I have been training for the Merrell Oyster Racing Series which is coming to Nashville on October 24. It is an urban adventure race that has six legs. On each leg, you use a different discipline: you might be running, biking, rafting, shopping, using public transportation, eating, climbing, creeking, canoeing, trivia, kayaking, golfing, scootering/skating, bowling, etc. They do not reveal the course ahead of time, but like the Amazing Race, you get passports along the way telling you what to do next. The serious racers do it in teams of three, but we have assembled a relay team from the member of my church's hiking group. We have to have three people on the course at all times, but we can switch people at the start of each leg.

For a couple years now I have wanted to try doing an adventure race. They just look like so much fun! That being said, I don't think I have been in a race since the Girl Scout Olympics when I was in 4th grade. Everyone else on my team bikes regularly, so I plan to sit that leg out. Of the other disciplines, the only one I'm really concerned about is the running.

I started running, I mean jogging, in my neighborhood a few weeks ago. It has been slow, but I have made most of my goals. My problem is that once I reach my goal, I don't push to see if I can go further than that. Jenni keeps telling me that running is 80% mental and 20% physical, so I really need to work on getting focused.

I went running with one of my teammates out at Moss Wright Park tonight, and I was glad to see that we were on similar levels. I kept up with her fine and ran further than I had ever run. I am having some problems with my lower legs, and I hope I'm not getting shin splints!

I am really excited about the Oyster, and I will keep you informed as I go along. The total distance for this race will be 15-20 miles. Please keep me in your prayers as I embark on this new journey.