
the eternal search
the eternal search.
a running theory.
a running theory.

words x
matt willocks
Everyone is in search of something when signing up for The Speed Project.
Maybe they are chasing clout, fresh experiences, different cultures, new people or memories. There is a deeper reason for that desire to book the ticket, sign your life away, and head to the French Alps for the first-ever European edition of the Speed Project.
Everyone has a reason to enter.
Author of Atomic Habits, James Clear, states ‘every human behaviour has a surface level craving and a deeper, underlying motive.’ These motives include:
-Converse energy
-Obtain food and water
-Find love and reproduce
-Connect and bond with others
-Win social acceptance and approval
-Reduce uncertainty
-Achieve status and prestige
Maybe they are chasing clout, fresh experiences, different cultures, new people or memories. There is a deeper reason for that desire to book the ticket, sign your life away, and head to the French Alps for the first-ever European edition of the Speed Project.
Everyone has a reason to enter.
Author of Atomic Habits, James Clear, states ‘every human behaviour has a surface level craving and a deeper, underlying motive.’ These motives include:
-Converse energy
-Obtain food and water
-Find love and reproduce
-Connect and bond with others
-Win social acceptance and approval
-Reduce uncertainty
-Achieve status and prestige
whatever the reason, there is a primitive desire to run. and I love it.
After 10 years of running from LA–>LV, The Speed Project has expanded to Europe. Spanning from the trail running capital of Chamonix to the graffed-up shores of Marseille. An inaugural run that has created a canvas for those seeking challenge through the newest running pilgrimage.
But in search of what? What desire are they chasing?
In 2018, I ran the LALV route. I was fuelled by the desire to run in Death Valley, touch the Vegas sign and gain some sort of social status in doing so. As a young runner living in Melbourne, we took on the race with only a few months training in the legs, no idea about nutrition and no clear strategy. And we succeeded.
We rolled with a skeleton crew. We shot everything on 35mm and had no idea how to blast social media with our latest updates. The race revealed that I was searching for connection with others, not status or prestige. I can proudly say I’m still connected to many of those people today.
But in search of what? What desire are they chasing?
In 2018, I ran the LALV route. I was fuelled by the desire to run in Death Valley, touch the Vegas sign and gain some sort of social status in doing so. As a young runner living in Melbourne, we took on the race with only a few months training in the legs, no idea about nutrition and no clear strategy. And we succeeded.
We rolled with a skeleton crew. We shot everything on 35mm and had no idea how to blast social media with our latest updates. The race revealed that I was searching for connection with others, not status or prestige. I can proudly say I’m still connected to many of those people today.

living the analogue life embedded presence and purpose into our experience.
It created a mutualist connection to each other and the environments we ran through. This experience was the catalyst for self-belief. A moment to overcome the uncertainty, to thrive in chaos.
In 2024, I was energised by the uncertainty of TSP CHX. Coming to Chamonix to meet my crew for the first time was like the first day of school. A kiwi amongst the yanks. Ready to get out of my comfort zone, ready to step into the unknown with my new friends.
The 430km roller coaster run from Chamonix to Marseille was filled with drama, comedy and thrilling moments. Everything you need in an Oscar nominated running experience.
In 2024, I was energised by the uncertainty of TSP CHX. Coming to Chamonix to meet my crew for the first time was like the first day of school. A kiwi amongst the yanks. Ready to get out of my comfort zone, ready to step into the unknown with my new friends.
The 430km roller coaster run from Chamonix to Marseille was filled with drama, comedy and thrilling moments. Everything you need in an Oscar nominated running experience.
We were down a runner early to injury, continuously battled our GPS signal, found ourselves diving into the bushes evading the French authorities and lost a vehicle in a two-car pile-up at 2am in Aix-en-Provence. Even if we had to crawl, scoot or hobble into the finish line, we would make it.
TSP is about running through uncertainty. And that’s exactly what I was searching for.
When you do anything for the first time, there will be mistakes, setbacks, and blunders. That experience is up to you, your attitude, your actions and decisions. This will make or break your experience. That is the Time Between Destinations.
TSP CHX revealed that I have a thirst for uncertainty, adventure and connecting to new people and places. These were the deep desires driving me to sign up.
TSP is about running through uncertainty. And that’s exactly what I was searching for.
When you do anything for the first time, there will be mistakes, setbacks, and blunders. That experience is up to you, your attitude, your actions and decisions. This will make or break your experience. That is the Time Between Destinations.
TSP CHX revealed that I have a thirst for uncertainty, adventure and connecting to new people and places. These were the deep desires driving me to sign up.
my good friend BC once told me ‘a run is never finished; it simply stops in interesting places’.
The Speed Project has taken me to many interesting places, with even more interesting people.
Would I do it again? Sure.
What will I be searching for next time? One of the primal desires, no doubt.
Until then, the eternal search continues.
Next stop?
To Be Determined.
Would I do it again? Sure.
What will I be searching for next time? One of the primal desires, no doubt.
Until then, the eternal search continues.
Next stop?
To Be Determined.
Final questions for you.
What are you searching for right now?
What primitive desire are you training for?
What are you searching for right now?
What primitive desire are you training for?
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