The Dance in the Desert: KRC x TSP

Photography and Words Brian Galdamez

Where most ask “why?”, these brave spirits ask “why not?”

Ocean Blvd, 4 AM, May 28th 2021, the calm of the morning engulfed teams as they loaded up their vehicles and got their runners ready for the start of the organized chaos. The start line, a moment containing all the energy of athletes ready to bolt through the empty streets of West LA. The destination…. “Welcome to Las Vegas” via the notorious 340 mile relay. Lined up were seasoned vets who have trekked the distance before to those who have never tested their potential in this way. Amongst the teams were KRC10, roster made of Andy, Brian M., Tay, Kelly, Josh, Brian L., Aris, Bryant, Emmanuel, Gus and KRC8 made of Benny, Sara, MK, Chris, Danny, Alex, Julian and Andy. The crew keeping the ship going; Annie, Alfino, Ed, Maggie, Jenna, Dave, Gordon, Mayra, Jessica, Natalie, Alex, Donna, and Kevin. What felt like yin and yang of Koreatown’s staple run club, the whole in both parts and both parts in the whole; seemingly contrary forces are interconnected.

Start line, Santa Monica. 4a.m. Photograph by Bryan Garcia. — Start line, Santa Monica. 4a.m. *Photograph by Bryan Garcia.*

The intensity explodes with the pack sprinting out the gate and east on Colorado Blvd. By the time the runners were out of sight, the crowd had dispersed like the smoke of a start gun. The group energy wears off, its just you and your team for the rest of the venture. The original route ran is available for all, however the strategy to attack the distance varies. No spectators, no rules.

Getting out of LA felt like the first mental chunk of the route. Now being through and over the valleys, the teams get into the ‘delightful’ desert. With the sun beaming at 9a.m., the spirit and hearts are fully awake. Nature does not discriminate. Each runner and crew member must adapt to the elements, the difference between flourishing or perishing in this space. Running on road in a metropolitan city or on a closed track is an entire different game than the 2 lane highways in the desert. Some echo this is where the race begins…

Tay’s grace through Soledad Canyon Tunnel. Photograph by Brian Galdamez. — Tay’s grace through Soledad Canyon Tunnel. *Photograph by Brian Galdamez.*

Gordon pacing with Alex. The Clique team right next to them.

Passing through Adelanto and Barstow, you feel the transition into a new environment. One that demands full presence. It’s you, your step, your breath, the dry heat, and the sun above your head for a few miles at a time before spotting the RV or SUV holding your teammate for the tag. Each runner in their own world, feeling the discomfort on different levels and adjusting. The microcosms in the macrocosm of the relay. Whoever wasn’t running still remained alert of their team, either cheering them or handing them hydration. Rest is scarce in this space. The primary focus is for the runners to get in sleep as they can. Quality sleep, despite the amount of time the eyes are closed, is the key to recharging and rebuilding. Allowing the mind to come to a resting vibration creates the conditions for our restoration. TSP is the perfect space to witness the miracles of our mental attitudes and how they can impact the movement of the machine. The amplified energy, the constant motion, the collapsing of the idea of time all contribute to the the embodiment of teamwork and chosen family.

The high heat begins to subside as the teams head out of Barstow and into Baker. At this point, KRC10 and KRC 8 are separated by about 3-4 hours. In a race where you stop seeing teams all together as each ground into their strategy and pace, it is refreshing to be aware you have another RV and SUV of people you’re connected to. The minimal traffic, the sun setting, the gentle breeze, the calm voices of friends; these are the type of moments imbedded into our hearts. When the dark wraps over the landscape, another shift in energy is felt. The Silence felt through the pitch black and you being the only light passing through is unmatched. "Coincidently” this is the segment the KRC teams met a couple trails runs, no support/crew could follow the runners with this terrain. Godspeed…

The first day/night passed, it is now about 6a.m. the energy shifts from the Silent night to the dawn of new day. Both teams well into about the halfway mark. The sentiment, “finish what you start” roared through this race. Day 2, around 7 a.m, KRC10 and KRC 8 crossed paths at a gas station. Once the crews reorganized, the RV refueled, and any restroom breaks it was back to the program. The next segment, Death Valley, a fitting name to say the least. This was a relatively cool day and still gauging between 100-110 °F. In the depth of the desert you can see the pendulum swinging between sanity and insanity, comfort and discomfort, bliss and pain. Each runner regulating their internal world while knowing they are going to be back on the hot pavement.

Coming out the climb of Death Valley, you see the glimmering lights on the horizon. The home stretch, it is now around 9pm. ‘Is it a mirage or is it the indicator of arriving to the city that never sleeps?’. The energy grows with each step, getting closer and closer to the ‘finish’. After about 40 hours of motion where most expect the fatigue to be evident, these teams felt another surge of energy to finish. For the KRC8 strategy shifted as the mileage piled for a few of the runners. In response; Alex, Chris, MK and Danny took on the last 10 miles themselves at one mile intervals. One mile on, run to the SUV, swap out, and repeat for the remaining distance. KRC10 kept the strategy, sticking together and to the plan as best as possible. These beings dug into themselves, squeezing each ounce of their given potential in this moment. Running is what you do, these moments reveal who-you-really-are. KRC8 finished with a time of 43 hours 24 minutes, and KRC10 clocked in at 46 hours 42 minutes. Both incredible showcases of preparation, teamwork, grit, love, and friendship. Where many give up, you decided to keep going.

These beings pushed their limits and left it all out in the desert. What is the point of all the preparation if you’re not willing to go to the edge?

What does it take for you to dig within and pull out your potential?

Thank you

runners/crew of KRC10 and KRC8 for one hell of a ride.

Duy for allowing us to document and create in this space.

the speed project and those behind the madness.

to the power keeping us alive and safe through it all.

For more on KRC click here

For more on The Speed Project click here

Photography by Bryan Garcia

Photography and Words Brian Galdamez

Champagne shower? Why not like 8 of them. The celebration continued at Love Hour, and yes the legs still work post TSP. Photograph by Bryan Garcia.