Episode 18: Holly Stables on Surviving The Speed Project – 340 Miles to Vegas

How far would you run for a challenge? How about 340 miles across the desert… solo?

This week on the RUNcensored Podcast, Gary and Ben are joined by ultrarunner, coach, and community builder Holly Stables (@rushbynature), fresh off completing The Speed Project—an unsanctioned, unsupported race from Santa Monica to Las Vegas that’s as wild as it is infamous.

Holly ran solo, with Gary as part of her crew, and went on to finish second overall in the women’s category. In this brutally honest conversation, she breaks down the reality of running through sleep deprivation, blistering heat, nosebleeds, hallucinations, poor nutrition, and the full chaos of managing an RV support vehicle with a team of mates.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to run for days across a desert with no rules, no finish line tape, and only your own mindset to get you through—it’s all here.

Who is Holly Stables?

Holly is an ultrarunner, endurance coach, and co-founder of the UK trail running community Rush By Nature. She’s known for her grounded, honest approach to running and life, and has helped countless runners build confidence through coaching, community, and leading by example.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• What exactly is The Speed Project, and why is it so difficult?
• How Holly trained (and didn’t train) for a 340-mile solo run
• Crew chaos, sleep deprivation, and managing the mental rollercoaster
• Fueling with burgers, hot sauce, and occasional meltdowns
• Racing side-by-side with the front runner—and what happened next
• Gary’s behind-the-scenes role and the things he definitely didn’t plan for
• Holly’s honest take on whether she’d do it all again

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: Welcome Holly!

03:40 – What is The Speed Project?

07:30 – Training and preparation (sort of)

12:00 – Life in the van and crew dynamics

17:20 – Nosebleeds, heat, and hallucinations

23:00 – Burgers, Red Bull & hot sauce: the fueling plan

29:45 – Catching the front-runner

36:10 – Mental fatigue and final miles into Vegas

44:20 – Recovery, reflection, and race blues

50:30 – Would she do it again?

Why You Should Listen:

This episode gives a raw and real insight into one of the most extreme races out there—told with honesty, humour, and just the right amount of chaos. Whether you’re into ultra running, long-distance challenges, or just love a story of human grit, this one delivers.

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#TheSpeedProject #UltraRunning #TrailRunning #RunningPodcast #HollyStables #RushByNature #DesertRunning #MentalToughness #RUNcensored #GaryHouse #BenMounsey

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