So, it all started with two old mates chatting over a beer after a bike ride, when one of them suddenly announced that he wanted to do the endurance phase of the SAS selection process again, but this time within selection time, and was looking to find a friend to do it with! 

Now quite what flashed through my Step-Dad Mark’s mind when his best man Pete said this, but commented that as he thought that I (Ryan), was wasting my time training for nothing, he was sure that I would do the run, as I like challenges and that way I’d have a purpose for all my efforts.

Next, I get a phone call letting me know that I’m attempting this challenge with Pete. When I asked whatit was, he said, “it’s called the Fan Dance and just a bit of a run in Wales”. Whilst I don’t really “do” cardio and the last time I really went running was over 10 years ago, it didn’t sound too bad, plus, the challenge of completing the endurance phase of SAS selection appealed to my competitive spirit, so I said “OK, I’ll do it”!

 ……. and then I looked it up…

The route goes up and down Pen-Y-Fan twice – the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons at 886m (2907 ft). Total distance 24km (~15 miles) and, as it is a full rerun of SAS selection, you must carry at least 15kg or 35lb and, to be within selection time, complete the course within 4 hours. But that’s not the end of it, as Pete decided that to make it a real challenge, it would be much more of an achievement if we do the Winter selection programme on 6th January (the day after the SAS) rather than the Summer one, perfect!!

So the daunting thoughts started to rush my head, but I’d already signed up and, as you may or may not know, my family never backs down to a challenge orsomething they have committed to, so I was in! Signing up is one thing, but keeping going through the training and the event is another. To do this, I’m going to need your help to make me dig deep and not give up, soI have decided to do the event for a charity which is close to my heart.

In March 2020 and just as lockdown started, my uncle was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. Over three years later, he is still living his life to the full and spending every minute doing things he loves. This has only happened because of the life extending treatments he has received since his diagnosis, along with the support from his family and friends encouraging him not to give up.  

Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer cannot currently be cured but there is always hope and Pancreatic Cancer UK are at the forefront of funding research into treatments and early diagnosis of this dreadful life limiting disease, as well as being there to support those patients, family and friends dealing with a diagnosis. Please help me to help them make the breakthroughs that people with pancreatic cancer so desperately need, by supporting me in my insane challenge and donating to this worthy charity via the link below.

If you would like to follow my journey then please follow me via Facebook or via Instagram @rdt.fitness for frequent updates!