The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast: Recent Episodes
Brian Gatens
The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast welcomes you to our world. Come hear from racers, race directors, fans of AR, and everyone in between.
The podcast's out there, you pick it up, it's yours, you don't, I got no sympathy for you. (as inspired by Glengarry Glenn Ross)
New Zealand's Louie Burger is 18. He's also four expedition races deep, including a run at the iconic Godzone. He got there by way of one of the country's strongest school adventure racing programs, a last-minute addition to a team at The Magnificient, dedicated training and teamwork, and a lot of very long days in the bush.
We talk about what it takes to trust people you've known for 24 hours versus teammates you've raced with since school, what actually goes wrong on a six-day expedition race, and the moments both fun and not-so-fun that always come along during a race. Along the way, Louie speaks about mentors, challenging moments, an unforgettable in-race surprise, and his own thoughts on how hard to push a young body built for a sport he wants to still be doing at 60.
Shownotes:
Facebook Page - Link Here
Instagram Page - Link Here
Godzone Report - Link Here
Tasman Adventure Race - www.tasmanadventurerace.nz
In December 2021, Racer and Race Director Shawn Lemaster sat down with us for Dark Zone #16. He was building races through 361 Adventures and putting in his own long days planning race courses and personal adventures. This year, we hit five years of the show, so we're running it back with some of those early voices, and Shawn was first in the chair.
A lot has happened. 361 Adventures continues to grow, this spring he ran his first hundred-miler, and connects even more with his community through racing, directing, and adventures both near and far.
That's the thread running through the whole hour. Triathlon, then AR, then bikepacking, now ultras. Every time Sean moved to a new sport, what he was really looking for was his people. We also get into 361 going all in for 2026, their signature event The Fig growing to twenty-four hours for its twenty-fourth year, and a mountain bike race that broke his social media. The Dark Zone is delighted to welcome Shawn Lemaster back to the show.
Shownotes:
361 Adventures - https://361adventures.com/
361 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/361.Adventures/
361 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/361adventures/
Stagecoach 400 Documentary - Click Here
Rootstock Racing is taking over the Dark Zone feed, offering a limited series podcast chronicling the 2026 Endless Mountains Adventure Race.
In this, the final episode, official standings, returning to real life, and holding on to the magic of the adventure
Shownotes:
The Endless Mountains Adventure Race - www.endlessmountainsar.com
Rootstock Racing - www.rootstockracing.com
For the next two weeks, Rootstock Racing is taking over the Dark Zone feed, offering a limited series podcast chronicling the 2026 Endless Mountains Adventure Race.
In this episode, strategic route decisions, the field stretches to the max, and stress levels rise as the finish line is in sight.
Shownotes:
The Endless Mountains Adventure Race - www.endlessmountainsar.com
Rootstock Racing - www.rootstockracing.com
Therapist, ultra runner, and race director Allison Marinucci joins the show for a conversation that starts with endurance and goes somewhere deeper. Allison traces her path from Couch to 5K, through COVID-era backyard ultras, to a double hip replacement that forced the question every athlete eventually faces: who are you when the sport goes away?
From there, Brian and Allison dig into what therapy and adventure racing teach each other, and why the lessons of the racecourse matter most when life delivers its hardest disruptions.
Allison also shares the deeply personal story behind Serenity on the Trails, the four-mile race she directs in Schenectady's Central Park on August 22 in support of people in recovery. Registration and resources in the show notes.
Shownotes:
Serenity On The Trails - https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Schenectady/SerenityOnTheTrails
NY State Office of Addiction Services and Support - https://oasas.ny.gov/
SAMHSA Drug and Alcohol National Helpline - https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline
For the next two weeks, Rootstock Racing is taking over the Dark Zone feed, offering a limited series podcast chronicling the 2026 Endless Mountains Adventure Race.
In this episode, the first sleep, the cliff jump, and the race starts to take its toll.
Shownotes:
The Endless Mountains Adventure Race - www.endlessmountainsar.com
Rootstock Racing - www.rootstockracing.com
MRS Packrafting - https://www.microrafting.com
Sound credits:
Film clip: Up. Directed by Pete Docter, Pixar Animation Studios / Walt Disney Pictures, 2009.
Nathan Fa'avae returns to the Dark Zone — over 100 episodes after his first appearance as guest #50. A seven-time adventure racing world champion with Seagate and Avaya, Nathan officially stepped back from traditional AR in 2023, not to slow down but to redirect: growing youth and women's adventure racing in New Zealand through his events company, and chasing ultra-endurance paddling with longtime racing teammate Sophie Hart.
In ten days, they head back to the Yukon River for their second attempt at the Yukon 1000, the longest kayak race in the world, after taking the win — and the second-fastest time ever — in 2024. Nathan talks candidly about why this retirement stuck when earlier ones didn't, the outdoor-education philosophy he and his wife Jodie built their family around, and his advice for anyone trying to break into adventure racing.
He also opens up about a small moment with Sophie mid-race that's stuck with him ever since, and shares how listeners can support his $10-a-mile fundraiser for his family's foundation supporting Pacific Island youth in New Zealand.
Shownotes:
$10 Per Mile Donation Page - https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/httpsnathanfaavaenzfaavaefund
The Yukon 1000 - https://www.yukon1000.org/
For the next two weeks, Rootstock Racing is taking over the Dark Zone feed, offering a limited series podcast chronicling the 2026 Endless Mountains Adventure Race.
In this episode, the race kicks off at the summit of Mount Defiance in Ticonderoga, New York and teams push through their first night on the course.
Shownotes:
The Endless Mountains Adventure Race - www.endlessmountainsar.com
Rootstock Racing - www.rootstockracing.com
Old School Bagels Bakery and Cafe - https://oldschoolbagels.com/
For the next two weeks, Rootstock Racing is taking over the Dark Zone feed, offering a limited series podcast chronicling the 2026 Endless Mountains Adventure Race.
In this episode, final gear preparations, race fuel, and packing your fears.
Shownotes:
The Endless Mountains Adventure Race - www.endlessmountainsar.com
Rootstock Racing - www.rootstockracing.com
Music credits:
Mountain Sun, Jason Shaw, Free Music Archive, CC BY.
For the next two weeks, Rootstock Racing is taking over the Dark Zone feed, offering a limited series podcast chronicling the 2026 Endless Mountains Adventure Race.
In this episode, teams talk preparation, goals, and the blurry lines between adventure racing and adventure parenting.
Shownotes:
The Endless Mountains Adventure Race - www.endlessmountainsar.com
Rootstock Racing - www.rootstockracing.com
Music credits:
Crazy Folk-Rock Happy Timber, Vlad Annenkov, Free Music Archive, CC BY.
Inspiring Acoustic and Strings, Vlad Annenkov, Free Music Archive, CC BY.
For the next two weeks, Rootstock Racing is taking over the Dark Zone feed, offering a limited series podcast chronicling the 2026 Endless Mountains Adventure Race.
In case you missed it, this is a rebroadcast of the teaser. Listen here for Episode 0.5 of the Endless Mountains Podcast, produced by Rootstock Racing.
Shownotes:
The Endless Mountains Adventure Race - www.endlessmountainsar.com
Rootstock Racing - www.rootstockracing.com
Bones Adventure - https://bonesadventure.com/
We love it when race directors send teams our way, and that's what RD Mark Lattanzi did in 2025 following his three-day The Cerberus Expedition Stage Race. Three-person team, One Degree Racing, tackled the course and stood out for their enthusiasm, high spirits, and teamwork.
This conversation is a clinic for newer teams. One Degree digs into strategic point-dropping, rotating the maps so everyone learns to navigate, and a mind/body/spirit check-in used by the team to squash trouble before it festers. These may be the most varied topics ever covered on TDZ: Paul Farmer and Mountains Beyond Mountains, chess boxing, the Wundt Curve, friendship beyond the teenage years, and why a short-term rental beats sleeping in the dirt.
Thank you to One Degree Racing for coming onto The Dark Zone!
Shownotes:
The Cerberus Expedition Stage Race - https://www.thecerberusrace.com/cerberus/index.php
Sponsor Links:
ARWS Junior World Champs - https://tinyurl.com/mr48z4c6
Youth Adventure Race Camp - https://events.adengear.com/e/YouthRaceCamp2026
Twin sisters Jennifer Robertson and Jamie Miller of Team Overconfident and Undertrained join TDZ to talk about the greatest team name in adventure racing. Based in Oklahoma, Jennifer and Jamie discovered adventure racing two and a half years ago and never looked back. In this episode, they talk with TDZ about the accountability of training with your twin living across the street, learning navigation by stumbling into checkpoints, two 24-hour races that humbled them, and the third they're determined to finish.
It's a conversation about saying yes, and about getting past the what-ifs and the fear of finishing last, and discovering that the joy outweighs all of it. Jennifer and Jamie came up through high family expectations, youth sports, college basketball, and learned the hard way that performance isn't identity. During their adventure racing journey, they get into the dehydration and cold-weather lessons that ended their first two 24-hour attempts, the videos they make on the long drive home to bring more people into the sport, and a candid take on where youth sports have gone wrong. It's a reminder that the best adventure racers are the ones who keep showing up, do their best, are good teammates, and refuse to let a bad day decide who they are.
Shownotes:
Overconfident and Undertrained on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OverConfidentUnderTrained
Sponsor Links:
ARWS Junior World Champs - https://tinyurl.com/mr48z4c6
Youth Adventure Race Camp - https://events.adengear.com/e/YouthRaceCamp2026
Adam Rose joins The Dark Zone for a full debrief on the 2025 Bimbache adventure race in Morocco. Racing with Team Beacon, Adam has a lot to say about five days in the Atlas Mountains — the terrain, the race design, the decisions that cost them, and the moments that made it worth every dirham.
Race director Antonio de la Rosa leaves his signature on everything he touches. Bimbache was no different. Adam unpacks what that means for teams on the ground, what the AR community should know before they sign up, and why this race is already being discussed in the same breath as a world championship.
Adam and Brian dig into the gap between what a stage looks like on paper and what it demands in practice — and what happens to a team's decision-making when sleep debt starts compounding across multiple days. Spoiler: it doesn't go well. It makes for great podcast listening though.
Also in the conversation: the tension between giving racers information and preserving the uncertainty that makes expedition racing what it is, European teams making smart sleep decisions before the 24-hour mark, and why some of the best moments in Morocco didn't always happen during the racing.
Adam sacrificed to race Bimbache, and he has zero regrets. That tells you everything you need to know about what kind of episode this is, who he is, and why he loves adventure racing so much.
Shownotes:
AR on AR - https://www.youtube.com/@ARonAR
Sponsor Links:
ARWS Junior World Champs - https://tinyurl.com/mr48z4c6
Youth Adventure Race Camp - https://events.adengear.com/e/YouthRaceCamp2026
Returning guest Marina LeGree, Executive Director of Ascend Athletics, is always a delight to have on The Dark Zone. In this episode, we discuss her introduction to adventure racing, the parallels between Ascend and AR, and how her family is again returning to The Maine Summer Adventure Race.
LeGree founded Ascend Athletics in Afghanistan in 2015 — taking girls into the mountains to teach navigation skills, rope work, and what it feels like to be part of a team. The Taliban shut that down in 2021. Ascend pivoted to Pakistan, and helped to resettle 134 Afghan alumni across three continents. The work of Ascend, in the face of incredible challenges, didn't stop. Marina and her team kept moving forward.
It is easy to see the strong connection between Ascend and AR culture. There is always difficult terrain to traverse, the need for good navigation, and genuine teamwork. The Afghan alumni who made it out of Kabul in 2021 are now leading Ascend's Hike for Her events in Dublin, North Carolina, and around the world. One of them just volunteered to take the Ascend model to Africa. And some have dipped their toes into the AR waters.
This is a conversation about adaptation when situations change rapidly, about building teams across impossible cultural distances, and why good work matters in an evolving world. Thank you to Marina for coming on the show!
Shownotes:
Ascend Athletics Hike for Her - https://www.ascendathletics.org/event
Sponsor Links:
ARWS Junior World Champs - https://tinyurl.com/mr48z4c6
Youth Adventure Race Camp - https://events.adengear.com/e/YouthRaceCamp2026
Before we get into the race and event updates, we take a moment to remember TDZ Guest #2 Shelley Johannesson. Her loss has been a tremendous blow for our community, and TDZ wanted to join the community in honoring her and who she was.
We then turn to Jason's Adventure Bash, June 13th in Columbia, South Carolina, a race that Jason Schmidt designed himself before he passed away this past winter. His wife Liz made sure it's happening. Two formats, beginner to advanced, and 50% of proceeds go directly to a college fund for Jason's three kids. If you want a race that means something, this is the one.
Ascend Athletics' Hike For Her goes global May 30th, one day, one trail, one mission connecting women and girls from Afghanistan and Pakistan to wherever you're lacing up. Get involved at the link below
And come late June, the keys to this feed are getting handed over to Rootstock Racing while we're out racing the 5-day Endless Mountains. Rootstock is producing an in-race podcast, dropping episodes right here while we're still on course. We're happy to give RR this platform, and this episode captures the spirit of The Endless Mountains Adventure Race.
Thanks for being here for this unique episode of TDZ.
Shownotes:
Remembering Shelley Johannesen - https://www.usara.com/news/community-loss-1
Shelley's Dark Zone Episode #2 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dark-zone-2-shelley-mclaughlin/id1578529221?i=1000530189736
Jason's Adventure Bash - https://www.gritadventureracing.com/races
Ascend Athletics Hike for Her - https://www.ascendathletics.org/event
Endless Mountains Adventure Race - https://www.endlessmountainsar.com/
Endless Mountains Lite - https://www.rootstockracing.com/endless-mountains-adventure-race-lite.html#/
Kevin Tucker didn't find adventure racing through a slick marketing campaign or a friend with a team slot. He found it because famed RD Grant Killian left the door open to Untamed New England. Now, fourteen years later, Tucker is doing the same thing for Pittsburgh — and his team is taking the philosophy further than most race organizations would dare.
"His Pay What You Want" six and twelve-hour race on May 16th isn't just a pricing model. It's a statement about who this sport is for and who gets left out when we make entry too hard, too expensive, or too intimidating. Tucker — a civil rights attorney by day — brings the same access-first thinking to adventure racing that he's applied in federal court on behalf of athletes with disabilities.
In this conversation, we cover the mechanics of the pay what you want model, the joys and challenges of urban race permitting, what a first-time race director actually loses sleep over, and why Pittsburgh is having a moment that adventure racing should be part of. Plus: Kevin's own racing history, from a wild expedition debut at Untamed New England to a two-person adventure through Endless Mountains 2025 — and one unexpected international adventure that no one saw coming.
Shownotes:
3 Rivers Outdoor Co. website: https://3riversoutdoor.com/
3ROC's Pay What You Want Adventure Race registration website: https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/3ROCAdventureRace
Sponsor Links:
Adventure Addicts Racing's Brake The Habit AR - https://www.adventureaddictsracing.com/copy-of-brake-the-habit-1
Photographer Nic Wynia - https://www.storycityfilms.com/new-gallery-3
What do adventure racing and ultra cycling have in common? More than you think.
This week on The Dark Zone, Brian sits down with David Ayre of Lost Dot — the organization behind some of the world's most demanding ultra cycling events. What starts as a conversation about bikes across continents quickly reveals something familiar: dot watching, control points, self-sufficiency, volunteers as the backbone of the race, and a community built on the same ethos we live by in adventure racing.
David walks us through the Lost Dot race portfolio, the legacy of TCR founder Mike Hall, the nuanced world of self-supported racing ethics, and the organization's newest initiative — a race designed specifically for women, trans, and non-binary riders that drew more than a hundred applicants for its inaugural edition.
If you've ever wondered what racing looks like on two wheels across an entire continent, this episode is your answer.
Shownotes:
Lost Dot Racing - https://www.lostdot.cc/tcr
Lost Dot Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetranscontinental/
Sponsor Links:
Adventure Addicts Racing's Brake The Habit AR - https://www.adventureaddictsracing.com/copy-of-brake-the-habit-1
Photographer Nic Wynia - https://www.storycityfilms.com/new-gallery-3
Adventure racing has always depended on people who love the sport enough to build it. Greg Callas is one of those people.
Greg is the new president of Gold Rush Adventure Racing, a nonprofit based in the foothills of the Sierras with a two-decade history on the West Coast. He inherited a legacy, and a responsibility, from the founders who built it, and he's determined to carry both forward.
But this episode isn't just about race directing. It's about a guy who found adventure racing the way a lot of us did, by doing something that looked a lot like it before he even knew it existed, and then couldn't stop. From his first race at Mammoth, where his team basically set up a picnic at the transition area, to a strong finish at Raid the Rockies, to lantern rouge honors at Expedition Oregon two years running, and then greater success, Greg has learned the sport the hard way and applied every lesson.
In this conversation, we talk about what it takes to grow a community, what a Bay Area sea kayaking club taught him about onboarding new athletes, and why he turned a 24-hour race into a 12-hour race — and why that might have been the right call all along. We also get into the Gold Rush Adventure Challenge, coming September 19th to the Marin Headlands, with a paddle to Angel Island, views of the Golden Gate, and yes — a cannon.
The sport grows when people like Greg show up. This one's worth your time.
Shownotes:
Gold Rush Adventure Racing - https://www.goldrushadventureracing.com/
Greg Callas Website - https://www.outdoorgoyo.com/
Sponsor Links:
Adventure Addicts Racing's Brake The Habit AR - https://www.adventureaddictsracing.com/copy-of-brake-the-habit-1
Shenandoah Epic Adventure Race - https://www.adventureenablers.com/
Photographer Nic Wynia - https://www.storycityfilms.com/new-gallery-3
Kate and Cliff White of Strong Machine Adventure Racing have been a fixture in the adventure racing community for over a decade — first as racers stumbling toward the back of the pack at a winter race in Wisconsin, and eventually as two respected race directors on the East Coast. The path between those two points is anything but straight.
In this episode, we trace that journey: how a family machinery business became a team name, how a land trust in Maine became their first race venue, and how the simple act of showing up in a state with almost no races led them to build the ones they wanted to exist. Along the way, they've developed the Strong Machine Development Squad — a structured mentorship program designed to solve what Cliff identifies as the sport's most stubborn barrier to entry: people who want to race but can't find anyone to race with.
We also talk about the big races. Cliff on going unofficial in South Africa after a teammate's injury on day one, and still grinding through nine more days. Kate on a moment in Spain when she asked her teammates to leave her at a river crossing — and what it meant to come out the other side of that.
And we talk honestly about the sport's ceiling. Adventure racing will never be mainstream. Kate and Cliff have made their peace with that. What they haven't made peace with is the wide audience of endurance athletes who have yet to dip their toes into the AR water. Bringing them into the sport is the work they're still doing.
Shownotes:
https://www.mainesummerar.com/
Sponsor Links:
Adventure Addicts Racing's Brake The Habit AR - https://www.adventureaddictsracing.com/copy-of-brake-the-habit-1
Shenandoah Epic Adventure Race - https://www.adventureenablers.com/
Episode 150 of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast honors a milestone with someone who embodies the long arc of endurance sport — Dan Brannen.
Dan was my first adventure racing teammate back in 2011, when I was just breaking into the sport. But long before that, he had already built a remarkable career across decades of endurance.
A winner of the legendary JFK 50 Mile, former American record holder in the 48-hour run, multi-day competitor, and inductee into the American Ultra Running Hall of Fame, Dan’s legacy extends far beyond his race results. He played a pivotal role in organizing and legitimizing ultra running at both the national and international levels, helping establish championship pathways and governance structures that still shape the sport today.
In this conversation, we explore:
- How influential coaches shaped his early running career
- The explosion of the American running boom in the 1970s
- Multi-day racing on indoor tracks and the psychology of going long
- Why adventure racing in his 50s opened up a new dimension of challenge
- What separates strong teammates from fragile ones
- The concept of “discomfort management” — and why endurance success isn’t about absorbing pain, but navigating it intelligently
At 72, Dan continues to race, design courses, and shape the adventure racing community through events like the Fool’s Rogaine. His story is one of patience, persistence, humility, and quiet leadership.
Episode 150 is both personal and historical — a tribute to a first teammate and to a man who has helped build multiple sports from the inside out.
Sponsor Links:
Adventure Addicts Racing's Brake The Habit AR - https://www.adventureaddictsracing.com/copy-of-brake-the-habit-1
Shenandoah Epic Adventure Race - https://www.adventureenablers.com/
For almost 150 episodes, The Dark Zone has been free — stories of grit, uncertainty, partnership, and the long road through the unknown.
Now we’re turning those miles into something bigger.
From March 19–22, 2026, Bob Mina and Brian Gatens of TDZ will attempt to ride 400 miles from West Chester, Pennsylvania to The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. No guarantees. No shortcuts. Just four days and a whole lot of pedaling.
We’re calling it Katie’s Cookie Ride.
For years, Bob has baked cookies for his daughter Katie. This time, he’s baking a batch and carrying them 400 miles south — turning a simple family tradition into a fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
At St. Jude, families never receive a bill for treatment. Every dollar raised goes directly to their lifesaving mission. Bob and Brian are covering the full cost of the ride themselves.
If The Dark Zone has ever kept you company on a long run, a long drive, or a long trainer session — this is a chance to pay it forward.
Live tracking for the ride is being generously provided by Mark Harris of Enabled Tracking, and we’ll be updating along the way.
Donation Link Here
In this episode of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast, we sit down with the team behind a new and exciting expedition-length race — Ajita Madan and Sayeesha Kirani, founders of NthAdventure, alongside Heidi Muller and Stephan Muller, veteran adventure race directors. Together they unpack the story, strategy, and heart behind Adventure @ Mechukha, India’s first Adventure Racing World Series Qualifier.
Recorded against a backdrop of jaw-dropping landscapes and months of race build-up, our conversation explores what it takes to bring a world-class 450 km expedition to life in one of the most remote corners of Arunachal Pradesh. The team shares the logistics and cultural collaborations that define the race — from engaging local communities and navigating rugged borderland terrain to designing a course that tests the mettle of any expedition-caliber team.
Ajita and Sayeesha reflect on their decade-long journey growing adventure racing in India — from regional events to hosting international qualifiers — while Heidi and Stephan offer global perspective on why Mechukha is a pivotal new chapter for international adventure racing. Listeners gain insight into the philosophy of expedition race design, the importance of place and people in endurance sport, and what this race means for future athletes eager to chart their own path to the Adventure Racing World Championship.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventure racer or new to the sport’s expansive world, this episode is a deep dive into the passion, planning, and community that fuel adventure racing at its highest level — from the Himalayan borderlands to the global stage.
Shownotes:
Nth Adventure Site - https://www.nthadventure.com/adventureatmechukha
ARWS Site - https://arworldseries.com/races/424
Sponsor Links:
Nuataaq Carabiner Hydration Bottle - www.nuataaq.com
Shenandoah Epic Adventure Race - https://www.adventureenablers.com/
You’re listening to The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast, where we try to understand how adventure races really play out—over long distances, under fatigue, and within the relationships that make or break a team.
Today’s episode is a conversation with Emily Panietz and Becca Lunnon, racing as The Wonky Donkeys, about their strong showing at The Legend Adventure Race in Tasmania.
That result didn’t come out of nowhere. In earlier races, Emily and Becca struggled at times with communication and teamwork—misaligned expectations, moments of frustration, and the normal growing pains that come with learning how to race together. Those experiences didn’t end in easy results, but they did give them a clearer sense of what needed to change.
At The Legend, that work showed. Over the course of a long, technical race, they communicated more clearly, managed decisions together, and stayed connected when things got difficult. Rather than trying to force the race, they settled into a rhythm that allowed them to move steadily and efficiently through the course.
In this episode, we talk about that progression—what didn’t work early on, how they adjusted, and why The Legend felt like a genuinely strong race for them as teammates. It’s a conversation about learning, adapting, and how growth over time can turn into a result that feels earned.
Shownotes:
The Legend - https://www.legendexpd.com.au/
Sponsor Links:
Nuataaq Carabiner Hydration Bottle - www.nuataaq.com
Shenandoah Epic Adventure Race - https://www.adventureenablers.com/
In this episode of The Dark Zone, we sit down with Slade Combs, a performance coach who helps people understand, confront, and work through fear — not by eliminating it, but by learning how to carry it well. Whether you’re standing on a start line, staring down a scary race section, preparing for a big presentation, or simply trying to perform when the stakes feel high, fear shows up. The question isn’t if — it’s how.
Slade brings a calm, practical, and deeply human approach to performance. We talk about why fear feels so powerful, how it is rooted in our life experience, and what actually helps when confidence wavers and doubt creeps in. This isn’t about hype or shortcuts. It’s about awareness, practice, and building trust in yourself when conditions aren’t perfect.
Adventure racing lives in the margins — fatigue, uncertainty, imperfect information. So does life. This conversation bridges both worlds, offering insight for adventure racers, leaders, creatives, and anyone who wants to show up more fully when it matters most.
Shownotes:
https://www.sladecombs.com/
https://ardarkzone.com/2025/04/04/episode-121-dave-jackson-of-cavesim-what-caving-can-teach-adventure-racers-about-fear-focus-and-teamwork/
Sponsor Links:
Nuataaq Carabiner Hydration Bottle - www.nuataaq.com
Shenandoah Epic Adventure Race - https://www.adventureenablers.com/
Adventureware Shop - https://adventureware.shop/
In Episode 147, we step onto one of the most storied and demanding landscapes in European adventure racing.
Flavie Bahuaud of Raid In France, joins TDZ to pull back the curtain on the 2026 Adventure Racing World Championship, coming to Corsica in September 2026. This isn’t just another host venue—it’s an island defined by extremes: jagged mountains rising straight from the sea, historic trails, technical navigation, and terrain that demands respect from even the most experienced teams on the planet.
Flavie shares the vision behind bringing the World Championship to Corsica, how Raid In France approaches course design at the highest level of the sport, and what teams should expect—physically, technically, and mentally—when they arrive. We talk about Corsica’s unique geography, the origins of Raid In France, and why this race will reward preparation, adaptability, and patience just as much as speed.
If you’re a team dreaming of a World Championship start line, a fan tracking the future of the sport, or a racer who wants a true challenge —this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
The road to Corsica has begun.
Shownotes:
https://www.arwc2026.com/
https://www.arworldseries.com/races/Corsica-is-magic-ARWC2026
https://www.raidinfrance.com/
Sponsor Links:
Nuataaq Carabiner Hydration Bottle - www.nuataaq.com
Shenandoah Epic Adventure Race - https://www.adventureenablers.com/
Adventureware Shop - https://adventureware.shop/
On this extended episode of The Dark Zone, we head into the rugged heart of Monterrey, Mexico, home of La Ruta Madre—a race that blends blistering heat, steep technical terrain, cultural immersion, and the kind of navigational complexity that defines true expedition racing.
Our guests—Una, Joel, and Zach—join TDZ to unpack the story of their team’s experience on this iconic course. But rather than spotlighting individual accomplishments, this episode explores how the team operated as a single unit: how decisions were made under fatigue, how pacing and strategy evolved across the Sierra Madre, and how communication and trust became just as critical as solid navigation or a strong climb.
Together, they paint a vivid picture of what it means for a team to hold form across long hours, hard miles, and constantly shifting conditions. From their brief pre-race meeting to the moments deep in the mountains when teamwork mattered most, listeners get a rare inside look at how a successful team thinks, reacts, and stays connected.
La Ruta Madre isn’t just a race—it’s a test of cohesion, resilience, and collective problem-solving. Settle in for an immersive conversation that brings you right into the heartbeat of the team as they took on one of the world's most striking and demanding adventure races.
Shownotes:
La Ruta Madre ARWS Page - https://arworldseries.com/races/319
La Ruta Madre Event Website - https://larutamadre.mx/
Bend Racing's LRM Report - https://www.bendracing.com/post/racing-la-ruta-madre-a-journey-of-teamwork-terrain-and-top-gear
Sponsor Links:
Nuataaq Carabiner Hydration Bottle - www.nuataaq.com
Shenandoah Epic Adventure Race - https://www.adventureenablers.com/
Adventureware Shop - https://adventureware.shop/
In this episode of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast, we shift gears—literally and figuratively—to explore a different kind of endurance adventure. Our guest is Tyler Stancill, a passionate bikepacker who pedaled more than 6,000 miles from Key West, Florida to Newfoundland, Canada along the newly established Eastern Divide Trail.
His journey captures the same spirit that fuels every adventure racer and explorer: resilience, curiosity, and a deep love of the road ahead. From the logistics of a months-long solo ride to the mental highs and lows that come with such an undertaking, Tyler’s story will strike a chord with anyone who’s ever wondered just how far they can go.
Join us as we talk about bikes, backroads, and the beautiful intersection between endurance and exploration. Whether you race, ride, or simply dream of big journeys, this episode reminds us that adventure comes in many forms.
Shownotes:
The Eastern Divide Trail - https://bikepacking.com/eastern-divide-trail/
Sponsor Links:
Nuataaq Carabiner Hydration Bottle - www.nuataaq.com
Shenandoah Epic Adventure Race - https://www.adventureenablers.com/
Adventureware Shop - https://adventureware.shop/
In this episode of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast, host Brian Gatens welcomes John Karlsson, captain of Team SAFAT, the reigning Adventure Racing World Champions. Known for their precision, discipline, and calm under pressure, SAFAT has come to define the standard of excellence in expedition racing.
John shares his introduction to the sport, his growth as a racer, and the lessons learned on the journey from first-time competitor to world champion. He offers an inside look at the team’s mindset, their approach to success, and the chemistry that fueled their dominance. But with whispers that SAFAT’s future may be uncertain, this conversation carries an undercurrent of reflection—about legacy, leadership, and what comes next.
As always, you keep racing—and we’ll keep talking.
Shownotes:
Team SAFAT - https://www.facebook.com/swedisharmedforcesadventureteam/
Sponsor Links:
Nuataaq Carabiner Hydration Bottle - www.nuataaq.com
Shenandoah Epic Adventure Race - https://www.adventureenablers.com/
Happy October, TDZ Nation
Here is a quick 5-minute update following the Adventure Racing World Series AR World Championship in Penticton, British Columbia. TDZ was onsite to help with media, and the race was quite the ride.
Per the episode, everyone involved in the race - racers, supporters, volunteers, family, media, EVERYONE - is encouraged to record and send a 90-second (or so) voice message/memo to brian@ardarkzone.com or send via WhatsApp if you have that info. Include your name, your role, and your team (if applicable) and share your thoughts on the race or a great story. All submissions will be used to create a special episode of TDZ.
You keep talking, and we'll keep editing!
Welcome to The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast. From time to time, we like to support our companion podcast, The Course Reveal, by crossposting special episodes.
———————————————————–
Welcome to a special episode of The Course Reveal Podcast, a companion show to The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast. Today, we turn our attention to the 2025 Subaru Canada Adventure Racing World Championship, where the best teams on the planet will converge in Penticton, British Columbia, to chase the ultimate prize in the sport.
This year’s race features an epic 799-kilometer course, with teams racing for up to 9 days across glaciers, mountain ranges, whitewater rivers, and backcountry roads while visiting remote villages along the way. Expect rugged mountains, complex navigation, and the dramatic landscapes of British Columbia as athletes push through a relentless test of strategy, endurance, and teamwork.
We’re joined by three key voices behind the event: Lyndie Hill of Hoodoo Adventures, Race Director John Ford, and Course Designer Alex Man. They go deep into the course, the challenges faced by the racers, and their pride and joy in bringing the ARWC to British Columbia. Together, they’ll guide us through the vision for this year’s championship, the details of the course design, and why British Columbia is the perfect stage for the world’s toughest teams.
If you like what you hear, please subscribe, like, and share. TCR is designed to give at-home fans and dotwatchers another opportunity to connect with and enjoy the world of adventure racing.
You Keep Watching, and We’ll Keep Talking.
Shownotes:
Race Website - https://www.expeditionracecanada.ca/
Tracking Website - https://www.expeditionracecanada.ca/livetrackmedia
Welcome to The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast. From time to time, we like to support our companion podcast, The Course Reveal, by crossposting special episodes.
Welcome to a special episode of The Course Reveal Podcast. Today, we turn our attention to the 2025 United States Adventure Racing National Championship, where the best teams in the country will gather in Northwest Arkansas to battle for the top of the podium.
This year’s Nationals features a demanding 230-kilometer course, with 78 teams racing against the clock for up to 30 hours across trekking, mountain biking, and paddling stages. Expect rugged terrain, steep climbs, and the wild beauty of the Ozarks as racers push themselves through a nonstop test of endurance and teamwork.
We’re joined by two key voices at the heart of the event: Stephanie Ross, Nationals Coordinator, and Michael Garrison, Executive Director of USARA. Together, they’ll guide us through the vision behind this year’s championship, the details of the course design, and what makes Northwest Arkansas such a powerful stage for the sport.
If you like what you hear, please subscribe, like, and share. TCR is designed to offer the at-home fan/dotwatcher another opportunity to enjoy and engage with their favorite races.
You Keep Watching, and We'll Keep Talking.
Shownotes:
Race Website - https://www.usara.com/2025-national-championships
Tracking Website - https://live.enabledtracking.com/usara2025/
Welcome to a special edition of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast. Our sister show, The Course Reveal Podcast, is your spot for adventure racing course breakdowns and interviews with race directors, but for championship races we like to crosspost those episodes to what we call The Big Feed. See below for this show's highlighted race.
Welcome to the Course Reveal Podcast.
Join Course Director Lauri Hollo as he breaks down each stage of Endurance Quest Saimaa.
As the Adventure Racing European Championship, this race will bring 60 teams from 12 countries to the Savonlinna region of Finland, and winners will earn a coveted spot at the ARWS World Championships. The course includes more than 70 km of trekking, 125 km of mountain biking, 44 km of paddling, and 2 km of swimming – plus climbing and rope challenges. Competitors have up to 30 hours to complete the race course.
This demanding course will be the highlight of the European adventure racing season.
If you like what you hear, please subscribe, like, and share. TCR is designed to offer the at-home fan/dotwatcher another opportunity to enjoy and engage with their favorite races.
You Keep Watching, and We'll Keep Talking.
Shownotes:
Race Website - https://www.endurancequest.org/
Tracking Link - https://www.tulospalvelu.fi/gps/2025eq/
In this episode of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast, we welcome Olga Huber of Team Fragile Flowers. A well-known racer, Olga has taken on a growing number of events, both with teammates and solo. She loves AR, and she enjoys learning from all of her experiences. Wise, direct, and thoughtful, Olga shares so much with TDZ. When she speaks, school is in session. Enjoy!
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
The mountains, midges, and lochs of Scotland are putting racers to the test at ITERA and ITERA-Lite. In this Flash Episode, Race Director Paul McGreal joins The Dark Zone to share not just the leaderboard highlights, but the many stories from the trail — teams helping each other through brutal weather, challenging stages, in-race competitions, and gritty comebacks after early setbacks. From the sharp end of the race to the determined mid and back of the pack teams, this update captures the iconic ITERA.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
ARWS Page: https://arworldseries.com/races/itera-2025-scotland
Tracking Page ITERA - https://live.durtyevents.com/itera2025/
Tracking Page ITERA-Lite -https://live.durtyevents.com/iteralite2025/
Course Reveal Part 1 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-course-reveal-podcast/id1830676195?i=1000721371672
Course Reveal Part 2 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-course-reveal-podcast/id1830676195?i=1000721654274
Welcome to The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast. Today’s episode takes us north to the wild, water-rich terrain of Finland, where host Brian Gatens is joined by Lauri Hollo —longtime racer, passionate advocate for the sport, and Technical Director for the 2025 Endurance Quest Saimaa, the European Adventure Racing Championship.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Lauri reflects on his path into adventure racing, what kept him coming back for more, and how the Finnish AR community has grown over time. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned expedition racer, this episode is a great look at how personal passion evolves into professional leadership in the AR world.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
All Race Media: https://www.adventureracinginsider.com/tld2025
ARWS Page: https://arworldseries.com/races/endurance-quest-saimaa-europe-championship-2025-finland
Race Website: https://www.endurancequest.org/raceinfo
Tracking Page: https://live.enabledtracking.com/tld2025/
Sponsor Links:
American Himalayan Foundation - https://www.himalayan-foundation.org/
Today’s episode is a special one — it’s a course reveal for the 2025 Wilderness Traverse, the iconic Canadian adventure race and this year's ARWS North American championship. This event has long been a staple in the North American adventure racing calendar, known for its challenging terrain, demanding navigation, and classic Canadian spirit.
Joining the show are Event Director Bob Miller and Race Coverage Lead Wayne Leek. Together, they pull back the curtain on this year’s course, offering a preview of what lies ahead — strategic route choices, paddle lengths and portages, and the sweet spot between challenge and fun. Whether you’re a veteran racer or a first-time TDZ listener, this conversation serves as a solid introduction to the course, the terrain, and what is in store for the racers.
Let’s get into it.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
Main Page: https://www.wildernesstraverse.com/
Live Coverage page: https://www.wildernesstraverse.com/2025wtcoverage
Direct tracking page: https://live.enabledtracking.com/traverse2025/
Sponsor Links:
American Himalayan Foundation - https://www.himalayan-foundation.org/
In this episode of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast, we welcome Ashley Cheney and Greg Schmidt of Team NYARA/Trek or Treat, a pairing whose journey through adventure racing has been marked by determination, resilience, and a deep commitment to helping each other. Their story isn’t just about racing—it’s about the intentional work of building a strong partnership, pushing personal limits, and finding meaning in the challenges of adventure racing.
Their conversation is a thoughtful exploration of what it means to build trust on the course, navigate setbacks with resilience, and grow through shared experience. Whether you’re an experienced racer or just adventure racing-curious, you’ll find inspiration in how these two approach the sport—and each other—with honesty, optimism, and a healthy dose of fun.
Trek or Treat, indeed.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
NYARA - www.nyara.org
Sponsor Links:
American Himalayan Foundation - https://www.himalayan-foundation.org/
In this episode, we speak with the new leadership team behind Expedition Africa as they carry forward the legacy of one of the world’s most iconic expedition races.
With roots in Heidi and Stephan Muller’s multi-year stewardship, Expedition Africa is turning the page while honoring its past. The new team brings decades of racing experience and a deep love for the sport to their new roles, and they’re already hard at work preparing for the March 2026 race in South Africa’s breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains.
Expect 500 kilometers of true expedition racing—technical trekking, rugged biking, paddle sections, ropework, and soul-stirring scenery. In this conversation, the new team shares their vision, the updates racers can expect, and how they plan to keep the spirit of Expedition Africa burning bright.
Pack your bags and cue the intro music—this is The Dark Zone.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
Expedition Africa - https://expafrica.net/
Video - https://youtu.be/YYK_6OmtKYw?si=7gDULTZPJYSMFhO-
Sponsor Links:
American Himalayan Foundation - https://www.himalayan-foundation.org/
Adventure reporter Jim Clash of Forbes Magazine joins The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation that explores the intersection of storytelling and high-stakes adventure. With a passport stamped from the South Pole to spaceflight training grounds, Jim has chronicled the lives and pursuits of the world’s boldest adventurers—and taken on quite a few daring feats himself. In this episode, he shares how curiosity, preparation, and a nose for a good story have led him to interview legends like Buzz Aldrin, Chuck Yeager, and Sir Edmund Hillary, and what it means to carry their stories forward.
We dig into Jim’s adventures, his take on the psychology of risk, and how adventure reporting has evolved in the age of social media and instant access. Whether you're a racer, a reader, or just someone hungry for great stories, Jim’s reflections will inspire you to chase your dreams, and maybe even pick up a pen along the way.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
Jim Clash - https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/
Risky Business Podcast - https://www.clashandtoro.com/
The Explorer's Club - https://www.explorers.org/
Sponsor Links:
American Himalayan Foundation - https://www.himalayan-foundation.org/
In this freewheeling and reflective wrap-up to the 2025 Endless Mountains Adventure Race, TDZ hands the mic to Zoe Freedland and Mary Foster for an end-of-race coda soon after the final team crosses the line. As racers catch their breath and stories settle into memory, dedicated volunteers Zoe and Mary capture the emotion, exhaustion, and triumph that define The Endless Mountains Adventure Race. It’s a fitting close to an unforgettable week in Vermont.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
What the Heck is Adventure Racing W/Alyssa Godesky - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-heck-is-adventure-racing-with-alyssa-godesky/id1265466545?i=1000713772295
Endless Mountains Adventure Race - www.endlessmountainsar.com
EMAR Live Tracking Link - https://live.enabledtracking.com/endlessmountains2025/
Rootstock Racing Facebook Page - http://www.facebook.com/rootstockracing
Rootstock Racing Instagram Page - http://www.instagram.com/rootstockracing
Rootstock Racing - www.rootstockracing.com
Welcome to The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast, and this special Flash Episode from the 2025 Endless Mountains Adventure Race.
Abby Perkiss joins us with a timely update from deep inside the race experience. From the pointy end of the field, the surging pack, weather and course challenges, and how all the teams are managing this handful of a race, Abby gives us the lay of the land as the event unfolds in real time.
Alongside her is EMAR racer and USARA Executive Director Michael Garrison, fresh off the course and full of hard-earned insight. He shares what it’s like out there—navigation challenges, team dynamics, and the mental game required to push through a tough course.
It’s a quick check-in, but one packed with perspective and experience. Let’s get into it.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
What the Heck is Adventure Racing W/Alyssa Godesky - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-heck-is-adventure-racing-with-alyssa-godesky/id1265466545?i=1000713772295
Endless Mountains Adventure Race - www.endlessmountainsar.com
EMAR Live Tracking Link - https://live.enabledtracking.com/endlessmountains2025/
Rootstock Racing Facebook Page - http://www.facebook.com/rootstockracing
Rootstock Racing Instagram Page - http://www.instagram.com/rootstockracing
Rootstock Racing - www.rootstockracing.com
Welcome to The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast.
In this special Voices of the Racers episode, we bring you directly into Transition Area 1, where we spent an entire day capturing the thoughts, experiences, and enthusiasm of every team during their 5-minute media timeout. What follows is unfiltered, on-the-ground audio: the sounds of rain, barking dogs, cheering children, and the ever-present wind. It’s real, raw, and as close as you’ll get to the race without a map and compass. Audio quality may vary, and if your voice, or someone you love, didn’t make the final cut, please accept our apologies. This is podcast recording at its most challenging.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
Endless Mountains Adventure Race - www.endlessmountainsar.com
EMAR Live Tracking Link - https://live.enabledtracking.com/endlessmountains2025/
Rootstock Racing Facebook Page - http://www.facebook.com/rootstockracing
Rootstock Racing Instagram Page - http://www.instagram.com/rootstockracing
Rootstock Racing - www.rootstockracing.com
Welcome to The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast. Today’s episode marks a special moment on the AR calendar: the official course reveal for the 2025 Endless Mountains Adventure Race presented by Rootstock Racing.
For the first time, Endless Mountains heads north to Vermont, where over seven days, teams will face a demanding and beautifully crafted expedition-length course through the region’s rugged forests, bike trails, and beautiful waterways. Over the next hour, we’ll walk through the full course—section by section—with race directors Abby Perkiss and Brent Freedland. No vague hints. No redacted routes. This is the complete, unfiltered breakdown designed for the AR fans, racers, and dotwatchers.
Let’s dive into the 2025 Endless Mountains Adventure Race.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
Endless Mountains Adventure Race - www.endlessmountainsar.com
EMAR Live Tracking Link - https://live.enabledtracking.com/endlessmountains2025/
Rootstock Racing Facebook Page - http://www.facebook.com/rootstockracing
Rootstock Racing Instagram Page - http://www.instagram.com/rootstockracing
Rootstock Racing - www.rootstockracing.com
Sponsor Links:
American Himalayan Foundation - https://www.himalayan-foundation.org/
On this episode of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast, we shift gears—literally—with ultra-distance cyclist and adventure writer Meaghan Hackinen. From solo rides across continents to podium finishes at grueling endurance events, Meaghan brings a unique perspective on resilience, mindset, and the beauty of long days in the saddle. She shares stories from her global rides, lessons learned while pushing physical and mental limits, and what it means to find strong efforts in the midst of fatigue. Whether you're navigating a remote bike leg in a multi-day race or dreaming of your next expedition, Meaghan’s insights are both inspiring and deeply grounded. Plus, we talk writing, racing, recovery, and the underrated magic of instant potatoes.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
Meaghan Hackinen - https://meaghanhackinen.com/book/
The Buckshot - https://www.bcepic1000.com/buckshot
Trans Am Bike Race - https://transambikerace.com/
North Cape 4000 - https://northcape4000.com/
North Cape-Tarifa - https://www.northcape-tarifa.com/
Ozark Gravel Doom - https://www.ozarkgravelcyclists.com/doom
Tour Divide - https://tourdivide.org/about_the_route
Atlas Mountain Race - https://bikepacking.com/tracker/atlas-mountain-race-2025/
Silk Road Mountain Race - https://www.themountainraces.cc/silk-road-mountain-race
Hellenic Mountain Race - https://www.themountainraces.cc/hellenic-mountain-race
Caves and Coves TT - https://www.bikepackadventures.ca/bikepacking-routes/caves-and-coves-itt
Sponsor Links:
American Himalayan Foundation - https://www.himalayan-foundation.org/
TDZ is happy to support The Checkpoint, presented by the United States Adventure Racing Association, through this crosspost of Episode #12. Thank you for listening and for supporting USARA.
Episode Details Below:
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!
On this episode, TDZ steps off the course and into the heart of the Copper Canyons with the Korima Health Initiative. Founded with a mission to bring essential healthcare and education to the Indigenous Rarámuri people of northern Mexico, Korima is powered in part by a unique crew of volunteers—many of whom are also adventure racers. Just as they navigate wild terrain and unpredictable conditions in their athletic pursuits, these racers bring their endurance, teamwork, and grit to the challenges of remote medical work.
The connection is clear: in both arenas, success demands resilience, teamwork, and a deep commitment to service. We talk with those who’ve swapped trekking poles for stethoscopes and headlamps for tongue depressors. Tune in as The Dark Zone explores how the spirit of adventure racing fuels a mission of healing and hope.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Show notes:
https://korimahealthinitiative.org/
TDZ is happy to support The Checkpoint, presented by the United States Adventure Racing Association, through this crosspost of Episode #11. Thank you for listening and for supporting USARA.
Episode Details Below:
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!
Adventure racing thrives on passion, and nowhere is that clearer than in the story of Frank Johnson and The Wild Driftless Adventure Race. A longtime racer turned first-time Race Director, Frank is stepping up to give something back to the sport he loves. On this episode of The Dark Zone, we talk about what it means to start something new, why smaller races matter, and how community fuels everything. Big thanks to Frank for joining us, and don’t forget to check out the race website in the show notes.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Show notes:
https://www.adventuresignup.com/Race/IA/StrawberryPoint/WildDriftless
Freedom by Sebastian Junger - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55711668-freedom
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
This episode of The Dark Zone explores a creative partnership between a college classroom and the course. Students from Washington and Lee University’s Leading Public Relations Campaigns class teamed up with Adventure Addicts Racing to support the Adrenaline Rush Adventure Race. As part of their coursework, students developed and implemented real-world media strategies to promote the event, offering a fresh perspective on how adventure racing is experienced, marketed, and understood.
Throughout the project, the students gained knowledge of communication, storytelling, and the unique culture of AR. But they didn’t stop there, students also came away with practical recommendations for race directors looking to grow the sport and better engage new audiences. It’s a compelling conversation about where adventure racing is today and where it could go tomorrow.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Show notes:
https://www.adventureaddictsracing.com/
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
https://www.adventuresignup.com/Race/IA/StrawberryPoint/WildDriftless
A big thank-you to teacher and adventure racer Jeremy Johnson for connecting The Dark Zone with the student racers of Full Steam Ahead Adventure Racing. Based at Brunswick High School in Maryland, FSA is a thriving, student-led club that's bringing the next generation into the world of AR. In this episode, three young racers share how they found the sport, what it’s taught them, and how the lessons of adventure racing are shaping their lives beyond the course. If you're looking for a shot of optimism about the future, this is the episode to hear. If you want to help, FSA please see the donation link below.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Show notes:
To Donate: https://frederickcounty.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/55586/82/False/True
https://www.usara.com/news/the-ar-kids-are-alright
https://bhsgazette.org/9827/spotlights/full-steam-ahead-run-for-fun/
https://bhsgazette.org/11643/features/adventure-racing-at-brunswick-high/
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
https://www.adventuresignup.com/Race/IA/StrawberryPoint/WildDriftless
Team Bones joins TDZ fresh off their 115-hour epic at Raid Bimbache in Morocco. From battling illness and chasing down runaway maps to staying strong and supportive as a team, they trekked (and biked... and paddled...) through it all together. Sleep-deprived and still processing their experience, they still made time to bring us their story. Thank you to Roy, Jen, James, and Jesse for sharing their story with us.
As with all Flash Episodes, what you hear is what you get as we record and release with no edits to save time. There’s a bit of fuzz here and there due to shaky WiFi, but nothing that takes away from the power of their experience.
Episode 125 feels like a milestone, and we’re grateful to Team Bones for helping us mark it in style.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
Hike For Her Registration Page - https://raceroster.com/events/2025/99558/hike-for-her-2025
Hike For Her Auction Site - https://app.galabid.com/hikeforher
https://www.wilddriftless.com/race-information
Oh Canada!
The Dark Zone recently sat down with the leadership team behind the upcoming Adventure Racing World Championships to be held in Penticton, British Columbia to dig into the necessary training, team planning, travel logistics, and what racers can expect. They held their ground under our not-so-subtle questioning about the course, but we still managed to get our hands on some beta (Nav! Nav! Nav!). This is your sneak peek into the minds shaping the biggest race of the year. Thank you to Lyndie, John, Alex, and Kenton for spending some time with us.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Show notes:
https://www.expeditionracecanada.ca/
https://arworldseries.com/races/expedition-canada-canada
https://www.linkedin.com/company/blade9films/posts/?feedView=all
https://www.visitpenticton.com/
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
Hike For Her Registration Page - https://raceroster.com/events/2025/99558/hike-for-her-2025
Hike For Her Auction Site - https://app.galabid.com/hikeforher
https://www.wilddriftless.com/race-information
In this episode, we go international—literally—with Cormac and Lisa of the International Adventure Racing Association (IARA). As a worldwide organization, IARA is on a mission to unify, support, and elevate adventure racing on every continent. We talk about what it means to define standards of fairplay, safety, and sustainability in a sport that thrives on pushing limits and embracing the unknown. With a deep respect for racers, race directors, volunteers, and the land itself, IARA is working to shape a stronger, more inclusive future. From promoting ethical competition to building bridges with other organizations, IARA is setting the compass for where adventure racing is headed next. We dig into the core values that drive their work—teamwork, integrity, inclusion, and, of course, adventure. This episode offers a fresh perspective on what it means to race globally. Join us as we explore the spirit of adventure racing through the lens of its most ardent advocates.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Show notes:
https://internationaladventureracing.org/about/
https://www.facebook.com/internationaladventureracing/
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
Hike For Her Registration Page - https://raceroster.com/events/2025/99558/hike-for-her-2025
Hike For Her Auction Site - https://app.galabid.com/hikeforher
https://www.wilddriftless.com/race-information
Rootstock Racing has never been one to shy away from a challenge. This time, their racing takes them deep into the arid beauty of southern Africa. In this episode of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast, Abby Perkiss, Brent Freedland, Matt Cymanski and Michael Garrison share their experience racing in Expedition Africa Namibia, a once-in-a-lifetime event set against the stark landscapes and sweeping deserts of Race Director Heidi Muller's homeland.
We talk sand dunes, strategy, carrying water, and the joy of expedition racing as the team recounts the highs, lows, and everything in between from their time in Namibia. What does it take to race across one of the world’s most iconic and unforgiving environments? How do you prepare, adapt, and endure when the terrain pushes back at every turn? What did Matt find so appealing about gas station sandwiches?
From Windhoek to the wild, this is a story of resilience, teamwork, and the challenge of international adventure racing.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Show notes:
www.rootstockracing.com
https://arworldseries.com/races/expedition-africa-namibia-2024-namibia
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
Hike For Her Registration Page - https://raceroster.com/events/2025/99558/hike-for-her-2025
Hike For Her Auction Site - https://app.galabid.com/hikeforher
https://www.wilddriftless.com/race-information
What do caves and adventure racing have in common? More than you might think. Dave Jackson, founder of CaveSim and a highly experienced caver, joins us to share lessons learned in the dark, cramped passages of the underground—and how those lessons apply to racing, teamwork, and managing fear. His traveling cave simulator teaches thousands each year, and his wisdom offers practical tools for when you find yourself deep in the unknown, pushing forward as a team.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Show notes:
https://www.cavesim.com/
https://caves.org/
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
Hike For Her Registration Page - https://raceroster.com/events/2025/99558/hike-for-her-2025
Hike For Her Auction Site - https://app.galabid.com/hikeforher
www.wildernesstraverse.com
TDZ is happy to support The Checkpoint, presented by the United States Adventure Racing Association, through this crosspost of Episode #10. Thank you for listening and for supporting USARA.
Episode Details Below:
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!
TDZ is thrilled to welcome race director Robert Le Brun to the show to talk about The Ratel — South Africa's newest and most exciting adventure race! This epic 450 km challenge will unfold in the breathtaking Richtersveld, known as Africa’s “holy grail” of adventure.
At TDZ, we love shining a spotlight on new races, and The Ratel promises to deliver big on challenge, strategy, and adventure. Robert is not only leading the charge as an RD — he’s a fierce racer himself — and we can't wait to dive into what makes The Ratel such a standout event.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Show notes:
The Ratel - https://arworldseries.com/races/die-ratel-expedition-2025-south-africa
The Dark Zone Episode 52 - David Webster of Team ACDC - https://ardarkzone.com/2022/11/25/dark-zone-52-david-webster-of-team-acdc-ar-the-biggest-first-race-leap-ever/
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
www.wildernesstraverse.com
TDZ is pleased to welcome back Kim Beckinsale to discuss her experience as a racer, referee, and race director for the Amazons Australia Stage Race. Kim’s long history in multisport, combined with her perspective as both a champion racer and a race official, gives TDZ listeners a valuable look into the world of adventure racing. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Show notes:
The Amazons Australia - https://outdoorsqueensland.com.au/whats-on/the-amazons-australia/
TDZ Episode 91 - Team Mountain Designs Wild Women - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dark-zone-an-adventure-racing-podcast/id1578529221?i=1000647735469
TDZ Episode 99 - Nathalie Long and Raid the Rockies Stage Race - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dark-zone-an-adventure-racing-podcast/id1578529221?i=1000662616424
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
www.wildernesstraverse.com
Thanks to a listener recommendation, TDZ is excited to welcome Adventure Racer, Ultrarunner, and Former Navy Seal Harald Zundel. With nearly 30 years of ultrarunning and adventure racing under his belt, Harald brings tons of stories, wisdom, and that signature adventure racer attitude. Oh, and if you're into jungle leg parasites, you’ve come to the right podcast!
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Show notes:
World Peace Games 1998 - https://gulfnews.com/today-history/today-in-history-march-191998--world-peace-games-open-in-dubai-1.2190231
WPG Information - https://www.alshindagah.com/march98/desert.htm
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
www.wildernesstraverse.com
TDZ is happy to spotlight the upcoming SOAR Women + Adventure Racing Retreat coming this March 2025. Karyn DuLaney, Britt Mason, and Jen Tillman join the show to discuss SOAR (Stretching Ourselves in Adventures and Racing), the Women of AR Team, and the immersive retreat filled with workshops, clinics, and community, plus an orienteering meet to finish off the weekend. We also sneak in some discussion about the Women of AR's commanding performance at this year's USARA National Championship Race.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Show notes:
Retreat Website - https://www.jentillhuman.com/soar?
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
www.wildernesstraverse.com
The calendar may say February, but on today's episode, it's September 2025, and the USARA National Championships is right around the corner. Thank you to USARA Executive Director Michael Garrison, Nationals Coordinator Stephanie Ross, and Ozark Foundation Director of Operations Brannon Pack for joining TDZ to offer an early peek into the 2025 USARA National Championships.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Show notes:
USARA Nationals website - https://www.usara.com/2025-national-championships
Ozark Foundation - https://ozarkfoundation.org/
Visit Bentonville - https://www.visitbentonville.com/
Enabled Tracking - https://www.adventureenablers.com/
Ted King and Bentonville - https://www.instagram.com/iamtedking/p/DBUpjhfuiu8/?img_index=1
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
www.wildernesstraverse.com
We don’t track humor-based metrics at The Dark Zone, but if we did, this episode would be tough to beat. Barb Campbell is a fixture in the Canadian adventure racing community, and we’re delighted to finally have her on the show. She’s been a longtime reach guest on our episode planning whiteboard, and it was well worth the wait. Enjoy the conversation!
Programming Note - The 2010 UTNE video referenced by Barb is linked below and, yeah, they were awfully tired.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Show notes:
www.wildernesstraverse.com
Untamed New England 2010 (credit to Randy Ericksen) - https://vimeo.com/29901661
The Dirtbag Diaries - What is Hardcore? - https://dirtbagdiaries.com/hardcore/
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
https://chimneysweepva.com/
We’re thrilled to welcome Paul McGreal of Durty Adventures to TDZ! As the Race Director behind the legendary ITERA race, Paul dives into the exciting return of this epic 5-day adventure, the timeless allure of AR, and the life lessons we pick up while navigating through the wild. Paul’s been a longtime friend of TDZ, and having him on the show felt like sharing a warm, virtual cup of tea with a longtime mate. This mid-winter episode is the perfect boost to keep your training spirits high and get you dreaming about the season ahead!
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and We'll Keep Talking!
Show notes:
https://itera.co.uk/
https://arworldseries.com/
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
https://www.wildernesstraverse.com/
TDZ is happy to support The Checkpoint, presented by the United States Adventure Racing Association, through this crosspost of Episode #9. Thank you for listening and for supporting USARA.
Episode Details Below:
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!
Abby Perkiss and Brent Freedland of Rootstock Racing join TDZ to discuss the 3rd edition of The Endless Mountains Adventure Race: Les Verd Monts. Shifting from Pennsylvania to Vermont for this edition, Abby and Brent discuss the course, race travel logistics, training, teamwork, and just enough beta to whet a racer's appetite. Great training fuel for the Northern Hemisphere winter, listeners will be treated to a strong introduction to Expedition-distance races and how teams can succeed.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and we'll Keep Talking!
Show notes:
www.endlessmountainsar.com
https://arworldseries.com/
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
https://www.thecerberusrace.com/
www.thearschool.com
Kim and Joel Ford recount their 40+ days and 700+ miles on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail in the Northeast United States. Preparation, gear, teamwork, and battling the bugs were all part of the adventure, and they brought it to us in vivid detail. We'll let them tell you the story about their new/borrowed tent, but suffice it to say that people are kind and wonderful. This episode is adventure fuel if there ever was one. Enjoy!
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and we'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
https://www.northernforestcanoetrail.org
https://www.mississippispeedrecord.com/
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
https://www.thecerberusrace.com/
www.thearschool.com
Australian adventure racer Scott Balhatchet recounts his first race experience at Chris Dixon's Mountain Designs GeoQuest 48-hour Adventure Race. Scott was on his couch minding his own business when a friend's phone call came in, and it was time to give AR a go. Thank you to Scott as he walks us through his (lack of) formal preparation, communication with his teammates, overcoming in-race adversity, and what he learned from the race.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and we'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
https://www.geoquest.com.au/
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
https://www.thecerberusrace.com/
www.thearschool.com
TDZ is happy to support The Checkpoint, presented by the United States Adventure Racing Association, through this crosspost of Episode #8. Thank you for listening and for supporting USARA.
Episode Details Below:
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 various 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!
Just hours after winning the ARWS 2024 World Championship, thank you to ARWS 2024 World Champions Team400 - Sébastien Raichon, Sandrine Berange, Adrien Lhermet, and Benjamin Fayety - along with Race Director Santiago Lopez for coming onto this special flash episode of The Dark Zone. Hear as they overcame adversity, worked together, and ultimately captured the world championship.
Thank you for being a listener. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in helping elevate the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and we'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
https://arworldseries.com/
https://live.enabledtracking.com/ARWC2024/
https://proyectoaventura.com/site/13/livearwc24
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
https://www.thearschool.com/
Thank you to Race Director Santiago Lopez for coming onto the show to reveal and discuss the 2024 ARWS World Championship Race Course. This conversation is being released at the very start of the race so that fans, dotwatchers, and at-home teammates can get a sense of this challenging and rugged race course. See the tracking link below.
Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in elevating the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and we'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
TRACKING LINK - https://live.enabledtracking.com/ARWC2024/
https://www.arworldseries.com/races/huairasinchi-arwc-2024-ecuador
https://proyectoaventura.com/public/site/13/home_arwc24
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
https://www.thearschool.com/
Vermont Adventure Racer Megan Moir, known for her hard work, effort, and positive attitude, is one of the more frequently requested "Hey, can you bring her on the show?" guests that TDZ hears about. In Episode 107, Megan shares her athletic background, entry into the sport, and how she has grown as an adventure racer. We were delighted to have her on the show. Enjoy!
Megan's Palmeres:
1st Place - 2-Person Coed - The Longest Day
1st Place (Tie) - Solo - Tug Hill
4th Place - 2-Person Coed - The Hard Fall
2024: Completed Five Races (and lived to tell about it) - Tug Hill, The Longest Day, The Hard Fall, USARA Nationals, and Two Rivers AR.
Expedition Race Experiences:
Endless Mountains 2022 - Finished
Endless Mountains 2023 - All mandatories and some optional checkpoints
Endless Mountains 2025 - Returning for another go at it!
Remember - You Keep Racing, and we'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
www.endlessmountainsar.com
https://tughilloutfitters.com/tug-hill-extreme-adventure/
https://www.rootstockracing.com/two-rivers-adventure-race.html
https://www.usara.com/national-championships-2024
https://www.gmara.org/races/hardfall/
https://ardarkzone.com/
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
https://www.thearschool.com/
Thank you to Mary Foster, Alyssa Godesky, Wayne Leek, Greg Prouty, and Race Directors Brent Freedland and Abby Perkiss for joining TDZ for an in-race flash episode live from the race course. It's been a great, fast race and their analysis/thoughts help everyone at home get a sense of the race so far.
Thank you for being a listener. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in helping elevate the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and we'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
TRACKING LINK - https://live.enabledtracking.com/rivers2024/
www.usara.com
https://www.rootstockracing.com
https://ardarkzone.com/
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
https://www.thearschool.com/
Thank you to Abby Perkiss and Brent Freedland of Rootstock Racing for coming onto the show to reveal and discuss the 2024 USARA North American Championship Race Course. This conversation is being released at the very start of the race so that fans, dotwatchers, and at-home teammates can get a sense of this challenging and rugged race course. See the tracking link below.
Thank you for being a listener. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in helping elevate the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and we'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
TRACKING LINK - https://live.enabledtracking.com/rivers2024/
www.usara.com
https://www.rootstockracing.com
https://ardarkzone.com/
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
https://www.thearschool.com/
TDZ is happy to support The Checkpoint presented by the United States Adventure Racing Association through this crosspost of their Episode #6. Thank you for being a listener and thank you for supporting USARA.
Episode Details Below:
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
Thank you to Glyn Sadler for coming onto the show. From his years as a Royal Marine Commando to tackling a Trans-Atlantic Rowing Race, Glyn has many lessons for the adventure racing world. Glyn goes deep on his mindset, preparation, teamwork, and all the pieces necessary for a full ocean crossing (including turning down mid-race offerings from a well-meaning party boat!)
Thank you for being a listener. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in helping elevate the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and we'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
http://www.adventurespermare.co.uk
https://www.rannochadventure.com/
http://www.worldstoughestrow.com
https://ardarkzone.com/
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
https://www.thearschool.com/
Thank you to Liz and Michelle Faucher of Adventure Addicts Racing for coming onto the show to reveal and discuss the 2024 USARA National Championship Race Course. This conversation is being released at the very start of the race so that fans, dotwatchers, and at-home teammates can get a sense of this challenging and rugged race course. See the tracking link below.
Thank you for being a listener. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in helping elevate the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and we'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
TRACKING LINK - https://live.enabledtracking.com/usara2024/
www.usara.com
https://www.adventureaddictsracing.com/
https://ardarkzone.com/
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
https://www.thearschool.com/
Thank you to Lyndie Hill and John Ford of Expedition Canada for coming on the show to discuss the ARWS 2025 World Championship in British Columbia. They go deep about the race location, the beauty and challenge of the area, being good Canadian hosts, and their race design philosophy. This episode has just enough beta to whet your racing appetite. Follow the links below for registration information.
Thank you for being a listener. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in helping elevate the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and we'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
https://www.expeditionracecanada.ca/
https://arworldseries.com/races/expedition-canada-canada
https://arworldseries.com/
https://www.swampdonkeyar.com/
https://mindovermountain.com/momar/
https://ardarkzone.com/
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
https://www.thearschool.com/
Thank you to Darren Steinbach and Chelsey Magness for coming onto the show for a TDZ Flash Episode. Recording live from the Expedition Oregon finish line, Darren and Chelsey walk us through the race course, the team experience, the challenging terrain, and their immersive race media style. Flash episodes are built for publishing speed so this episode is lightly edited and a peek into the highs and lows of putting on a multi-day race.
Thank you for being a listener. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in helping elevate the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and we'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
https://www.bendracing.com/expeditionoregon2024
https://ardarkzone.com/
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
https://www.thearschool.com/
Thank you to Luis Becdach for coming onto the show. Luis is the perfect guest when discussing the upcoming ARWS World Championships in Ecuador. A longtime racer, Luis has raced Worlds multiple times and knows Ecuador like the back of his mano. Having raced alongside him in Huairasinchi in 2021,TDZ can attest to the accuracy of that last sentence. A wild, rugged place, Ecuador is a true adventure racing destination and this episode goes deep on how to prepare for what the teams will face in November.
Thank you for being a listener. If you like what you hear, please like, click, and subscribe on your streaming platform of choice. This helps spread the word about Adventure Racing and TDZ's role in helping elevate the sport.
Remember - You Keep Racing, and we'll Keep Talking!
Shownotes:
https://www.proyectoaventura.com/site/13/home_arwc24
https://ardarkzone.com/
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
https://www.thearschool.com/
TDZ is happy to support The Checkpoint presented by the United States Adventure Racing Association through this crosspost of their Episode #6. Thank you for being a listener and thank you for supporting USARA.
Episode Details Below:
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
TDZ helps the United States Adventure Racing Association with 'The Checkpoint' Podcast. In editing Episode #6, Steph Ross and Troy Farrar were asked by Host Brent Freedland about their favorite USARA National Championship memories.
Their answers were so interesting, fun, and poignant that we pulled them out for Episode 100.5 of TDZ. Call it a 'TDZ Short.' Not a full episode but a small taste of the stories that underpin TDZ's love of AR, and we're happy to share it here. Be sure to follow the links below for more information:
Shownotes:
https://www.usara.com/2024-national-championships
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
https://www.thearschool.com/
Thank you to Grant Killian for joining us for our 100th episode. Untamed New England holds a special place in the AR World as well as for The Dark Zone as it was the first expedition race that we tackled. A legendary race, UTNE was known not only for its challenging terrain and navigation, but for the ethic of exploration and discovery brought to the event by Grant. Even though the UTNE was last held in 2018, the DNA of his race lived on in many of today's most popular races (and we hope that this episode will help bring UTNE back!).
Shownotes:
http://untamedne.com/_/
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
https://www.thearschool.com/
Thank you to Nathalie Long, Race Director for Raid The Rockies, for joining TDZ to talk about her newest stage race in the Canadian Rockies, her own racing career, and a little race called UTMB. Natalie runs the well-named Adventure Immersion Lab and her racers got their fair share of immersion at the inaugural Raid the Rockies.
Shownotes:
https://www.adventureimmersionlab.ca/
https://arworldseries.com/races/raid-the-rockies-canada
https://utmb.world/
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
Thank you to Thomas Ogander, Race Director for the One Water Race, for joining TDZ to talk about One Water, the limits of human capacity, and how the Swedish Archipelago provides a challenging backdrop for his race. An increasingly popular event, racers swim/run for sixty hours and navigate among the coastal islands. Adventure Racers will see echoes of our sport in One Water.
Shownotes:
https://onewaterrace.com/
https://otilloswimrun.com/
https://www.gih.se/english
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7gbIVNCvG_4mSYKREpyU1g
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
Thank you to Expedition Canada's Ben Kwiatkowski for joining TDZ to talk about his big goals and his big races. In the past several years he has competed in some of the most challenging races on multiple continents including Eco-Challenge Fiji and the AR World Championships in South Africa. A firefighter by training with many years of outdoor experience, Ben has applied all that he knows to his racing. He loves being an adventure racer and it pours out of him during the interview.
Shownotes:
https://arworldseries.com/
https://ecochallenge.com/
https://arc.remarkable.events/
https://arworldseries.com/races/vulcania-chile
https://larutamadre.mx/
Sponsor Links:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
https://www.adventureenablers.com/
These may be the smartest guests that we'll ever have on The Dark Zone.
Thank you to Dr. Barton and Dr. Sutcliffe for joining TDZ to discuss the findings in their paper, "Enacting Resilience: Adventure Racing as a Microcosm of Resilience Organizing." Published in March 2023, they go deep on their onsite research at races and what AR teamwork teaches other organizations and professions. The team dynamic is vital in AR and everyone will leave with a greater understanding of how to function. Plus they are a lot of fun.
Shownotes:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1468-5973.12459?domain=p2p_domain&token=QMRHA2TXVIUWBMYBPHCM
Sponsor Links:
https://raceroster.com/events/2024/85413/hike-for-her-2024
Here comes the course beta!
Thank you to USARA National Championship Race Directors Michelle and Liz Faucher for coming onto the show to preview the course, discuss the logistics, and otherwise turn the Race Stoke Meter up to 11 for this year's nationals. We go deep on all parts of the race and offer training advice for all racers.
TDZ will be onsite for this year's nationals helping to bring updates, information, and analysis. It'll be here before you know it this September, and we can't wait to see who is crowned the national champion.
Shownotes:
https://www.usara.com/2024-national-championships
https://www.adventureaddictsracing.com/
https://www.usara.com/2024-national-championships
Music Intro:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7xxNc2lJSTr77HfacfOLUl?si=Q3HuT2Y2TYyrxlRoy5HQFw
Sponsor Links:
https://raceroster.com/events/2024/85413/hike-for-her-2024
https://chimneysweepva.com/
Thank you to Mari Chandler and Brennan Schoenherr for coming onto the show to discuss Arthur the King. Listeners know Mari well as she is most definitely a Friend of the Pod. Brennan is a new name for TDZ Nation. A personal friend and (currently) a non-racer, Brennan brings a new and insightful perspective to our sport. Aside from the dog, he's the real hero of this podcast. This episode is much more than a discussion of the film and we go deep on the lessons learned from the film and how they apply to AR. And, as usual, Mari regales us with story after story from her illustrious career. Special thanks to previous TDZ guest Mikael Lindnord, the real-life inspiration for Mark Wahlberg's character, for bringing his story of Arthur to the big screen.
Shownotes:
https://www.lionsgate.com/movies/arthur-the-king
https://raceroster.com/events/2024/85413/hike-for-her-2024
https://wondery.com/shows/alternate-routes/
Thank you to Nick Hurff for coming onto the show. Whether as an Adventure Racer, Coach, Race Director, or Sports Performance Expert, Nick is a font of knowledge, experience, and wisdom. From his training to the intricacies of nutrition and recovery, Nick has much to share with the listener. Special shoutout for his Adaptive AR coming this year. This is another good one for both the newer and experienced racer.
Shownotes:
https://www.rev3endurance.com/
https://auwolves.com/staff-directory/nicholas-hurff-cscs/393
https://jessetubb.com/
Thank you to Polish Adventure Racer and Ultra-endurance Athlete Rafael Adametz for coming onto the show. An accomplished racer, Raf recounts his entry to the sport, his growth as a racer, and his recent experience racing La Routa Adventure Race (the Philippine one, not the Mexice one). He's a great guest so settle in and enjoy this episode of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast.
Shownotes:
https://www.ra-sportsmentor.com/
https://arworldseries.com/races/la-routa-adventure-race-philippines
Thank you to Team MDWW - Mountain Designs Wild Women - for coming onto the show. As the first all-female team to win an ARWS Expedition Race, they have secured their spot in AR lore, and also provide a cracking good episode filled with guidance, advice, and the keys to their longevity. With 78 combined years of adventure racing between them, they are the best of the best and when they speak, AR class is in session.
Shownotes:
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/dark-zone-84-adventure-racer-and-race-director-chris/id1578529221?i=1000636511297
Episode Sponsors:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast is delighted to collaborate with the United States Adventure Racing Association on their new podcast: The Checkpoint. Join Brent Freedland and Brian Gatens as they interview regional race directors and a wide variety of voices from the world of Adventure Racing.
Shownotes:
The Checkpoint on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-checkpoint/id1730696441
https://www.adventuresignup.com/Race/MO/Eminence/TheBerrymanAdventure
https://www.dinoseries.com/
www.usara.com
Thank you to Team NAWWAL - Not All Who Wander Are Lost - for coming onto the show. This is a true-blue AR story. Four (somewhat) strangers decide to join forces and take on the 2023 edition Malacara Expedition Race in Florianopolis, Brazil. What follows is a bonkers story of struggle, teamwork, triumph and finishing with leftover food. This is a great listen to kill an hour or so while training. Thank you, NAWWAL, for coming onto TDZ.
Shownotes:
https://www.malacararace.com.br/
Episode Sponsors:
https://thewealthgardenfs.com/
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
Thank you to Jason Bettis and Danny Collins for returning to The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast. Expedition Ozark 2024 is their sophomore effort as RD's and are coming into this year's race following the great success and positive feedback from EO 2023. This episode touches upon their growth as RD's, their own successful adventure racing careers, and the appeal of Northwest Arkansas as a racing destination.
Shownotes:
https://www.expeditionozark.com/
https://www.visitbentonville.com/
Episode Sponsors:
https://thewealthgardenfs.com/
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
Thank you to Santiago Lopez for coming onto the show. One of the longest-serving and most successful race directors in the sport, Santiago talks about his experiences as both racer and race director, the upcoming ARWS World Championship in Ecuador, and his thoughts about the future of the sport. Huairasinchi, the race for which he is best known, is the adventure race with more editions in the history of the sport (19).
Santiago is a great guest in which to kick off 2024. This is going to be a wonderful year for our sport and there's no better way to start than by focusing on the World Championship, but have no fear, there is a lot of content in here for racers of all distances and abilities.
Shownotes:
https://www.proyectoaventura.com/site/13/home_arwc24
https://www.arworldseries.com/races/huairasinchi-arwc-2024-ecuador
Episode Sponsors:
https://thewealthgardenfs.com/
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
Thank you to Alyssa Godesky for coming onto the show. One of our more accomplished guests, Alyssa has placed on the podium at the 2022 USARA National Championship, has eight top-5 professional finishes at the Ironman distance, and holds multiple Fastest Known Times (FKT's) including on the New Hampshire 48 High Peaks, Adirondack 46 High Peaks and Vermont's Long Trail (273 miles). Alyssa competed in the One Water Race in Sweden this past year, and she goes deep on that experience. Along the way we discuss her work as a coach, her "Ironwomen" podcast, and how the role of women in endurance sports has evolved.
Shownotes:
https://www.alyssagodesky.com/
https://biscaycoaching.com/alyssa-godesky/
https://livefeisty.com/ironwomen/
https://onewaterrace.com/athletes/alyssa-godesky/
One Water Race Full Video - https://youtu.be/Yam_dvoVp6U?si=lnWGz_4MmTNJdcQu
https://www.rootstockracing.com/
Episode Sponsors:
https://thewealthgardenfs.com/
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
Thank you to Amanda Bohley for coming onto the show. Originally recorded in December 2022, Amanda drops timeproof stories, pearls of wisdom, and overall stoke for this sport of ours. From having the world's greatest co-workers to being the adventure race equivalent of a human "Break Glass In Case A Great Teammate is Needed" emergency box, Amanda loves AR and we love the enthusiasm, attitude, and support that she brings to her teammates. Thank you for coming onto the show AND for your patience while waiting for TDZ to get this one out into the world.
Shownotes:
https://www.rootstockracing.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BRF.Podcast/
https://www.bendracing.com/
Episode Sponsors:
https://thewealthgardenfs.com/
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
Thank you to Mikael Lindnord - Adventure Racer, Author, and Executive Producer of the upcoming film 'Arthur the King' for coming onto the show. Not only does Mikael share his experience with Arthur, the dog he rescued in Ecuador in 2014, but he also shares his vast racing experience and what it was like to be an Executive Producer for the upcoming film. Our longest episode yet, Mikael goes deep on all his experiences and we are grateful for his time.
Shownotes:
https://greystonebooks.com/products/arthur
https://www.arthurtheking.movie/synopsis/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjDJNEPghNY
https://www.arworldseries.com/
Episode Sponsors:
https://thewealthgardenfs.com/
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
Thank you to Adventure Racer and Race Director Chris Dixon for coming onto the show. Chris's outfit, Wild&Co., offers AR's all over Australia and his organization likes to think big and offer expansive and challenging races. First and foremost, Chris loves to be an adventure racer and he makes sure that his events honor the sport, the efforts of the racers, and focuses on getting people to the finish line. Chris is a a human stoke machine and you're going to want to go get your gear and head off on an adventure following this one.
Shownotes:
https://www.wldnco.com/
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
Thank you to Per Vestling and Oskar Svärd of The Swedish Armed Forces Adventure Team (SAFAT) for coming onto the show. The 2023 Adventure Racing World Champions Per and Oskar, alongside their teammates Malin Hjalmarsson and Team Captain John Karlsson, captured their 2nd championship in the last three years at the ARWS World Championship held in Kouga, South Africa in October 2023.
Shownotes:
https://www.facebook.com/swedisharmedforcesadventureteam/
https://arworldseries.com/
https://orienteer.co/
Thank you to repeat guest Mari Chandler of Team Vidaraid for joining the show. She is fresh from the ARWS Championship Race Course and walks us through the race, the ups and downs, and how Vidaraid stormed back from a long overnight dark zone to capture 2nd place. Full of wisdom and experience, Mari is not to be missed.
Thank you to The New York Adventure Racing Association - www.nyara.org - for sponsoring this episode of The Dark Zone. Reach out to us at Brian@ardarkzone.com if you'd like to explore possible episode sponsorships. Rates are beyond reasonable.
Welcome to Flash Podcast Episode #2 of The Dark Zone. Once again we have assembled an excellent team of analysts to share their thoughts and wisdom with the legions of at-home dotwatchers. This episode was recorded on Facebook Live during the ARWS World Championships held in South Africa October 2023.
Thank you to Stephanie Ross from Flying Squirrel Racing, Jason Magness from Bend Racing, and Brent Freedland from Rootstock Racing for coming onto today’s show. Special thanks to Jeff O’Connor of Adventure Racing Insider for helping to produce the episode.
Shownotes:
https://arworldseries.com/
https://www.adventureracinginsider.com/
https://www.unbridledwomenar.com/
https://www.rootstockracing.com/
https://www.bendracing.com/
The next best thing to adventure racing is talking about adventure racing and welcome to this Flash Podcast Episode of The Dark Zone. We have assembled a crack team of analysts to offer in-race updates, analysis, and predictions from the ARWS World Championship Race happening RIGHT NOW in South Africa!
Thank you to Ashley Eaton from Strong Machine, Jason Magness from Bend Racing, and Abby Perkiss and Brent Freedland from Rootstock Racing for coming onto today's show. Special thanks to Jeff O'Connor of Adventure Racing Insider for helping to produce the episode.
Shownotes:
https://arworldseries.com/
https://www.adventureracinginsider.com/
https://www.rootstockracing.com/
https://www.bendracing.com/
https://www.strongmachinear.com/
Thank you to ARWS World Championships Race Director Stephan Muller for coming onto the show. This episode is a full course preview of the 2023 World Championships being held in Kouga, South Africa. 800 KM, 10 stages, and over 8 days of racing is just waiting out there for the racers and this episode goes deep on the entire course. Thank you to Stephan for making time for us during the busy days leading up to the race.
Shownotes:
https://arworldseries.com/races/expedition-africa-kouga-eastern-cape-south-africa
https://arworldseries.com/
Thank you to Nationals Race Director Chris Yager and Team Grit Adventure members Jesse Spangler and Jesse Tubb for coming onto the show. This episode recounts their 2nd place finish at the 2023 USARA National Championships. All three guests have been on TDZ previously and they do a great job recounting the race, discussing their nutritional and navigational strategy, and sharing their training in advance of such a strong performance. Their teammate Amanda Bohley was missed but she'll be on soon enough to share her experience as well.
Shownotes:
https://www.grit-adventures.com/
www.rootstockracing.com
www.orienteer.co
www.mcdonalds.com
www.snickers.com
Thank you to Sachiko for coming onto the show. This episode recounts Team East Wind's experience at the Nordic Islands Adventure Race on the Faroe Islands from August 2023. A legendary team, East Wind lived up to its reputation of relentless racing, strong competition, and making solid strategic decisions. Sachiko, a well-established long-distance trail runner before she joined East Wind, speaks at length about not only the race and the team's experience, but also her personal race strategies. She was a delightful guest and congratulations on her upcoming wedding (a fact that she just casually dropped during the interview to my great delight).
Shownotes:
https://www.east-wind.jp/team/
https://www.niar.io/races/niar-faroe-islands-2023/
Thank you to Abby and Brent of Rootstock Racing for coming onto the show. This episode is the culmination of a six-episode arc in which TDZ was embedded into The Endless Mountains Adventure Race. In this episode, Abby and Brent unpack the planning, preparation and experience of presenting a 5-day race. It's a deep dive into all aspects of the race. Special mention is made about volunteers, their dedication, and the experience of many of the racers. This is a great listen for both the aspiring RD and also for racers considering making the jump into longer-distance adventure races.
Shownotes:
www.rootstockracing.com
www.endlessmountainsar.com
Thank you to La Ruta Madre Race Director Javier Barreda for coming onto the show. Billed as 'Mexico's Toughest Race," La Ruta Madre puts the natural beauty of Mexico on full display. Javier speaks about the challenging course, the high level of hospitality, and how he works hard for both a great race and to give those who travel a wonderful overall experience. Get your gear ready! Mexico is calling!
Shownotes:
https://larutamadre.mx/
Thank you to Team Bend Racing for joining TDZ to discuss their decisive victory at Rootstock Racing's Endless Mountains Adventure Race. Alongside their discussion of their race, Bend speaks about their approach to the sport, team dynamics, and the process they follow when it comes to race training and preparation.
Shownotes:
www.endlessmountainsar.com
www.rootstockracing.com
www.bendracing.com
www.orienteer.co
Thank you to volunteers Jim Rounsley, Misty and Ainsley Glenn, and Shelley Johannesen for joining TDZ during Day 4 of Rootstock Racing's Endless Mountains Adventure Race. Without volunteers, we wouldn't have adventure races, and this episode highlights their motivation as well as the wisdom and knowledge they pick up along the way. There is always more to learn and thank you for their time and thoughts.
Shownotes:
www.rootstockracing.com
Thank you to Emily Korsch, Jason Magness, and Stephanie Ross for joining TDZ on Facebook Live to discuss the Endless Mountains Adventure Race. Teams are now halfway through the race and our panel analysis helps the adventure racing fan understand and enjoy the race. Plus, there are always lessons to be learned for all racers.
Shownotes:
www.endlessmountainsar.com
www.bendracing.com
and
www.rootstockracing.com
Here comes the biggest episode ever of the TDZ. Over 100 minutes of racer voices directly from the race course of Rootstock Racing's The Endless Mountains Adventure Race. Thanks to the kind hosting of the Penn-Wells Hotel in Wellsboro, PA, TDZ was able to interview each racer team during a mandatory media stop. The entire project took over 13 hours from the race leader to the chasing teams. Here comes some gonzo podcast.
https://www.pennwells.com/
www.rootstockracing.com
www.endlessmountainsar.com
Welcome back to Zoe F. for her return visit to The Dark Zone. A lifelong AR racer, volunteer and font of wisdom, Zoe shares her thoughts on teamwork, transitions, nutrition, and what she hopes for the racers at Rootstock Racing's The Endless Mountains Adventure Race. Be sure to return tomorrow to TDZ as we'll be bringing daily episodes from The Endless Mountains.
Thank you to Lycoming College, host site of the Endless Mountains, for sponsoring this episode of the Dark Zone.
https://www.lycoming.edu/
Thank you to USARA Nationals Race Director Chris Yager of the Green Mountain Adventure Racing Association (GMARA) and USARA Executive Director Michael Garrison for joining The Dark Zone to offer a first peek into the upcoming 2023 USARA National Championships based out of Smuggler's Notch in Vermont. Kudos to Chris for sharing just enough about the course to pique racer interest and to Garrison for offering a big-picture view into this year's national championship.
Shownotes:
GMARA - https://www.gmara.org/
USARA - https://www.usara.com/
Thank you to AR Racer, Coach and Mountain Guide Jen Segger for returning to The Dark Zone for another episode. Seegs was first on TDZ #24 and returns with even more wisdom, stories, and guidance. Pull up a chair and give this one a good listen.
Jen was kind enough to extend the following offer to TDZ listeners:
40% off my AR courses for both BEG and INT Sprint races (this is the 4-8hrs race training)
It is valid until DEC 31st, 2023.
Code: darkzone
Find the course on my website at www.jensegger.com
Shownotes:
Episode #24 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dark-zone-24-jen-segger-they-call-her-seegs-coach/id1578529221?i=1000553075482
Thank you to Paul Steele and John Hardin for coming onto the show to talk about their newest endeavor. The CheNarr Adventure Race is coming to the Nashville, Tennessee area this coming August. Driven by a desire to share the natural beauty of the area and their love of adventure, John and Paul are excited for the first edition of the race.
Shownotes:
https://www.adventuresignup.com/Race/TN/Pegram/CheNarr
https://hardwinadventures.com/
Thank you to Stephan Muller for coming onto the show. A longtime adventure racer, including the first Eco-Challenge, Stephan goes deep on his plans for the ARWS World Championship in South Africa this October. Along the way he shares his AR wisdom, talks about what the sport means to him, and how teams can prepare for a big race.
Shownotes:
https://arworldseries.com/world-championship
Thank you to Travis and Mark 'Mace' Macy for joining The Dark Zone to share their experience, strength, hope, and stories. Travis's new book A Mile at a Time recounts their family's dedication to endurance racing (including Mace's participation in the first Eco-Challenge), Mace's Alzheimer's diagnosis, Travis's successful adventure racing career, and their decision to race Eco-Challenge: Fiji together. Along the way, they both share their AR wisdom.
A Mile at a Time - https://a.co/d/5r135yv
Travis Macy - www.travismacy.com
Danelle Ballengee - https://www.runnersworld.com/trail-running/a20808181/danelle-ballengee-five-years-later/
Thank you to this episode's sponsor:
VJ Shoes - https://vjshoesusa.com/the-dark-zone and use code: darkzone20 for a $20 discount.
And please visit TDZ's Charity Partner - Ascend Athletics at https://www.ascendathletics.org/ and learn more about their work with young women in Pakistan and Afghanistan. TDZ is happy to promote its work at no cost to Ascend.
Thank you to Adrian Crane for joining The Dark Zone to share his adventure racing stories and wisdom. Adrian has competed in every Eco-Challenge, among many other events, and shares not only his stories from back in the day, but what he sees today as an Adventure Racing World Series referee. We are fortunate to have Adrian on the show and the TDZ community is grateful for his time.
Thank you to this episode's sponsor:
VJ Shoes - https://vjshoesusa.com/the-dark-zone and use code: darkzone20 for a $20 discount.
And please visit TDZ's Charity Partner - Ascend Athletics at https://www.ascendathletics.org/ and learn more about their work with young women in Pakistan and Afghanistan. TDZ is happy to promote its work at no cost to Ascend.
Thank you to Jennifer Strong McConachie for joining The Dark Zone to discuss her book Go Far: How Endurance Sports Help You Win at Life. An accomplished ultrarunner, climber, and endurance sports competitor, she doesn't hold back in sharing her many life lessons and personal adventures. And, yes, rollerblading finally makes its way onto an episode of TDZ. My apologies in advance.
https://jenniferstrongmccon.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Go-Far-Endurance-Sports-Help/dp/157826913X
Thank you to Team Bend Racing/Skin Doctor for joining The Dark Zone. Only a few hours from their resounding win at Expedition Ozark, Bend Racing recounts their journey, the challenges along the way, and how they held it together at the front of the race for so long. This is a must listen for racers of all speeds as Bend shares so many of their strategies and techniques. Special thanks to Rob Howard of www.sleepmonsters.com for helping to arrange the interview so quickly.
Thank you to this episode's sponsor:
VJ Shoes - https://vjshoesusa.com/the-dark-zone and use code: darkzone20 for a $20 discount.
And please visit TDZ's Charity Partner - Ascend Athletics at https://www.ascendathletics.org/ and learn more about their work with young women in Pakistan and Afghanistan. TDZ is happy to promote its work at no cost to Ascend.
Shownotes - Be sure to check out:
https://arworldseries.com/
www.expeditionozark.com
www.bendracing.com
Want to give an expedition race a go?
Be sure to check out www.endlessmountainsar.com
Flash Podcast alert - This is a special episode of TDZ. No music! No intro! Nothing! We get right into Expedition Ozark. Welcome to the show!
Thank you to Brent Freedland, Emily Korsch and Jason Magness for joining The Dark Zone for this Expedition Ozark Flash Episode. Recorded halfway through the race, our panel discusses the race so far, the strategies being used by the teams, the mid-pack and back-of-the-pack teams that are still slugging it out, and the race to the finish.
https://www.expeditionozark.com/
www.rootstockracing.com
https://www.bendracing.com/
Thank you to Travis Siehndel and Mike Chaney of Adventure Enablers for joining The Dark Zone. Their wide-ranging conversation covers their Adventure Racing, Self-Made Adventures, and their jump into Race Directing. Chock full of advice, this episode is valuable to both the beginner and the veteran racer.
Thank you to this episode's sponsor:
VJ Shoes - https://vjshoesusa.com/the-dark-zone and use code: darkzone20 for a $20 discount.
And please visit TDZ's Charity Partner - Ascend Athletics at https://www.ascendathletics.org/ and learn more about their work with young women in Pakistan and Afghanistan. TDZ is happy to promote its work at no cost to Ascend.
Shownotes - Be sure to check out:
https://www.adventureenablers.com/almostheavenar
www.endlessmountainsar.com
https://thedirtbag.libsyn.com/fun_divided_by_three
https://www.adventurecycling.org/
Thank you to New Zealanders Fynn and Molly of Team Fear Youth for returning to The Dark Zone (Check them out on Episode #30) to recount their experience at Godzone, Chapter 11. They had a great race and do a fine job telling the world all about it. They offer a master class on how to level up from Year 1 to Year 2 and do it in the typically humble NZ sort of way.
Be sure to check out:
https://godzoneadventure.com/
https://www.facebook.com/fearsocietynz/
Thank you to Vanessa Cummings for coming onto The Dark Zone. We connected with Vanessa well in advance of her first race and she was kind enough to track her preparation and overall approach to the event while balancing the other demands of day-to-day life. Special shoutout to her strategy of springboarding from volunteering at an event to racing it the next year. A tried and true method for many a new adventure racer.
Thank you to Marina LeGree of Ascend Leadership Through Athletics for joining The Dark Zone for a discussion of her group's work in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Along the way we draw the connection between her organization's work and what similarities it has to the attitude and ethics of AR.
You can learn more about Ascend and support their work at the following link:
https://www.ascendathletics.org/
Also, we reference Rebecca Solnit's powerful book: A Paradise Built in Hell during the podcast and that link may be found here:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/301070/a-paradise-built-in-hell-by-rebecca-solnit/
Thank you to Mary for joining The Dark Zone to talk about her entry into AR, her years as a solo racer, and her trajectory into becoming a multi-day racer. Along the way, we write down the Five "Foster Rules" that she has developed. Mary loves AR, the people that she meets, and what she has learned about herself. Warning - This one may cause you to strap a pack on your back and go walk through the night.
Thank you to John for joining The Dark Zone to talk about NYARA's premier event - The Longest Day 24-Hour Race - and his experience as a racer, race director, and student of the sport. John's enthusiasm for AR is contagious and you'll want to listen to this one when you're on the trainer, climbing a mountain or pounding out those road miles.
Learn more at www.nyara.org
Thank you to this episode's sponsor - The United States Adventure Racing Association. Now is the time to head over to their website to check out their resources, event calendar, and see all that they have to offer the community.
Learn more at www.usara.com
Thank you to Jason and Danny for joining The Dark Zone to talk about Expedition Ozark, a new 5-day race coming up in April 2023. Set in the host city of Bentonville, Arkansas, EO sounds like it has all things for all racers. Jason and Danny talk about the course, the disciplines, and what the race has to offer. And, of course, there will be caves, but the fun type!
Learn more at: www.expeditionozark.com
Thank you to Kate Geisen for coming on the show as she recounts her AR history, but more importantly her bikepacking adventure on the North-to-South route of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Kate walks us through her prep, those early hard days (including an unexpected zero-day), her need to commit breaking and entering (with permission), and how an automatic sprinkler was her partner's biggest nemesis.
Be sure to check out Ride the Divide at https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1530991/
Welcome to David Webster of Team ACDC AR. Not only did he jump into the deep end of the pool at the 5-day ITERA Expedition Race this past August, but he didn't even dip his toes in the water beforehand. Sit down, buckle up, and listen to how David jumped into an expedition race as his first AR.
Special thanks to NYARA.org for sponsoring this episode of The Dark Zone. Head over to their website to learn about their premiere event The Longest Day coming up in August 2023. Thanks for being a listener and feel free to send any thoughts or ideas to brian@ardarkzone.com
The Eastern Mountain Wilderness Challenge, the brainchild of Eric Caravella of Packrafting Adventures, was held for the first time this past August in New York State's Adirondack Park. A wilderness area larger than the State of Massachusetts, the Adirondacks offer a true backcountry experience for the teams that took on this 30-hour, four-checkpoint race. That's right. No bins. No TA's. Nothing. Just a set of maps and an expansive wilderness. Follow this link to see the race maps and the route choices of each of the teams: https://www.packraftingadventures.com/emwc-2022 (https://www.packraftingadventures.com/emwc-2022) Those maps will come in handy while listening to this episode. Thank you for being a listener. Please leave a review on your preferred streaming platform of choice. That's the best way to spread the word about The Dark Zone.
Thank you to Nathan Fa'avae for coming onto the show. In many ways, Nathan is in no need of an introduction as his 20+ year adventure racing career, with multiple wins and 7 AR World Championships, does all the talking for him, but Nathan is plentiful in his thoughts and gracious with his time as he speaks about his personal growth as a racer. Alongside that, he walks us through the challenges and successes of his team's recent World Championship win in Paraguay.
Whether solo or with a team, Jesse Spangler brings his best, fast self to every adventure race that he enters. Thank you to him for coming on the show to talk about his entry to sport, how his solo racing has helped him to be a better teammate, and defining all those navigation terms that bedevil those of us who are more human.
Thank you to Craig Cook of AR Live Coverage, Brent Freedland of Rootstock Racing and Jason Magness of Bend Racing for coming onto the show for instant/flash analysis of the ARWS World Championships in Paraguay. The top ten are still coming across the line (after almost 130 hours of racing) and teams are scattered all over this monster of a course. They talk about Avaya's convincing win, the teams left in their wake, and what this course (and sport) does to people. www.arworldseries.com www.facebook.com/arlivecoverage www.rootstockracing.com www.bendracing.com
Thanks to the hard work of Dave Gedney and the magic of tracking devices, we were able to track down four teams while on the course at USARA Nationals. We made good use of their mandatory 5-minute media time to chat about the race and how it's going so far. Thank you to the following teams: Team Psyched, Cherubini Brothers, Thisability Racing, and Only Mostly Lost for sharing their experience so far. The Dark Zone is grateful to USARA for helping to make this unique episode happen Go to www.usara.com for all race updates and information.
Thank you to Brent Freedland as we spend 10 minutes breaking down the action found in the first two stages (and little bit of the rest of the race) of the 2022 USARA Nationals. Head over www.usara.com for all their media coverage.
Thank you to the hardest working AR analyst in the business Brent Freedland of Rootstock Racing for sticking around AFTER our Worlds episode to offer his thoughts on the upcoming USARA National Championship Race being held in Bishop, CA this weekend. The terrain, the teams, and the big race picture are all discussed. Sit back and and this flash episode of The Dark Zone. Shownotes: www.usara.com
Thank you to Craig Cook of AR Live Coverage and Brent Freedland of Rootstock Racing for coming onto this Flash Edition of The Dark Zone. Craig and Brent offer their thoughts on the upcoming AR World Series World Championship Race in Paraguay. They go deep on the teams, what information can be gleaned from the race schematic, and who they think will be on the podium after almost 100 hours of racing. Shownotes www.arworldseries.com https://www.facebook.com/arlivecoverage (https://www.facebook.com/arlivecoverage) www.rootstockracing.com
Thank you to Allen Wagner of Broad Run Off Road for coming onto the show. A growing race organization, Broad Run's events have increased in popularity and challenge over time. Allen talks about the start of Broad Run, how it has grown organically, and what he has learned as both a race director and as a racer. Thank you to Rootstock Racing's Endless Mountains 5-Day Adventure Race (www.endlessmountainsar.com) for sponsoring this episode of The Dark Zone. Be sure to join Rootstock Racing this June for the 2nd edition of The Endless Mountains. Shownotes: www.broadrunoffroad.org - Be sure to check out all the Broad Run has to offer.
Thank you to Liz and Michelle Faucher for coming onto the show to talk about their introduction to AR, their work as Adventure Addicts Racing and how they work hard to bring new racers into the sport. Veteran racers themselves, Liz and Michelle go deep into their base of knowledge and share all of it with our audience. Enjoy! Shownotes: Adventure Addicts Racing - https://www.adventureaddictsracing.com/
Thank you to Yishai Horowitz, Race Director for the 2022 USARA National Championships for coming onto the show to describe the course. He offers an overview of the terrain as well as the various disciplines just waiting out there for those fortunate enough to make it to California in September. Nationals is now in the open registration period so gather your team, plan your travel, and get yourself to Nationals. Now is the time to race alongside the best of the best (cue Top Gun theme music). Shownotes: USARA Website - https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Fresno/USARAAdventureRaceNationalChampionship Top Gun Theme - https://youtu.be/zCTJmXrgsFg
Originally recorded in May 2022, Katie Ferrington of Never Summer Race Productions joins The Dark Zone to talk about her entry into the sport, the big and small races that she has competed in, her growth into becoming a race director, and how AR prepared her for a recent life challenge. In this episode, listeners will learn about being a good teammate, where the best food is usually found (hint: in your teammate's pack), and how challenges, both big and small, can be overcome. Shownotes: Never Summer Race Productions - https://rockymountainadventureseries.com/never-summer-24hr/ Rocky Mountain Adventure Series - https://rockymountainadventureseries.com/
Through a collaboration between the United States Adventure Racing Association and The Dark Zone, we are proud to present this Facebook Live/Podcast Recording of Anna and Tim of Rib Mountain Racing. Alongside their two other teammates Jesse and Richard, they made it to the podium at Rootstock Racing's Endless Mountains Adventure Race in June 2022. Listeners can head over to USARA's Facebook page to watch the video of this podcast, but beware of Anna's post-race feet photos, or at least view them after dinner. Thank you to everyone for making this happen with special thanks to Dave Gedney, USARA's Media Director for pulling it all together. Shownotes: USARA Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/USadventureracing Rib Mountain Racing - https://www.ribmountainadventurechallenge.com/ Rootstock Racing's The Endless Mountains - www.endlessmountainsar.com
Originally recorded in May 2022, Igor Dorotic of AR Croatia (ARC) joins The Dark Zone to talk all things adventure racing. A well-known and respected race director, ARWS referee, and successful adventure racer in his own right, Igor tells us about AR Croatia, the course design (he hopes you like transitions), the ability for people to relive any ARC at their own pace, and what makes the best teams successful. Shownotes: AR Croatia and Relive Adventure - https://remarkable.events/ AR Croatia Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/adventureracecroatia/ AR Croatia Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/adventure.race.croatia/ Untamed New England (here's hoping) - http://www.untamedne.com/_/
Today we are joined by Lars Bukkehave for an episode originally recorded in April 2022. A stalwart in the world of adventure racing, Lars has raced all over the world and has the stories to prove it. Today he regales us with his origin story, how he grew into being a world-class adventure racer, and his sleep and nutrition strategies. This is one of the longer episodes of TDZ, and we could have gone even longer. Following the initial recording, Lars sent an audio file with even more information on his upcoming race directing and other events that he's planning. Be sure to stick around for that. Since recording this episode, Lars was struck with a severe case of hypothermia at Expedition Oregon and had to withdraw from the race, but then came back as a member of Team Bend Racing to win the inaugural Endless Mountains Adventure Race with a winning time of just over 110 hours this past June. He's a human Weeble Wobble (Shout out to the 70's kids out there). Not only does he love the sport, but he cares deeply about newer racers and how best to bring new people to our races. He'll most certainly be a return guest to TDZ. Sit back and enjoy!
Today we are joined by Team Hunting Bigfoot. A team with a variety of AR experience and skills, Hunting Bigfoot took a gamble and used the Endless Mountains Adventure Race as their first race together. Listen in as they recount their five-day journey through the rigorous and unrelenting terrain of Western Pennsylvania. Their journey, teamwork, and how they overcame challenges along the way should serve as a blueprint for how a solid mid-pack team can do it right. Learn more about the Endless Mountains at www.endlessmountainsar.com
Today we are joined by Rachel Nolan. Rachel came to The Dark Zone's attention following this year's Expedition: Africa. Her experience, energy, and accent helped to carry her team throughout the long, tough course. Rachel shares that experience, her success as a bikepacking champion, and she eventually reminds us to get to her training. Thank you to Rachel for spending so much time with us. You can learn more about Rachel and her personal guide service at https://www.facebook.com/RachelsIrishAdventures/
Today we are joined by Zoe P. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A rising 3rd grader, it is safe to say that Zoe, alongside her little brother Simon, has attended more adventure races than any other child in the world. In this episode, she shares her thoughts on teamwork, adventure racing, and her upcoming school year. Thank you to Zoe for taking the time out of her preparation for Rootstock Racing's Endless Mountains to spend some time with the Dark Zone. www.endlessmountainsar.com
Today we are joined by Brent Freedland of Rootstock Racing. A previous guest on The Dark Zone, Brent shares his recent dotwatching experience from Expedition: Oregon and what the race taught him about long distance racing, how the teams did (or didn’t hold it together out there), and how Bend Racing is trying to bring the sport forward. This is all in advance of Rootstock Racing’s Inaugural Endless Mountains Adventure Race which is right around the corner. Special thanks to Strong Machine Racing for sponsoring today’s episode. Their premier event - the Maine Summer Adventure Race - is right around the corner and you can learn more about them and their races at www.strongmachinear.com. You’ll have a blast as they take you by foot, bike, and boat to the far corners of Maine. Enjoy today’s episode and thank you Brent for joining The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast. Rootstock Racing - www.rootstockracing.com Strong Machine - www.strongmachinear.com
Adventure Racer, Military Veteran, and Kidney Donor Dave Ashley joins the show to talk about his AR career, but more importantly his decision to donate a kidney to a colleague, and then use his ascent of The Seven Summits to show that kidney donors can go on to live lives of challenge and adventure. His journey wasn't easy and success wasn't guaranteed, and Dave walks us through the highs and lows both literally and figuratively. It was our honor to have him on as a guest. https://m.facebook.com/AdventureKidney/ - https://www.facebook.com/messages/t/2294101787535647/ (AdventureKidney) The Himalyan Times - https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/kidney-donor-us-army-veteran-sets-record-scaling-mt-everest?fbclid=IwAR0GaE_bohWal75grlEjtbAruj6mJM059HKEBNXFaZ5pZSgVAr4WvJKlrGc (https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/kidney-donor-us-army-veteran-sets-record-scaling-mt-everest) Seven Summits: Dave Ashley - Living Donor Games https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.livingdonorgames.org%2Fathletes%2Fsponsored-events-athletes%2Fdonor-athlete-profile-dave-ashley%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0fOfJJeL6BHTmD0-M1k25aJUU5C24pJSv1Se9Z15_-lZ4ii29s2mQv2RU&h=AT1ww6rvAz07Xg7o3x6liQXzztxWXBCmHx0ugqY3zd4f7vjl1X_sTKUX1RGkEP7SioA-ugQZVVMeBIDgjSop-H1TM_RJXsi49aFQr5gLfkEwXPRfQFwtT1Z8d4XwbQAc30pxf2A7 (https://www.livingdonorgames.org/athletes/sponsored-events-athletes/donor-athlete-profile-dave-ashley/) Find out if you're qualified to donate a kidney: https://www.kidneyregistry.org/for-donors/am-i-qualified-to-donate-a-kidney/ (https://www.kidneyregistry.org/for-donors/am-i-qualified-to-donate-a-kidney/)
Ben, Tom, and Jasper of Team Peak Pursuit join the show just hours after their finish at Expedition Oregon. In this Flash Episode, they recount their journey, how their preparation, teamwork, and communication helped along the way, and how much they have grown to love adventure racing. How did they do in the race? Give a listen to find out. Thank you to Adventure Addicts Racing (https://www.adventureaddictsracing.com/ (https://www.adventureaddictsracing.com/)) for sponsoring this episode of The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast. Adventure Addicts offers a wide variety of events in Maryland and Virginia. Keep an eye out for information about their next race, The Buff Betty, coming this September 24th.
New Zealanders Molly and Fynn join the show to talk about their recent GODZone experience, their preparation for such a long and ambitious course, and what they learned during the race. All of this is delivered in that wonderful and positive New Zealand way that will have you looking at flights to the island nation. Special thanks to Team Bend Racing's Jason Magness for joining the episode. Thank you to The New York Adventure Racing Association (www.nyara.org) for sponsoring today's episode. NYARA offers a variety of races and other events in and around the New York and New Jersey area. Special mention goes to their premier race "The Longest Day" - a 24-hour race and a USARA Regional Championship. Shownotes: https://godzoneadventure.com/ (https://godzoneadventure.com/) www.nyara.org
Eric Caravella of Packrafting Adventures joins the show today to talk packrafts, their use in adventure racing, and the journey that brought him to be the founder of Packrafting Adventures. Thank you to the United States Adventure Racing Association for partnering with The Dark Zone to offer a playlist of companion videos. Link to the companion video playlist - https://tinyurl.com/USARAPackraft (USARA Packrafting Video) - https://tinyurl.com/USARAPackraft Shownotes: https://www.packraftingadventures.com/ (Packrafting Adventures) - www.packraftingadventures.com The https://www.usara.com/ (United States Adventure Racing Association) - www.usara.com https://www.packraftingadventures.com/emwc (Eastern Mountain Wilderness Challenge) - https://www.packraftingadventures.com/emwc https://aquabound.com/ (Aquabound paddles) - https://aquabound.com/ https://wernerpaddles.com/ (Werner Paddles) - https://wernerpaddles.com/ https://alnk.to/58k84XE (Alpacka Rafts) - https://alnk.to/58k84XE (https://alnk.to/58k84XE) https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com (Hyperlite Mountain Gear) - https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/ https://astraldesigns.com (Astral PFDs) - https://astraldesigns.com/ https://eezycut.com (EEZYCUT Cutting Tools) - https://eezycut.com/ https://www.nrs.com (Northwest River Supplies (NRS)) - https://www.nrs.com/ https://americancanoe.org (American Canoe Association) - https://americancanoe.org/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaska_Mountain_Wilderness_Classic (Alaska Mountain Wilderness Classic) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaska_Mountain_Wilderness_Classic http://www.untamedne.com/_/ (Grant Killian) - http://www.untamedne.com https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AYLNETY/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 (Dick Griffith) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AYLNETY/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 https://thingstolucat.com/ (Luc Mehl) - https://thingstolucat.com/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S1TFTRY/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 (Roman Dial)- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S1TFTRY/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 For adventure mapping: - https://caltopo.com/ (Caltopo.com)
Today we are joined by Rootstock Racing's Karyn DuLaney, Joel Ford, and Paul Miller for a Flash Episode of the Dark Zone. They are fresh off their win at this past weekend's Shenandoah Epic 24-hour Adventure Race. Their highs, lows, strategy, nutrition, and accidentally paddle to the side of a teammate's head are all covered during this podcast. Thank you to them for joining us on short notice. Shownotes: www.rootstockracing.com
Today's guest is Jesse Tubb. Alongside being an experienced and well-traveled adventure racer (as well as a big fan of a Big Mac in transition), Jesse is also the founder of G.R.I.T. Adventures which strives to bring AR to younger racers. This is the longest TDZ to date, and be sure to stick around for the post-podcast bonus content. Visit G.R.I.T. here - https://www.grit-adventures.com/ (https://www.grit-adventures.com/)
Today's guest is South African Adventure Racer Donovan Sims. A longtime racer (and former rugby player), Don shares his experience and wisdom gleaned from his many races. Navigation, nutrition, sleep strategy and how to be a good teammate are discussed. Most importantly, he goes deep on his diagnosis and recovery from leukemia.
Today's guest is ARWS CEO Heidi Muller. Longtime Race Director, Adventure Racer, and now CEO of the ARWS, Heidi shares her journey from racer to RD, and how the ARWS is working to support aspiring race directors. Be sure to follow the 10th Anniversary of Expedition Africa: Lesotho coming April 2022 Shownotes: Expedition Africa - http://www.expafrica.net/Events/Expedition-Africa-500-km-Lesotho-2022 Adventure Racing World Series - https://arworldseries.com/
Today's guest is Jen 'Seegs" Segger. Longtime AR racer, coach, and all-around font of knowledge and wisdom. Today's episode goes deep on the finer points for the newer racer including training, foot care, sleep strategy, and how not to sleep in the jungle. (Spoiler Alert - Don't lay on the ground). TDZ listeners can visit https://www.jensegger.com/sprint-adventure-race-course (https://www.jensegger.com/sprint-adventure-race-course) and enter the code DARKZONE for a listener-only discount. Thank you to Jen for making that available to the fans of TDZ.
Today's guests are Jason Magness and Darren Steinbach of Team Bend Racing As listeners will remember from episode #22, recorded just three days ago on February 22, 2022, Team Bend Racing's Darren Steinbach, who is providing support for the team, called in live from AR Panama to give a mid-race update. Today’s episode is a follow-up and has both Darren and Bend Racing’s Jason Magness. At the time of this recording, the team finished the race just a few hours early, but Jason is able to pull it all together and give us a great overview of the race and Bend’s experience. The race was a wild time for everyone and thank you to Darren and Jason for joining The Dark Zone. Shownotes: Darren Steinbach Instagram - @TravelingDarren
Today's guest is Darren Steinbach of Team Bend Racing live from Panama AR. Darren is providing race and media support for Team Bend Racing, and he spends some time sharing the team's experience so far, the unique events of the race, and an on-the-course overview of how it is going so far for all the competitors. You can follow Darren's updates via his Instagram feed - @TravelingDarren - as well as all the Team Bend Racing Social Media Channels. You can see the full podcast archive at www.ardarkzone.com Thank you for being a listener!
Today’s guest is racer Barbara Phipps. A newer racer, Barbara shares with us her dive into adventure racing, how it has helped her to overcome her challenges, and how much she has grown as a person and a teammate. This is a deeply personal episode of The Dark Zone, and thank you to Barbara for her openness and honesty. You can see the full podcast archive at www.ardarkzone.com Thank you for being a listener!
Today’s guest is the United States Adventure Racing Association Executive Director Michael Garrison. He joins The Dark Zone to walk our listeners through the revised entry process for USARA Nationals, the role of the team ranking system, and he shares some thoughts on the future of Adventure Racing. Shownotes: United States Adventure Racing Association - www.usara.com
Chelsey Magness joins The Dark Zone to talk about her introduction to adventure racing, the allure of free pizza and yoga and how it was too much to resist, her itinerant bicycle/yoga lifestyle and how it led her to champion adventure racing and mountain biking, and how her personal challenges around family and children have opened the door for her to help others. Show Notes: www.endurancemama.com www.bendracing.com
Jay Petervary joins The Dark Zone to talk about his introduction to Adventure Racing, what he learned racing alongside his teammates, his transition into a champion bikepacking ultra-endurance cyclist, and how he finds more fulfillment today in helping others make it to the start and finish line than in his own racing. Show Notes: Website - www.jaypetervary.com
Sarah Goldman joins The Dark Zone to talk about her introduction to AR, what she has learned from being an Outward Bound team member, her favorite podcasts and short films (for when she's, believe it or not, unmotivated), and why challenge and strife are necessary to building strong relationships in racing and in life. Show Notes: Ferrington Family Fire Relief - https://www.gofundme.com/f/ferrington-family-fire-relief Outward Bound - https://www.outwardbound.org/ The Dirtbag Diaries - https://dirtbagdiaries.com/ Sarah Hueniken - https://www.instagram.com/huens/?hl=en Cody Townsend - https://www.instagram.com/codytownsend/?hl=en Will Gadd - https://www.instagram.com/realwillgadd/?hl=en
Shawn Lemaster of www.361adventures.com joins The Dark Zone to talk about The Fig, his racing career, the Breakdown Bikepacking Route, and all the things that adventure racing and bikepacking have taught him over the years. We go deep into not only AR but the idea of adventure in general, doing so with friends, and how much we both hate busy roads at night. Show Notes: The Fig Adventure Race - http://361adventures.com/fig Breakdown Bikepacking Route - http://361adventures.com/breakdowning
Dan Staudigel - a stalwart companion for all things https://www.bendracing.com/ (Bend Racing) - joins The dARk Zone to talk about racing, life, how to be a good teammate, and what it's like to find yourself in your underwear in Fiji. Be sure to check out Dan's website - www.orienteer.co - as well. Thank you to TanZ Navigation for joining as a sponsor of the dARk Zone. Visit them at www.tanznavigation.com. Email Brian@ardarkzone.com to enter a lottery to win a copy of Mark Lattanzi's book Squiggly Lines. Show Notes https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/176227/antifragile-by-nassim-nicholas-taleb/ (Anti-Fragile Book) https://arworldseries.com/ (The Adventure Race World Series) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World%27s_Toughest_Race:_Eco-Challenge_Fiji (Eco-Challenge:Fiji) https://backyardultra.com/ (Backyard Ultra)
Rootstock Racing's Abby Perkiss and Brent Freedland join The Dark Zone to talk about their new 5-day adventure race - The Endless Mountains - an ARWS Demonstration Race for 2022, partnering with Bend Racing and Expedition Canada, and how communicating and working together helps to grow the sport. Show notes: Check out Expedition Alaska - https://www.amazon.com/Expedition-Alaska-Hyperion-XIII-Productions/dp/B07QY95QMT The Endless Mountains Adventure Race - www.endlessmountainsar.com
Search many a race start list and you'll be sure to see Mari's name. One of America's most prolific racers, Mari brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to The Dark Zone. Mari tells us about her introduction to Adventure Racing, her training, nutrition, and how to be a solid teammate. With her years of experience, her thoughts about the future of the sport are powerful and insightful. Thank you, Mari, for joining us for lucky episode #13.
Wilo Nater - Father, U.S. Army Veteran, Educator, and Adventure Racer - of Team Onyx tells us all about his recent experiences at the recent USARA National Championships, his introduction to the sport, and the steep learning curve that he is enjoying as a newcomer to AR. Listen along as his infectious spirit, love of all things outdoors, and his joy in being part of a team just pours out of him. Thank you, WIlo, for sharing your experience and enthusiasm with us. Links: Team Onyx - https://www.usara.com/tales-from-ta-the-usara-blog/get-to-knowteam-onyx (https://www.usara.com/tales-from-ta-the-usara-blog/get-to-knowteam-onyx)
Darren Steinbach, with just a few days notice, jumps on a flight to Spain and competes in the Adventure Racing World Championships as a member of Oregon's Bend Racing . Join The Dark Zone as Darren walks us through his race, the challenges of the course, and the incredible support offered by his teammates. Plus how a bungee cord became a shin-saving lifeline.
Richard Sparks recently competed at the Adventure Racing World Championships in A Coruna, Spain in October 2021. The 600km race consisting of Mountain Biking, Trekking, Sea and River Kayaking, Coasteering, Ropes and Navigation hosted close to 100 teams. The race that Richard thought he was going to have and the race that he had were two completely separate things. Thank you to Richard for joining The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast.
Justin 'Biz' Bakken and Brian Mayer join The dARk Zone to tell all about their recent victory at the USARA National Championships, the ups and downs of the race (broken bike shoe bolt, anyone?), and how teammate Mari Chandler (currently racing at the World Championships in Spain) saved their race 3 minutes after the start. Stick around for the bonus content. Thank you to episode sponsor The New York Adventure Racing Association - www.nyara.org - and visit their website to learn more about The Longest Day 24-hour race coming in May 2022.
Tim Buchholz of Rib Mountain Racing recounts his team's USARA Nationals experience, talks about his growth as a racer, speaks about his best and not-so-best races (Who needs to bring all the maps anyway?), and reminds us that people from Wisconsin are just the nicest people. He's so nice that when he passes you during a race he offers a bright smile and really hopes you have a great race. Yep, one of those guys. Sit back, relax, and enjoy Tim and his tales of racing greatness.
USARA Executive Director Michael Garrison, TDZ's first repeat guest, joins Brian to talk all things 2021 nationals. From the race structure, the teams that amazed him, and all the lessons learned, join Garrison as he shares his thoughts about the current state of and future growth of USARA. And get ready for some jet lag, East Coasters, when the 2022 Nationals comes around.
2021 USARA National Championships Race Director Paula Waite of 180Adventure joins The Dark Zone to talk about the recent championships, the course, the experience of various teams, and her own adventure racing career. A longtime racer, RD, and advocate for the sport, Paula and her team brought the ar community a very successful national championship. Join us to learn more and hear directly from her.
Stephanie Ross, USARA's nationals coordinator, competed in her first adventure race Odyssey's twelve-hour Jeep Kentucky AR at Carter Caves State Resort Park in 2002. She raced it solo and was completely demoralized by the course - and also completely hooked on the sport. A year later, she designed her first race, the Red River Gorge American Classic, aka the Fig, now the longest-running adventure race in Kentucky. She continued to organize races under the Flying Squirrel Adventure banner until 2015, when she turned over the Unbridled AR series and the Fig to 361 Adventures. Her efforts now focus on bringing more women (and youth) into the sport, through the Women of AR campaign. She has directed two USARA National Championships and has assisted with planning and vetting courses for Nationals since 2010. Our conversation is expansive and wide-ranging - from her background in AR, how to be an aspiring race director, and her important and vital work with the Women of AR initiative. This was a fun one to record, and I hope that you find Steph. Sit back and enjoy Episode 5 of the Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast.
Join us as TDZ interviews John Farless and Brian Fribley of No Sleep Adventures. Friends, Adventurers, and Co-Race Directors John and Brian share their love of adventure racing, their introduction to the sport, and how much they enjoy bringing AR to new racers. They also confirm the sport stranglehold that basketball has on the state of Indiana. Welcome to The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast!
Brian Reiss - The Dark Zone's Original Recording Guinea Pig - joins The Dark Zone to tell us how he jumped into adventure racing with two feet, the things he's learned along the way, and how to be a great teammate. Brian is always up for an adventure and he's always great for a story or five.
Join The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast as Shelley Johansen shares her background, introduction to the sport, and recent experience at Expedition: Oregon.
Join us as we hear from Michael Garrison, Executive Director of the United States Adventure Racing Association. Garrison/Mike/Michael (we call him all three during the podcast) is a longtime racer and not only offers an overview of adventure racing for the new person, but also speaks to what AR means to him and why he is so passionate about the community.