Shows
The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastEpisode 144 – John Karlsson - SAFAT Team Captain, 3X World Champion, and Aspiring GolferIn 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 th...
2025-10-2753 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastA 5-Minute TDZ Update (And An Invitation for World Champs Voice Memos!)Happy October, TDZ NationHere 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...
2025-10-1304 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastEpisode 139 – Lauri Hollo of Finland's Endurance Quest Saimaa/European Championship 2025Welcome 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 a...
2025-08-011h 03The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastCrosspost Alert! – Episode 12: Leveling Up to Expedition Racing with Brian Gatens of The Dark Zone PodcastTDZ 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...
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The CheckpointEpisode 12: Leveling Up to Expedition Racing with Brian Gatens of The Dark Zone PodcastWelcome 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...
2025-06-131h 13The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastCrosspost Alert! - USARA's The Checkpoint: Episode 11: The Mailbag Episode - You Asked And We Answered With Mari Chandler and Andy BaconTDZ 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, Ma...
2025-06-071h 25The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastCrosspost Alert! - USARA's The Checkpoint: Episode 10 - Leveling Up as a Racer and as a Team with Cliff White of Strong Machine Adventure RacingTDZ 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...
2025-03-271h 24The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastCrosspost Alert! - USARA's The Checkpoint: Episode 9 - Anti-Doping Education and Adventure Racing with Alyssa GodeskyTDZ 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:
2025-02-011h 13The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastCrosspost Alert! - USARA's The Checkpoint: Episode 8 - Cold Weather Adventure Racing and Training with Andrea LarsonTDZ 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...
2024-12-181h 23The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastCrosspost Alert! - USARA's The Checkpoint: Episode 7 - Brent Freedland Introduces The Two Rivers AR, and Talks Nutritional Strategies for Racing and Life with Jen Segger and Jill MooneyTDZ 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...
2024-10-191h 05The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastCrosspost Alert! - USARA's The Checkpoint: Episode 6 - Allen Wagner of Broad Run Off Road Racing, and Tray Farrar & Stephanie Ross Talk of Past National Championships And Their Enduring LegacyTDZ 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...
2024-09-021h 36The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastIntroducing The Checkpoint Podcast: A Collaboration between the United States Adventure Racing Association and The Dark ZoneThe 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/id1730696441https://www.adventuresignup.com/Race/MO/Eminence/TheBerrymanAdventurehttps://www.dinoseries.com/www.usara.com
2024-02-131h 00The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 88: Santiago Lopez - 2024 ARWS World Championship Race Director, Expedition Racer, and a Human AR Crystal BallThank 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 t...
2024-01-081h 04The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 87: Alyssa Godesky - So Many Adjectives - Adventure Racer, Pro Triathlete, FKT Record Holder, Barkleys Racer, Coach, One Water Racer, Podcaster, Human Swiss Army KnifeThank 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...
2023-12-181h 09The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 86: Amanda Bohley - A Human "Break Glass In Case A Great Teammate is Needed" Emergency BoxThank 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:
2023-12-101h 00The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 85: Arthur the King's Mikael Lindnord - Adventure Racer, Author, and Executive ProducerThank 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/arthurhttps://www.arthurtheking.movie/synopsis/...
2023-12-031h 34The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 84: Adventure Racer and Race Director Chris Dixon of Australia's Wild&Co. - Big Races, Big Plans, and Big FunThank 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....
2023-11-251h 09The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 83: Swedish Armed Forces Adventure Team - The 2023 Adventure Racing World ChampionsThank 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/
2023-11-101h 04The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 82: Mari Chandler of Team Vidaraid – A Storming Massive Comeback to Capture 2nd Place at the ARWS World ChampionshipsThank 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...
2023-10-2651 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 81: Flash Episode #2 – ARWS Championship - Getting Close To Crowning A Winning TeamWelcome 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...
2023-10-241h 01The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 80: Flash Episode - ARWS Championship Race Updates, Analysis and PredictionsThe 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: ...
2023-10-2148 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 79: ARWS World Championship Course Preview with Race Director Stephan MullerThank 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-africahttps://arworldseries.com/
2023-10-171h 08The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 78: USARA Nationals 2nd Place Team: The Jesses of Team Grit Adventures and Nationals RD Chris YagerThank 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...
2023-10-0857 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 77: Sachiko Tokoro of Team East Wind Recounts NIAR's Faroe Island Adventure RaceThank 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...
2023-09-0559 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 76: Abby and Brent of Rootstock Racing & Their Deep Dive Into The Endless Mountains Adventure Race Directing ExperienceThank 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.
2023-08-091h 21The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 75: Javier Barreda - Race Director for La Ruta Madre: Mexico's Toughest RaceThank 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/
2023-07-1856 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 74: Team Bend Racing - Winner of Rootstock Racing's 2023 Endless Mountains Adventure RaceThank 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.comwww.bendracing.com www.orienteer.co
2023-07-011h 12The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 73: Voices of the Volunteers - The Heart and Soul of Adventure RacingThank 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
2023-06-2930 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 72: Flash Podcast - Endless Mountains Day 3 Expert AnalysisThank 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.comwww.bendracing.com andwww.rootstockracing.com
2023-06-291h 02The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 71: Direct from the Course - The Racers of the Endless MountainsHere 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.comwww.endlessmountainsar.com
2023-06-281h 40The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 70: Live from Rootstock Racing's The Endless Mountains - The Return of Zoe F.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/
2023-06-2521 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 69: USARA Nationals Sneak Peek with GMARA RD Chris Yager and USARA Executive Director Michael GarrisonThank 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/
2023-06-141h 00The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 68: The Return of Seegs - Racer, Coach, and Mountain Guide Jen Segger Is Back For Another Round With TDZThank 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: darkzoneFind the course on my website a...
2023-06-121h 07The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 67: Paul Steele & John Hardin of the CheNarr Adventure RaceThank 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/CheNarrhttps://hardwinadventures.com/
2023-06-0152 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 66: Stephan Muller - Race Director for the ARWS World ChampionshipThank 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
2023-05-1959 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 65: Travis and Mark 'Mace' Macy - Father and Son Adventure Racers and Their Alzheimer's Journey of Love, Adventure, and HopeThank 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/5r135yvTravis Macy - www.travismacy.comDanelle Ballengee - https://www.runnersworld.com...
2023-05-091h 07The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 64: Adrian Crane - Longtime Racer, Veteran of EVERY Eco-Challenge, ARWS Referee, and Human Story MachineThank 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...
2023-05-021h 05The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 63: Jennifer Strong McConachie - Author of "Go Far: How Endurance Sports Help You Win At Life"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/157826913XThank you to this episode's sponsor: VJ Shoes - https://vjshoesusa.com/the-dark-zone and use code: darkzone20 for a $20...
2023-04-191h 05The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 62: Team Bend Racing/Skin Doctor - Expedition Ozark Champions Fresh from the Finish LineThank 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...
2023-04-081h 06The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 61: Flash Episode: Expedition Ozark Just Past the Halfway Point of the RaceFlash 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.comhttps...
2023-04-0655 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 60: Travis and Mike of Adventure Enablers: Racers, Adventurers, and Aspiring Race DirectorsThank 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...
2023-03-221h 16The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 59: Team Fear Youth - Molly and Fynn Return to the Show (with a Magness Thrown In for Good Measure)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/
2023-03-1257 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 58: Vanessa Cummings - A First Time Racer with Longtime Wisdom (Like Call the RD When You're Going To Be 2 Hours Late)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.
2023-03-051h 06The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 57: Marina LeGree of Ascend Leadership Through Athletics - Empowering Young Women Through SportThank 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...
2023-02-1541 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 56: Mary Foster: What are the Five Foster Rules? Listen to Find Out!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.
2023-02-0156 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 55: John Courain of The New York Adventure Racing AssociationThank 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.orgThank 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...
2023-01-151h 03The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 54: Expedition Ozark Race Directors Jason Bettis and Danny CollinsThank 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
2022-12-2153 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 53: Kate Geisen - Adventure Racers Who Adventure: The Great Divide Mountain Bike RouteThank 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/
2022-12-161h 04The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 52: David Webster of Team ACDC AR: The Biggest First Race Leap Ever?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...
2022-11-251h 09The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 51: Eastern Mountain Wilderness Challenge Winners Earl Blanchard & Michael Dickey - Packrafts, Eight Year Old Socks, and VictoryThe 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-2022Those...
2022-10-2457 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 50: Nathan Fa'avae - 7-Time Adventure Racing World Champion with Team Avaya and a Great Ambassador for ARThank 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.
2022-10-051h 28The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 49: Jesse Spangler - Class Is In Session When Racer Jesse Spangler Steps To The MicWhether 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 the 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.
2022-09-281h 00The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 48: Flash Podcast - AR World Champs Podium with Craig Cook, Brent Freedland and Jason MagnessThank 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.comwww.facebook.com/arlivecoveragewww.rootstockracing.com
2022-09-231h 13The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 47: Flash Podcast 2 - USARA Nationals with Team Psyched, Cherubini Brothers, Thisability Racing, and Only Mostly LostThanks 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 happenGo to www.usara.com for...
2022-09-1724 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastDark Zone 46: USARA Nationals Flash Podcast 1 with Brent Freedland of Rootstock RacingThank 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.
2022-09-1712 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 45: USARA National Championship Flash Podcast with Brent Freedland of Rootstock RacingThank 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 enjoy this flash episode of The Dark Zone.Shownotes: www.usara.com
2022-09-1425 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 44: ARWS World Championship Predictions and Analysis with Craig Cook of AR Live Coverage and Brent Freedland of Rootstock RacingThank 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. Shownoteswww.arworldseries.com https://www.facebook.com/arlivecoveragewww.rootstockracing.com
2022-09-1358 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 43: Allen Wagner of Broad Run Off Road - Great Things Grow From Small BeginningsThank 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:
2022-09-051h 13The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 42: Liz and Michelle Faucher - The Team at Adventure Addicts Racing talks AR Origin Stories, Course Design, and How to Give People a Great Race ExperienceThank 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/
2022-08-281h 01The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 41: Yishai Horowitz - 2022 USARA Nationals Race Director/Course Designer Tells All! (Kinda)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...
2022-07-2755 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 40: Katie Ferrington - Her Journey from Racer to Race Director and How AR Prepares One for Life's ChallengesOriginally 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/
2022-07-2648 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 39/USARA FB Live: Rib Mountain Racing - Their Journey to the Podium at The Endless Mountains Adventure RaceThrough 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...
2022-07-201h 01The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 38: Igor Dorotic of AR Croatia - Big Course Design, Transitions Aplenty, and the Chance to Relive the RaceOriginally 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...
2022-07-121h 01The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 37: Lars Bukkehave - Denmark's Great Dane, Champion Adventure Racer, and All-Around Evangelist for AR - Joins TDZ for the First but not the Last TimeToday 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...
2022-07-041h 32The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 36: Team Hunting Bigfoot - The Endless Mountains, Racing Together for the First Time, and Showing Us How It Is DoneToday 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
2022-07-011h 07The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 35: Rachel Nolan - Irish Adventure Racer, Bikepacking Champion, and African Donkey WhispererToday 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/
2022-06-271h 04The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 34: Zoe F. and Her Thoughts on Adventure Racing, Teamwork, The Endless Mountains and 3rd GradeToday we are joined by Zoe F. 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
2022-06-2110 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 33: Rootstock Racing's Brent Freedland: Dotwatcher Extrordinaire - Lessons from Expedition Oregon and the Upcoming Endless MountainsToday 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 Adventu...
2022-06-1434 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 32: Dave Ashley - Adventure Racer, Veteran, and the First Kidney Donor to climb all Seven SummitsAdventure 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/ - AdventureKidneyThe Himalyan...
2022-06-0158 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 31: Flash Episode - Team Peak Pursuit Straight From Their Finish at Expedition OregonBen, 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/) 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...
2022-05-1629 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 30 - Team Fear Youth - GODZone Finishers, Teenage Fonts of Wisdom, and Overall Great RacersNew 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...
2022-05-081h 19The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 29 - Eric Caravella of Packrafting Adventures - Small Boats, Big Adventures and the Growth of a New(ish) AR DisciplineEric 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 - USARA Packrafting Video - https://tinyurl.com/USARAPackraftShownotes:Packrafting Adventures - www.packraftingadventures.comThe United States Adventure Racing Association - www.usara.comEastern Mountain Wilderness Challenge...
2022-04-301h 11The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 28: Flash Episode - Rootstock Racing Fresh Off Their Win at the Shenandoah EpicToday 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
2022-04-281h 01The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 27: Jesse Tubb - Adventure Racer, Active Duty U.S. Soldier, and Founder of G.R.I.T. AdventuresToday'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/
2022-04-181h 33The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 26: Donovan Sims - South African Rugby Player Turned Adventure Racer, Cancer Survivor and an Oracle of Adventure Racing WisdomToday'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.
2022-04-0446 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 25: Heidi Muller - Adventure Racing World Series CEO, Adventure Racer, RD, and the Most Positive Person on the PlanetToday'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 2022Shownotes:Expedition Africa - http://www.expafrica.net/Events/Expedition-Africa-500-km-Lesotho-2022Adventure Racing World Series - https://arworldseries.com/
2022-03-2059 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 24: Jen Segger - They Call Her Seegs: Coach, Racer, and Experienced AR Veteran.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 and enter the code DARKZONE for a listener-only discount. Thank you to Jen for making that available to the fans of TDZ.
2022-03-061h 15The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 23: Flash Edition: Jason Magness & Darren Steinbach of Team Bend Racing Live from the Finish of AR PanamaToday's guests are Jason Magness and Darren Steinbach of Team Bend RacingAs 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...
2022-02-2545 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 22 (2/22/22!) Flash Edition: Darren Steinbach Live From Panama AR with an On The Course Live UpdateToday'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.comThank you for...
2022-02-2222 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 21 (Blackjack Edition): Barbara Phipps - Racer, Mom, Teammate, and Her Personal Cannonball Into The Deep End of Adventure RacingToday’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.comThank you for being a listener!
2022-02-061h 08The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 20: USARA Executive Director Michael Garrison and The 2022 USARA National ChampionshipsToday’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
2022-01-2941 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 19: Chelsey Magness - Yogaslacking Bend Racing Team Member, Endurance Mama, Adventure Racer, and National Mountain Bike ChampionChelsey 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.comwww.bendracing.com
2022-01-261h 22The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 18: Jay Petervary - Champion Bikepacking Ultra-Endurance Cyclist, Former Adventure Racer, and Dean of Common Sense UniversityJay 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
2022-01-081h 02The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 17: Sarah Goldman - Outward Bound Team Member, Expedition Adventure Racer, Coach, and Walking Motivational SpeechSarah 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-reliefOutward Bound - https://www.outwardbound.org/The Dirtbag Diaries - https://dirtbagdiaries.com/Sarah Hueniken - https://www.instagram.com/huens...
2022-01-041h 03The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone (Sweet) 16: Shawn Lemaster - RD for 361Adventures.com, Breakdown Bikepacking Route Creator, and All-Around Adventure GuyShawn 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/figBreakdown Bikepacking Route - http://361adventures.com/breakdowning
2021-12-281h 04The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 15: Dan Staudigel - Bend Racing's Resident Philosopher, Dedicated Teammate, and One Man Hype Squad.Dan Staudigel - a stalwart companion for all things 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...
2021-12-141h 19The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 14: Rootstock Racing - The Endless Mountains ARWS Demonstration Race, Working with Others, and Helping to Grow the SportRootstock 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/B07QY95QMTThe Endless Mountains Adventure Race - www.endlessmountainsar.com
2021-12-0140 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone (Lucky) 13: Mari Chandler - National Champion, International Racer, and Teammate To AllSearch 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.
2021-11-271h 05The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 12: Wilo "Mr. Spirit Award Winner" Nater of Team OnyxWilo 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
2021-11-0539 min
The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 11: Darren Steinbach - Bend Racing's 'All I Need Is A Day's Notice' Backup ExtraordinaireDarren 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.
2021-10-261h 07The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 10: Richard Sparks - Two Races For The Price Of OneRichard 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.
2021-10-121h 14The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 9: Team WEDALI - 2021 USARA National Champions Tell All About Their Race Experience at Nationals, Their Training, and Non-Racing LivesJustin '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.
2021-10-051h 12The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 8: Tim Buchholz: On the Podium at Nationals, Wisconsin Pride, and the Nicest Guy to Ever Pass You In a RaceTim 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.
2021-09-2844 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 7: Mike Garrison, Part II - Breaking down Nationals, Telling Tales, and Having Us Book Flights West in 2022USARA 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.
2021-09-2146 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 6: Paula Waite: Nationals Race Director, Future Owner of The Clam Lake Tanning Salon2021 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.
2021-09-1941 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 5: Steph Ross: RD, Racer, and the Woman of ARStephanie 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...
2021-09-071h 27The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 4: No Sleep 'Til Adventures: Brian and John of No Sleep AdventuresJoin 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!
2021-08-1153 minThe Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 3: AR Story Machine Brian ReissBrian 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.
2021-07-2642 min
The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 2: Shelley McLaughlinJoin The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast as Shelley Johansen shares her background, introduction to the sport, and recent experience at Expedition: Oregon.
2021-07-131h 00The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing PodcastThe Dark Zone 1: Mike Garrison, USARA Executive DirectorJoin 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.
2021-07-0249 min