Without doubt, the Fan Dance was the hardest event I've ever done! Not only was it raining heavy and loads of mud everywhere, the wind speed at the summit was in excess for 60mph! Oh, and not a smooth path anywhere! All in all a demoralising combination. Getting to the 'turn round point', after 7.4 miles, having conquered the peak once, it takes grit, determination and a strong will to turn around and do it all again, especially in those conditions. I did it! Over £1,100 going to the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund - thanks for all those that donated something.

Event registration confirmation and training guide came through yesterday :-)

2013 was a busy year, losing weight, getting fit and completing three Paras'10 events, my first full marathon (Milton Keynes), a half marathon (Great Yarmouth) and due to take part in the Felixstowe Coastal 10 and the Norwich Half Marathon.

My first event for 2014 is the Winter Fan Dance and I thought I'd do something for the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund, having served 15 years in the Regulars plus 5 years in the TA (Royal Signals).

This challenge, and all the challenges I have taken part in, are particularly tough for me as I have Ankylosing Spondylitis!

Anyway, details for the Winter Fan Dance 2014 below:

The event is a gruelling 24km non-navigational race over two sides of Pen Y Fan, the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons. This infamous route has long been a part of SAS (Special Air Service) and SBS (Special Boat Service) Selection and is considered the yardstick of a candidate's potential to perform well on Test Week and ultimately pass the Special Forces Selection programme.

Starting at the Storey Arm's car park, the race goes straight up to the summit checkpoint of Pen Y Fan and, after descending 'Jacob's Ladder', continues along an undulating stone vehicle track (the 'Roman Road') to the second checkpoint which also serves as a tea stop and turnaround point. Then, taking the route in reverse, racers climb back up "The Fan" via Jacob's ladder and pass through the summit checkpoint a second time before legging their way back down to the finish at the Storey Arm's car park.

Andy Osborne

ex-Royal Signals 1983 - 1998 (Regular Army) & 1999 - 2005 (Territorial Army)