SAS Fan Dance Challenge: A Test of Endurance

[@curleex3838]

Ste i just wanted to say I have many family members who were/are in the army and ex special forces etc and a couple of years ago we lost a cousin to suicide who was a medic and served our country but he never got the help he needed for ptsd from the mod or nothing, he had to deal with what he saw all by himself and obviously it wasn’t enough, i have MASSIVE respect for you guys who have served or are serving currently and i hope you ALL get the proper help (if needed) and public respect you guys so well deserve..! Its not all rainbows and fluffy pillows in the army, its gruelling and takes sh!t outa you that lasts forever, there should be more support available for soldiers ✊🏻✌🏻💙🇬🇧

[@Howson-IRL]

Thanks. Hope everything is okay, mate.

[@lucasjones1239]

I think you did a fantastic job, especially with Plantar Fasciitis which must have been extremely painful. I've done it 3 times including 2 hot summer days & one winters night. I passed the time on all, with my best being 40 minutes under. But the other two I scraped in with around 10 minutes left. I volunteered to help the DS in 2022 & that was the entire weekend with no kip. As you're aware, it's those rocks that make it even harder. And mud, water obstacles plus the weather. I genuinely wish you all the best when you next do the High Walk. It's a huge achievement just to complete the course, so never feel bad if you don't hit your time. You only have to look at how many are doing this for real & not making it. ( You fail & you're RTU'ed.) It really is the first true test of your capabilities, both mentally & physically. And I'll tell you honestly, there's no way I could have done what you did with your bad foot. Superb sir.

[@Howson-IRL]

Thank you so much, mate.

[@robplazzman6049]

Walked up on Pen Y Fan nearly 40 years ago. Beautiful spring day with clear blue sky. Within half hour of reaching the top a bank of cloud zoomed in and my visibility was down to about 20ft. Took me 7 hours of walking around before I could make out a path and got back to my motorcycle. Lucky I started early in the day and had a nice warm leather jacket on. Taught me some real respect for nature though !

[@moonbaby6134]

And this is why we produce such great soldiers. Per Ardua.

[@LocalNoob_2]

fair play for going on with that foot man,true soldier! respect brother

[@Howson-IRL]

Thanks mate

[@rickysrighteyebrow8167]

Eliminate all friction or minimize it the best you can is always my goal when rucking/forced marching over great distances. That distance will make you feel everything that rubs you wrong for sure. Much respect for finishing it.

[@Howson-IRL]

Great advice. Thanks mate.

[@garethevans5458]

Nice one Steve, it's my backyard so to speak, everytime I look out my bedroom window I see those hills, ran up there a few weeks ago took me hour and a half to do 7 miles, quads were trashed harder coming down than up😅

[@Howson-IRL]

Good on you for doing it! It's well hard to do the whole thing.

[@mictaylor9531]

Add a weeks hills before this test, 50lbs on your back (excluding food and water) and a weapon - proper treat👌🏻

[@clarkstewart1976]

Like he said at the end of the

[@JohnWilliams-fk3hb]

Good effort that. Any person who completes it deserves a pat on the back . I live 20 mins away and it definitely seperates the men from the boys.

[@Howson-IRL]

Cheers mate

[@ashlangmer3618]

elephant grass you got to love it with weight

[@stevemin559]

That red phone box brings back memories

[@RJ-765]

I past the fan dance test in 1977 in deep snow on my selection phase.

[@Howson-IRL]

Very well done!

[@fedup3449]

What was the distance and pack weight back then?

[@mcribb178]

Smashed it mate. Great vid. We should get the boys from the CSC together and go for the 5 hours. Loving you work bro - Rich 👊🏻

[@Howson-IRL]

I got home after this and was told by the wife I need to do it again. FFS. Roger that. It's cheeky! I think that 4hr10 time is hardcore.

[@mcribb178]

@@Howson-IRL 🤣 gotta do as we’re told mate! But yeah, 4:10 is serious.

[@paulhancock]

Respect. This was awesome, Ste. There are certainly levels to a 'hike', especially when you start adding weight and time limits... Not one for the Gym Shark leggings Sunday crew before a roast at the pub. Top effort with the plantar fasciitis... I had it for a few months last year and I would probably have quit!

[@SpotlessLeopard]

That Plantar Fasciitis is one of the teams United are playing in the Conference League next season. 48 shots on goal in the first three minutes they'll have.

[@Howson-IRL]

A painful truth, pal.

[@SpotlessLeopard]

@@Howson-IRL Fair play on covering a track like that though and getting to the top. Exactly like United will do over the next few years. 👊

[@timclarke2661]

We're not even going to qualify for that!

[@SpotlessLeopard]

@@timclarke2661 I hope we don't if I'm honest, then we can play weekend to weekend mostly, with less travelling time and all that. But we might get in the Europa League if we beat city. Nobody thinks we will, but the mad run we've had in the cup this season, nothing would surprise me. A mad 5-4 after extra time, with Martinez ending a nightmare year by scoring in the 134th minute.

[@moonbaby6134]

Steve, I suffer with PF also. Too much footy and tennis, kept playing til 48 like a fool. I’m trying some barefoot shoes to see and up to now it’s been pretty good. Maybe give em a look. Great bit of walking mate. GGMU.

[@mikeporter2284]

What a tremendous video. The route looked brutal but it was great to see it being tackled. I really enjoy watching these events so please keep posting them. What an inspiration they are !

[@Howson-IRL]

Really appreciate that, thanks

[@dealwithitsloth]

Ste, just a quick shout to say I’m loving the channel. Really inspiring me to get out in the country.

[@Howson-IRL]

Perfect! That was the plan 😂

[@spacetime3]

Great Job mate I love the Forces insights you offer, makes every appreciate them even more.

[@Howson-IRL]

Cheers pal.

[@justingreen693]

I did the fan dance this year, I knew nothing about it, did no training and smoked most of my life. I did it bang on 6 hrs. I was disappointed but having watched a few videos on it, I actually feel quite proud. Next year I’m aiming for 5 hrs with training to say the least.

[@Howson-IRL]

Good on ya!

[@bond_3239]

Did it for kicks in March, it was pretty brutal and my respect to anyone doing it.

[@Howson-IRL]

Brutal is generous I think. Bloody hellish in areas.

[@buffywhatever1093]

I ran that over 30 years ago but on a clear day, really hard but really really satisfying. Congrats Ste, it’s no easy dance! Great vid.

[@Howson-IRL]

Well done, mate!

[@TravelGuy7]

Mate, massive respect for even finishing that.

[@Howson-IRL]

Thanks!

[@richarddorries7464]

I finished this in Jan in the load bearing category as a 40yr old in 5hr11. Moving time was about 4hr45. Jacob's Ladder killed me too but you just push on. Sign up with Avalanche Endurance Events to make your time official. Ken and his team are all great guys, and all ex special forces from SAS and SBS. I've completed another series of tests with them since the Fan, and learned so much about myself along the way.

[@SuperNictastic]

Nice. I did it with Avalanche events too, about 8 or 9 years ago now in my mid 40's. Been up and down Jacobs Ladder ,amy times never as slowly as that day.

[@rob8493]

You want to try running it next time then 😂😂

[@tommytucker3648]

Did Edale to Crowden carrying 19.5kg in around 5 and a half hours after getting absolutely hammered in the pub in Edale the night before. Didn't have breakfast and had no food or water was hallucinating on Bleaklow could hear a load of French schoolkids and saw little blue men jumping in the bog. Thankfully some bikers gave me water and some chocolate at snake pass otherwise I'd have been going to hospital I think. Might try this properly prepared!

[@jforden78]

Admittedly, any time seems impressive on that route. Nice work, Ste!

[@Howson-IRL]

Many thanks!

[@genwoolfe]

I was based in Dering Lines for 3 years in the mid 80s & dragged my fat arse over those hills every fortnight or so.

[@ronniekeight311]

Its all down to completing the task that counts.

[@mikechild3414]

Well done mate. It’s a tough one. Done it a few times when I was in the army many years ago. Respect to you for doing it! Corndu is the hard bit, then to go to Pen Y Fan is not too bad. But when you are on the return leg, coming up Pen Y Fan from the other side is a bastard!! 🤣 Hsppy Days!

[@Howson-IRL]

It's no joke at all

[@tonywaterhouse5291]

Determination Ste. well done mucker, look forward to see your challenge with the better half

[@peteriles9957]

Well done Steve can’t wait for your next exploit 👍

[@marksadventures3889]

The whole point is that it's hard, difficult or it wouldn't really be much of a test would it. Well done. Best done in January or February with ice and snow and bitter winds.

[@jokiyatrott5316]

Great video ste, my regiment sends groups to do their junior and senior training. Heard how much of a ball ache the fan dance can be, much respect for finishing it. ✊🏾

[@tedonsnow5102]

Anyone who hasn’t had Plantar fasciitis have no idea how painful it can be. It’s a double frustrating thing to deal with. Another great video Ste, thank you.

[@Howson-IRL]

Cheers mate

[@AlexMorris97]

Love it mate 💪🏻 I live literally down the road from it

[@Howson-IRL]

Best be doing it every weekend then!

[@tfootball8704]

Fair play Stephen, that looks tough!

[@Howson-IRL]

You're telling me

[@relaxationandmeditationhub6851]

Biggest Steven howson Fan..... watching from Botswana Africa....eh Steve...what are the 5 things we learnt from being absolutely awesome😂

[@Howson-IRL]

Thanks mate, really appreciate that

[@matthewbrier7860]

Im training for this in July. Good watch 👍

[@Howson-IRL]

Keep training! God knows you'll need it to complete this bastard.

[@averma12]

Love the music at the end

[@Yozzer72]

Enjoyed that fella. More please. 👍

[@Howson-IRL]

More to come!

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

The SAS also use the Malvern hills for training, not far from Hereford, and they were based there for a while, I would regularly see the odd guy running the ridge from one end to the other with half a house on their back. Not part of selection, just a good place to train.

[@Howson-IRL]

Need all the training they can get for this bastard route

[@brendonstratuliak9449]

Loved the video!! When I come across the pond I’ll be sure to check this out!! Your IRL channel is awesome and I can’t wait to see more of what you have to share with us. Much love!

[@Howson-IRL]

Thanks!

[@oootaffooo501]

Youse to live near there Pen y fan Brecon 👍 great stuff Mr Howson

[@swanseamale47]

I remember going up there one day training, and I'd bunged about a 5lb rock in my mates began before we started. He found it on the way back down. Wish I had a pound for every time I've been up there.

[@AntEloftheHouseofEl]

Urgh! Flashbacks Ste. Bloody flashbacks! Completing the return leg with a sprained ankle after slipping into a hole is no joke! I mean, im going back a bit, but it was 4 hours allowed to complete and they didnt give a f**k what happened to you along the way. You finished or you fell out. And we got told some did it in under 3!

[@Howson-IRL]

Gruelling bastard ain't it?

[@AntEloftheHouseofEl]

@Howson-IRL mate............felt like bloody torture! Until the following week when we were shipped out to Belize. Then I was begging for that feckin drizzle! 🤣

[@Keith_Lard]

Respect,that’s a great effort

[@Howson-IRL]

Thanks!

[@curleex3838]

Fair play, looks gruelling tbh ✊🏻

[@Howson-IRL]

No kidding

[@leewilkinson8221]

That was ace Ste, good to see the landy too. Top video 👌

[@Howson-IRL]

Thanks!

[@leedavis6000]

Down my neck of the woods bud. The sas must surely run that thou. Welcome to our beautiful Welsh land bud 😜 feel fitter? 7:03 top vid Steve.

[@MrJoshuaBFPO666]

No mention that it is a right of passage for every would be Paratrooper and wReg veterans are very proud that we passed the Fan dance.

[@twmlloyd5257]

Jacobs ladder is a killer, especially with Plantar, Da iawn, (Well done), Corn Du pronounced Corn Dee

[@facey666]

I did the winter Fan dance in January with an Avalancne Events around 6 years ago. Totally underestimated it and it kicked my ass. I got round in just over 6 hours.

[@Howson-IRL]

Well done!

[@tomrichards3755]

Next time you do any in wales love to come along!

[@Scottuz]

Respect Ste, Memories of trudging thru wet, waist high, sharp grass, soaked to the skin, knowing there's 10k left? and your feet are bouncing in your boots???😟

[@Howson-IRL]

Horrendous

[@Monty-kr7py]

Did it 3 weeks ago , legs went to jelly on last descent , was glad to get in the van, I wear goretex trail shoes , my ankles can't stick boots on those rocks 👍

[@Howson-IRL]

Well done on completing it

[@Beer_matt]

"my foot was a balloon". Respect ste good effort 👍🏽

[@Howson-IRL]

Much appreciated

[@boyzinthewood1]

As a fellow sufferer of PF I both feel and respect you. Tape and tablets wouldn't be enough to get me up there. Mind you, I live close to it and have done it many times, so you definitely had more to lose.

[@Howson-IRL]

Well done on doing it!

[@boyzinthewood1]

@Howson-IRL haha shit I just reread what I wrote. I haven't done the 20km 🤣 Sorry, I just meant PenYfan mountain. My bodies far too broken for 20ks these days.

[@teflondom-w80]

say pen uh van and corn dee lol

[@stevexn]

I suffered from plantar fascilitis for 6 years, a wonderful doctor suggested a cortizone injection at the back of my heel, it worked. By the way it's pronounced pen y Van not fan, i live in Brecon. Brilliant video

[@SILENT-APPROACH]

Steve - what you gotta remember is age, fitness and medical condition - I am ex army, 53 years old and can't get my head around the fact that I can't shift like I used to!! mate if I can tie my shoe laces in one breath these days I'm happy

[@Howson-IRL]

As long as you keep pushing, that's all that matters.

[@TheAnonymousWatcher]

Fair play mate for doing that really enjoy this channel ❤

[@Howson-IRL]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@TheAnonymousWatcher]

@Howson-IRL iv been binge watching this morning the outdoors is a beautiful place

[@Coffeee1971]

Well done heck of challenge that..I suffered with planter fasciitis for 2 years so I know you’re pain…new subscriber 👍

[@Howson-IRL]

Thanks for the sub!

[@T9user]

Cool vid. With my PF I would not dare that course

[@johnmcculloch414]

Well done Ste that did look brutal although I think you are looking a lot healthier lately and not sure if it’s because you are doing stuff like this but keep going as the channel is great

[@Howson-IRL]

Thanks mate!

[@jedsithor]

You need to get Ash to do it. Tell him there's an alien crash site at the top lol

[@Howson-IRL]

Not a bad shout

[@Eckyredtheunready]

Good on you Mr Howson!

[@steve0ization]

That lack of visibility …eerie stuff

[@Ahuskycalledmax]

Overloading love it!

[@alanvaughan4143]

All respect mate.. I have / had the same problem with my feet.. always found trying to walk bare feet or standing in one spot the most painful..2 X Asprin twice a day helped me no end .. regards ( just liked and subbed)

[@markturner6755]

Great effort mate especially with a foot issue. I did this for real many years ago (3hrs 54mins) although it was at the end of week 2 and a pass or fail to get onto week 3.

[@Howson-IRL]

That's some time pal - what's the strategy for it? Redline your head off the whole way? Coz I can't see me being able to do that. Or is it walk, run, shuffle, walk, run, shuffle etc. You going up to Corn Du quick? Or quicker than I did!

[@markturner6755]

@@Howson-IRL your spot on mate, It’s pass or fail so you have to go flat out and run/shuffle whenever the ground(and your lungs) allow you to do so. Corn Du and then Jacob’s ladder on the way back are your obvious slow points so you’ve just got to give it all you’ve got. You need to remember to scoff plenty of instant carbs on your way around too and that will help keep your energy and therefore your speed up. I had done this route several times in training and you soon get to learn where you can make up time. Make sure you film your next attempt it will be a blast. Watch the heat though mate if you’re trying it in the summer, I would advise against that.

[@Howson-IRL]

@@markturner6755 I actually think a big W to take from this one, was I think I got my nutrition and hydration absolutely spot on - didn't feel low sugar, or too thirsty at any point, recovered well the following day - the only dramas were sore feet, aching muscles, but nothing unexpected to screw me.

[@smallville701]

Great video mate, thanks for giving me my next challenge 😊, can you post which backpacks you have please, that front one looks very useful. If you’re looking for good hiking boots I can recommend the altra Olympus 5, lightweight, comfortable and very supportive. Looking forward to your next upload 👍🏻

[@ericrichards6252]

Jungle next or arctic warfare????

[@Howson-IRL]

I've never been to the jungle. I can't say it's something I'd look forward to. Both horrendous for different reasons. I think I'd lean towards arctic for it being a bit cleaner. But chances of dying just out in the open in the jungle are a lot smaller... hard to call it!

[@definepoetic]

The "du" (in Corn Du) is pronounced "dee". Hope you enjoyed your time in Wales.

[@Howson-IRL]

Good to know

[@sherwintelfer6673]

Wow - well done mate.

[@Howson-IRL]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@stugurr09]

from what i know of the timings for this test march winter selection is 4 hours 10 min ( but preferably 4 or less ) summer selection 3 hours 50 min as a good standard but still a pass if you come in at 4 hours.

[@Howson-IRL]

That's the goal

[@leerunsultras]

Great video. By the way, the actual fan dnaxe skirts aroud corn du and then you come back the same way ❤

[@mickthemerciless9694]

It always seems further the first time.

[@olliesaunders7327]

Ste, I’m making a shout for you to go on forced radio podcast with Phil Campion. Would be class

[@tikkunolam112]

brilliant

[@SqueakyWeasel247]

Well done Ste!

[@Howson-IRL]

Thanks

[@patrickevans8940]

That’s still a very good effort just to finish it 👍 I did it last year again, absolutely killed me at 59 years young lol

[@Howson-IRL]

Well done for finishing it!

[@paultoms6139]

Did it with my dad when I was 10,bored me then still does

[@seanmmccarthy]

Flowers to the camera man!

[@Howson-IRL]

Thanks mate! Appreciate that. - Spencer the camera man

[@MegaTightMike]

Wanna say it like a local - say Pen y Van.

[@colinstewart1432]

My best time for this is 4h 26m carrying 30lbs. This year it was 4h 36m carrying the same weight. Weather was horrendous. People got hypothermia during our race. See Avalanche Endurance Events to get involved.

[@Howson-IRL]

Good on ya, mate!

[@colinstewart1432]

@@Howson-IRL Thanks for that. Not bad considering I'll be 54 in 6 days 🤣

[@Nofixedabode859]

Hi m8 I’ve done part of it and the terrain is brutal as you say, it was raining hard and the path areas were flooded so had to walk on grass a lot so was slipping on me arse every 5 mins Lol but my son did it on summer selection 2 years ago in 3.20 which was good but failed on final ex or endurance 20 mile in through injury also m8 don’t know if you know melvyn downes ex sas but he’s just done winter fan dance in 3.01 at age 60 bloody crazy

[@Howson-IRL]

Wow that's fast! Super impressive

[@Believeinlore]

Great video ! How do you rate the sealskinz hat ? Thinking of picking one up

[@BigGamePlayer-hi9lu]

Well done

[@stevenmoses5807]

Tip for you.. buy some proper hiking or combat boots. Sketchers do a great pair

[@Howson-IRL]

See our latest video, I certainly don't need any more boots.

[@ziganzag1]

Was up there yesterday it's a nice walk 👌🏻 the hardest part is coming back down,the pain above the knees from trying to stop yourself from running down was the worst part for me 🤣 p.s welcome to s.wales

[@markbright684]

The SAS & SBS are the pinnacle of special forces but I reckon the most famous of special forces are the Navy Seals because of all the books and films you cant watch an american action film without hearing about Navy Seals.

[@garethtaylor7437]

mega!!!

[@MaroonedMac]

Did fan dance on P Company 87

[@Howson-IRL]

Amazing!

[@TheRamblingsoldier]

DONE IT 10 TIMES

[@Howson-IRL]

CONGRATS

[@Brooksey01]

My wife had plantar facilities for near two years, most nights i had to carry her to the sink 😂😂😂

[@Nametaken144]

deadlifting (not mega amounts 1-1.5 x bodyweight), massively helped my plantar fasciitis. Apparently the exercises improves lots of muscular neural pathways in the posterior chain or something... dunno the exact science, but most people dont get enough posterior chain strengthening, thus the rise in the condition.

[@rurkovmj]

respect Ste for the service be Proud from your heritage …..” 132 meters and im dying 😉”

[@Howson-IRL]

That's 132m of elevation - not distance!

[@rurkovmj]

@@Howson-IRL ups oh well 😂 I did Pendle hill few years back almost end up in a coffin well drilled bud me i would probably died there on the spot

[@kippamip]

The fan dance itself isn't that hard. The killer is the speed march afterwards. I loved tabbing at my own pace and hated any type of march or run where you had to keep pace. One of the worst things is when you need a shite en route.

[@daz.j]

did it in my younger days in 4.45 did it last year at 50 in 6.55 with vry little weight ... god im getting old haha

[@Howson-IRL]

Aren't we all? Well done for completing it, mate!

[@ameyagokhale5123]

For some reason when I first heard of this on the Heads Gone podcast... I actually thought it was going to be a Dance Party which would be odd thing for an Ex Army Personnel like yourself to go to...

[@Howson-IRL]

More knackering than having a boogie, that's for sure.

[@ameyagokhale5123]

@@Howson-IRL 🙏🏻🙌🏻

[@roythomson638]

Steve last year I tried the carnivore diet and lost 3.5 stone after struggling with excess weight for years, my planter fasciitis and achilles tendinitis is gone now, perhaps a extreme suggestion for most but it really helped. Have you tired insoles? this helped me with reduce the plantar pain Can’t wait to try the Kiltwalks again 18-24 miles each with less of a load to carry and injury free my time was 7 hours 30 minutes so gonna aim for an hour faster, I can appreciate how much time is lost taping up feet and blisters 😬

[@owestyo]

It’s pronounced Pen ur Van (as close as I can get it in English phonetically 😂) I get it it’s Welsh and pronunciation isn’t easy but I have heard you say Borussia Mönchengladbach easily 😂😂 Great video though pal.

[@Howson-IRL]

Good to know!

[@owestyo]

@@Howson-IRL brilliant content and thank you mate. You are cutting through the wild camping/hiking myths and letting the common man know he/she can do it without the faff.