"Fan Dance" | World's Oldest Special Forces Test | Brecon Beacons, Wales

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ค. 2023
  • The Fan Dance is a grueling 24km SAS Selection test march staged over Pen y Fan, the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons. The infamous march is the world’s oldest Special Forces test and is used as the first major indicator of whether a candidate has the physical and mental aptitude to complete the legendary Selection course. I was lucky enough to get a chance to take on this challenge, sponsored by Crossfire Australia. During the march, I wore a one of a kind, DG-3, and the pack held up great! Make sure to check them out if your in the market for a new ruck!!
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ความคิดเห็น • 588

  • @GrittySoldier
    @GrittySoldier  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +61

    Thanks again for all the support guys. You guys are all awesome!!! 🙏 👊

    • @MzLunaCee
      @MzLunaCee 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Well done fella. Lovely weather there eh?

    • @alextop1850
      @alextop1850 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      What bag he won?

    • @Dr.Ian-Plect
      @Dr.Ian-Plect 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      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.

    • @almor2445
      @almor2445 27 วันที่ผ่านมา

      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.

  • @Obi-Wan81
    @Obi-Wan81 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +348

    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...

    • @peterarmstrong6928
      @peterarmstrong6928 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +20

      Yep,,but we don't go in foot path's,,,ever 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

    • @robertozube
      @robertozube 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +51

      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.

    • @LeDiamondDog
      @LeDiamondDog 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

      Good effort man you tried 👍

    • @samuelgarrod8327
      @samuelgarrod8327 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

      ​@@robertozubeReally? I thought that the SLR had been completely fazed out by then. Could be wrong...

    • @jaquesdaniels2964
      @jaquesdaniels2964 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +16

      @@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 .

  • @RJ-765
    @RJ-765 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +66

    I did my SAS selection ( Fan Dance ) in February 1977 aged 19 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 19 year old I was proud of that achievement. My injury meant I could never go back!

    • @kmac8854
      @kmac8854 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

      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😂

    • @chris.312
      @chris.312 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      cant see it can you 😂@@kmac8854

    • @louise1967
      @louise1967 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +13

      @@kmac8854 You could join at 16 back then.

    • @markgerrard5285
      @markgerrard5285 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      i call bullshit

    • @SodaPrezsing
      @SodaPrezsing 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      @@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 🙄

  • @greghardman5064
    @greghardman5064 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +45

    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👍

    • @user-qk7vv3mx1s
      @user-qk7vv3mx1s 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Best of luck mate. I'm ex forces and i also have done this amongst other endurance 'days out' on various god forsaken patches of land!

    • @Simon_Hawkshaw
      @Simon_Hawkshaw หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      All the best to you, Sir! Stay strong.

    • @AyYi-tn1th
      @AyYi-tn1th 26 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @greghardman5064 - You're an absolute warrior mate, keep swinging that sword!

    • @rob8493
      @rob8493 23 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Did you do it in the end buddy? I wish you well 👍👍

  • @johnhansen8272
    @johnhansen8272 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Ah my old friend, the Pen y Fan. I love and hate you my friend. Tabbed it 22 years ago. Awesome!

  • @Alex-mj5dv
    @Alex-mj5dv 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +71

    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!

    • @BarryBulsara576
      @BarryBulsara576 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Just fit squaddies with better kit.

    • @Pilkie101
      @Pilkie101 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      @@BarryBulsara576 They're more skilled, it's not just fitness.

    • @BarryBulsara576
      @BarryBulsara576 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Pilkie101 No they're not and yes it is.

    • @HDavies02
      @HDavies02 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      @@BarryBulsara576so 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

    • @BarryBulsara576
      @BarryBulsara576 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@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.

  • @michaelmorgan9289
    @michaelmorgan9289 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +25

    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.

  • @JamesHartnell
    @JamesHartnell 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +72

    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.

    • @ac1646
      @ac1646 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      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.

    • @thedude7754
      @thedude7754 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      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

  • @cottonlung
    @cottonlung 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +88

    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!!

    • @grahamarnhem8659
      @grahamarnhem8659 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +24

      It most certainly isn't.its an increment test at the end of week one

    • @jdo1014
      @jdo1014 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@grahamarnhem8659affirm.

    • @mrg1371
      @mrg1371 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

      It’s at the beginning of the hills phase. On mine in 1994 it was on day 2.

    • @ln5747
      @ln5747 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +13

      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? 😉

    • @Jafmanz
      @Jafmanz 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      No you didn't

  • @Chris-ru5hb
    @Chris-ru5hb หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Brilliant! An ex squaddie on TH-cam creating content rather than pulling a confused face in a thumb nail and reacting to other people content! Love it!

  • @sandynewman5533
    @sandynewman5533 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

    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.

  • @floofycatz
    @floofycatz 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    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.

  • @frankharradence5546
    @frankharradence5546 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    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’

  • @user-bt7dx2uv3d
    @user-bt7dx2uv3d 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Excellent job out there. Proud of you man with all the preparation… Appreciate that you let us dig deep into it. Keep on pushing!

  • @Will-nh4lm
    @Will-nh4lm 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    So cool to see you get prepared for and excited for the fan dance to you actually going and killing it

  • @alasdaircampbell
    @alasdaircampbell 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    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!

  • @WilliamWallaceArmy
    @WilliamWallaceArmy 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    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!

  • @nickmallett7391
    @nickmallett7391 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    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.

  • @AppByDesign
    @AppByDesign 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    Love seeing so any older lads smashing this. Very inspiring

  • @paulzimmerman3895
    @paulzimmerman3895 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Congratulations! Super job. Looks really intense. Rocky as hell. Cool to see the sights a bit. Very inspirational to me. I can't wait to do more training! Going out this afternoon. Have a great week.

  • @rexw2203
    @rexw2203 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

    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!

  • @richarddorries7464
    @richarddorries7464 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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.

  • @tommeers
    @tommeers 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    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..

  • @Sam_888
    @Sam_888 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Always fun to see someone experience the pain of that climb for the first time. Great job making time!

  • @stuartallen8684
    @stuartallen8684 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +34

    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.

  • @jessecollins5072
    @jessecollins5072 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Kicking ass Gritty! Thanks for your leadership!

  • @stebeardX
    @stebeardX 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Excellent! laughing at jacobs ladder, brings back painful memories from 2017! well done

  • @DrCrabfingers
    @DrCrabfingers 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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....

  • @sintenal4078
    @sintenal4078 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    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.

  • @domhealy9816
    @domhealy9816 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Love the dramatic music for a gentle stroll up a small hill

  • @friendofcoal
    @friendofcoal 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Congratulations on your success and accomplishments, sarge. Also, the same to all of the others who participated in the run.

  • @dannyphillips5083
    @dannyphillips5083 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Impressive mate, well done to everyone who took part and did their best!! Not an easy thing to achieve!!

  • @THEORD3REMP1RE
    @THEORD3REMP1RE 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    All the rucks, the sweat leading up to this. Gritty good job.

  • @tomgolubicgrizancic3488
    @tomgolubicgrizancic3488 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +27

    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!🎉

    • @gitarist25
      @gitarist25 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      How did it go?

  • @marcograndi39
    @marcograndi39 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    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

  • @peterappleton9269
    @peterappleton9269 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    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.

    • @andrzejplocki6438
      @andrzejplocki6438 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      That’s excellent work, it’s brutal, and a bloody brilliant time at the tender age of 62.

  • @eldustino100
    @eldustino100 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

    The whole thing felt like a dream, signing up and starting to watch you on TH-cam 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. 👍

    • @tonybuk70
      @tonybuk70 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      what a great post, men doing mens stuff and supporting each other. proper inspiring :)

  • @TYFRYTYPHOON
    @TYFRYTYPHOON 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great to see this of the event, will be back for winter, hope to see you there!

  • @villumstride7502
    @villumstride7502 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    congratulations man, you are a huuuge inspiration, keep it up!!

  • @joexplores8086
    @joexplores8086 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    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! 💪🤙

  • @johnsonr9
    @johnsonr9 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Thanks for taking the extra effort to film it. Great motivation!

  • @colinstewart1432
    @colinstewart1432 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +16

    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 🤘

  • @Beqpe
    @Beqpe 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Finally... been waiting forever for this! 🔥

  • @berniecoles2337
    @berniecoles2337 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    Good effort, welcome to the Brecon Beacons and you’re lucky the weather was kind.👍

  • @almor2445
    @almor2445 27 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Love your intro to Wales video. Cardiff, Caerphilly and Brecon. Great castles and views.

  • @user-pc7uj7xr3v
    @user-pc7uj7xr3v 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    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.

  • @evanmclean4893
    @evanmclean4893 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

    We’ve been waiting for this! Great job 👍 hope you enjoyed your time here in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧

  • @DarinTheobald
    @DarinTheobald 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Nicely done Sir! That is an awesome accomplishment!

  • @ferdinandpeelen3614
    @ferdinandpeelen3614 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +22

    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!

    • @SidMommsen-ig4dg
      @SidMommsen-ig4dg 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Right on. Best documentation of this event that I've seen on TH-cam.

  • @Stratboy999
    @Stratboy999 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great effort. Love the encouragement and positivity.

  • @andrewwatkins5279
    @andrewwatkins5279 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Well Done Gritty!! Welcome to Welsh, Wales! You did a Great Job! Good trip back home.

  • @davidyendoll5903
    @davidyendoll5903 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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 .

  • @Paul1970
    @Paul1970 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Congrats and respect! Fan Dance is on my bucket list! 🫡

  • @Voodoo_Ray
    @Voodoo_Ray 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +14

    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.

    • @GrittySoldier
      @GrittySoldier  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      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!

    • @Voodoo_Ray
      @Voodoo_Ray 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

      @@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 👌

  • @jti107
    @jti107 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

    this was really cool and inspiring. something cool about bonding over a tough challenge

  • @owensoutdoors73
    @owensoutdoors73 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Good effort, mate! Glad you got to enjoy the great Welsh weather.

  • @inglesconalan5360
    @inglesconalan5360 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +18

    Outstanding

    • @inglesconalan5360
      @inglesconalan5360 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Hi from Spain, I love your channel. Thanks for your videos.

  • @spencercamp4558
    @spencercamp4558 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    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!!

  • @SidMommsen-ig4dg
    @SidMommsen-ig4dg 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    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!💪💪🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

  • @markseaton9789
    @markseaton9789 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Great job Sir! Hope you enjoyed the trip.

  • @The_Amazing_Funktopuss
    @The_Amazing_Funktopuss 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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.

  • @dansouth2088
    @dansouth2088 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Flipping awesome, Congrats!!!

  • @andrzejplocki6438
    @andrzejplocki6438 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    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.

  • @wallacemcnish7681
    @wallacemcnish7681 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Outstanding effort. Congratulations man 🎉

  • @vanmore5124
    @vanmore5124 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Fantastic video and an incredible time. There must be a whole lot of people who fail that SAS time in selection.

  • @treeskier7971
    @treeskier7971 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great job! something for my bucket list.

  • @outsidertank
    @outsidertank 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Another big fan from Wales. well done man SMASHED IT ....Tank

  • @ryanhumpyy7864
    @ryanhumpyy7864 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    What a day it was, great video dude 💪🏼

  • @shanehanson1268
    @shanehanson1268 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    You rock man, power on! Super motivating 🤘

  • @SILENT-APPROACH
    @SILENT-APPROACH 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

    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!! 🤣👍🇬🇧🇬🇧

  • @machiavelli1978
    @machiavelli1978 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Couldn’t wait for this video to come out

  • @stephenburke3013
    @stephenburke3013 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Great job and super inspiring!

  • @davidrimanich5050
    @davidrimanich5050 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Your truly a motivational leader, wish I could have been there.

  • @2112Tix
    @2112Tix 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Epic effort dude, great video, inspiring.

  • @rolandmeijer
    @rolandmeijer 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Looks amazing! Well done! 💪💯

  • @Michael-4
    @Michael-4 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Brilliant! Well done, great video.

  • @junkymunky2741
    @junkymunky2741 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    This is awesome! You should do videos like this more, very motivating!

  • @ColonelBummleigh
    @ColonelBummleigh 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Good work.The bagde is a nice touch.

  • @wesmedley3771
    @wesmedley3771 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Outstanding job sir!

  • @markusschaffer9712
    @markusschaffer9712 19 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Well done,Dan! Way to stay gritty. Jacob’s ladder is no joke. You’ve got an international following,it seems.

  • @shelbydeguzman97
    @shelbydeguzman97 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Man, I don't have any excuse now on not to Ruck Sacking when you featured those 2 Gents in their sixties!Thank you for motivating me to do this however, I will abide by you 20-25 load pack and finish that 3 miles to start with.I'? Slowly browsing your short exercise videos and will definitely share with buddies (if you don't mind) the benefits.Well i guess it the road the flaggelation avenue with me and fellow diabetics!Thank you Gritty for keeping us alive with your ' motivational push' and inspiring messages.I guess we'll ba a Ranger fan from now on.God Bless!

  • @billp6312
    @billp6312 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Awesome job Gritty!

  • @brzcz
    @brzcz 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Well done mate! So tempted to try this😃

  • @JeepsterDave
    @JeepsterDave 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Fantastic job!

  • @magnmfc
    @magnmfc 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Halfway through your Ranger school program…this keeps me going. Exceed the F’ing standard

  • @southcoastairsports
    @southcoastairsports 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Well done mate. I love that mountain and hopefully see you there again one day.

  • @lulumiller1104
    @lulumiller1104 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Brilliant, you all did so well ,now on hubby and my bucket list , we can dream

  • @nathanheitritter7085
    @nathanheitritter7085 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

    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

    • @jeddyiii
      @jeddyiii 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      😅ji

    • @UkSapyy
      @UkSapyy 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      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.

    • @dannyphillips5083
      @dannyphillips5083 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      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!!

    • @nathanheitritter7085
      @nathanheitritter7085 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@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

    • @dannyphillips5083
      @dannyphillips5083 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @nathanheitritter7085 that's brilliant dude, nice one mate!! Solid effort!! If you need any help just get in touch!!

  • @jamesbyers8328
    @jamesbyers8328 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +30

    Any plans to put a fan dance prep video together? Logistics, do's and dont's, stuff like that. Thank you

  • @justliam2768
    @justliam2768 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    That were reet grand.
    Bravo, sir! 👏

  • @williamebrennan
    @williamebrennan 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Fantastic! I've been looking forward to your Fan Dance video, GS! Congratulations on your achievement--RLTW!

    • @GrittySoldier
      @GrittySoldier  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      RLTW! 🤘

    • @williamebrennan
      @williamebrennan 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@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!

  • @VagabondTexan
    @VagabondTexan 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Fantastic! I was waiting for this.
    And down is worse. Down is always worse. Most injuries I see out here in the Rockies are on the down.

  • @anthonymiller8122
    @anthonymiller8122 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Big welcome to the UK. Thank you for sharing. Super inspiring, great effort ❤

  • @jacobfield586
    @jacobfield586 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    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

  • @reluctantfellrunner
    @reluctantfellrunner 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Well done. Just under time too. Best wishes.

  • @longerwalks4642
    @longerwalks4642 23 วันที่ผ่านมา

    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.

  • @thefucrew9865
    @thefucrew9865 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    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)...

  • @johncooper3171
    @johncooper3171 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi GS well done mate glad you could come to the UK to take part Jc🇬🇧👍🏻

  • @gregzivic8184
    @gregzivic8184 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Outstanding ,congratulations to you

  • @goodyeoman4534
    @goodyeoman4534 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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.