Hi Gritty, first congrats on that achievement. I commented on your training video for this event, unaware you had already done it. In that video, you describe the Fan Dance as 'one of last things done on selection' and, 'a real gut-check'. Actually, the Fan Dance is done at the end of week one of four weeks of DAILY mountain marches, in the FIRST phase of the 6 month long selection program! It is intermediate in regard to all the marches completed in terms of weight, distance and time. But its quite early placement at the end of the first week means in terms of wear and tear on your body, it's more favourable than most of the rest of the marches! I don't think you have sufficient understanding of exactly what UKSF (United Kingdom Special Forces) selection actually involves, and how arduous it is. I've added a note to show when the Fan Dance is done, note the proper context of the whole selection program!; Here's a breakdown of UKSF (22 SAS and SBS selection)... PHASE ONE 1. Aptitude; Navigation & Endurance (commonly referred to as Hills Phase) 4 weeks of DAILY mountain marches navigating by map from point to point against an unspecified time limit. Typical schedule as follows (remember, these marches are EVERY DAY)... Week 1 15-20 km 40lbs weight+weapon, water etc. Fan Dance at the end of week 1 Week 2 18-24 km 45lbs weight+weapon, water etc. Week 3 20-32 km 50lbs weight+weapon, water etc. Week 4, Test Week; consists of 5 marches over 7 days march 1, 2 & 3; 30 km 60lbs weight+weapon, water etc. march 4; 35 km 60lbs weight+weapon, water etc. THEN, 4 hours rest and start the final march; Long Drag; 65 km 70lbs weight+weapon, water etc. 20-24 hour time limit (weather dependent). --------------- PHASE TWO 2. Jungle warfare, tactics, navigation ALL LIVE FIRE TRAINING. 6 weeks. Those who have passed phase one have to then pass jungle training. Training takes place in Belize or Brunei, deep in jungles. Candidates learn the basics of surviving and patrolling in the harsh conditions. UKSF jungle patrols have to live for weeks behind enemy lines, in 4 man patrols, living on rations. This includes yet more days of marches point to point. Jungle training weeds out those who can't handle the discipline required to keep themselves and their kit in good condition whilst on long range patrols in difficult conditions. Again, there is a mental component being tested, not just a physical. Special Forces teams need men who can work under relentless pressure, in horrendous environments for weeks on end, without a lifeline back to home base. ---------------- PHASE THREE Continuation; Foreign and new weapons skills, CQB training and testing in the world-renowned SAS Killing House where live ammo is used. Advanced infantry and marksmanship skills etc. Escape & Evasion & Tactical Questioning/Resistance to Interrogation The small number of candidates who have made it through endurance and jungle training now enter the final phase of selection. The likelihood of a special operation going wrong behind enemy lines is quite high, given the risks involved. UKSF want soldiers who have the wherewithal and spirit required to escape and evade capture and resist interrogation. For the escape and evasion (E&E) portion of the course, the candidates are given brief instructions on appropriate techniques. This may include talks from former POWs or special forces soldiers who have been in E&E situations in the real world. Next, the candidates are let loose in the countryside, wearing World War 2 vintage coats with instructions to make their way to a series of waypoints without being captured by the hunter force of other soldiers. This portion lasts for 3-5 days after which, captured or not, all candidates report for TQ. Tactical Questioning (TQ) tests the prospective UKSF men's ability to resist interrogation. They are treated roughly by their interrogators, often made to stand in 'stress positions' for hours at a time, while disorientating white noise is blasted at them. When their turn for questioning comes, they must only answer with the so-called 'big 4' (name, rank, serial number and date of birth). All other questions must be answered with 'I'm sorry but I cannot answer that question.' Failure to do so results in failing the course. The questioners will use all sorts of tricks to try and get a reaction from the candidates. They may act friendly and try to get their subjects chatting; or they stand inches away from their subjects and scream unfavourable remarks about the sexual habits of their mothers. Female interrogators may laugh at the size of their subject's manhood. Of course, a real interrogation would be a lot more harsh and the subject would not know that they get to leave alive when it's all over. That said, days of interrogations and enduring the stress positions and white noise break down a man's sense of time and reality. UKSF are looking for men who can withstand such treatment long enough so that the effects of revealing any operational information they might have can be lessoned by HQ. ------------------------------------------------------------ This is 6 months in, successful candidates for the SAS are now badged and report to Hereford, the home of 22 SAS. The SBS candidates still have a further selection/continuation phase to complete before being badged and report Royal Marines Poole, the home of the SBS. Completion of this 6 month selection course is NOT the end. They then start SF training (which never ends) and for the 1st year in particular are on probation; they can be sent back to their original unit at any time.
It's a pity you didn't have more time here to do Snowdon. There's a challenge in North Wales that is freaking insane called the Welsh 3000s in which you bag every peak in Wales over 3000ft in a single day. No I haven't tried it because one of the peaks is Crib Goch... it's a terrifying knife edge that has claimed more than a few brave souls.
The SAS do this AFTER a full week of getting absolutely beasted on numerous long hikes with heavy gear, so they are already in bits BEFORE they do the fan dance. Simply insane...
I completed this on Selection back in 97, carrying an SLR too. I failed the 4th March on test week. I was completely fucked. 2 weeks on Elan Valley sapped all of my energy.
@@samuelgarrod8327 Old obsolete weapons were carried in case blokes got lost - an officer died when I did it , he was off route , we carried old Enfield . 303 when I did it , on the Elan valley phase , I saw one bloke lose it and beat the shit out the tussock grass with his weapon , so , current operational weapons were not carried , don't know what they do today . But yeah 97 would be SA80 . The Royal Marines just lost one in training .
I am ex British Army and whilst serving I did the Fan Dance on a couple of occasions. However, that was nearly 30yrs ago ..but, despite breaking my back in 2014 which caused nerve damage in my right leg and destroying my right ACL, I am still trying to strive to stay strong...The last 6yrs I have been fighting throat cancer (never smoked) as well, had 7 operations and radiotherapy..but again, soldiering on and not letting it get me down...instead, I have just restarted training and am going to enter the Fan Dance event in January. I am glad I found your channel...its great...keep up the good work ..excellent information.!! Thank you ...stay frosty👍
I did the Pen Y Fan 3 times in 1964 when I was training as a Parachute Regiment recruit. The 2nd time I went up the cloud closed in & we couldn't see a bleeding thing. Then I "sensed" the edge, got down on my hands & knees & crawled until I reached it. The trot down was easier after that.
When I was 12, back in 1974, I was on a school trip to the Beacons. We had been walking up this trail for what seemed like years because the teacher said we had to see the view from the highest point. I think it was the last day of the trip so it was probably a Friday. We stopped just to the side of the track to eat our packed lunch and I was on the last bit of mine which happened to be a Mars Bar. All of a sudden it disappeared from my hand with a 'thanks lad I'll be having that'. I looked up to see the back of this skinny bloke in green clothing carrying a rifle of some sort and a rucksack bigger than him jogging away from us and shoving my Mars Bar into his face as fast as possible. I turned to the teacher about to complain bitterly and she just put her finger to her lips and shushed me. It was years later before I finally found out about selection. I just hope the guy passed that's all.
I'm in the Mountain Rescue Team for that area - our twice yearly fitness test is from the kissing gate at the first little ascent, then straight to the summit of Corn Du (the peak you skirt around to the right before Pen Y Fan) - full rescue kit, all weathers, the muckier the better. Also something to bear in mind, it's only relatively recently that all the paths have been 'paved', before it was just muddy trails in rag condition. Well done and glad you appreciated the area.
Thank you. I grew up in a place called Halfway and went to school in Trecastle. My father served as a WW2 fighter pilot and worked at Sennybridge refuelling helicopters on the camp.
hay im a local, i climb the mountain all the time and always take the dogs up if i hear someones lost, is there anyway to volunteer for the rescue team or no, i mean at this point iv gone up and retrieved a few lost stragglers in the dark on my own and although yes i know the mountain like the back of my hand i think id be better helping a team
I did my SAS selection ( Fan Dance ) in February 1977 aged 20 years old in deep snow. I got in within 1 minute of the time. Though considering the weather I achieved it. With an injured knee that 48 years later still plagues me. I only managed 25 days of the 28 days though for a 20 year old I was proud of that achievement. My injury meant I could never go back!
So you joined the army at what 17 or 18 completed your basic training passed out then posted to your regiment (assuming you’re army) then few months to a year later at the age of 19 you went on selection…..really? Lol😂
@@kmac8854you only have had to have 2 years service back then to go on selection(dunno how it is now) and if you joined at 16 it’s not a unbelievable feat. He never said he passed 🙄
It’s actually insane to think some of the real selection times are between 2-3 hours. With Bergen, weapon, already fatigued, sometimes worse weather, no watch on them .. crazy fitness and determination levels. That’s why they are SAS!
@@KeithChegwin24so wrong. that’s why they don’t just take the fittest candidates and end selection there, it’s a 6 month process all to do with mental fitness as well as physical fitness
@@HDavies02 It's a fitness selection, hence endurance is phase 1 and carries on into the jungle. Even E&E is fitness orientated...Don't make it too obvious that you have never served and don't know anyone in Hereford.
Thanks for this video dude. I've watched it countless times in preparation for my Fan Dance which I completed yesterday in 5hrs11mins. I got to the halfway point around the same time you did, but my pace dropped off rapidly along the return down Old Roman Road and Jacob's Ladder. Once at the top, my focus switched to just getting back uninjured. Keep on tabbin' fella.
Did this several times while serving with 3 Para from 1965-71…. The final time (while serving in C Coy) as part of the selection course for 3 Para’s Patrol Company ((D Coy) in 1966 ..successfully passed and 5 great years with D Coy, ps I don’t remember there being any stone slabs built into the ‘pathway’
Well done Sir! Like you said Its no joke!. I did the fan dance 4 times during my Army career and certainly felt your pain going up Jacobs Ladder. Just to note - the fan dance is the LAST test after enduring 4 weeks of 30+ mile timed Marches for SF selection. Again, well done!!
I did the Fan Dance in 1984 as I was over from 1st Batt on secondment. This was right after Grenada and it was a bollocks buster then. At that time it was to be done with a British Army bergen and SLR. Good times. I had to so that prior to working with the Regiment to learn counter terrorism SAS style. Also you had it right at Jacobs Ladder, head down and push through.
Did the Fan Dance a couple of times in the mob, first time in 78 as part of P Comapny. Haven’t been up there since 85, but the path is a lot more level than I recall with way less loose scree. First time I did it one of the lads behind me in the squad slipped on the scree badly fracturing an ankle. I got to the bottom in decent time, then because I was a medic was sent back up to help treat and evacuate the lad with the busted leg🙈
Be glad your doing this in the summer,I watched the British forces do this in winter in the snow, what the Forces did was totally brutal beyond endurance.
Brilliant! An ex squaddie on RUclips creating content rather than pulling a confused face in a thumb nail and reacting to other people content! Love it!
The whole thing felt like a dream, signing up and starting to watch you on RUclips to running next to you on the day. Was an epic day, so many giving encouragement as we all struggled. Mad thing is looks pretty flat on the camera 😂 4.19 was blown away by that and was happy when you overtook on the final descent and pinch myself and said, that man right there is Gritty soldier all the way from America doing an event where I grew up and live. Best day and thank you. 👍
we use to run over there before breakfast everymorning from Derring lines barracks, wearing steal helmets and battle order carrying a rifle, those were the days when it was the parachute regiments battle school 1968 , you have no idea.there were no paths in them days either. treat it with respect as many lads have died there.
Great video, and a great time, well done! I completed the Load Bearing Summer Fan Dance in 2021. I remember Jacobs Ladder on the return leg being brutal, where it becomes a case of mind over matter. One foot in front of the other, don't stop, keep going. I had a finish time of just over 5 hours.... not the best time on the event that day, but the week after was my birthday, I turned 62. Total respect to our Special Forces who beat Pen Y Fan.
Did it 20 years ago and my lungs are still burning. It almost killed me because I refuse to quit when I want to challenge myself. I made it back in good time.1 broken metatarsal later I still had to drive the 6 and a bit hours home. Good times. Great effort to all of you who tried it. Good to see some old farts like me still doing it. kind of inspired to get my boots back on and get training for a second go at 50 years of age.
Watching this 30minutes before going back to the slovenian army basic training... tommorow well be rucking/ surviving for 3 days so this gives me alot of motivation. Thanks mann keep up the good work!🎉
Hate the way I look on camera 😂. Cool video bro and a pleasure to meet you. Sadly I didn’t make the finish as you know having to bail out at CP1 with a stress fractured heel that i initially picked up during build up training. Never mind I’ll be back next year… so far it’s 1 - 1 between me and the fan as I completed it in 2022… maybe see you then and you can beat your time from this year.
@@GrittySoldierCheers Dan. It’s a long story but I nearly didn’t. I was once 300 + lbs of fat that couldn’t walk 500 yds . Now I’ve reversed diabetes, done 7 paras 10 loaded events (10 miles, 35lb 01:50 time to beat) a 40 mile trail ultra and a trail marathon and 2 fan dance events since losing my weight in 2018. Before 2019 I couldn’t run a 3 mile jog 😂. Ken runs a virtual event called Battle for the Golden road which I entered and completed last year, heaviest weight was 100lb lowest 25lb and the longest distance was 18 miles. Got to keep going 💪. While the heel is healing I’m cycling a lot and looking at doing some 100 mile plus mtb rides instead. Until next time 👌
For Gritty to call a bloke “friggin’ nuts” that guy must be mad. Your strength and attitude is ever an inspiration. Outstanding performance, as always! Well done, mate.
Great work Gritty! Great to see you on the hills that day (I'm fellow participant). What folks shouldn't underestimate is the fact that instead of focusing on the route and event 100% like the rest of us you had to mess about with camera and think about commentary etc! Def added to the challenge. Tremendous result!
I took part in the winter and summer fan dance back in 2017. Still the hardest thing I’ve put my body through to this day 😂. Weirdly Worth it though, loved it. Congrats on completing it 👍
Great video Dan. We spoke briefly while eating after the race ( Chicken Curry which was gorgeous) I mentioned about different training methods. The only one being to live nearby. Take care mate, and maybe see you for the next summer edition. Edit: Great effort making that time, mine was 4.54. Must train harder 🤘
Well done ! Jacob's Ladder was originally rough rock which took up the ridge it is on and which you could not walk around . It resembled a vertical small quarry and parts of it had to be climbed up , no jogging for sure but an easy climb ! I think it was about 1976 when I found guys making a path there and diverting obvious water channels . Basically so many people were going up the Fan causing fast erosion .
Awesome video Gritty.!I’m adding this event to my bucket list. My buddy got married in Castle Coch in ‘99. I was his best man. Good memories fromWales.. the rugby World Cup was on.. Watched Wales play Japan.. the atmosphere in the pubs in Cardiff were incredible..
I've been looking forward to this video! It was a pleasure to shake your hand about a mile after the half-way point. Congratulations on a really excellent time, and I'm delighted you enjoyed your trip. You need to come back for the winter Fan Dance! It's arguably even more fun than the summer one!
Very well done mate. Great attitude and a solid performance. Tbh I think the rocks (necessarily) used by National Parks to reinforce some of the trails have actually made Fan Dance more difficult due to the footing. And whoever the 60 year old was he’s clearly a legend eh! Well done again, brilliant stuff.
I'm starting cross-country for my senior year and I've been having trouble. It's super challenging and definitely a gut check for someone who didnt run until now. Watching you complete this is so motivating and inspiring to me. Thank you for the constant motivation, entertainment, and an overall great time watching
With cross county, I think the best thing you can do is pick a challenging distance to start with, run/walk it. The next lot of runs don't feel as bad, you'll be motivated to run for longer. People struggle with the unknown, it's easier to push yourself through the known. So instead of doing lots of little pushes into the unknown with training sessions, just do go all in once and train to get better at that long distance. Once your good at it then you can do another big push into a longer and harder distance if wanted.
I would advise atm to focous on time on the road, such as, if you can run 30 minutes we'll atm, brilliant. Next week or two aim for 40 mins, repeat that for a few weeks till you get to 3.5hrs of running dude!!
@@dannyphillips5083 I appreciate the advice. I've made significant progress since I had posted this comment. I'm currently running 20-21 minutes 3 miles and slowly working down the time. Super excited about what's to come and the progress I've already made
Well done lad but what you gotta remember the fan dance is a starting point for UK SF selection and is used as a test in week 1 - the lads who undertake it are young and have trained for months!! Your knees and back won’t thank you!! 🤣👍🇬🇧🇬🇧
Definitely a great inspiring video. About to turn 54 and getting ready for a 5k and did a run yesterday in the heat and hills for a small amount and my quads are just singing today...then I see you and a couple of folks over 60 doing the Fan Dance. Talk about "Oof!" Again...great stuff!
I'd say it takes me back, but i've no recollection of doing this. If you want 'the ultimate test', it's 'Long Drag', but you'll be navigating on your own with only your next reference revealed at the check-points, packing more weight, and carrying a bang-stick. That's more up around 12 hours for a lot more km's. Nav One and Two is similar. Nice to see the Fan again... it's been almost forty years. Have a good one.
Nav1 and 2 I remember the most in Summer 90 and Winter 91. This was the reserve version. The Fan dance was actually longer in the reserves. You went over the Fan 3 times. Long drag, for me, was held in the Howgill Fells. I did that 3 times...don't ask!! The DS reckoned I knew those hills better than Wainright! lol
Good work chap, it’s brutal, well done, great achievement. And for the record, it’s not just the SAS that have to do it, all Platoon Commanders, Pathfinders etc also have to complete it, but for the SFs it’s the start of a really brutal week.
@@GrittySoldier Congrats again GS--especially gotta hand it to you for hitting your goal (and selection) time when you had virtually no hills to train on (let alone a freaking mountain 🙂 Who's that monster who finished in 3:15!!! Guy's a machine! I also loved seeing all those old guys out there--I'm in my (early) 60s but I'm inspired to want to try the Fan Dance too! AATW RLTW!
Great vid and and mega effort that, well done! I've done the Fan Dance 5 times and now host the event with my own company. I loved your honest account of it. It is brutal but so rewarding hey. The comradeship defo makes the day. Well done! 💪🤙
Saw you on the day! Great effort mate it’s no joke, managed 3hrs 38 with 45ish lbs but couldn’t walk for about 4 days afterwards. Very humbling experience
Love this guys mind set. Total respect to all of these people. Looks like you had a good day there for the event....horizontal rain is a common in Wales! I have to say, there is a fine line between testing the physical stamina and mental aptitude of the forces personnel and actually doing them a life time of bodily harm. Often the military personnel in the UK are physically destroyed in the training. It's a real issue. There is only so much a body can take before the back goes, the knees etc....
You're a beast man :) Awesome to see you tear it up and so great to see the love you get from worldwide fans. This is like a rucking version of the downhill biking Megavalanche down from high mountains in the Alps and and Andes.
Great Video, you'll have to come back and do the 'Double Tap' (fandance twice) or if you think you are up for it the 'Trident' (fandance three times) Go on you know you want too!
We Welsh love our mountains, have yet to do the Blorange and Pen-yFan. Mountain walking is good for the arthritic knees, and the stunning views are worth the effort. These mountains are tougher than what they look.
@@V.C.S69this was pre H&S , they took us caving, rock climbing, absailing, we were allowed to play with knives all whilst our instructors sloped of for a smoke!🤣
@@gb3007 …..I was born and brought up on the edge of the Black mountains range, the mountains were our playing field and dodging the adders (my pet hate). I was in the Brownies and Guides, we too went hiking up the Big Skirrid mountain in good weather, Pen-Y-Fan is a different kettle of fish to take kids up in bad weather.
Great job!!! I wasn't there but I could tell you were pushing yourself hard! Congrats on finishing with that time, and thanks again for your service God bless!
One of the last things you said really impressed me. You won back those six minutes you were off when you hit Jacob's ladder. Anyone who's rucked serious weight over serious distance knows that making up for lost time like that is so much harder than sticking to schedule. Well done.
Great vid Gritty, I really enjoyed meeting you out there in Wales. I've been putting miles on the new ruck doing your Get Selected program. Maybe see you at Bataan Memorial Death March? Good luck!💪💪🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
Well done! I was going to come and give you post-race doughnuts but my dog just had puppies :). The weather has been a bit rainy, typically Welsh :). Consider that 'leg day' for a week or two :)
I understand they are importing some "Wait a Minute" vines from Georgia to plant along the route to add a bit more challenge in the coming years! Congratulations to you for your tenacity, drive and for completing it in a great time. RLTW!
Well done to whoever has done it . Whether you are a super athlete , or a very fit person (like myself ) , or a newbie fan dance is no joke because it’s hard to simulate it unless you regularly go out there hike /run in mountains with heavy ruck . Sadly I couldn’t win it because i misjudged the race strategy , being the first time , but was quite happy to finish it in 3.20 mins . Probably the endurance event that I enjoyed the most , given that the weight really requires you to have strong and fit legs
Congratulations, Brother !!! Awesome experience !!! Thank you for sharing it with us !!! Keep up the great work !!! 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲 I need to get one of those DG3...or one of their packs. P.S. Castle Coch....is Castle "Coke"....maybe ??? Like Heckler & Koch (coke)...
Awesome! I did the Fan Dance 8n de 90's while attending a adventure course military style given by a ex Royal Marines Mounted Leader living in Wales... I trained in my area but the highest "hill" is around 40 meter......😂..It was hell but loved every meter walking and jogging the Pany fan
I will be taking a walk up Pen Y Fan in a couple of weeks while I am in England. The last time i completed the dance was 40 years ago so it should be fun. Well done young man on your completion.
I grew up near these hills and it's truly a different kind of fitness. Those soft rolling hills are seriously deceptive - only when you have experienced them do you know how bad that slow burn can be, the gradual increase in slope is as you say, sheer misery. In winter if it's snowy it's unbelievably heavy going but the most dangerous is when the winds are really strong or it's foggy. There are sheer drops and you do have to be careful around this, people have been swept off. Next time hopefully you can visit Hay on Wye and Hereford - great little towns.
I can’t wait to do this am signed up for the winter one in January, will be doing all my training over the next few months on Dartmoor. Planning to do rucks with the weight increasing distance every week and incorporating elevation, weight training and top up running 5ks for cardio in between. For recovery cold water and yoga. Any tips or advice please?
I’ll be out there too! I’m gonna start my raiding personally here in a couple weeks, I’ll make sure to post some good tips and tricks along the way so just make sure to stay tuned! Definitely go check out my Instagram because a lot of content goes on there that doesn’t make it on this platform
Wow it is high right from the get go! Crappy weatherconditions, treacherous terrain with heavy weight - that took a lot of determination for sure! Congrats! I love the music you use. Please let me know what it is...
thats the exact route me and my father took, once you get past the 1st bit, after the fencing, everything is alright. 12 miler (going off my fathers thoughts and map) we did pen y fan, fan y big (diving board), the steep valley near the reservoir, and the 1 that is after that route you took from the gates.
Thanks again for all the support guys. You guys are all awesome!!! 🙏 👊
Well done fella. Lovely weather there eh?
What bag he won?
Hi Gritty, first congrats on that achievement.
I commented on your training video for this event, unaware you had already done it. In that video, you describe the Fan Dance as 'one of last things done on selection' and, 'a real gut-check'. Actually, the Fan Dance is done at the end of week one of four weeks of DAILY mountain marches, in the FIRST phase of the 6 month long selection program! It is intermediate in regard to all the marches completed in terms of weight, distance and time. But its quite early placement at the end of the first week means in terms of wear and tear on your body, it's more favourable than most of the rest of the marches! I don't think you have sufficient understanding of exactly what UKSF (United Kingdom Special Forces) selection actually involves, and how arduous it is. I've added a note to show when the Fan Dance is done, note the proper context of the whole selection program!;
Here's a breakdown of UKSF (22 SAS and SBS selection)...
PHASE ONE
1. Aptitude; Navigation & Endurance (commonly referred to as Hills Phase) 4 weeks of DAILY mountain marches navigating by map from point to point against an unspecified time limit. Typical schedule as follows (remember, these marches are EVERY DAY)...
Week 1 15-20 km 40lbs weight+weapon, water etc. Fan Dance at the end of week 1
Week 2 18-24 km 45lbs weight+weapon, water etc.
Week 3 20-32 km 50lbs weight+weapon, water etc.
Week 4, Test Week; consists of 5 marches over 7 days
march 1, 2 & 3; 30 km 60lbs weight+weapon, water etc.
march 4; 35 km 60lbs weight+weapon, water etc.
THEN, 4 hours rest and start the final march; Long Drag; 65 km 70lbs weight+weapon, water etc. 20-24 hour time limit (weather dependent).
---------------
PHASE TWO
2. Jungle warfare, tactics, navigation ALL LIVE FIRE TRAINING. 6 weeks.
Those who have passed phase one have to then pass jungle training. Training takes place in Belize or Brunei, deep in jungles. Candidates learn the basics of surviving and patrolling in the harsh conditions. UKSF jungle patrols have to live for weeks behind enemy lines, in 4 man patrols, living on rations. This includes yet more days of marches point to point. Jungle training weeds out those who can't handle the discipline required to keep themselves and their kit in good condition whilst on long range patrols in difficult conditions. Again, there is a mental component being tested, not just a physical. Special Forces teams need men who can work under relentless pressure, in horrendous environments for weeks on end, without a lifeline back to home base.
----------------
PHASE THREE
Continuation; Foreign and new weapons skills, CQB training and testing in the world-renowned SAS Killing House where live ammo is used. Advanced infantry and marksmanship skills etc.
Escape & Evasion & Tactical Questioning/Resistance to Interrogation
The small number of candidates who have made it through endurance and jungle training now enter the final phase of selection. The likelihood of a special operation going wrong behind enemy lines is quite high, given the risks involved. UKSF want soldiers who have the wherewithal and spirit required to escape and evade capture and resist interrogation.
For the escape and evasion (E&E) portion of the course, the candidates are given brief instructions on appropriate techniques. This may include talks from former POWs or special forces soldiers who have been in E&E situations in the real world.
Next, the candidates are let loose in the countryside, wearing World War 2 vintage coats with instructions to make their way to a series of waypoints without being captured by the hunter force of other soldiers. This portion lasts for 3-5 days after which, captured or not, all candidates report for TQ.
Tactical Questioning (TQ) tests the prospective UKSF men's ability to resist interrogation. They are treated roughly by their interrogators, often made to stand in 'stress positions' for hours at a time, while disorientating white noise is blasted at them. When their turn for questioning comes, they must only answer with the so-called 'big 4' (name, rank, serial number and date of birth). All other questions must be answered with 'I'm sorry but I cannot answer that question.' Failure to do so results in failing the course. The questioners will use all sorts of tricks to try and get a reaction from the candidates. They may act friendly and try to get their subjects chatting; or they stand inches away from their subjects and scream unfavourable remarks about the sexual habits of their mothers. Female interrogators may laugh at the size of their subject's manhood. Of course, a real interrogation would be a lot more harsh and the subject would not know that they get to leave alive when it's all over. That said, days of interrogations and enduring the stress positions and white noise break down a man's sense of time and reality. UKSF are looking for men who can withstand such treatment long enough so that the effects of revealing any operational information they might have can be lessoned by HQ.
------------------------------------------------------------
This is 6 months in, successful candidates for the SAS are now badged and report to Hereford, the home of 22 SAS.
The SBS candidates still have a further selection/continuation phase to complete before being badged and report Royal Marines Poole, the home of the SBS.
Completion of this 6 month selection course is NOT the end. They then start SF training (which never ends) and for the 1st year in particular are on probation; they can be sent back to their original unit at any time.
It's a pity you didn't have more time here to do Snowdon. There's a challenge in North Wales that is freaking insane called the Welsh 3000s in which you bag every peak in Wales over 3000ft in a single day. No I haven't tried it because one of the peaks is Crib Goch... it's a terrifying knife edge that has claimed more than a few brave souls.
Just seeing brecon makes my knees hurt....did my recce course there and it hurt..ALOT!
The SAS do this AFTER a full week of getting absolutely beasted on numerous long hikes with heavy gear, so they are already in bits BEFORE they do the fan dance. Simply insane...
Yep,,but we don't go in foot path's,,,ever 🏴
I completed this on Selection back in 97, carrying an SLR too. I failed the 4th March on test week. I was completely fucked. 2 weeks on Elan Valley sapped all of my energy.
Good effort man you tried 👍
@@RobertGeezReally? I thought that the SLR had been completely fazed out by then. Could be wrong...
@@samuelgarrod8327 Old obsolete weapons were carried in case blokes got lost - an officer died when I did it , he was off route , we carried old Enfield . 303 when I did it , on the Elan valley phase , I saw one bloke lose it and beat the shit out the tussock grass with his weapon , so , current operational weapons were not carried , don't know what they do today . But yeah 97 would be SA80 . The Royal Marines just lost one in training .
I am ex British Army and whilst serving I did the Fan Dance on a couple of occasions.
However, that was nearly 30yrs ago ..but, despite breaking my back in 2014 which caused nerve damage in my right leg and destroying my right ACL, I am still trying to strive to stay strong...The last 6yrs I have been fighting throat cancer (never smoked) as well, had 7 operations and radiotherapy..but again, soldiering on and not letting it get me down...instead, I have just restarted training and am going to enter the Fan Dance event in January.
I am glad I found your channel...its great...keep up the good work ..excellent information.!!
Thank you ...stay frosty👍
All the best to you, Sir! Stay strong.
@greghardman5064 - You're an absolute warrior mate, keep swinging that sword!
Did you do it in the end buddy? I wish you well 👍👍
Best of luck with everything brother🤞👊🇬🇧
I’ve done the Fan Dance a couple of times, first one back in 78 😳 Not sure how I got this old 🤣
How did it go? 💪
I did the Pen Y Fan 3 times in 1964 when I was training as a Parachute Regiment recruit. The 2nd time I went up the cloud closed in & we couldn't see a bleeding thing. Then I "sensed" the edge, got down on my hands & knees & crawled until I reached it. The trot down was easier after that.
When I was 12, back in 1974, I was on a school trip to the Beacons. We had been walking up this trail for what seemed like years because the teacher said we had to see the view from the highest point. I think it was the last day of the trip so it was probably a Friday. We stopped just to the side of the track to eat our packed lunch and I was on the last bit of mine which happened to be a Mars Bar. All of a sudden it disappeared from my hand with a 'thanks lad I'll be having that'. I looked up to see the back of this skinny bloke in green clothing carrying a rifle of some sort and a rucksack bigger than him jogging away from us and shoving my Mars Bar into his face as fast as possible. I turned to the teacher about to complain bitterly and she just put her finger to her lips and shushed me. It was years later before I finally found out about selection. I just hope the guy passed that's all.
I'm in the Mountain Rescue Team for that area - our twice yearly fitness test is from the kissing gate at the first little ascent, then straight to the summit of Corn Du (the peak you skirt around to the right before Pen Y Fan) - full rescue kit, all weathers, the muckier the better. Also something to bear in mind, it's only relatively recently that all the paths have been 'paved', before it was just muddy trails in rag condition. Well done and glad you appreciated the area.
Thank you. I grew up in a place called Halfway and went to school in Trecastle. My father served as a WW2 fighter pilot and worked at Sennybridge refuelling helicopters on the camp.
hay im a local, i climb the mountain all the time and always take the dogs up if i hear someones lost, is there anyway to volunteer for the rescue team or no, i mean at this point iv gone up and retrieved a few lost stragglers in the dark on my own and although yes i know the mountain like the back of my hand i think id be better helping a team
I did my SAS selection ( Fan Dance ) in February 1977 aged 20 years old in deep snow. I got in within 1 minute of the time. Though considering the weather I achieved it. With an injured knee that 48 years later still plagues me. I only managed 25 days of the 28 days though for a 20 year old I was proud of that achievement. My injury meant I could never go back!
So you joined the army at what 17 or 18 completed your basic training passed out then posted to your regiment (assuming you’re army) then few months to a year later at the age of 19 you went on selection…..really? Lol😂
cant see it can you 😂@@kmac8854
@@kmac8854 You could join at 16 back then.
i call bullshit
@@kmac8854you only have had to have 2 years service back then to go on selection(dunno how it is now) and if you joined at 16 it’s not a unbelievable feat. He never said he passed 🙄
It’s actually insane to think some of the real selection times are between 2-3 hours. With Bergen, weapon, already fatigued, sometimes worse weather, no watch on them .. crazy fitness and determination levels. That’s why they are SAS!
Just fit squaddies with better kit.
@@KeithChegwin24 They're more skilled, it's not just fitness.
@@JasonX2 No they're not and yes it is.
@@KeithChegwin24so wrong. that’s why they don’t just take the fittest candidates and end selection there, it’s a 6 month process all to do with mental fitness as well as physical fitness
@@HDavies02 It's a fitness selection, hence endurance is phase 1 and carries on into the jungle. Even E&E is fitness orientated...Don't make it too obvious that you have never served and don't know anyone in Hereford.
Love seeing so any older lads smashing this. Very inspiring
Thanks for this video dude. I've watched it countless times in preparation for my Fan Dance which I completed yesterday in 5hrs11mins. I got to the halfway point around the same time you did, but my pace dropped off rapidly along the return down Old Roman Road and Jacob's Ladder. Once at the top, my focus switched to just getting back uninjured. Keep on tabbin' fella.
Love the dramatic music for a gentle stroll up a small hill
Do the Fan Dance and then tell us how gentle it was.
@@jeffbridges8681was joking
@@domhealy9816fair enough!
Did this several times while serving with 3 Para from 1965-71…. The final time (while serving in C Coy) as part of the selection course for 3 Para’s Patrol Company ((D Coy) in 1966 ..successfully passed and 5 great years with D Coy, ps I don’t remember there being any stone slabs built into the ‘pathway’
Well done Sir! Like you said Its no joke!. I did the fan dance 4 times during my Army career and certainly felt your pain going up Jacobs Ladder. Just to note - the fan dance is the LAST test after enduring 4 weeks of 30+ mile timed Marches for SF selection. Again, well done!!
It most certainly isn't.its an increment test at the end of week one
@@grahamarnhem8659affirm.
It’s at the beginning of the hills phase. On mine in 1994 it was on day 2.
What are you on about? It's absolutely not the last event and is probably one of the easier days. You sure you're not a Walter Mitty? 😉
No you didn't
I did the Fan Dance in 1984 as I was over from 1st Batt on secondment. This was right after Grenada and it was a bollocks buster then. At that time it was to be done with a British Army bergen and SLR. Good times. I had to so that prior to working with the Regiment to learn counter terrorism SAS style. Also you had it right at Jacobs Ladder, head down and push through.
Did the Fan Dance a couple of times in the mob, first time in 78 as part of P Comapny. Haven’t been up there since 85, but the path is a lot more level than I recall with way less loose scree. First time I did it one of the lads behind me in the squad slipped on the scree badly fracturing an ankle. I got to the bottom in decent time, then because I was a medic was sent back up to help treat and evacuate the lad with the busted leg🙈
Be glad your doing this in the summer,I watched the British forces do this in winter in the snow, what the Forces did was totally brutal beyond endurance.
Excellent! laughing at jacobs ladder, brings back painful memories from 2017! well done
Brilliant! An ex squaddie on RUclips creating content rather than pulling a confused face in a thumb nail and reacting to other people content! Love it!
The whole thing felt like a dream, signing up and starting to watch you on RUclips to running next to you on the day.
Was an epic day, so many giving encouragement as we all struggled. Mad thing is looks pretty flat on the camera 😂
4.19 was blown away by that and was happy when you overtook on the final descent and pinch myself and said, that man right there is Gritty soldier all the way from America doing an event where I grew up and live.
Best day and thank you. 👍
what a great post, men doing mens stuff and supporting each other. proper inspiring :)
we use to run over there before breakfast everymorning from Derring lines barracks, wearing steal helmets and battle order carrying a rifle, those were the days when it was the parachute regiments battle school 1968 , you have no idea.there were no paths in them days either. treat it with respect as many lads have died there.
Great video, and a great time, well done! I completed the Load Bearing Summer Fan Dance in 2021. I remember Jacobs Ladder on the return leg being brutal, where it becomes a case of mind over matter. One foot in front of the other, don't stop, keep going. I had a finish time of just over 5 hours.... not the best time on the event that day, but the week after was my birthday, I turned 62. Total respect to our Special Forces who beat Pen Y Fan.
That’s excellent work, it’s brutal, and a bloody brilliant time at the tender age of 62.
Did it 20 years ago and my lungs are still burning. It almost killed me because I refuse to quit when I want to challenge myself.
I made it back in good time.1 broken metatarsal later I still had to drive the 6 and a bit hours home.
Good times.
Great effort to all of you who tried it.
Good to see some old farts like me still doing it. kind of inspired to get my boots back on and get training for a second go at 50 years of age.
Watching this 30minutes before going back to the slovenian army basic training... tommorow well be rucking/ surviving for 3 days so this gives me alot of motivation. Thanks mann keep up the good work!🎉
How did it go?
Yes how did it go?
Good effort, welcome to the Brecon Beacons and you’re lucky the weather was kind.👍
Hate the way I look on camera 😂. Cool video bro and a pleasure to meet you. Sadly I didn’t make the finish as you know having to bail out at CP1 with a stress fractured heel that i initially picked up during build up training. Never mind I’ll be back next year… so far it’s 1 - 1 between me and the fan as I completed it in 2022… maybe see you then and you can beat your time from this year.
Hopefully I’ll see you on the next one man!!! I’m impressed you even still get out there and get after it, I hope I’m still doing that at 60!
@@GrittySoldierCheers Dan. It’s a long story but I nearly didn’t. I was once 300 + lbs of fat that couldn’t walk 500 yds . Now I’ve reversed diabetes, done 7 paras 10 loaded events (10 miles, 35lb 01:50 time to beat) a 40 mile trail ultra and a trail marathon and 2 fan dance events since losing my weight in 2018.
Before 2019 I couldn’t run a 3 mile jog 😂.
Ken runs a virtual event called Battle for the Golden road which I entered and completed last year, heaviest weight was 100lb lowest 25lb and the longest distance was 18 miles.
Got to keep going 💪. While the heel is healing I’m cycling a lot and looking at doing some 100 mile plus mtb rides instead.
Until next time 👌
For Gritty to call a bloke “friggin’ nuts” that guy must be mad.
Your strength and attitude is ever an inspiration.
Outstanding performance, as always! Well done, mate.
Thanks for the video, this was great. The guy who got a time of 3:12, that is ridiculous, and he looked like he'd just completed a brisk walk lol.
Great work Gritty! Great to see you on the hills that day (I'm fellow participant). What folks shouldn't underestimate is the fact that instead of focusing on the route and event 100% like the rest of us you had to mess about with camera and think about commentary etc! Def added to the challenge. Tremendous result!
Right on. Best documentation of this event that I've seen on RUclips.
I took part in the winter and summer fan dance back in 2017. Still the hardest thing I’ve put my body through to this day 😂. Weirdly Worth it though, loved it. Congrats on completing it 👍
For SAS selection the soldiers are beasted to hell and back BEFORE they do the fan dance. Absolutely Insane.🙏👍
Great video Dan. We spoke briefly while eating after the race ( Chicken Curry which was gorgeous) I mentioned about different training methods. The only one being to live nearby. Take care mate, and maybe see you for the next summer edition. Edit: Great effort making that time, mine was 4.54. Must train harder 🤘
Well done ! Jacob's Ladder was originally rough rock which took up the ridge it is on and which you could not walk around . It resembled a vertical small quarry and parts of it had to be climbed up , no jogging for sure but an easy climb ! I think it was about 1976 when I found guys making a path there and diverting obvious water channels . Basically so many people were going up the Fan causing fast erosion .
I managed the fan dance twice in my military career 3:45 and 3: 50 at the end of a gruelling week on both occasions!…Auto pilot comes to mind!
Awesome video Gritty.!I’m adding this event to my bucket list. My buddy got married in Castle Coch in ‘99. I was his best man. Good memories fromWales.. the rugby World Cup was on.. Watched Wales play Japan.. the atmosphere in the pubs in Cardiff were incredible..
I lived in Scotland for 7 years while I was in the US Navy. I am convinced Wales is the West Virginia of the UK. CWO4 CRYPTOLOGY 1973-1995.
So cool to see you get prepared for and excited for the fan dance to you actually going and killing it
I've been looking forward to this video! It was a pleasure to shake your hand about a mile after the half-way point. Congratulations on a really excellent time, and I'm delighted you enjoyed your trip. You need to come back for the winter Fan Dance! It's arguably even more fun than the summer one!
Very well done mate. Great attitude and a solid performance. Tbh I think the rocks (necessarily) used by National Parks to reinforce some of the trails have actually made Fan Dance more difficult due to the footing. And whoever the 60 year old was he’s clearly a legend eh! Well done again, brilliant stuff.
Brilliant video! Brought back some good memory’s when I did this in my army carrier.
I'm starting cross-country for my senior year and I've been having trouble. It's super challenging and definitely a gut check for someone who didnt run until now. Watching you complete this is so motivating and inspiring to me. Thank you for the constant motivation, entertainment, and an overall great time watching
😅ji
With cross county, I think the best thing you can do is pick a challenging distance to start with, run/walk it. The next lot of runs don't feel as bad, you'll be motivated to run for longer. People struggle with the unknown, it's easier to push yourself through the known. So instead of doing lots of little pushes into the unknown with training sessions, just do go all in once and train to get better at that long distance. Once your good at it then you can do another big push into a longer and harder distance if wanted.
I would advise atm to focous on time on the road, such as, if you can run 30 minutes we'll atm, brilliant. Next week or two aim for 40 mins, repeat that for a few weeks till you get to 3.5hrs of running dude!!
@@dannyphillips5083 I appreciate the advice. I've made significant progress since I had posted this comment. I'm currently running 20-21 minutes 3 miles and slowly working down the time. Super excited about what's to come and the progress I've already made
@nathanheitritter7085 that's brilliant dude, nice one mate!! Solid effort!! If you need any help just get in touch!!
Love your intro to Wales video. Cardiff, Caerphilly and Brecon. Great castles and views.
I'm the 'freakin nuts' guy at 7:40! 😂 What a day, thanks for documenting mate 💪
Bro is ZOOMING. Respect
You rep our IBOLC class amazingly well bro, your a total BEAST! Surprised Ca’pin Selly didn’t meet ya out there to do it!!
Well done lad but what you gotta remember the fan dance is a starting point for UK SF selection and is used as a test in week 1 - the lads who undertake it are young and have trained for months!! Your knees and back won’t thank you!! 🤣👍🇬🇧🇬🇧
We’ve been waiting for this! Great job 👍 hope you enjoyed your time here in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧
I did!
Definitely a great inspiring video. About to turn 54 and getting ready for a 5k and did a run yesterday in the heat and hills for a small amount and my quads are just singing today...then I see you and a couple of folks over 60 doing the Fan Dance. Talk about "Oof!" Again...great stuff!
I'd say it takes me back, but i've no recollection of doing this. If you want 'the ultimate test', it's 'Long Drag', but you'll be navigating on your own with only your next reference revealed at the check-points, packing more weight, and carrying a bang-stick. That's more up around 12 hours for a lot more km's. Nav One and Two is similar. Nice to see the Fan again... it's been almost forty years. Have a good one.
Nav1 and 2 I remember the most in Summer 90 and Winter 91. This was the reserve version. The Fan dance was actually longer in the reserves. You went over the Fan 3 times. Long drag, for me, was held in the Howgill Fells. I did that 3 times...don't ask!! The DS reckoned I knew those hills better than Wainright! lol
Good work chap, it’s brutal, well done, great achievement. And for the record, it’s not just the SAS that have to do it, all Platoon Commanders, Pathfinders etc also have to complete it, but for the SFs it’s the start of a really brutal week.
Fantastic! I've been looking forward to your Fan Dance video, GS! Congratulations on your achievement--RLTW!
RLTW! 🤘
@@GrittySoldier Congrats again GS--especially gotta hand it to you for hitting your goal (and selection) time when you had virtually no hills to train on (let alone a freaking mountain 🙂 Who's that monster who finished in 3:15!!! Guy's a machine! I also loved seeing all those old guys out there--I'm in my (early) 60s but I'm inspired to want to try the Fan Dance too! AATW RLTW!
Passed you at the bottom end of the roman road, was a pleasure to shout a "go gritty" as we staggered past 😂
Any plans to put a fan dance prep video together? Logistics, do's and dont's, stuff like that. Thank you
Do take a sarnie don't leave your rubbish
Great vid and and mega effort that, well done! I've done the Fan Dance 5 times and now host the event with my own company. I loved your honest account of it. It is brutal but so rewarding hey. The comradeship defo makes the day. Well done! 💪🤙
Thanks! 👊
Outstanding
Hi from Spain, I love your channel. Thanks for your videos.
Saw you on the day! Great effort mate it’s no joke, managed 3hrs 38 with 45ish lbs but couldn’t walk for about 4 days afterwards. Very humbling experience
Love this guys mind set. Total respect to all of these people. Looks like you had a good day there for the event....horizontal rain is a common in Wales! I have to say, there is a fine line between testing the physical stamina and mental aptitude of the forces personnel and actually doing them a life time of bodily harm. Often the military personnel in the UK are physically destroyed in the training. It's a real issue. There is only so much a body can take before the back goes, the knees etc....
You're a beast man :) Awesome to see you tear it up and so great to see the love you get from worldwide fans. This is like a rucking version of the downhill biking Megavalanche down from high mountains in the Alps and and Andes.
Great Video, you'll have to come back and do the 'Double Tap' (fandance twice) or if you think you are up for it the 'Trident' (fandance three times) Go on you know you want too!
We Welsh love our mountains, have yet to do the Blorange and Pen-yFan. Mountain walking is good for the arthritic knees, and the stunning views are worth the effort. These mountains are tougher than what they look.
What view? I did Pen-y-fan with the scouts in the 80s, it was summer and mostly cloudy, it was low visibility and wet😂
Who’s silly enough to take Boy Scouts up Pen-y-Fan on a wet cloudy day?🤪
@@V.C.S69this was pre H&S , they took us caving, rock climbing, absailing, we were allowed to play with knives all whilst our instructors sloped of for a smoke!🤣
@@gb3007 …..I was born and brought up on the edge of the Black mountains range, the mountains were our playing field and dodging the adders (my pet hate). I was in the Brownies and Guides, we too went hiking up the Big Skirrid mountain in good weather, Pen-Y-Fan is a different kettle of fish to take kids up in bad weather.
Been there and got the patch! No video can describe the terrain, the steepness and the brutality! Will humble anyone.
Impressive mate, well done to everyone who took part and did their best!! Not an easy thing to achieve!!
I took a group of Italians on this hike 30 years ago, 2 Bersagliari and 2 Alpini. Even they thought it was tough going.
Kicking ass Gritty! Thanks for your leadership!
Well done sir! I applaud you and this is very inspiring for me. But the guy who finished in 3:12! Like wtf?
Congratulations on your success and accomplishments, sarge. Also, the same to all of the others who participated in the run.
this was really cool and inspiring. something cool about bonding over a tough challenge
Good effort, mate! Glad you got to enjoy the great Welsh weather.
Great job!!! I wasn't there but I could tell you were pushing yourself hard! Congrats on finishing with that time, and thanks again for your service
God bless!
Thanks for taking the extra effort to film it. Great motivation!
Halfway through your Ranger school program…this keeps me going. Exceed the F’ing standard
Your truly a motivational leader, wish I could have been there.
Finally... been waiting forever for this! 🔥
Nicely done Sir! That is an awesome accomplishment!
Awesome work mate and it is really cool to see the spirit in which you did it and how humble you are as a person. Fantastic stuff.
Absolutely fantastic, well done. Try the Commando 30 miler route over Dartmoor. 👍
Ah my old friend, the Pen y Fan. I love and hate you my friend. Tabbed it 22 years ago. Awesome!
One of the last things you said really impressed me.
You won back those six minutes you were off when you hit Jacob's ladder. Anyone who's rucked serious weight over serious distance knows that making up for lost time like that is so much harder than sticking to schedule. Well done.
Fantastic video and an incredible time. There must be a whole lot of people who fail that SAS time in selection.
Great job! something for my bucket list.
Always fun to see someone experience the pain of that climb for the first time. Great job making time!
Great vid Gritty, I really enjoyed meeting you out there in Wales. I've been putting miles on the new ruck doing your Get Selected program. Maybe see you at Bataan Memorial Death March? Good luck!💪💪🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
Well done! I was going to come and give you post-race doughnuts but my dog just had puppies :). The weather has been a bit rainy, typically Welsh :). Consider that 'leg day' for a week or two :)
Excellent job out there. Proud of you man with all the preparation… Appreciate that you let us dig deep into it. Keep on pushing!
I understand they are importing some "Wait a Minute" vines from Georgia to plant along the route to add a bit more challenge in the coming years! Congratulations to you for your tenacity, drive and for completing it in a great time. RLTW!
If they're what I think they encounter plenty of them during the jungle phase in Borneo.
What a day it was, great video dude 💪🏼
Dude that was awesome. As a former trail runner I totally get the pain. I've never done it with a 45lb ruck........
Big welcome to the UK. Thank you for sharing. Super inspiring, great effort ❤
Looks amazing! Well done! 💪💯
Well done to whoever has done it . Whether you are a super athlete , or a very fit person (like myself ) , or a newbie fan dance is no joke because it’s hard to simulate it unless you regularly go out there hike /run in mountains with heavy ruck .
Sadly I couldn’t win it because i misjudged the race strategy , being the first time , but was quite happy to finish it in 3.20 mins . Probably the endurance event that I enjoyed the most , given that the weight really requires you to have strong and fit legs
Its always bloody raining in Wales lol. Enjoyed the vid!
Congratulations, Brother !!!
Awesome experience !!!
Thank you for sharing it with us !!!
Keep up the great work !!!
🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
I need to get one of those DG3...or one of their packs.
P.S. Castle Coch....is Castle "Coke"....maybe ???
Like Heckler & Koch (coke)...
Awesome! I did the Fan Dance 8n de 90's while attending a adventure course military style given by a ex Royal Marines Mounted Leader living in Wales... I trained in my area but the highest "hill" is around 40 meter......😂..It was hell but loved every meter walking and jogging the Pany fan
Well done,Dan! Way to stay gritty. Jacob’s ladder is no joke. You’ve got an international following,it seems.
Awesome job and great attitude
Thanks for sharing the experience 💪🏼🇺🇸
I will be taking a walk up Pen Y Fan in a couple of weeks while I am in England. The last time i completed the dance was 40 years ago so it should be fun. Well done young man on your completion.
I grew up near these hills and it's truly a different kind of fitness. Those soft rolling hills are seriously deceptive - only when you have experienced them do you know how bad that slow burn can be, the gradual increase in slope is as you say, sheer misery. In winter if it's snowy it's unbelievably heavy going but the most dangerous is when the winds are really strong or it's foggy. There are sheer drops and you do have to be careful around this, people have been swept off. Next time hopefully you can visit Hay on Wye and Hereford - great little towns.
I can’t wait to do this am signed up for the winter one in January, will be doing all my training over the next few months on Dartmoor. Planning to do rucks with the weight increasing distance every week and incorporating elevation, weight training and top up running 5ks for cardio in between. For recovery cold water and yoga. Any tips or advice please?
I’ll be out there too! I’m gonna start my raiding personally here in a couple weeks, I’ll make sure to post some good tips and tricks along the way so just make sure to stay tuned! Definitely go check out my Instagram because a lot of content goes on there that doesn’t make it on this platform
I did the loaded winter race this year. I couldn’t see straight at the end 5 mins behind this time. No camera, no commentary so congrats
Another big fan from Wales. well done man SMASHED IT ....Tank
Wow it is high right from the get go! Crappy weatherconditions, treacherous terrain with heavy weight - that took a lot of determination for sure! Congrats!
I love the music you use. Please let me know what it is...
I usually use music from NEFFEX, they are copyright free always so it works 👍
thats the exact route me and my father took, once you get past the 1st bit, after the fencing, everything is alright. 12 miler (going off my fathers thoughts and map) we did pen y fan, fan y big (diving board), the steep valley near the reservoir, and the 1 that is after that route you took from the gates.