In a recent article on Women’s Health, 6 women described their experiences of completing the punishing 550-kilometre (340 mile) race between two of the most infamous cities in the US.
‘You can feel the energy, it’s pretty wild – everyone is on top form ready to hustle,’ Amy Chapman. Working with Anya Culling, they recruited another four runners, including Jessica Van Droogenbroeck, Laura Donnelly, Savannah Mukeshi and Mary McCarthy for their team.
‘We each ran three kilometres at a time. This is such a manageable chunk so seemed to work well,’ says finisher and team member Laura Donelly. ‘It also helped being in such a positive, vibey team. We got each other through any tough spells.’
Culling also stated how the race impacted the team mentally, ‘we were running away from reality and rational thoughts, and towards delirium on unsafe terrain’.
‘I felt an overwhelming sense of pride for the team but also for women in sport. We had not only completed the hardest relay in the world, we did it as six women, running together for the final stint; speaker blasting, girls singing. I will never, ever forget it,’ says team member and finisher Mary McCarthy.
What is The Speed Project (TSP)
The Speed Project (TSP) is an unsanctioned, ultramarathon relay race that spans from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, covering approximately 340 miles. Established in 2013 by a group of friends looking to push the limits of their endurance, TSP has grown into a legendary event in the running community. Unlike traditional races, TSP has no official route, encouraging participants to strategize their own paths to the finish line. This unique format, combined with the grueling distance and the extreme conditions of the desert, makes TSP one of the most challenging and captivating events in the running world.
Check out other athletes completing the challenge:
The Origin and Growth of TSP
TSP started as a grassroots effort by ultrarunner Blue Benadum and his friends, who wanted to create a race that broke away from conventional formats. The inaugural event in 2013 had just a handful of teams, but it quickly gained popularity due to its unique approach and the physical and mental challenges it posed. As word spread through social media and running communities, the number of participants grew, and TSP became an annual event attracting teams from all over the world.
The Rules and Format
One of the defining features of TSP is its lack of formal rules and regulations. There is no set course, no aid stations, and no official support. Teams, typically consisting of six runners, must navigate their way from the Santa Monica Pier to the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign, deciding on their own routes and logistics. This freedom allows for a variety of strategies, with some teams opting for the shortest, most direct routes, while others prioritize safety and support by sticking to more established roads.
Challenges of the Race
The race presents numerous challenges, including the intense heat of the Mojave Desert, the logistical complexities of navigating and supporting a team over such a long distance, and the physical and mental toll of running multiple legs in quick succession. Runners must contend with sleep deprivation, extreme fatigue, and the constant pressure to keep moving forward. The lack of official support means that teams must be self-sufficient, carrying their own food, water, and medical supplies, and dealing with any emergencies that arise.
Notable Performances and Records
Over the years, TSP has seen some remarkable performances. The current record for the fastest completion is held by the team “Yellow Jackets,” who finished in just over 31 hours. Other notable performances include solo runners who have taken on the challenge alone, completing the race in times that rival those of the relay teams. These feats highlight the incredible endurance and determination required to succeed in TSP.
The Community and Culture of TSP
TSP has fostered a unique community and culture, characterized by camaraderie, mutual support, and a shared passion for pushing the boundaries of human endurance. Participants often form lasting bonds and return year after year to take on the challenge again. The event has also inspired numerous spin-off races and adventures, as runners seek to replicate the spirit of TSP in other contexts.
Scientific Insights into Ultramarathon Running
Physical Demands and Adaptations
Ultramarathon running, such as TSP, places extreme demands on the body. Studies have shown that prolonged endurance exercise can lead to significant physiological changes, including improved cardiovascular efficiency, enhanced muscle endurance, and increased fat metabolism (Joyner & Coyle, 2008). However, these benefits come at the cost of increased risk of injury and overtraining, highlighting the need for careful preparation and recovery (Hoffman, 2016).
Mental Resilience and Strategies
The mental challenges of ultramarathon running are equally significant. Research indicates that mental toughness, including the ability to cope with pain, fatigue, and adverse conditions, is a key predictor of ultramarathon success (McCormick et al., 2015). Strategies such as goal setting, positive self-talk, and visualization can help runners maintain motivation and focus during long races (Samson et al., 2017).
Nutrition and Hydration
Proper nutrition and hydration are critical for ultramarathon performance. Studies recommend a balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with adequate hydration to sustain energy levels and prevent dehydration (Kreider et al., 2010). Electrolyte replacement is also essential to avoid hyponatremia, a potentially dangerous condition caused by low sodium levels in the blood (Hew-Butler et al., 2015).
Conclusion
The Speed Project stands out not only for its challenging format and grueling distance but also for the spirit of adventure and camaraderie it fosters. As ultramarathon running continues to grow in popularity, TSP remains a pinnacle event, inspiring runners to push their limits and explore the true potential of human endurance.
Key Takeaways
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | The Speed Project (TSP) |
| Distance | Approximately 340 miles |
| Route | From Santa Monica Pier, LA to “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign |
| Format | Unsanctioned, no set course, teams strategize their own routes |
| Challenges | Intense heat, logistical complexities, physical and mental fatigue |
| Notable Performances | Record: “Yellow Jackets” team (31 hours), solo runners’ notable feats |
| Community | Strong camaraderie, mutual support, shared passion for endurance |
| Physical Demands | Improved cardiovascular efficiency, muscle endurance, increased fat metabolism |
| Mental Resilience | Coping with pain, fatigue; strategies include goal setting, positive self-talk |
| Nutrition and Hydration | Balanced intake of macronutrients, hydration, electrolyte replacement |
Bibliography
- Hew-Butler, T., Verbalis, J. G., & Noakes, T. D. (2015). Updated fluid recommendation: Position statement from the International Marathon Medical Directors Association (IMMDA). British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(7), 417-419.
- Hoffman, M. D. (2016). Injuries and health considerations in ultramarathon runners. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 27(1), 203-216.
- Joyner, M. J., & Coyle, E. F. (2008). Endurance exercise performance: The physiology of champions. Journal of Physiology, 586(1), 35-44.
- Kreider, R. B., Wilborn, C. D., Taylor, L., Campbell, B., Almada, A. L., Collins, R., Cooke, M., Earnest, C. P., Greenwood, M., Kalman, D. S., Kerksick, C. M., Kleiner, S. M., Leutholtz, B., Lowery, L. M., Mendel, R., Smith, A., Spano, M., Wildman, R., Willoughby, D. S., Ziegenfuss, T. N., & Antonio, J. (2010). ISSN exercise & sport nutrition review: Research & recommendations. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 7(1), 7.
- McCormick, A., Meijen, C., & Marcora, S. M. (2015). Psychological determinants of whole-body endurance performance. Sports Medicine, 45(7), 997-1015.
- Samson, A., Simpson, D., Kamphoff, C., & Langlier, A. (2017). Think aloud: An examination of distance runners’ thought processes. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 15(2), 176-189.
