RISING SPORT AN ADVENTUROUS MIX RACING PHENOMENON COMBINES OUTDOOR SKILLS.

Byline: Bill Becher Special to the Daily News

With adventure racing coming to Southern California in April, competitors are in full training mode. This new sport combines running, mountain biking, kayaking and other outdoors skills.

Todd Jackson, race director for the Big Blue Adventure Series, says adventure racing is becoming more popular because people want to enjoy diverse outdoor activities.

``There is also a cerebral aspect,'' Jackson said. ``You're not just following a marked course. The spirit of adventure is innate in that kind of experience.''

Jackson added that adventure racing is fun because it's a team sport. Participants can share the experience with friends.

Training for races can be part of the fun.

``Training isn't just about fitness level, it's also about developing a diverse set of skills, making good decisions and enjoying your experience,'' Jackson said.

Terri Schneider, who offers coaching help and has competed professionally in adventure races, enjoys the risk-taking part of the sport.

``I like the opportunity to test the unknown, to see what that's like,'' she said. ``It means constantly redefining pieces of who you are.''

Schneider says that most people like to train their strengths, because it is more fun, but the key to getting better is to improve on weaknesses and add to their skills.

``If you're a mountain-bike stud, throw in more running,'' she said.

The length of the race affects how people train. Races can be short- course ``sprints'' that take four hours, all day events that require more stamina, or multiday epics like the Eco-Challenge.

Because adventure racing is mostly a team sport, working out team dynamics is important. That means finding out who the natural leader is and who is best at navigation and other skills.

According to Schneider, setting up a training schedule depends on the event.

``If you are only paddling two miles, it doesn't make sense to do a lot of paddling,'' she said.

After figuring out strengths and weaknesses, it comes time to assess how many hours a week are available for training. Then the racer can divvy up time accordingly.

For her clients, Schneider works out a four-week schedule, with three weeks in increasing intensity, then a week where training is cut in half to allow the body to recover.

``We need the stress of training, but need time to absorb it,'' Schneider said. ``One day off doesn't do that.''

Schneider recommends strength in addition to aerobic training - especially for women. Picking up a kayak requires upper body strength.

Training the mind is part of the process. Schneider, who has a master's degree in sports psychology, says it is important to capitalize on the physical gain from training by complementing it with a positive mind frame.