This year for the sixth annual event of The Speed Project, a no rules relay race that starts in Santa Monica and ends in Las Vegas, Satisfy Running put together a dream team of runners to tackle this epic adventure. We may have not taken the gold but I’m proud of us and we definitely had the most fun, plus we’ll be back next year for our crown. Adam Voidoid journaled it and you can read about what happened blow by blow in our new article The Speed Project Diary. And now that we’ve had a couple weeks to decompress and process everything we figured it was time to ask everyone who was there some questions. This is The Speed Project interviews! The Runners: Name: Aric Van Halen Age: 31 Location: Pasadena, Ca Total Miles Clock: 69 How did you train: I actually didn’t do much training, I had signed up for the LA Marathon maybe 2 months ago, but my highest mileage week in the last year was probably close to 20-30miles. This was a super last minute addition to my calendar, but I was just glad my muscle memory kicked in and I was able to finish. What did you eat on TSP: Smuckers uncrustables, Pepperoni Bagel Bites, Snickers Minis, Cliff Blocks, Pedialyte and Liquid Death were all coursing through my veins through the long journey. Satisfy Desert Island Pick: Would have to go with the Death Valley Cross Country ’89 Dynamic Running Hat. I love the color Burgundy, the fit is great, Death Valley Cross Country is such a cool/obscure reference and I was born in 89 so it all fits. Favorite Inspirational Quote: In many ways, a race is analogous to life itself. Once it is over, it can not be re-created. All that is left are inpressions in the heart, and in the mind- Chris Lear Favorite Memory from TSP: There were alot of great moments throughout the trip, and some not so great moments. But the memory that sticks out in my mind the most is probably the last 10-20 miles. The whole squad, runners and crewmembers were piled into the sprinter van, Hakim was playing DJ in the front, and were just having a great time, ripping miles and getting closer and closer to the Vegas sign. Name: Alex Dickinson Age: 30Location: Alpine, Wyoming Total miles clocked: ~50 How did you train: Was coming off a 5k block, so a bit more speedwork than mileage, which is new for me. If I had to do it all over again I’d just do 10 miles twice a day with one speed session and one long run for a few weeks. What did you eat on TSP: A lot of pb&j, fruit, weird little chickpea crisps, some rice bowls, and cereal was the one thing that sounded good when it got hot. Satisfy desert island pick: Long Distance 2.5 inch shorts. Honestly the best I’ve ever worn. Favorite inspirational quote:
The Speed Project: backstage pass
