The Fan Dance - How Tough Are The SAS?

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks for watching... Now watch my David Goggins 4x4x48 challenge vid - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnTGoqyBZbmckLMsi=vf5G6RxJvb7qd2PA A couple of corrections. First, apparently its pronounced Pen y Van (spelt Fan), I blame google. Second, the Fan Dance route march test is completed at the start of a long selection process and not the end as stated. I got both of these points wrong in the vid, I must do better. 🙏 Sorry for any inconvenience.

[@forwardprogressonly]

try 64kg on long drag - you can do it!

[@RyanCondon]

@@forwardprogressonly I have heard of this. 🙄

[@forwardprogressonly]

@@RyanCondon 64kg is the weight sf carry and long drag is the last test - so smash you got this !

[@standleymt]

It’s the 1st proper test and gets rid of 50%. It is not a load carry as such. I thought of it as a speed march, relatively short and sharp. I only did the reserves version to be fair when selection was done over weekends. After the finish we had a short break before being send off over Fan Fawr for 7 hours..

[@dave_h_8742]

Did the same as you. The wound on both heels was the thickness of a pound and twice as long as x2 50p side by side took over 2 years to get over it. Wont do THAT again.

[@See-through-The-Veil]

Massive respect to you for giving it a go.. My brother from another mother ( best friend ).. Started in 2 para, b4 selection.. Listen people, when he came home, he lived at my house... Holy mollies.. We went up our local woods, i filmed him.. What he did most people couldn't comprehend... Uphills and i mean this circuit, most couldn't run for 30 mins... He kin ramped it with a 30kg bergen.. Kin ran hard, i felt exhausted filming him... Most people will never understand the fitness of these ,not men, far beyond that... He died 7 years ago, not in service.. I saw what he went through with 3 para ( mortar ) OMG.... I couldn't even walk it lol.. The SAS are the tops... He never told me about assignments, and I never asked... He taught me to fight, and let go of fear... He called me Burt 😂. Dig in Burt! Don't worry about size, get in Burt and sort it...😂 A few people tested him, not knowing anything about him... I didn't even tell my mates about the Reg 22.... I had more respect for Jim, than anyone ....R.I.P Jim.. Love you brother ❤ I never served in the army at all, but fook i was proud of him!

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Jim sounds impressive, sorry for your loss.

[@brendanukveteran2360]

You understood what it means - not many do. Iwill honour your Late Bro in my thought's and offer you my respect for your honesty and condolences for losing your loved one.

[@benkimber8579]

It’s all in the mind my friend a god bless your pal, may we see him on the Re-Org

[@fedup3449]

@@benkimber8579 Surely when the "re-org" comes we won't need monsters like this will we? Just peaceful humans should do it!

[@kohsamuienglishclub6133]

I trained for this for months, knew every part of the route, knowing where to jog and where to push it out. I did a summer one, killer, hot and heat exhaustion evident. The winter one was much better, cool air, cool feet and a lucky clear sky. Eating foods as I went helped and I scored well. I'll never forget the route, it was horrendous. It's used as a test of metal agility, willpower and fitness. Prep and planning reaps rewards. Well done and thanks for sharing.

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. Welldone for your achievements. I agree with your view of the event. Ive heard the winter one described as being slightly "better" than the summer version for the reasons you listed.

[@dcx3li914]

@@RyanCondon Must have been a 'mild' winter.

[@Me-oz7eg]

Winter hills are far more challenging.

[@clivecrossley8229]

I did this in my twenties, i am 59 now and after watching this i want to do it again..well done.

[@footshotstube]

teens and just penyfan in me thirtees, glad i did, ..cant now

[@dhenbhoy]

Kudos on finishing with a load. Tip for you next time, get a pair of tight cotton socks, dust them well with talcum powder, then put on a pair of the thickest wool socks you can comfortably manage that will fit when you put your boots on. Then snug your boot up... any movement will be taken care by the socks and you should not get any blisters. Did that prep on all of my military marches and never had one. Or maybe my skin is like rhino hide.

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks for the tip.

[@CoffeeFiend1]

+1 Injury mitigation is honestly half the battle for selection in the top SF outfits around the world. A blister can literally be a kinetic chain cascade, it affects your gait, your weight distribution, it takes up attention resources, it increases the likelihood of dozens of other kinds of injuries in other areas. People can say they roughed through them but half of that was luck, they escaped developing other things. The manning up mindset can work to your own detriment at times as it's a balance. So many people will ignore things because they know they can rough through them but winging it is supposed to be a circumstantial tool you use when you don't have a choice, it shouldn't ever be a functional and operational philosophy, least of all with regards to developing efficiency.

[@AlecMacarthur]

@@CoffeeFiend1 Absolutely, feet are really necessary for loads of important activities. The moment you feel a hot spot, stop and sort it out, even a few hundred yards can be enough for it to all go wrong.

[@RyanCondon]

@@CoffeeFiend1 well said, this is exactly what happened and you're 100% correct. Lesson learnt. 👍

[@seancrowe3353]

So, do you do anything with the cotton socks, or just dust them in talc? :) just joking. Are the cotton socks on the outside of the wool socks?

[@Dark_Nemesis4300]

You don't have to justify a "luke-warm result". You showed, by pushing through the pain in your feet, that you have exactly the mindset that the SAS look for during selection. SAS selection is much more a mental battle, than a physical one, though the physical battle is also off the scale! Well done.

[@RyanCondon]

@@Dark_Nemesis4300 thank you sir. I appreciate the support even if im miles off SAS capability, it was a fun challenge worth doing. 🙌🙏👍

[@stevebeard9656]

Still about physical fitness as we well know but yes definitely training the brain to tell your body not to give up. Even in Basic training we did a 15 mile in full kit with weapons. I am going back to 1980 and anyone who did it will know where I am on about. Heartbreak Hill was near the start and the finish, then along the way was the 7 sisters ( 1 hill with 7 paths up it) we had to do all 7 and then there was Flagstaff ( If I remember the name correctly) which started off fairly shallow and got steeper the higher you went. Great fun then but my body now with that weight would probably give way before the end of my road lol

[@alidaniels2487]

My RSM at school was an ex-Para (i suspect ex-SAS too) and took the RM cadet cadre to the beacons for 3 days one Christmas holidays. He told us that what we were about to do was one of the tests he did to pass selection (30 years ago the whole SAS selection etc was far less well known than today so we didnt twig what 'selection' represented) before absolutely annihilating us up and down that bloody mountain for 2 days! Fun times and he was a fantastic human being

[@RyanCondon]

Amazing experience Ali. Thanks for sharing and for watching. 🙏🙌

[@brendanukveteran2360]

I failed before I even started - Mind over Matter - and I don't matter

[@petersmithm9]

Had a mate in my unit who went for selection. Came back after 3 weeks a drained husk of what he had been. He had trained for months to get ready but to no avail. Bought himself out of the Army six months later. Never heard from him again and that was 40 years ago.

[@Grumpyoldgamer310]

Had to complete the Fan Dance as part of my Lance Corporal Cadre... Was killer! We had shocking downpours and boggy terrain to deal with rather than heat exposure. Thunderflash in our accommodation in the middle of the night, then bundled into the back of a 4 tonner and driven from Tidsworth to the Beacons. You did really well to complete it, well done mate.

[@brendanukveteran2360]

Tidsworth!! I did a course there, old delapidated Napoleonic barracks with water everywhere...we were out of sight because the clourse was Int related ....all gone now of course. Had plastic sheets over the beds to keep the rat shit and water off.

[@Grumpyoldgamer310]

@@brendanukveteran2360 sounds about right 🤣

[@mrg1371]

On my selection in 1994 we did this test on Day 2. My DS said, there’s only one way to guarantee you pass this test, that’s if you stay with me…. He promptly disappeared 😂 I went flat out, saw him again when he was returning. I completed the course in 3:20. Ended up passing selection and served my next 15 years in the unit. (B Sqn) great times…. But not always. Well done for giving the route a go 👌🏻

[@RyanCondon]

Three hours, twenty... Bloody hell! Welldone and thanks for watching. If you're a beast, I dont know what that makes your DS!? I really appreciate the comment. 🙌🙏

[@mickthemerciless9694]

​@@RyanCondon Directing staff.

[@Me-oz7eg]

Waffler. 😂

[@mattgroom1]

Hello 1371 Tell the SAS they are a bunch of pussies from me. Okay fine, they are great men, but don't tell them that, tell them they are a bunch of pussies. Tell the recruits this story, one time a civvy came in to the restroom with 2 SAS 'hanging' out in the long latrine, bar in town, one was eating a hot dog, the other finished so a space opened. The civvy entered, took position, looked over, said to one, I bet you think you are hard don't you as he looked over at him peeing, the SAS membered look back, wiped his hotdog in the latrine and took a bite, then said Yes I am. Both SAS members left, job done. On this event, they should have feet checked everyone at the halfway mark, fixed the people that needed fixing and told them that if they want there stabiliser training wheels to come off they have to look after themselves a little better in the field. Matthew

[@8ballphil150]

I am retired Welsh guards . I loved the fan dance . Done it countless times over the years . Your time of 3.20 is a great time . My fastest was 3.47 . People go on about fitness for the regiment , that is only a small requirement of the course . mental fitness and determination are a bigger requirement . Also the ability to not only work as a team , but also have the ability to lead . Selection is far more than just fitness .

[@joe-sb4xl]

Nothing but respect for you Ryan mate, as a civillian you could have easily said no and turned around at the start line when you most likely received a the classic military ribbing for being an outsider. But you “soldiered” on and got it done. Massive achievement well done buddy

[@RyanCondon]

@@joe-sb4xl thanks. I really appreciate that. 🙏 I got to meet a lot of good blokes that day. 👍

[@joe-sb4xl]

@@RyanCondonagreed, no judgement at all everyone’s in it together. Brilliant video

[@na-dk9vm]

An absolute beast of a session. Well done. Going up these mountains with that much kit is so hard. I remember watching SAS WDW a few yrs back, one of the DS staff, foxy, jogged the fan dance, came in the other side looking fresh. Crazy fitness.

[@PaddyInf]

Good job. The Fan Dance is done at the end of week 1 in selection as a bit of a check as to who is fit enough for the hills. The subsequent marches get progressively harder, so if you can't pass the Fan dance, then you have no chance with the rest of the aptitude (hills) phase. Really puts into perspective the fitness needed for selection.

[@RyanCondon]

Unbelievable to think that this is just one of the tests. Thanks for watching. 🙌

[@PaddyInf]

@snowflakemelter1172 I attempted Selection twice in the late 1990s. Unlike all the other KZbin heroes, though, I failed it.

[@terryteed1903]

Bloody good effore to you. I did it as a 16 year old in JLRRA and we didnt have a time limit. Nothing but respect for you. Bravo.

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks Terry. 🙏 That means alot. 💪

[@alexmacca9477]

I was in the JLRRA, but our adventurous training was done in Snowdonia, that said, I did do the Brecon Beacons and Pen Y Fan with the CCF at school, again like you, no time limit, utter respect for those who do this.

[@terryteed1903]

@@alexmacca9477 R.E.L.T lol. Press ups in the stream every morning, 3 beds high in the bunk house. The big granite rock chisel and s limp hammer.

[@alexmacca9477]

@@terryteed1903 great memories, especially the stream, did it Feb 84.

[@terryteed1903]

@alexmacca9477 Spring 92. Good times lol.

[@robdrury9491]

Brilliant Job Ryan. Well Done. I did it on the day before in horrendous conditions, and think I was probably approaching hypothermia when I finished. I did 4hrs 43min, so still have some unresolved issues with Pen y Fan and am thinking of returning next year to try and get sub 4:10. Hope the feet recover soon, and keep up the great videos.

[@RyanCondon]

@@robdrury9491 congrats on your achievement. Unbelievable time in those conditions. 💪

[@helenblunder9905]

Welldone!

[@lee-cycling]

God damn, Ryan. Shaking my head through parts of that. A truly amazing achievement that hardly anybody does or even can get through. Punching on with the feet issue is super tough. Does sound like a mistake, but it is also very tough. You're a real inspiration, mate.

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks Lee! It was a mistake and a half that im still paying for now. Id never do that in an Ultra, all the adrenaline made me power on when I should have stopped.

[@OCOAT]

The regular soldiers that attempt this selection would have been in the military for a minimum of two years , their boots will be perfect for this endeavour, so with newish boots you were doomed from the start really. Of course, as you are aware, the Fan Dance is only part of the selection process and at the end of it, they dont go home, they go straight into the next gruelling phase. It's relentless, because we want the best, of the best. Fantastic effort, very well documented from kit packing to finish and I will now be following you as a new subscriber.

[@RyanCondon]

Correct! Thanks for the sub and the comment. Much appreciated. 💪

[@NickiesAdventureChannel]

I think you did absolutely bloody brilliant mate … well done to you 👍🏻

[@RyanCondon]

Thank you Nickie. That means a lot. 🙏💪

[@billymarlene380]

Great stuff for doing it. My Selection was winter ‘82. Sixteen officers started it. After ten days we were down to eight. On day eleven we all slept through our 5am alarms. We only just made it to the 4 tonners bound for the Elan Valley (valley being a piss take as, even at the top of the hills, you are up to your nuts in bog). Anyway, only two made it through test week and beyond and finishing in the jungle. They both failed. So, zero pass rate. That is the reality of Selection.

[@RyanCondon]

@@billymarlene380 thats unbelievable. I bet youve got some stories to tell.

[@billymarlene380]

Yes, it was interesting. There was a very lean period for officers in the early eightees. I think they went through a couple of years with no passes. A chap at Sandhurst with me got through in the summer of ‘81 and distinguished himself in the Falklands. Prior to the start of that winter selection a mate and I booked into Dering Lines, Brecon between Xmas and New Year to check out the territory. We spent a week walking the Beacons and Black Mountains trying to orientate ourselves. We walked Fan Dance course which took away some of the mystique. On the day of the event we all rocked up to the Storey Arms in 4 tonners. Sixteen officers and about eighty soldiers. Within a few minutes we were gaggled together; a member of the training staff (in light order) sprinted off and the command “GO” was shouted. I did it in around 4 hrs. A bit on kit; somebody mentioned bricks being put in Bergans by SAS DS. That was forbidden for us. Any necessary weight had to be made up with water. You couldn’t drink it as the packs were weighed at the beginning and end! Also there was a question about the SLR. We were issued Belgian FN rifles (minus strap). I can’t recall zeroing or even live firing it. We were not issued magazines or ammunition. The rifle was just a slight pain, having to be carried at the ‘ready’ at all times. The mate I trained with completed the 24 hr endurance march at the end of Test Week in record time. The day after that he was interviewed by the CO and jacked. I jacked at the beginning of Test Week with back and knee problems (running too fast downhill). When I got back to my unit my CO showed me a very complimentary letter he had received from Mike Rose (CO 22 SAS at the time). Now, the age of seventy,there is hardly a day goes by where I do not question whether I should have struggled on; but I will never know.

[@jeremyroberts39]

Thanks for this. As an armchair adventurer, this is the most exercise I've had in months! 😊

[@RyanCondon]

@@jeremyroberts39 lol thanks for watching. 🙏💪

[@Tommo24]

The regiment do this for a reason . It’s not meant to be simple . It’s a test of mental resilience more than just people who are fit . Well done to each & everyone who completes it . 🇬🇧💪 always a little further 🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

I went up Pen Y Fan yesterday. It is one hell of a climb. I want to hike the route of the Fan Dance just because, not run it, I'm not that fit. I just took it all in, and my thoughts were 'I'm hiking in the footsteps of giants'. I loved your video and have subscribed. Well done for completing this mammoth trek. It is definitely a leveller.

[@RyanCondon]

Cheers Chris, its a great route. Pleased you enjoyed it. Thanks for subbing, I really appreciate that sir.

[@puritan7473]

Congratulations on an awesome achievement. Consider how far you have come and don't be down on missing some goals, you did it! Keep pushing on and going from strength to strength, and keep challenging the rest of us to push ourselves to be the best we can be.

[@PaulSmith-mh2yq]

My 50 yr old brother in law thought he could walk Hadrian's Wall after zero training and in very old boots. He lasted one day due to blisters on his blisters. Feet knackered for weeks.

[@neillreade7824]

Great effort, think about venting up or down if you do it again. Starting off with a waterproof on really increases the body temperature quickly and therefore you sweat more early on which in turn increases your chance of dehydration, loss of salts, etc etc. All which can impact you later on during the challenge.

[@spanishpeaches2930]

I couldnt even make it from the phone box to the gate.

[@peterslinger3795]

@@spanishpeaches2930 I think you could not call an ambulance from that phone box any longer

[@shonunezekiel]

Great video - amazing achievement... but what I like the most is your honest self-assessment at the end and lack of happiness at your performance - that's the attitude of someone who is going to continue learning and improving in life. Good on you!

[@RyanCondon]

@@shonunezekiel cheers! I really appreciate that. 🙏🙌

[@ProtectorofChrist]

I did this back when I was in the RMC/SBS it was hard but a lot of fun now in my 60s, I can say you did bloody good Ryan well done brother I will give you a pat on the back. I enjoy your videos. Thank you and good luck with future projects always be safe.

[@RyanCondon]

Thank you sir. :) That means a lot.

[@softailfun]

Respect to you sir. I’ve heard if this and have done something similar back in the day. This is far beyond what I did. But congratulations on completing the test that is designed in part to sort the wheat from the chaff.👍🏻

[@theoceansswitch]

Great job Ryan. Have barely run since a half marathon in 2010, but you've got me googling ultras in Scotland I might enter.

[@RyanCondon]

@@theoceansswitch good for you. From half marathon in 2010 to Ultras... Hardcore. 🙏🙌

[@JamesTopham-t4y]

So you haven't run for a decade? But you want to enter a ultra? You think I would be capable? Should I work my way up from half marathon all the way up?

[@theoceansswitch]

@@JamesTopham-t4y You enter something a year in advance and then train for it appropriately. My cardio is already good from lots of cycling.

[@nelliejames]

u did very well, that's why these guys are the best in the world

[@Ricardo-i3s7f]

Congratulations Ryan. That looks gnarly & huge respect for carrying the weight but remember your feet are everything

[@Lonniejockstrap]

Very well done. It takes a lot of mental strength to control your frustrations and anger when climbing hills and running with severe blistering. Only those who have had similar experiences could fully understand how well you did. (subscribed)

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks and thank you for the sub. 💪🙌

[@JB-xd9dr]

Stumbled on this Ryan. Wow! What a great vlog. Thanks. Love your approach. Your honesty. Your sense of humour. And for being slightly mad!! What an amazing achievement. You too are an inspiration. Thanks again.

[@RyanCondon]

Thank yoy very much indeed. Really appreciate you watching and leaving a comment. Pleased you liked it. 💪🙏🙌

[@JB-xd9dr]

It’s so so refreshing to have someone like you being so real. You are clearly a great communicator. I hope you can also influence many many people to be like you. What a great role model. Especially in the world today. We need more people like you. Please keep going!

[@jamessur1983]

That's a great video I loved that 😊 My first Ultra Marathon (Bluestack Way Ultra Donegal) was 50km over similar terrain. I got bad blisters early on. Didn't stop to tend to them. By the end I was a slow shuffle. If only I'd taken 5 mins to care for them I'd have improved my overall time by hours. Excellent video though! 💪

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks for the comment. Its all experience. (i should have sorted the blisters though).

[@brendanukveteran2360]

You had a go, you made the effort. Well done, mate = RESPECT....you beat the pain barrier - and THAT is what really matters...you didn't jack it in. Selection is what it is and it is mostly determination.

[@tedtombling2770]

Loved your enthusiasm, you probably came in the top ten there! You need to be wearing boots you've already done at least a hundred miles in already, so remember that for next year! Anyone who gets themselves out of bed in the morning and runs around the central Brecon Beacons for 5 hours deserves to pat themselves on the back. Well done and next time get a move on! 🤣. Thank God my 26 years in the 'kate' is over - joined in '66 (when England won the football World Cup). Good luck for your future runs.

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks Ted!! I really appreciate that comment. :)

[@lauragriffithsoutdoors]

Well done completing it, loved your narration. I still can't believe you didn't sort your feet out for so long 😱 I cried backpacking 2 days in near there because of blisters. Never again have I left a blister 🤣 signed up for the winter one, luckily been there a few times so aware of the terrain, that long stretch is lethal for the rocks, proper ankle turners

[@RyanCondon]

I've run 100k Ultra's and would never dream of leaving a blister for so long but on the day, bravado won over unfortunately. Thank you Laura for watching and your comment, I'm pleased you enjoyed it. :))

[@johnnythegreat6568]

Great effort mate. Having carried heavy packs in terrain like this a lot there are a few pieces of advice I can give you: 1. Make sure you wear well worn in boots that are comfy and your feet don't slide in (even trainers are better than new boots) 2. Put your blister plasters on before you set off if you know where you usually get them. 3. Always walk on the soft grass next to the path or on the grass verge next to the pavement where possible. 4. Spray antiperspirant in your boots, socks and on your feet. 5. Never let your feet get soaking wet, air them out for sweat everytime you take a break. If your boots get compromised and full of water via very heavy rain or submerging them, your feet will prune for underwater grip and the added friction on softened skin will result in almost immediate and brutal blisters. Take care to keep the inside of your boots dry. 6. You are better off just wearing a vest and shorts most days, carrying the pack works up a sweat very quickly and light rain cools you down. Add layers as and when you need them. 7. Finally don't rush, especially going downhill, that is where the damage is done. Carrying a pack is a different game, after enough outings your body will acclimatise and your feet will toughen, the speed will come naturally. I hope this helps.

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks for the tips

[@oliverleifadams2003]

Well done Ryan. You learn something with every event. Stay positive.

[@RyanCondon]

Cheers Oliver. 🙏🙌

[@oliverleifadams2003]

@@RyanCondonThanks for all the great content btw. 😎👏🏽💪🏼👍🏼

[@IrishDragon666]

Great effort, mate. I've been rucking it on and off on the trails here in Ireland. This video has inspired me to lean more into the backpack training. Would love to try the Fan Dance next year. Keep up the great channel!

[@RyanCondon]

Thank you sir! Good luck on your travels.

[@mercurial_cyclist]

Nothing but respect for that Ryan, it could’ve been double the time and it still would’ve been an incredible accomplishment. I don’t doubt you’ll be back next year, the event seems like it has you hooked. Well done! 👏

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks Iain. Loved every second. 💪👍

[@stuross8190]

Very very hard work to keep pushing on, Going at slow pace up the hills towards Darden Lough in Northumberland is challenging. almost knee deep in bog for hours. To set camp at the top and watch the most beautiful sunset I've ever seen almost made the challenge worth it. yours was much harder on account of pace. I have been lost in the hills around Cadair Idris in a wild storm. Always a nice thing to look back on with an acknowledgement of getting through it , albeit unrushed. Your challenge was ace to watch, I want to be like that again...

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks for the comment. I really appreciate that. 🙏🙌

[@danielmartin4756]

Well done Ryan, I’m so pleased you did the proper event with Ken and co. I did it back in 2019 and tried again last year but had to VW due to my hip ceasing up just before the turn around point. If it’s any consolation I made the same blister mistake in 2019 my wife had to soak my socks off.

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks Daniel. Sorry to hear of your VW. Im pleased im not the only one making the blister mistake. 😅

[@danielmartin4756]

@@RyanCondon I made the double mistake of buying brand new socks the day before and wearing boots that were a my actual shoe size so too small and I just ripped my heels to shreds. My failed attempt though I had no blisters as I'd increased my boot size to one above shoe and wearing a liner sock. A good Bridgedale sock liner works wonders in Combat boots. I had to miss it this year but next year I plan to be back. Check out their Battle for the Golden Road series which is virtual (i.e you do it near your own home), I managed to complete that this year.

[@nicolewalker5349]

Well done Ryan! Your grit and determination is bloody inspirational. Bugger about your feet, mate.

[@RyanCondon]

Thank you for your support.

[@Wildcamp-lifestyle]

Fan dance is just the start of the hills phase. You scratched the surface.

[@RyanCondon]

Not as much as i scratched my feet

[@Dr.Ian-Plect]

Well, it's at the start of week 2 of 4.

[@Mickyrst43]

This video came up suggested by KZbin,1st video of your's I've ever seen and I enjoyed it 100%.I'm not even a runner or trail walker but you made it both interesting and funny.Plus you're a hard man for finishing that route,well done! I've also just subscribed.

[@RyanCondon]

Thank you Micky, pleased you enjoyed it. :)

[@Alienalloy]

this is what KZbin and the internet is about, great video, subbed sir. what a beautiful man you are.

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks Tom. I really appreciate that. 🙌

[@KrisAntova]

Well done, awesome achievement. I can't even imagine doing this but I will try it one day! x

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks Kris. Its a fantastic event, the organisers are great.

[@howarddavies782]

The DS start to take you a little more seriously when you complete The Fan Dance, any injuries, how are the feet etc. Good video.

[@Jeleivers1]

Well done Ryan. Superb effort. Really pleased for you. Dot beat yourself up. Strong as always.

[@RyanCondon]

@@Jeleivers1 thank you sir. 🙏🙌👍

[@daz.j]

well done mate that looks brutal

[@G-Unit-fitness]

Amazing effort and entertaining video Ryan! I’m gonna put it out there.. you was robbed by your foot injury 100% even though you placed incredibly well! could see the pain in your face even though you hid it very well still keeping up the bants and camaraderie 😃 I totally get that locked in mind set! Can sometimes pay off but not always. The fact you was in pain with every step and talking about coming back to the event shows your fortitude mate. Well done! 👏

[@RyanCondon]

@@G-Unit-fitness cheers G Unit. Was a mistake... Im already planning a return. 🙌

[@swissnev]

fantastic effort Ryan!

[@davidberesford7009]

Well Done! I am an old un now. I walk with sticks because of balance issues, at my best I would have struggled with the up-hills But probably loved the downhills. I am aware that the SAS mindset is a kind of controlled madness - unleash if/as necessary. Again - Well Done!

[@dcx3li914]

The fan Dance is at the BEGINNING of selection, I did 'ex high walk' on my third day after completing my BFT (three miles total) & CFT (8 miles in 2 hours with full kit) a day before, the course can lose at least a third of the intake in the first week, we lost nearly a half.

[@ac1646]

For accuracy Ryan, the summit is pronounced Pen-uh-van (the letter 'y' is a vowel in Welsh and the 'f' has a v sound) so the 'Fan' is an English play on words. It still works when you use the Welsh pronunciation for the summit _and_ and refer to the endurance march as The Fan Dance. 😁😁

[@DavidBonnie]

Well done for having a go, the terrain is indeed the bigest problem as it prevents one from relaxing into a stride, which is , of course, the point! The fan dance is only one small part of selection so the lesson to be learned is the degree of durability a soldier needs to complete both SAS selection and other special types of courses. On a similar training we were accompanied by navy medics who remarkably dealt with our blisters, sometimes covering the entire heel, by slicing off the proud skin and spraying with purple stuff! Torture! Interestingly lots of regular soldiers ignore the pain as you did but soon find that they cannot march and get immersion foot from failing to change damp socks. This was a big problem that nobody talks about during the Falklands war. Dozens if not more soldiers were unable to function for a lot of the campaign.

[@williamdownes-hall6300]

Can’t wait to watch you smash 4 hrs! Great effort!

[@markpinkine8124]

Ryan… The best boots you should look in to getting & will not give blisters… Lowa Zephyr GTX. This boot is used by British Royal Marines. I did my 30 miles commando test full pack No bolsters. 🤙🏼

[@chombersSOpA]

Well done Ryan. Great effort and it is pure and simple a brutal trip if you got weight and are at pace. Really a recce for anyone doing it is worth while. Get them boots sorted and sock combos, that seems to cause the greatest problems as you found out. But what a great video, loved your view of the place. So end of September you should be fit for the Paras10 event at Catterick Depot. Loads of supportive Paras, reckon about 400 odd load bearers and another truly remarkable event. Good stuff mate.

[@RyanCondon]

@@chombersSOpA thank you sir. I appreciate that.

[@nojja803]

Well worn boots and good socks are a game changer. I remember doing a Brecon exercise for three days, no feet issues at all until the last half day where I changed into issue socks which absolutely shredded my heels. Well done on grizzing it out

[@RyanCondon]

@@nojja803 I wont be making that mistake again.

[@nojja803]

@@RyanCondon I didn't either! It's horrendous

[@alidaniels2487]

@@nojja803 lesson 1 of army life, look after your feet, your feet are gonna look after you

[@jonmichael6478]

Well done, a great effort 👍

[@alexshaw1746]

Excellent video, great commentary 👍

[@RyanCondon]

@@alexshaw1746 Thanks Alex. Pleased you liked it. 🙏💪

[@darrelljones6864]

Great effort Ryan, you still looked fresh at the finish line

[@RyanCondon]

@@darrelljones6864 thanks Darrell. My feet were far from fresh.

[@FoobsTon]

Spoiler alert!

[@L0cket1977]

Well Done Ryan 👏Gutted not to see you at RTTS but so impressed with you finishing The Fan Dance particularly with such damaged feet 😃

[@RyanCondon]

@@L0cket1977 thank you. Prob wont do RTTS with how poor the organisers responses were to deferring.

[@L0cket1977]

@@RyanCondonthey really are shocking but my advice is to persevere. I thought it would be nice to volunteer a few years ago (see what it was like from the other side 🤣) goodness me they were a nightmare to sort things out with! But I just kept emailing and eventually managed to get response’s. I think if you mention your channel and link your previous experience and how far you’ve come, they’ll be desperate for you. I’d try and find someone on their media team if I were you x

[@Chili-Tom]

Cracking effort mate, big event smashed. Get a good pair of military boots and break them in, AKU boots are what are issued to soldiers and thdy are very comfy.

[@Cherry-k5e]

A clean roll of wide surgical tape is a very useful thing indeed . Fortune favours the sure footed and watch your steps and all that , enjoy your trip

[@Pugggle]

That looked brutal! Awesome achievement Finishing it. So gutted for you about the race to the stones though.

[@RyanCondon]

@@Pugggle thanks mate. I was more annoyed the RTTS organisers wouldnt allow me to defer. Love the Fan Dance though. 💪

[@UnexpectedJourney59Eng]

Your video question... Multiply your effort by 50 and you have the resilience and mental toughness of the SAS... bear in mind how many times and the increasing weight Selection piles on day after day, you cannot compare a once over the fan dance and back with Selection, there is no tougher SF selection in the World!

[@RyanCondon]

@@UnexpectedJourney59Eng as my video said... They're pretty tough.

[@jacklincoln9033]

Awesome, well done!

[@BobAlong-l5y]

i hiked around brecon beacons, pen y fan, fan y big, cribyn, etc, took a few hours but i was with my father who knew apparently knew the brecon beacons well, we didnt start by the highway but another route at the beginning is a gate away from the highway. i would try the 4 and half hour march with rifle to see how long it would take me to do it. the route you went to at the start is where i started off, its steep hill from the start. i started this after doing deadlift p.bs and tried for the army. enough about me, good effort for all who tried that and even met soldiers who let me pass as i was running down the hill, i said sorry lads, the leader of the group said its an excuse for us to rest, i laughed good effort mush

[@canarycityreefer8148]

Nothing luke warm about that Ryan, be very very proud of yourself. Remember where you`ve come from, proud of you, great vid.

[@RyanCondon]

@@canarycityreefer8148 thank you. 🙏🙌

[@neilcollins5930]

Nice one I did it 2 years ago I was 62 … it was an eye opener. I’d trained hard on Moel Famau and other north wales peaks . My right knee blew up on the way back thank God I had poles with me . Good day I won’t forget.

[@RyanCondon]

@@neilcollins5930 Nice one and welldone for getting it done. Thanks for watching and commenting. 🙏💪

[@neilcollins5930]

@@RyanCondon being honest it was something I got encouraged to do by a friend , yes I enjoyed it but it’s done ☑️

[@JayMac-gh1kx]

From a oldswet my self an ex'service AB ALL THE WAY BROTHER!! Its a killer the fan'dance!! Ya done well m8t big thanks again cheers mucker well done lads green on mucker lots of memories from a oldswet my self!! AB ALL THE WAY !

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks my friend. 🙏🙌

[@gmorgan894]

I was walking on Pen y fan that day the 3 soldiers died with my wife and i remember pointing out to my wife all the white frothy sick that was on the trail just below the summit . The group of soldiers were off to my left about 600 metres away heading downwards . One of the hottest days iv'e ever been up there so can't imagine how those boys felt carrying those bergens .

[@Mushroomhigh2122]

Pleb

[@racingspoon]

Yep. Around that time I trained up there 3/4 times a week. I missed that day but was up there the day after with all the TV vans and press parked in Storey Arms car park. Around that time the heat was exceptional…I’ve probs been up there getting close to 100 times and over that week the heat was incredible. I’m sure the inquest said it shouldn’t have happened but I suppose that defeats the point of selection…I may be wrong but think it was TA selection so think that’s why it was argued it should have been binned off.

[@alidaniels2487]

​​@@racingspoonYeah Terras have no business being there in that heat but as the dad of one of those poor lads said, you cant let H&S determine when you do that kind of training. Wars don't wait for more favourable weather conditions and it's better to have experienced that kind of heat before you arrive in the campaign theatre

[@shaunrigby1]

Fantastic effort Ryan, well done!

[@RyanCondon]

@@shaunrigby1 cheers Shaun. 🙌

[@maxwelldurrans9272]

​@@RyanCondon you should see if you can get them to let you attempt the jungle phase

[@Sam-gw5pl]

Great video, well done to all.

[@Windsurfingaddict]

Came across your video by accident was scrolling and intrigued by the title, A huge ( Well Done ) it’s the taking part and learning curve that is Important that’s pretty much life in general and it was easy Everybody will be doing it lol. Personally, I would just love to see your feet and think you should put it on a future, but warn people to either watch or look away now, Will guess your viewing audience are mostly adults and see your feet. I’m fascinated to see your feet after that very hard run. You have a new subscriber as you are inspirational. 🥳🥳🥳😊

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks for the sub. YT can get funny about examples of "harm" and I dont want a strike, suffice to say I messed them up.

[@user-jk5um1om8l]

Ooooof. When I did my army service (we have conscription in my country) we 1. broke in our boots over weeks and 2. gradually built up to 24km. And even then they were not fully broken in and felt like hell on a long loaded march over 24 klicks on MOSTLY FLAT ground. I just can’t imagine doing the Fan Dance on a lark, without much in the way of equipment prep - it’s crazy! It’s hard enough by itself but the chafing and blistering, you’re practically battling through injury on top of the endurance bit.

[@nathanielrose30]

Just randomly came across this video and really enjoyed so naturally I went to your first video from 5 years ago, wow! Just wanted to say.. impressive mate! And another thing… Pen (her minus the h) van

[@RyanCondon]

@@nathanielrose30 thanks. Pleased you enjoyed the vid. The pronounciation of it was the least of my worries. 😉

[@nictrowski5246]

i did selection with 23 SAS and our long drag was on the Howgills to facilitate both regiments north and south. 65k and carrying 55llb with webbing and belt kit and weapon on top. 14 hrs later and fifth in alongside 'hairy bear', with a New Zealand lad completing in under 12 hrs, wow. 2500ish people applied for selection in 91 for 23 and 21SAS and 55 of us made battlecamp and 38 got badged after TQ and the last balloon jump ever at Weston on the Green.

[@RyanCondon]

Unbelievable. Welldone. 💪

[@michaelwalden3655]

Brought back memories. I did it on one of the hottest days of the year a long time ago. Didn’t realise there was an organised event for old civvies

[@martinrouen]

Did this in 1987 with no technical kit, having travelled in the back of a 4 tonner. Tor y fal was the worst due to the multitude of false peaks. When you get past Jacobs Ladder, your morale is further dented as there was typically a teenaged mum in sliders with a push chair. We had it easy. She was carrying the weight for the next 18 years.

[@RecoveryLabTV]

Huge congratulations buddy, great effort!! I would love to give this event ago, both the summer and winter version. Think it would be a great experience. Type 2 fun!! What's next?

[@RyanCondon]

Thank you sir! Thames Path in September. :)

[@RecoveryLabTV]

@@RyanCondon my pleasure! Was a great video 👏🏼 Aw nice, which distance are you looking to complete? Good luck 🏃🏽

[@devildogroot]

I did it in Oct 1980..twice..back to back on the same day….still a record.,,

[@braddy46]

Great effort Ryan, more importantly still smiling at the end so sub 5 hours definitely achieve able

[@RyanCondon]

@@braddy46 thanks! 🙏🙌

[@graemejones5968]

Ryan, never be annoyed with your self when you make it to the end. I've seen big tough guys actually crying going back up Jacobs Ladder. And you're 100% correct, the terrain is evil. I've done 2 summers & 1night time winter (The High Moon) & beat the cut each time. I've also been a volunteer DS for a whole weekend. You didn't VW & judging by your feet, that shows how mentally strong you are. And I believe if you train on loose hilly terrain rather than in a gym, you will do a sub 4:10. Just wondering if you had any Ibuprofen & Compeed blister plasters. Anti blister 2 layer socks really help too. The best bit of advice I got was to make sure to stop any training with 1 week to go. It gives the body time to recover & it really works. Oh, the camaraderie of both the participants and the DS plus the MST is unbeatable. You may get hooked. And how many civvies can say they've done an SAS/SBS march?? Well done mate, hope the feet are better.

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks for the tips. I'm pleased you enjoyed the video.

[@Beardy_Sloth]

Cracking effort. Im not an exercise guy but can highly recommend the Iturri cold weather boots. Fully water proof, regularly walk through near shin deep ouddles and not a drop gets through. I wear them all day every day basically. Other than them being slightly too narrow for my toes i really cant fault them.

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks for the tip

[@davidevans7643]

Iv watched a couple of people doing what you did mate. It's a challenging thing to do but you did it mate

[@davidevans7643]

I do think that 5 minutes sorting your feet out would have probably gained you some time. But who's perfect?

[@stephenmackey4571]

Very well done mate.

[@RyanCondon]

Thank you sir.

[@dadtoad]

Hi Ryan Suck it up buttercup. I'm the army veteran that was behind you, 10:44 on your video. I don't remember overtaking you but I saw you a mile or so after the half way mark. I said before, my first thought was, "where's his bike" which made me laugh. Congrats on getting around buddy. I was in 5hrs 7mins but mucked around at the top taking a video at the view point which never came out. You've got to go next year. I'm now wanting to do it again. I'm 58 soon and fancy a 4:45 now I know exactly what type of training to do..... My wife was with me also waiting at the bottom with our dog Ellie Elsa. Message me next year when you make a decision as I'd like to meet you at the start buddy..... Congrats again. Gary

[@RyanCondon]

@@dadtoad Hey Gary! Thanks for watching and commenting. Welldone for smashing it. Tough course. Ill do something, probably this again next year. 😅

[@kevinhoughton9134]

Was always the first obstacle of selection, unless they've changed it. Tested your physical endurance and mind over matter along with your motivation, one part of the hills phase.

[@kirklazenby1]

Lowa seekers are a good boot. I had to break in a pair of fresh Lowas going into test-week. Good stuff

[@reccerat4446]

If it was easy mate, then everyone would get in 22. Well done for giving it a good go, mentally hard and only yourself to push you.

[@jamesingrey]

First time coming to the channel....what a delight, (Ryan, not the event!). Awesome content, great attitude and sense of humour. Subbed! (UK hikers obsession with 'hiking boots' is insane! Sort it out!)

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks James. 😀🙏 That means a lot. 🙌

[@RobinThompson-z7t]

Great video, thanks for sharing

[@RyanCondon]

Cheers Robin. Pleased you enjoyed it. 👍

[@kierandavis1219]

Well done mate, Good effort.

[@RyanCondon]

Cheers Kieran. 👍

[@MaxValentine]

Great video, thanks.

[@RyanCondon]

Thanks Max :)

[@jasonwilson7674]

'Oh no, its you, you tube boy, i watched you pack your bag' 😂😂😂😂😂

[@chrisbrown4002]

Hi Ryan, well done mate, true grit ....... It all comes down to boots & socks first, bugger the fancy Bergen, nice to have but look after your feet :)

[@RyanCondon]

@@chrisbrown4002 the fancy burgen saved my shoulders, i take your point about the shoes, school boy error i dont normally make and wont again.