The Checkpoint

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 [email protected] 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.comThank you for stopping by The Checkpoint. Don't stay here too long. There's training and racing to get to!

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 [email protected] Link:Andy Bacon's EX2 Adventures - https://ex2adventures.com/Featured USARA Races:Stubborn Mule Adventure Race - https://180adventure.com/sm-race-infoRainier 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.comThank you for stopping by The Checkpoint. Don't stay here too long. There's training and racing to get to!

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-adventuTeton Ogre Adventure Race - https://tetonogre.com/Shownotes: Emily Korsch's AR Blog - http://www.emilykorsch.com/p/about-me.htmlThanks 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.comThank you for stopping by The Checkpoint. Don't stay here too long. There's training and racing to get to!

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-01Shownotes: USARA: https://www.usara.com/anti-dopingUSADA: https://www.usada.org/Global Dro (medications): https://www.globaldro.com/HomeNSF: Certified for Sport (supplements): https://www.nsfsport.com/index.phpIV 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.pdfThanks 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.comThank you for stopping by The Checkpoint. Don't stay here too long. There's training and racing to get to!

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.comUpcoming 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.comThank you for stopping by The Checkpoint. Don't stay here too long. There's training and racing to get to!