During your runs at Lady Bird Lake, along the trails of the Barton Creek Greenbelt or on the track at UT's campus, have you ever run by or around one of your fellow Austin runners, and thought:

"Hey, I wonder if they're training for a race." - or -

"How do they train?" - or -

"She looks friendly, I wonder if she'd be a fun running partner."

I know these thoughts have crossed my mind, but, even in the "weird" city of Austin, I've never mustered up enough courage to actually ask. I'm too afraid of being perceived as...well...weird.

So, if you're like me, you'll love the new Austin Human Racer team on nikeplus.com. This online team will help you to easily connect with the many Austinites training for the Nike+ Human Race 10K in an online setting where you won't feel "weird."

As a member, you can surf the team site to get the scoop on other runners, chat with fellow Austin racers to bond over things like your love for Lady Bird Lake or to pick training run start points like the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue.

You could even meet a potential Nike+ challenger. to motivate yourself with some friendly competition, or check out how your training compares to other Austin runners.

Compete to appear on the team leaderboard in distance, duration, fastest 5K and/or fastest 10K. Train hard, and, who knows, maybe you'll be the one to leave the most footprints on the hike & bike trail.

For an awesome, super-interactive way to stay connected with local runners, become an Austin Human Racer and get pumped for 8.31.08. The entire city of Austin will be cheering you on!