A collaboration between The United States Adventure Racing Association and The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast, The Checkpoint is there for every adventure racer with guidance and advice, and serves to highlight the work of our race directors from across the country. Visit us at www.usara.com
Episode 12: Leveling Up to Expedition Racing with Brian Gatens of The Dark Zone Podcast
Host Brent Freedland interviews Brian Gatens about expedition racing, exploring race selection, travel logistics, international preparation, and hard-earned lessons for aspiring and experienced racers.
21 May 2025
Episode 11: The Mailbag Episode - You Asked And We Answered With Mari Chandler and Andy Bacon
Host Brent Freedland interviews adventure racing veterans Mari Chandler and Andy Bacon about gear, sleep strategies, and team communication, providing valuable insights for adventure racers of all levels.
24 Mar 2025
USARA's The Checkpoint: Episode 10 - Leveling Up as a Racer and as a Team with Cliff White of Strong Machine Adventure Racing
Welcome to Episode 10 of USARA's The Checkpoint Podcast.
In this episode, Brent sits down with Cliff White of Strong Machine Adventure Racing to explore the personal and team growth that has shaped their success over the past decade. Strong Machine has earned impressive results at both the national and international levels, and Cliff offers valuable insight into the strategies and experiences that have driven that success. A big thank you to Cliff for taking the time to share his story and expertise with us.
Guest Link:
Strong Machine Adventure Racing - https://www.strongmachinear.com/ (https://www.strongmachinear.com/)
Featured USARA Races:
Tug Hill Extreme Adventure Race - https://tughilloutfitters.com/tug-hill-extreme-adventu (https://tughilloutfitters.com/tug-hill-extreme-adventu)
Teton Ogre Adventure Race - https://tetonogre.com/ (https://tetonogre.com/)
Shownotes:
Emily Korsch's AR Blog - http://www.emilykorsch.com/p/about-me.html (https://www.emilykorsch.com/p/about-me.html)
Thanks to Brian Gatens of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast (www.ardarkzone.com (https://www.ardarkzone.com/)) for his assistance.
Be sure to visit the United States Adventure Racing Association at www.usara.com (https://www.usara.com/)
Thank you for stopping by The Checkpoint. Don't stay here too long. There's training and racing to get to!
28 Jan 2025
USARA's The Checkpoint: Episode 9 - Anti-Doping Education and Adventure Racing with Alyssa Godesky
Welcome to Episode 9 of USARA's The Checkpoint Podcast.
In this episode, Brent discusses doping, supplements, sleep, caffeine, and all the things that the adventure racer should consider around these topics. As a successful endurance athlete and coach, Alyssa offers perspective and consideration, and brings illumination to a complex topic. Thank you to her for stopping by The Checkpoint.
Guest Link:
Alyssa Godesky - https://www.alyssagodesky.com/ (https://www.alyssagodesky.com/)
Featured USARA Races:
Mission Adventure Race 18 hrs.: https://www.dinoseries.com/mission-18-hour-race/ (https://www.dinoseries.com/mission-18-hour-race/)
Chisholm Trail Adventure Race 24 hrs: https://www.texasprideracing.org/basic-01 (https://www.texasprideracing.org/basic-01)
Shownotes:
USARA: https://www.usara.com/anti-doping (https://www.usara.com/anti-doping)
USADA: https://www.usada.org/ (https://www.usada.org/)
Global Dro (medications): https://www.globaldro.com/Home (https://www.globaldro.com/Home)
NSF: Certified for Sport (supplements): https://www.nsfsport.com/index.php (https://www.nsfsport.com/index.php)
IV Infusions: https://www.usada.org/athlete-advisory/iv-infusions-explanatory-note/ (https://www.usada.org/athlete-advisory/iv-infusions-explanatory-note/)
Substance Profile-Inhaled Medications: https://www.usada.org/spirit-of-sport/education/what-athletes-need-to-know-about-inhaled-medications/ (https://www.usada.org/spirit-of-sport/education/what-athletes-need-to-know-about-inhaled-medications/)
TUE Exemption Policy: https://www.usada.org/wp-content/uploads/USADA_TUE_Policy.pdf (https://www.usada.org/wp-content/uploads/USADA_TUE_Policy.pdf)
Thanks to Brian Gatens of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast (www.ardarkzone.com (https://www.ardarkzone.com/)) for his assistance.
Be sure to visit the United States Adventure Racing Association at www.usara.com (https://www.usara.com)
Thank you for stopping by The Checkpoint. Don't stay here too long. There's training and racing to get to!
2 Dec 2024
USARA's The Checkpoint: Episode 8 - Cold Weather Adventure Racing and Training with Andrea Larson
Brent interviews Andrea Larson of Ironbull and Rib Mountain Racing about cold-weather racing and training strategies, emphasizing essential safety precautions for winter racers.
14 Oct 2024
USARA's The Checkpoint: Episode 7 - Podcast Host Brent Freedland Introduces The Two Rivers AR, and Talks Nutritional Strategies for Racing and Life with Jen Segger and Jill Mooney
Welcome to Episode 7 of USARA's The Checkpoint Podcast.
In this episode, Brent introduces the Two Rivers Adventure Race. A Rootstock Racing event, Two Rivers is the ARWS North American Championship Race with the winning team earning a free spot to the 2025 ARWS World Championship in British Columbia.
Brent then speaks with Jen Segger and Jill Mooney about their partnership around nutritional strategies for adventure racers and all athletes. They go deep into the science of the stomach, how to avoid a 'sloshy gut,' and what good food choices look like. This is a great episode for anyone looking to nail their nutrition.
Thanks to Brian Gatens of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast for his assistance.
Be sure to visit the United States Adventure Racing Association at www.usara.com
Thank you for stopping by The Checkpoint. Don't stay here too long. There's training and racing to get to!
Shownotes:
https://www.jensegger.com/
https://barrultra.com/nutrition-with-jill/
www.rootstockracing.com
https://www.usara.com/
www.ardarkzone.com
29 Aug 2024
USARA's The Checkpoint: Episode 6 - Allen Wagner of Broad Run Off Road Racing, and Tray Farrar & Stephanie Ross Talk of Past National Championships And Their Enduring Legacy
Welcome to Episode 6 of USARA's The Checkpoint Podcast.
In this episode, Brent speaks with Allen Wagner of Broad Run Off Road Racing about his upcoming Fall Foliage Adventure Race. An increasingly popular race, the Fall Foliage is a great race for beginners and veterans alike. Our second segment is a deep dive into past USARA National Championships with Stephanie Ross and Tray Farrar. Packed with stories, adventures, and the challenges of presenting a national championship, this episode is a great way to prepare for next month's USARA National Championship Race in Snowshoe, West Virginia.
Thanks to Brian Gatens of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast for his assistance.
Be sure to visit the United States Adventure Racing Association at www.usara.com
Thank you for stopping by The Checkpoint. Don't stay here too long. There's training and racing to get to!
Shownotes:
https://www.usara.com/
www.ardarkzone.com
29 Jun 2024
USARA's The Checkpoint: Episode 5 - Doug and Jen from No Complaints have no complaints, plus RD's Paul Ryan from Texas Pride and Tom Martin from GMARA
Welcome to Episode 5 of USARA's The Checkpoint Podcast.
In this episode, Brent speaks with Doug Ritzert and Jen DeBruyn from No Complaints about their experience, approach to the sport, and strong team dynamics. Following our first segment, Texas Pride RD Paul Ryan speaks about the Chisholm Trail AR followed by Tom Martin of GMARA's The Hard Fall. This episode is packed with advice, information, and folks who love AR and are delighted to share it with you.
Thanks to Brian Gatens of The Dark Zone Podcast for his assistance with hosting duties.
Be sure to visit the United States Adventure Racing Association at www.usara.com
Thank you for stopping by The Checkpoint. Don't stay here too long. There's training and racing to get to!
Shownotes:
https://www.usara.com/
https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Kopperl/ChisholmTrailAdventureRace
https://www.gmara.org/races/hardfall/
www.ardarkzone.com
20 May 2024
USARA's The Checkpoint: Episode 4 - Steve and Amber Own The Night, plus Gold Rush AR and Strong Machine AR Race Directors
Welcome to Episode 4 of USARA's The Checkpoint Podcast.
In this episode, Brent speaks with Amber Dolphin and Steve Moechnig about their racing, teamwork, leveling up, and how they strategize for night navigation. Following our first segment, Jameson and Catherine from Gold Rush Adventure Adventure Racing talk about their upcoming race, and the episode closes with Cliff White of Strong Machine Adventure Racing as he and Brent discuss sea kayaking, and making oysters available to small children. This episode has something for everyone!
Thanks to Brian Gatens of The Dark Zone Podcast as he lends an assist with hosting duties.
Be sure to visit the United States Adventure Racing Association at www.usara.com
Thank you for stopping by The Checkpoint. Don't stay here too long. There's training and racing to get to!
Shownotes:
https://www.usara.com/
https://www.goldrushadventureracing.com/
https://www.strongmachinear.com/
www.ardarkzone.com
21 Apr 2024
USARA's The Checkpoint: Episode 3 - BRF Barf Racing goes deep, plus the Never Summer and Rainier Raid Race Directors
Welcome to Episode 3 of USARA's The Checkpoint Podcast.
In this episode, Brent goes deep with BRF Barf Racing (Next stop, Smoothie King!), and speaks with RD Katie Ferrington of the Never Summer AR and Jason Magness of the Rainier Raid AR. All three segments have something for everyone. Thanks to Brian Gatens of The Dark Zone Podcast as he lends an assist with hosting duties.
Be sure to visit the United States Adventure Racing Association at www.usara.com
Thank you for stopping by The Checkpoint. Don't stay here too long. There's training and racing to get to!
Shownotes:
https://www.facebook.com/BRF.Podcast/
https://rockymountainadventureseries.com/never-summer-24hr/
https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=113068
www.ardarkzone.com
29 Mar 2024
USARA's The Checkpoint: Episode 2 - The Teton Ogre, The Stubborn Mule, and Racer Anna Stewart Who Is Neither.
Welcome to Episode 2 (Kinda 2.5) of USARA's The Checkpoint Podcast.
In this episode, Brent learns all about The Teton Ogre AR, The Stubborn Mule AR, and has a longer interview with racer Anna Stewart (whose enthusiasm could fuel a rocketship). Unlike Episode 1 in which Brent needed an assist from Brian Gatens of The Dark Zone Podcast, he takes care of this one solo and does a great job with all of it.
Thank you for stopping by The Checkpoint. Don't stay here too long. There's training and racing to get to!
Shownotes:
https://www.usara.com/
https://tetonogre.com/
https://www.adventuresignup.com/Race/WI/Cable/StubbornMuleAdventureRace
www.ardarkzone.com
17 Mar 2024
USARA's The Checkpoint: Flash Episode - Championship team Mountain Designs Wild Women and the Women of AR
Welcome to a special Flash Episode of USARA's The Checkpoint Podcast.
Episode 2 is right around the corner, but before that here comes a new episode with the record-setting Mountain Designs Wild Women Team: Champions of The Legend Expedition Race in Australia. Brent Freedlan begins by interviewing Steph Ross, Kit Vreeland, and Ashley Eaton to open the episode. The second segment is a long and comprehensive interview by Steph Ross of the Mountain Designs Wild Women (with a little Abby Perkiss thrown in there as well).
The Checkpoint is happy to interrupt their regular programming to shine a spotlight on the AR's newest champions, the work being done by Steph Ross and the Women of AR, and Kit Vreeland and Ashley Eaton's success at the 2023 USARA Nationals. Enjoy!
Shownotes:
https://www.usara.com/
https://www.wldnco.com/24-hour-to-6-day-events/legend-expd
https://www.blogger.com/profile/11710981965297924946
https://sportzhub.com/article/historic-win-for-mountain-designs-wild-women-team-at-legend-xpd-australia.html
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dark-zone-an-adventure-racing-podcast/id1578529221?i=1000647735469
10 Feb 2024
USARA's The Checkpoint: Episode 1 - Two RD's and a PT Walk Into A Podcast
Welcome to Episode 1 of USARA's The Checkpoint Podcast.
Join Brent Freedland (with a little help from Brian Gatens of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast) as he interviews race directors from across the U.S. Thank you to Brian for his longform interview of PT Dr. Karyn Dulaney as she breaks down how adventure racers can, well, not break down by taking care of themselves in a variety of ways.
Thank you for stopping by The Checkpoint. Don't stay here too long. There's training and racing to get to!
Shownotes:
https://www.usara.com/
https://www.adventuresignup.com/Race/MO/Eminence/TheBerrymanAdventure
https://www.dinoseries.com/
Who has been a guest on The Checkpoint
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Brian Gatens
Mari Chandler
Andy Bacon
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Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
15 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100
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22
Social presence
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YouTube
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Engagement
71
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