The Checkpoint

United States Adventure Racing Association
  • 4.9 (14)
  • WILDERNESS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

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

  1. JUN 13

    Episode 12: Leveling Up to Expedition Racing with Brian Gatens of The Dark Zone Podcast

    Welcome to Episode 12 of USARA's The Checkpoint Podcast. On this episode of USARA's The Checkpoint Podcast, host Brent Freedland is joined by Brian Gatens, host of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast, for a deep dive into the world of expedition-length racing. From choosing your first race to travel logistics, international race prep, and lessons learned the hard way, Brian shares what it takes to level up. Along the way, he busts a few myths and offers practical advice drawn from years of on-course experience, as well as some terrible decisions. Whether you're planning your first expedition race or chasing a podium, this episode delivers the real-world insights you need to go farther, smarter, and stronger. Send ideas for future episodes to info@usara.com Featured USARA Races: Maine Summer Adventure Race - https://www.mainesummerar.com/ Never Summer Adventure Race - https://rockymountainadventureseries.com/never-summer-24hr/ Pocket Gopher AR Series - https://howlingadventurer.com/pocket-gopher-series/ Shownotes: Thanks to Brian Gatens of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast (www.ardarkzone.com) 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!

    1h 13m

  2. MAY 21

    Episode 11: The Mailbag Episode - You Asked And We Answered With Mari Chandler and Andy Bacon

    Welcome to Episode 11 of USARA's The Checkpoint Podcast. On this mailbag episode of USARA’s The Checkpoint Podcast, host Brent Freedland is joined by adventure racing veterans Mari Chandler and Andy Bacon for a lively and wide-ranging conversation. Drawing from listener questions, the trio dives into gear preferences, sleep strategy, and team communication among other topics. With decades of experience between them, Mari and Andy offer equal parts wisdom, humor, and hard-earned insight. Whether you're new to AR or a seasoned racer, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in for a fun and informative journey through the questions that keep adventure racers up at night. Send us your questions for future episodes at info@usara.com Guest Link: Andy Bacon's EX2 Adventures - https://ex2adventures.com/ Featured USARA Races: Stubborn Mule Adventure Race - https://180adventure.com/sm-race-info Rainier Raid Adventure Race - https://rainierraid.com/ Shownotes: Thanks to Brian Gatens of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast (www.ardarkzone.com) 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!

    1h 25m

  3. MAR 24

    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/ Featured USARA Races: Tug Hill Extreme Adventure Race - https://tughilloutfitters.com/tug-hill-extreme-adventu Teton Ogre Adventure Race - https://tetonogre.com/ Shownotes: Emily Korsch's AR Blog - http://www.emilykorsch.com/p/about-me.html Thanks to Brian Gatens of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast (www.ardarkzone.com) 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!

    1h 24m

  4. JAN 28

    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/ Featured USARA Races: Mission Adventure Race 18 hrs.: https://www.dinoseries.com/mission-18-hour-race/ Chisholm Trail Adventure Race 24 hrs: https://www.texasprideracing.org/basic-01 Shownotes: USARA: https://www.usara.com/anti-doping USADA: https://www.usada.org/ Global Dro (medications): https://www.globaldro.com/Home NSF: Certified for Sport (supplements): https://www.nsfsport.com/index.php IV Infusions: 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/ TUE Exemption Policy: 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) 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!

    1h 12m

  5. 12/02/2024

    USARA's The Checkpoint: Episode 8 - Cold Weather Adventure Racing and Training with Andrea Larson

    Welcome to Episode 8 of USARA's The Checkpoint Podcast. In this episode, Brent interviews Andrea Larson of Ironbull and Rib Mountain Racing about cold-weather racing and training. They discuss a variety of strategies, and Brent closes out the episode by emphasizing cold-weather safety strategies. This is a must-listen episode for all racers entering the winter months. Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge - https://www.ribmountainadventurechallenge.com/ Ironbull - https://www.ironbull.org/ Rootstock Racing - www.rootstockracing.com Upcoming USARA races featured in this episode: Raid The Rock - https://www.raidtherock.com/ Shenandoah Epic - https://www.adventureenablers.com/ Thanks to Brian Gatens of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast (www.ardarkzone.com) 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!

    1h 23m

  6. 10/14/2024

    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

    1h 4m

  7. 08/29/2024

    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

    1h 36m

  8. 06/29/2024

    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

    1h 16m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    United States Adventure Racing Association
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 United States Adventure Racing Association
  • Show Website
    The Checkpoint

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