1 on an episode of The Grand Tour (Sea to Unsalty Sea was the episode) along with @jamesmaybloke and @richardhammond were undertaking a challenge, their conversation turned to cancer, Clarkson mentioned prostate cancer. A couple of days later, in the shower (sorry about the mental image you now have) I thought about that episode. At 48 should I be thinking more about my body and cancer…probably. So I had a quick check of my 🍒 having NEVER done it before…and well…😱

Turns out I had cancer. Operation and chemotherapy followed. The cancer has already started to spread.

Without that nudge from Clarkson, Hammond & May I would never have checked, and life…well let’s say life for my family would have looked a whole lot different.

I met amazing people on the run. Stopped in at @thefarmersdogpub and met Mark & Annie who treated me like an old friend. Met a guy in a village who refilled my water bottles mid afternoon, and he’d heard me on BBC Radio the week before. A cyclist in the afternoon who passing me up a steep hill asked if I needed water as the afternoon was very hot. And at @diddlysquat.farmshop I was met by Niamh and others from the farm team who made me feel very welcome. There were a lot of tears in that last mile.

And mission accomplished, I thanked the man who saved my life.

The run got TV, Radio, Press coverage, it reached millions and the message about being self aware of your body reached a lot of eyes and ears. Clarkson handed me a baton…it’s now responsibly to run with that. I run for awareness and to support those also in the fight, those diagnosed with cancer, now having raised over £25,000 for charity.

Next weekend, April 18th, I’m running from Clarkson’s pub to his farm shop, a shorter run than the ultra of last year, but still a lot of miles. On arrival I’ll sit there, I’ll eat one of the amazing burgers from @bastefood and I’ll reflect on how lucky I am to still be here.

#run #running #diddlysquatfarmshop #jeremyclarkson #ultrarunner

Exactly 1 year ago I ran an ultra to thank a man for literally saving my life. It was a tough ultra, on a hot day, full of emotion.

@jeremyclarkson1 on an episode of The Grand Tour (Sea to Unsalty Sea was the episode) along with @jamesmaybloke and @richardhammond were undertaking a challenge, their conversation turned to cancer, Clarkson mentioned prostate cancer. A couple of days later, in the shower (sorry about the mental image you now have) I thought about that episode. At 48 should I be thinking more about my body and cancer…probably. So I had a quick check of my 🍒 having NEVER done it before…and well…😱

Turns out I had cancer. Operation and chemotherapy followed. The cancer has already started to spread.

Without that nudge from Clarkson, Hammond & May I would never have checked, and life…well let’s say life for my family would have looked a whole lot different.

I met amazing people on the run. Stopped in at @thefarmersdogpub and met Mark & Annie who treated me like an old friend. Met a guy in a village who refilled my water bottles mid afternoon, and he’d heard me on BBC Radio the week before. A cyclist in the afternoon who passing me up a steep hill asked if I needed water as the afternoon was very hot. And at @diddlysquat.farmshop I was met by Niamh and others from the farm team who made me feel very welcome. There were a lot of tears in that last mile.

And mission accomplished, I thanked the man who saved my life.

The run got TV, Radio, Press coverage, it reached millions and the message about being self aware of your body reached a lot of eyes and ears. Clarkson handed me a baton…it’s now responsibly to run with that. I run for awareness and to support those also in the fight, those diagnosed with cancer, now having raised over £25,000 for charity.

Next weekend, April 18th, I’m running from Clarkson’s pub to his farm shop, a shorter run than the ultra of last year, but still a lot of miles. On arrival I’ll sit there, I’ll eat one of the amazing burgers from @bastefood and I’ll reflect on how lucky I am to still be here.

#run #running #diddlysquatfarmshop #jeremyclarkson #ultrarunner

Tempo Thursday. Deload week, easier pace, reduced miles. Enjoyable evening on the rail trail, mid section of the run was on point, dialled in and spot on pace target.

🔥 1.25mi WU
👉 3.0mi at 7.25/mi
🥶 0.75mi CD

@saucony Speed 5 are perfect for these sessions, pleased I added these to the rotation a couple of weeks back. A light, responsive shoe that fits me perfectly.

About a month until my next ultra - Run for the Glaze - a 50K in London visiting 20 @krispykremeuk shops along the route. A self designed ultra where I am supporting cancer charity @chemohero - if you’d like more details on the run or feel like supporting me link 🔗 is BIO 🙏

First run with the @nixhydration monitor, see pic 3 for the data from the run, I’ll write more about it when I’ve done a few runs with it.

Next run, half marathon Saturday.

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runna

Tempo Thursday. Deload week, easier pace, reduced miles. Enjoyable evening on the rail trail, mid section of the run was on point, dialled in and spot on pace target.

🔥 1.25mi WU
👉 3.0mi at 7.25/mi
🥶 0.75mi CD

@saucony Speed 5 are perfect for these sessions, pleased I added these to the rotation a couple of weeks back. A light, responsive shoe that fits me perfectly.

About a month until my next ultra - Run for the Glaze - a 50K in London visiting 20 @krispykremeuk shops along the route. A self designed ultra where I am supporting cancer charity @chemohero - if you’d like more details on the run or feel like supporting me link 🔗 is BIO 🙏

First run with the @nixhydration monitor, see pic 3 for the data from the run, I’ll write more about it when I’ve done a few runs with it.

Next run, half marathon Saturday.

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runna

Week 8 here we come. A deload week with some spicy sessions thrown in. Enjoy the music, good track in the background.

#run #runner #runrunrun #runners #runnersofinstagram

Week 8 here we come. A deload week with some spicy sessions thrown in. Enjoy the music, good track in the background.

#run #runner #runrunrun #runners #runnersofinstagram

Drop set hill reps, oh do I love a hill reps session, one of my favourite workouts. Shoutout to the guys at @runna for sneaking this into the programme this week.

Deload week means these were dialled back from my usual pace, but that doesn’t mean I took it easy. Committed to every rep and saved the best til last.

🔥 1.25mi WU
👉 60s repeats x7, 30s repeats x6
🥶 1.25mi CD

And these @saucony Speed 5’s, I am loving them. Such a light shoe that loves to move. So pleased I added these to the rotation.

Rest day tomorrow as it’s a deload week, then a tempo session Thursday.

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runna

Drop set hill reps, oh do I love a hill reps session, one of my favourite workouts. Shoutout to the guys at @runna for sneaking this into the programme this week.

Deload week means these were dialled back from my usual pace, but that doesn’t mean I took it easy. Committed to every rep and saved the best til last.

🔥 1.25mi WU
👉 60s repeats x7, 30s repeats x6
🥶 1.25mi CD

And these @saucony Speed 5’s, I am loving them. Such a light shoe that loves to move. So pleased I added these to the rotation.

Rest day tomorrow as it’s a deload week, then a tempo session Thursday.

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runna

Week 7 wrapped with a mixed week, some strong runs in there and a weekend I’d rather put behind me and move on.

Both the Interval and Tempo sessions were on point, fast, controlled, comfortably hard, the @saucony Speed 5’s lighting the way through every step.

As the weekend neared I was tired, for reasons unknown. Decided to switch my runs about, easy Saturday and long Sunday. Sunday was a 25mi hilly and I went into that feeling tired. Despite that I still ran strong through all the hills, controlled form and power with strength training and plyometric sessions paying off. But I binned the run at 20mi. I needed some downtime to shake off this tiredness.

Long run fuel was the @theinfinitloop Go Far drink mix. I’ll run long again with the product, then write a review on the blog.

New gadget arrives this week. Watch this space.

#run #running #runner #ultrarunner #runna

Week 7 wrapped with a mixed week, some strong runs in there and a weekend I’d rather put behind me and move on.

Both the Interval and Tempo sessions were on point, fast, controlled, comfortably hard, the @saucony Speed 5’s lighting the way through every step.

As the weekend neared I was tired, for reasons unknown. Decided to switch my runs about, easy Saturday and long Sunday. Sunday was a 25mi hilly and I went into that feeling tired. Despite that I still ran strong through all the hills, controlled form and power with strength training and plyometric sessions paying off. But I binned the run at 20mi. I needed some downtime to shake off this tiredness.

Long run fuel was the @theinfinitloop Go Far drink mix. I’ll run long again with the product, then write a review on the blog.

New gadget arrives this week. Watch this space.

#run #running #runner #ultrarunner #runna

Called it at 20. It’s important to know when to make that decision, I’ve been feeling tired lately, very nearly didn’t go out at all today. Getting dressed, fuelling up, and lacing up got me out the door. But this was a run that I knew from the start was going to be hard.

😴 My body is tired, for reasons unknow.
💨 I had a constant strong, cold headwind
🤕 My pack was rubbing, think it needs replacement

So at about 20mi I called it a day. I’ve been out, done 20 in tough conditions, and 5 less miles than plan makes no difference in the grand scheme of things.

After my London Ultra on May 9th, a solo ultra where I am supporting those navigating cancer. Today would be a great day to sponsor me if you were thinking about it…would give me a boost. Link 🔗 in the BIO. 🙏

Anyway as I was saying, after my next ultra I may revisit my training and my year ahead, perhaps giving some time off.

#run #runner #ultrarunner #runna #running

Called it at 20. It’s important to know when to make that decision, I’ve been feeling tired lately, very nearly didn’t go out at all today. Getting dressed, fuelling up, and lacing up got me out the door. But this was a run that I knew from the start was going to be hard.

😴 My body is tired, for reasons unknow.
💨 I had a constant strong, cold headwind
🤕 My pack was rubbing, think it needs replacement

So at about 20mi I called it a day. I’ve been out, done 20 in tough conditions, and 5 less miles than plan makes no difference in the grand scheme of things.

After my London Ultra on May 9th, a solo ultra where I am supporting those navigating cancer. Today would be a great day to sponsor me if you were thinking about it…would give me a boost. Link 🔗 in the BIO. 🙏

Anyway as I was saying, after my next ultra I may revisit my training and my year ahead, perhaps giving some time off.

#run #runner #ultrarunner #runna #running

Listened to the body today, was supposed to be a 25mi hilly run today and 4.5mi easy tomorrow, I woke early ready for the run, ate breakfast but by 6am realised I was tired, really tired, so switched the weekends runs around.

I’ll head for an early night and hopefully feel refreshed by early morning. My body has changed alot after cancer, I’m still learning how to manage it somedays.

Thanks to @runna it’s super easy to move my runs about, 2 clicks and all done.

#run #runner #running #runna #ultrarunner

Listened to the body today, was supposed to be a 25mi hilly run today and 4.5mi easy tomorrow, I woke early ready for the run, ate breakfast but by 6am realised I was tired, really tired, so switched the weekends runs around.

I’ll head for an early night and hopefully feel refreshed by early morning. My body has changed alot after cancer, I’m still learning how to manage it somedays.

Thanks to @runna it’s super easy to move my runs about, 2 clicks and all done.

#run #runner #running #runna #ultrarunner

Up early for a light Plyometric session, as I have a hilly 25mi long run tomorrow decided to keep the session light.

Thanks to the guys at @runlabhq for a great session format
👉 Box jumps
👉 Single leg triple jumps
👉 Box step and jump
👉 Banded leg drivers
👉 High knees
👉 Flexor ankle ball hold

Back at the gym tonight with PT @steve_middleton_lowes for an upper body session, I find it as important to work the upper body as the lower, especially as I’ll be in the mountains around Mont Blanc again this year and using poles.

Happy Easter 🐣

#gym #gymrat #plyometric #strengthtraining #runner

Up early for a light Plyometric session, as I have a hilly 25mi long run tomorrow decided to keep the session light.

Thanks to the guys at @runlabhq for a great session format
👉 Box jumps
👉 Single leg triple jumps
👉 Box step and jump
👉 Banded leg drivers
👉 High knees
👉 Flexor ankle ball hold

Back at the gym tonight with PT @steve_middleton_lowes for an upper body session, I find it as important to work the upper body as the lower, especially as I’ll be in the mountains around Mont Blanc again this year and using poles.

Happy Easter 🐣

#gym #gymrat #plyometric #strengthtraining #runner

0.50mi repeats - what a session. That absolutely hit the spot tonight. Strong through each lap, the @saucony Speed 5’s lit up every time 🔥

🔥 1.25mi WU
👟 0.50mi @ 6:50/mi x 7, 90s recovery
🥶 0.50 CD

5 weeks until my London Ultra with @krispykremeuk “Run for the Glaze” - a tough solo 50K, across the capital, visiting 20 Krispy Kreme shops along the way. It will be a hard run as the roads and streets will be very busy, but supporting those diagnosed with cancer is really important to me. Cancer changes everything about you. I’ll be supporting @chemohero on this run.

Rest day tomorrow. Long run, 25mi, Saturday.

#run #running #runner #runna #ultrarunner

0.50mi repeats - what a session. That absolutely hit the spot tonight. Strong through each lap, the @saucony Speed 5’s lit up every time 🔥

🔥 1.25mi WU
👟 0.50mi @ 6:50/mi x 7, 90s recovery
🥶 0.50 CD

5 weeks until my London Ultra with @krispykremeuk “Run for the Glaze” - a tough solo 50K, across the capital, visiting 20 Krispy Kreme shops along the way. It will be a hard run as the roads and streets will be very busy, but supporting those diagnosed with cancer is really important to me. Cancer changes everything about you. I’ll be supporting @chemohero on this run.

Rest day tomorrow. Long run, 25mi, Saturday.

#run #running #runner #runna #ultrarunner

March ‘26. Running 🏃 Cats 🐈‍⬛ and Cake 🍰

#march #running #cats #cake #ultrarunner

March ‘26. Running 🏃 Cats 🐈‍⬛ and Cake 🍰

#march #running #cats #cake #ultrarunner

Average reel watch time 6 seconds, let’s see if you’ll watch this one and it’s important message.

One man diagnosed every 4 hours in the UK. Let’s take this one seriously.

#testicularcancer #cancerawarenessmonth #cancer #menshealth #health

Average reel watch time 6 seconds, let’s see if you’ll watch this one and it’s important message.

One man diagnosed every 4 hours in the UK. Let’s take this one seriously.

#testicularcancer #cancerawarenessmonth #cancer #menshealth #health

Easy 5 on April Fools day, and there have been some cracking fools today, two of my favourite are

👉 @precisionfandh - I need some of that gear!
👉 @hawkstone - give me a can of FA any day
(@markthebrewer75 hope you saved me one!!)

PT and I switched up the strength programme at the start of the year, and I’m definitely feeling the benefits of that, much stronger on the run, less impact going through the hips and knees. Thanks @steve_middleton_lowes

Monthly leg massage also paying off, that helps to reset the lower body, this is something I will carry on with during this training block.

Speedy intervals tomorrow 😁

#run #runner #running #runna #ultrarunner

Easy 5 on April Fools day, and there have been some cracking fools today, two of my favourite are

👉 @precisionfandh - I need some of that gear!
👉 @hawkstone - give me a can of FA any day
(@markthebrewer75 hope you saved me one!!)

PT and I switched up the strength programme at the start of the year, and I’m definitely feeling the benefits of that, much stronger on the run, less impact going through the hips and knees. Thanks @steve_middleton_lowes

Monthly leg massage also paying off, that helps to reset the lower body, this is something I will carry on with during this training block.

Speedy intervals tomorrow 😁

#run #runner #running #runna #ultrarunner

A few surprises in store - don’t skip this one!
Where am I off to later this month?

@jeremyclarkson1
@scottwatson23
@bastefood

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runners

A few surprises in store - don’t skip this one!
Where am I off to later this month?

@jeremyclarkson1
@scottwatson23
@bastefood

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runners

Tempo Tuesday. Second run in the @saucony Speed 5, see below 👇 for my feedback on them. Tuesday sessions can be hard, as Monday night is strength training with PT @steve_middleton_lowes and the legs can be a little heavy, which they were.

Format tonight was absolutely on the money
🔥 1.25mi WU
👟 5.0mi at 7.35/mi, 180s recovery
🥶 1.25mi CD

👉 I’m a @runna Ambassador and I accepted the position as I genuinely love the app, tonight was a session that reinforced that. I dialled into the 5mi section of the run, focussing on form, the audio cues from Runna kept me in the correct zone, I was running ahead of pace target several times, the cues telling me to slow down, giving current pace against target pace. This aspect of the app I get a lot from, it removes the need to look at the watch, allowing me to focus on other areas like form.

And to the Saucony Speed 5 👟
I was wanting a light, fast, responsive, comfortable shoe - it absolutely delivers on all fronts. Really pleased with the choice and thanks @run_north_west for an excellent service again.

#run #running #runner #runna #ultrarunner

Tempo Tuesday. Second run in the @saucony Speed 5, see below 👇 for my feedback on them. Tuesday sessions can be hard, as Monday night is strength training with PT @steve_middleton_lowes and the legs can be a little heavy, which they were.

Format tonight was absolutely on the money
🔥 1.25mi WU
👟 5.0mi at 7.35/mi, 180s recovery
🥶 1.25mi CD

👉 I’m a @runna Ambassador and I accepted the position as I genuinely love the app, tonight was a session that reinforced that. I dialled into the 5mi section of the run, focussing on form, the audio cues from Runna kept me in the correct zone, I was running ahead of pace target several times, the cues telling me to slow down, giving current pace against target pace. This aspect of the app I get a lot from, it removes the need to look at the watch, allowing me to focus on other areas like form.

And to the Saucony Speed 5 👟
I was wanting a light, fast, responsive, comfortable shoe - it absolutely delivers on all fronts. Really pleased with the choice and thanks @run_north_west for an excellent service again.

#run #running #runner #runna #ultrarunner

Unpacking week 6. New shoes in the stable @saucony Speed 5, first outing Thursday with an interval session. I was after a light, fast shoe = found it ✅

Took the @kailasfuga EX330s out on Saturday’s trail run, a shoe that Loyd @run4adventure.uk introduced me too, stable, responsive, soaking up the miles.

Favourite run of the week - Thursday Pyramid Session. Hitting every lap on point, with pace left at the end to go full send 💪

I train hard. I’m motivated to train for runs that grab attention. Runs that get the message of awareness out there, awareness of testicular cancer, a cancer we should all be talking about, guys check, girls get us guys to check by grilling us. And runs that support those diagnosed with cancer, I’ve raised over £25,000 since my recovery, my target is to break through £30,000 this year.

That’s why I run.

Next ultra - May 9th - Run for the Glaze.
London 50K - running to 20 Krispy Kreme stores
@krispykremeuk

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runna

Unpacking week 6. New shoes in the stable @saucony Speed 5, first outing Thursday with an interval session. I was after a light, fast shoe = found it ✅

Took the @kailasfuga EX330s out on Saturday’s trail run, a shoe that Loyd @run4adventure.uk introduced me too, stable, responsive, soaking up the miles.

Favourite run of the week - Thursday Pyramid Session. Hitting every lap on point, with pace left at the end to go full send 💪

I train hard. I’m motivated to train for runs that grab attention. Runs that get the message of awareness out there, awareness of testicular cancer, a cancer we should all be talking about, guys check, girls get us guys to check by grilling us. And runs that support those diagnosed with cancer, I’ve raised over £25,000 since my recovery, my target is to break through £30,000 this year.

That’s why I run.

Next ultra - May 9th - Run for the Glaze.
London 50K - running to 20 Krispy Kreme stores
@krispykremeuk

#run #runner #running #ultrarunner #runna

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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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